Starbucks Via instant coffee March 2010

Starbucks Via Ready Brew

Starbucks Via is Starbucks’ latest foray into the instant coffee market. At £1.50 for three sachets or £4.75 for a 12 pack, it’s less than an Americano from your local coffee shop, but a lot more than cup of average instant coffee.

According to Starbucks, Via is made with the 'highest quality, ethically sourced 100% arabica beans' and tastes 'as delicious as our fresh filter coffee'.

The coffee comes in individual sachets to which you just add water. There are two flavours: Colombian and Italian. 

Coffee expert's view on Starbucks Via

We asked Whittards coffee expert Giles Hilton to give his verdict. Giles says: ‘Both flavours were better than your average cup of instant as they avoid that earthy, dull flavour so often found in instant coffee’.

He preferred the Colombian to the Italian, saying it offered a smooth and strong coffee, but thought it was a little ‘hard on the tongue’ without milk.

The coffee comes in individual sachets to which you just add water. The two flavours available are 'rich, smooth' Colombian and 'bold, sweet' Italian Roast. 

Starbucks Via is available to buy from all Starbucks branches. The national roll-out follows a successful trial in central London stores in 2009. 

If you want to make your own coffee see the Which? review of coffee machines. We also have advice on choosing the best coffee maker for your tastes, how to make the perfect espresso and capuccino and a handy step-by-step video guide showing you how to use a coffee machine.

Pros: has the character of real coffee, good full strength

Cons: expensive