There are so many mornings when I wake up and barely have enough energy to get through the day. So I drink coffee. Although I have access to a coffee machine in the morning, I find myself wanting to drink more coffee throughout the day and have started using instant coffee. The problem with many types of instant coffee is the fact that they taste artificial and watered down. After a lot of research and experimentation, I've chosen the best instant coffees that I truly believe some people would actually mistake for being the real thing. Here are my favorite instant coffee brands that are perfect for when you're too lazy to go make a cup yourself.

1. Maxim

coffee, espresso, cappuccino, milk, mocha
Gabby Phi

Maxim is a Korean coffee brand that is probably the best instant coffee I've ever had. I recently stumbled upon this instant coffee and fell in love immediately. They have a few different blends, but my personal favorite is the Mocha Gold Mild Mix because it tastes more like a latte rather than a strong cup of coffee. There is already sugar and cream in the mix, so all you have to do is add water. Not only that, but it's so easy to order online. You can order it on Amazon and it will ship within a few days to your house.

2. Starbucks

coffee, milk, tea, beer
Sarah Yanofsky

Starbucks is arguably the most famous coffee chain, but it can be a pain to go out of your way to get coffee from them every morning. Not only that but depending on your order, it can get pretty expensive. Starbucks is the first brand of instant coffee I tried, and I still drink it a lot when I'm running late in the morning. Starbucks sells instant coffee packets in many different flavors such as French roast, Italian roast, mocha latte, and so many more. You can buy it online on Amazon, at your local grocery store, or at your local Starbucks.

3. Nescafé

ice, coffee, tea, milk, cream
Alex Frank

Nescafé is the perfect instant coffee to make when trying to save a bit of money. It is less expensive than many of the other instant coffee brands on this list. If you're looking to spend very little for good instant coffee, I would highly recommend Nescafé. It is also a great option if you want to start drinking coffee, but you don't want to spend too much money in case you don't like it. You can purchase 6 different flavors online and like every other brand on this list, it can be purchased on Amazon.

4. Folgers

coffee, espresso, milk, cappuccino
Kelsey Emery

Folgers is a classic that I absolutely had to add on this list. It has a traditional taste that I believe is the taste of America. Although you can also buy coffee grounds from Folgers, their instant coffee is just as good. Out of all the brands on here, this is my favorite when it comes to making iced coffee because it dissolves really well in water. Even better, you don't need to purchase an overpriced coffee machine to make it. For easy delivery, you can order it on Amazon or pick it up at your local grocery store.

Although there is nothing better than a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, sometimes life just gets in the way. I have found that instant coffee is a great alternative when you're in a rush, too lazy, or don't have the money to go out and buy an overpriced cup of coffee. If you want to make your instant coffee taste like that Starbucks coffee you're craving, go for it. Who wants to go through the effort of making coffee when you can make the lazy way taste just as good!