Top Instant Coffee Powder Brands in the Philippines

While pour-over setups and espresso machines have become home necessities for the serious brewers, most of us still keep a jar or box of instant coffee nearby. They are convenient, and sometimes, you just don’t have time to heat water, grind the beans, weigh the dose, bloom, swirl, and wait. Life calls.

And so, we usually reach for a hot mug and a spoonful of powdered coffee!

Here’s a list of popular instant coffee powders in the Philippines (in no particular order!). Some are familiar and some are worth rediscovering. These are all stocked through Suy Sing, the go-to B2B/wholesale supplier for sari-sari stores, local resellers, and yes, even café startups on a budget.

Nescafé

It’s hard to name a kitchen that doesn’t have Nescafé. That red mug ad? Burned into collective memory. But one thing to note is that Nescafé’s popularity isn’t only because it was one of the first coffee brands to ever exist that it has been hailed as the standard for the longest time. Even with all the other brands that have emerged decades later, Nescafé has never drowned in the industry. It is consistent with its bold, roasted profile that suits nearly any occasion. People trust it. Resellers move it fast. It’s the dependable “default” for a reason!

Some popular variants include: Nescafé Decaf, Nescafé variants include: Nescafé 3-in-1 original, Nescafé Original Sugar Free, Nescafé Creamy White. Nescafé Creamy Latte, and Nescafé Creamy White Sugar Free

Kopiko

If Nescafé is comfort, Kopiko is straight-up high-caffeine instant coffee. Try to ask every office worker, delivery driver, or call center agent you know, oh they KNOW Kopiko.

The thing about Kopiko is that they know just how to make you addicted to coffee, even when you think you aren’t a fan. And while they are known for boldness and strength, their irresistible taste is never compromised. Kopiko Brown? Hits that sweet-strong combo just right. Kopiko Blanca? Smooth, creamy, and quietly addictive. 

When you look at a cup of Kopiko, you can almost hear it say, “You have things to do. Let's go.”

Because this is well-loved by people of different ages and backgrounds, it’s perfect for sari-sari store businesses near schools, terminals, or barangay halls. They always sell.

Some popular Kopiko variants include: Kopiko Caramelo, Kopiko Black, Kopiko Blanca, Kopiko Brown, Kopiko Cappuccino, Kopiko L.A. Coffee, Kopiko Lucky Day, and even Kopiko Candy!

Great Taste

Great Taste is coffee in its simplest form — light and creamy, that’s it! It’s a 3-in-1 with just enough coffee flavor to count and just enough milk and sugar to soften the edges.

There’s something democratic about Great Taste White. It sits comfortably between affordability and, well, great taste. But even with such simplicity, you have the Great Taste Original or Great Taste Strong, which cater to those who like a little more punch without jumping to the intensity of a Kopiko.

For small groceries or resellers, this brand is low risk. It has wide appeal and a predictable pull among the young ones AND the elderly!

Some popular Great Taste variants include: Great Taste Original, Great Taste Granules, Great Taste Brown Barako, Great Taste Choco, Great Taste Cream-O, Great Taste Premium, Great Taste White Caramel, Great Taste White Crema, Great Tase Iced Coffee Chocolae Mocha, Great Taste Iced Coffee Dark Latte, and Great Taste Iced Coffee Vanilla Latte

Café Puro

From the name itself, you can already guess how this coffee brand presents itself: pure, and has that strong smell of barako. While Café Puro does have their 3-in-1 variants, you can expect them to still embody that strong coffee essence without overpowering amounts of creamer and sugar.

This traditional Filipino coffee powder is the kind of coffee that reminds you of your lolo or those quiet mornings in the province. Simple like black coffee, little to no frills, and that’s the charm!

Some popular Café Puro variants include: Café Puro Regency, Café Puro 3-in-1, and Café Puro 3-in-1 Cup

Blend 45

A cup of Blend 45 is basically nostalgia in a cup. The name alone sounds like it’s been around for quite some time. Because it has.

Since 1961, Blend 45 has been a part of many Filipino homes that drink coffee like water. Not as fancy and not as sweet, but definitely practical. It’s a must for 6:00 AM breakfasts and quick chats with the neighbors!

Blend 45 is one of your best bets for budget-conscious customers or sari-sari stores in high-density communities.

Some popular Blend 45 variants include: Blend 45 3-in-1, Blend 45 Kondensada, Blend 45 Malunggay, and Blend 45 Soluble Coffee

UCC

UCC is THE coffee for drinkers who normally avoid instant coffee.

Made in Japan, known for clean finishes and round, mellow notes, UCC premium instant coffee blends come close to brewed quality. It has zero bitterness or chemical aftertaste.

This brand isn’t cheap, but it’s also not trying to be. UCC caters to those who care deeply about the roast, even on busy days. The tita who hosts brunch? Probably has UCC in the cupboard—right next to the wine fridge.

Some popular UCC coffee variants include: UCC 3-IN-1 Iced Creamy Chocolate Vanilla, UCC 3-IN-1 Iced Creamy Regular, and UCC 3-IN-1 Iced Creamy Salted Caramel

Benefits of Coffee

Barako coffee is rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of diseases. According to studies supported by the National Institutes of Health, regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing certain cancers, including liver and colorectal cancer. Additionally, coffee can improve cognitive function, protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and enhance mood by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Black coffee benefits include antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin, compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, and help ward off heart failure by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.

What Coffee to Sell in Sari-Sari Stores 

Now you know that not all instant coffee is created equal. Not all coffee packets labeled with “3-in-1” taste the same; it still boils down to the brand and their unique signature flavor profiles.

For households, sari-sari stores, or food service operators, choosing the right mix of coffee brands isn’t just about taste but knowing what your people actually reach for when they say, “Kape tayo.”

If you’re a sari-sari store owner, think not just of what's affordable but of what tastes like home, works with your routine, and satisfies a crowd.

Need more tips on building your sari-sari store? Learn about the Top Best-Selling Items to Sell in Your Sari-Sari Store