The verdict

Our tasters weren't overwhelmed by the coffees they tried. Across all the coffees, the average rating for taste was 5 out of 10 (see Tasting results for full details). And just under 40 percent of tasters said they'd buy what they'd tried.

Every brand had its fans: they all received at least one 10/10 rating. But each brand was also rated 0/10 by at least one taster.

Moccona Espresso had that "mmmmmm" factor - it rated the best across all our home-testers. But less than half (46 percent) of those who tried it said they'd buy it for their own use.

Close behind were Bushells Espresso, Nescafé Espresso Intense, and Robert Timms Premium Espresso. Out of those who tasted these brands, 40 to 44 percent said they'd buy them.

Robert Harris Espresso and Gregg's Espresso Roast got the thumbs down - our tasters thought these had a weaker taste than the other brands.

Price didn't seem to guarantee a better-tasting instant coffee. Moccona was the most expensive at $9.79 per 100g but was only slightly more preferred by our tasters. Robert Harris was the next most expensive coffee ($9.49) and scored much the same as coffees $3 to $4 cheaper.

Black or white?

Most of our tasters took milk in their coffee - only 17 percent said they drank their coffee black. A flat white was the café coffee of choice for 48 percent of our tasters; 21 percent preferred a latte.

Moccona Espresso remained the favourite instant espresso for those who drank their coffee with milk.

But among those who preferred their coffee black, Robert Timms Premium Espresso was the preferred brand. Forty-one percent of those who tried this instant coffee said they'd buy it.