Waka Coffee Review: Your New Favorite Instant Coffee
Hey there coffee lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best new brew methods and brands to start your day. So when I first heard about Waka Coffee and its buzzy instant coffees and teas, I knew I had to give it a try. Could this innovative company change my mind about instant coffee??
In this super in-depth Waka Coffee review, I‘m spilling all the beans (pun intended) about my experience with this brand. I‘ll give you the full scoop on Waka‘s background, products, customer reviews, and more. By the end, you‘ll know if this up-and-coming coffee is worth a spot in your mug and pantry. Let‘s dive in!
What is Waka Coffee?
Waka Coffee is a premium instant coffee brand founded in 2018 and based in California. The company‘s mission is to change people‘s perception of instant coffee and prove that it can be both exceptionally high-quality and convenient.
To achieve this goal, Waka uses a special freeze-drying process on its 100% Arabica coffee beans. This helps preserve the coffee‘s fresh flavor and aroma better than typical instant coffee methods. Waka also sources its beans from high-elevation farms in Colombia, India, and Brazil.
In addition to instant coffee, Waka has expanded its offerings to include instant teas made from handpicked leaves in Japan, China and Kenya. The brand has won over 25 awards for its products and built a loyal fanbase of over 20,000 customers.
Waka Coffee Production Process
So what‘s the secret to Waka‘s extra-delicious instant coffee? It all comes down to the unique freeze-drying method the company uses. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Waka‘s coffee go from bean to cup:
- High-quality Arabica coffee beans are selected, roasted, and ground
- The ground coffee is brewed into a concentrated extract
- The liquid coffee extract is frozen at -50 degrees Fahrenheit
- The frozen coffee is placed in a vacuum chamber to vaporize the ice crystals
- The dehydrated coffee is ground into a fine powder and packaged
This painstaking freeze-drying process helps retain more of the coffee‘s delicate flavor compounds compared to traditional methods that use high heat. The result is an instant coffee that dissolves quickly but still tastes super fresh.
Waka Coffee vs Regular Coffee
I know what you might be thinking – how can instant coffee possibly compare to the real deal? I was skeptical too, but Waka‘s brews completely changed my perception. Check out this comparison table to see how Waka instant coffee stacks up:
| Factor | Waka Instant Coffee | Regular Brewed Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing time | 10-15 seconds | 4-6 minutes |
| Flavor | Smooth, nuanced, fresh | Varies widely by bean/brew method |
| Grind | Ultra-fine powder | Coarse to fine grind |
| Shelf life | 6-12 months | 1-2 weeks for beans |
| Cost per serving | $1.00 – $1.50 | $0.50 – $3.00 |
As you can see, the main advantages of Waka instant coffee are the significantly faster brew time and longer shelf life. And while flavor is very subjective, I found Waka‘s instant coffees to be super smooth, balanced, and flavorful – on par with a nicely brewed pour over.
Waka Coffee Product Reviews
Alright, now that you know the basics about this brand, let‘s get into the really good stuff – the coffee! I‘ve personally sipped my way through Waka‘s best-sellers and I‘m excited to share my thoughts.
Waka Coffee Medium Roast Colombian
First Impressions: Right off the bat, I was impressed by the rich caramel color and inviting aroma of this medium roast. It was so easy to make – just tear open the packet, pour into my mug, add 8 oz of hot water and stir for an instant cuppa joe.
Taste: This is Waka‘s most popular offering and it‘s easy to see why. Brewed up, it has a really smooth, well-rounded flavor profile with notes of milk chocolate, toasted nuts and a hint of citrus. There‘s no bitterness or odd aftertaste, which I‘ve found to be common problems with other instant coffees.
How I Drink It: This is a super versatile brew that tastes great on its own (hot or iced) or doctored up with your favorite milk and sweeteners. I‘ve been drinking it as my morning pick-me-up all week.
Customer Reviews: I‘m not alone in my love for Waka‘s Colombian coffee. This product has racked up over 400 perfect 5-star reviews, with many customers calling it the best instant coffee they‘ve ever tried. Several reviewers noted that it tastes as good as fresh pour over. The only complaints seem to be about the price, which is fair – Waka is definitely a splurge compared to Folgers!
Price: Waka‘s instant coffees come in boxes of 8 single-serve packets. The medium roast Colombian is $12 for a box, or about $1.50 per serving.
Waka Coffee Light Roast Indian
First Impressions: I typically prefer darker roasts, so I wasn‘t sure if I‘d enjoy this light roast made with beans from India. But the exotic aroma was immediately enticing, with notes of warm spice and fresh earth.
Taste: This coffee completely surprised me! It has a fascinating flavor profile that‘s bright, complex and tea-like. I tasted hints of clove, cardamom, jasmine and orange zest. The body is silky and light. This would be an amazing coffee to pair with breakfast pastries or by itself for an afternoon treat.
How I Drink It: I enjoyed this light roast brewed strong and served black. But I think it would also be dreamy as a spiced latte with some cinnamon, frothed milk and a drizzle of honey.
Customer Reviews: Waka‘s Indian light roast doesn‘t have quite as many reviews as the Colombian, but the feedback is still extremely positive overall. Many customers were wowed by its unique flavor profile and appreciated how it held up to adding milk and sugar. A few people wished it came in a decaf version (it doesn‘t – yet!).
Price: Like the medium roast, a box of 8 single-serve light roast sachets costs $12, or $1.50 per cup.
Waka Coffee Decaf Colombian
First Impressions: Even though I don‘t normally drink decaf, I recognize that it‘s an important option for a lot of people. I was curious to see if Waka could make a decaffeinated version that still tasted good.
Taste: Brewed up, Waka‘s decaf Colombian has a deep walnut color and smells amazing, just like the regular version. And the flavor is shockingly close too! It‘s well-balanced, smooth and lightly sweet with a hint of cashew. I did miss the caffeine kick, but this would be a great option for afternoon or evening sipping.
How I Drink It: This mellow decaf is begging to be enjoyed with a splash of cream as a cozy treat. It would also make a terrific base for a low-caffeine riff on a vanilla or mocha latte.
Customer Reviews: I was blown away by all the rave reviews for Waka‘s decaf offering. So many customers said it‘s hands-down the best instant decaf they‘ve found and that it barely tastes different than regular coffee. Even skeptics were impressed! There were a couple people who still found it too weak, but that‘s bound to happen with any decaf.
Price: A box of 8 decaf Colombian instant coffee packets costs the same as the other varieties at $12 ($1.50/serving).
Waka Coffee Health Benefits and Side Effects
We all know that coffee isn‘t just a delicious beverage – it can also have some real perks (get it?) for your health. And since Waka Coffee is made from the same high-quality Arabica beans as regular coffee, it shares a lot of the same benefits. Here‘s a quick rundown:
Antioxidants: Coffee is the biggest source of antioxidants in the Western diet. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Brain boost: The caffeine in coffee is famous for its ability to increase alertness, concentration and overall brain function. It works by blocking adenosine, a compound that makes you sleepy.
Longevity: Drinking coffee has been linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, especially among people with type 2 diabetes.
Mood: Moderate coffee consumption may help lower your risk of depression and suicide.
Physical performance: Thanks to its caffeine content, coffee can enhance athletic endurance and reduce perceived exertion during exercise.
Of course, coffee can also have some less desirable effects, especially if you‘re sensitive to caffeine. The most common side effects of too much coffee include:
- Jitteriness and anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Digestive issues like heartburn and IBS flare-ups
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
So while Waka Coffee is perfectly safe for most healthy adults, you might want to stick to decaf or limit your intake if you‘re prone to any of these symptoms.
Waka Coffee Instant Tea and Matcha
I‘ve talked a ton about Waka‘s instant coffee offerings – but did you know they make tea too?? I was super intrigued by these, so I had to give a few of them a try. Here are my thoughts:
Japanese Matcha
Matcha is a superfine green tea powder that‘s been getting a ton of buzz for its sky-high antioxidant levels and clean, jitter-free energy boost. Waka‘s version is made from young green tea leaves grown in Japan and has a really beautiful, vibrant color.
To prepare it, you just mix the powder with hot water and whisk until frothy. The result is a thick, creamy beverage with a strong grassy, umami flavor. It‘s definitely an acquired taste, but I found it super invigorating and energizing without any crash.
Kenyan Black Tea
I drink a ton of black tea, so I was excited to try this organic single-origin version. Made from finely ground Kenyan tea leaves, it brews up dark and robust with a mix of malty, spicy and jammy notes – classic Kenyan tea flavors.
I loved this bold cuppa on its own, but it would also be excellent with a splash of milk as a breakfast tea. The fact that it‘s instant and a snap to make is just icing on the cake. And at $0.15 a serving, the price is unbeatable.
How to Make Waka Coffee and Tea
One of the biggest selling points of Waka‘s coffees and teas is how quick and easy they are to make. All you need is a mug and some hot water! Here‘s a foolproof guide to brewing the perfect cup:
- Boil some filtered water (I like to use an electric kettle).
- Tear open a packet of Waka coffee or tea and pour the contents into your favorite mug.
- Add 8-10 oz of hot water, depending on how strong you like it.
- Stir or whisk vigorously until the powder is fully dissolved and slightly frothy.
- If desired, add milk, cream, sugar or other mix-ins.
- Sip and enjoy your barista-level beverage!
Seriously, it couldn‘t be simpler to get a killer cup of coffee or tea with Waka‘s instant options. I‘ve been relying on them for my morning boost and afternoon pick-me-up.
Waka Coffee Pros and Cons
Alright, so I‘ve shared a lot about this buzzy brand and its products. But let‘s break it down into a quick, scannable list of pros and cons to help you decide if Waka is right for you.
Pros
- Instant coffee that tastes impressively close to fresh brewed
- Unique, single-origin coffee and tea options with cool flavor profiles
- Easy to make – just add water
- More affordable than a coffee shop habit
- Long shelf life means you can always have great coffee on hand
- Awesome customer reviews and satisfaction guarantee
- Gives back to clean drinking water projects
Cons
- Pricier than some other instant coffee brands
- Not as eco-friendly as reusable coffee filters
- Can‘t adjust strength or flavor as much as with freshly ground beans
- Limited decaf options
Personally, I think the pros far outweigh the cons here. While Waka isn‘t the cheapest instant coffee out there, the quality and flavor is unmatched. And the convenience factor is huge!
Waka Coffee Promotions & Discounts
Sound like something you want to try? Here are a few easy ways to save on your first Waka order:
- Sign up for the email newsletter to get 10% off
- Subscribe to get 15% off every order (you can pause or cancel anytime)
- Get free US shipping on orders over $30
- Use code SPRINGBREW for 20% off sitewide until XX/XX
I definitely recommend starting with a subscription box if you think you‘ll drink Waka regularly. It‘s a great way to save a few bucks and ensure you never run out of your new favorite instant brew.
Where to Buy
The easiest place to buy Waka Coffee is online, either through the brand‘s website or on Amazon. If you go through Waka directly, you‘ll have the biggest selection and access to new products and deals.
A few brick-and-mortar retailers like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market carry Waka as well, but the flavors are more limited. Use the store locator on Waka‘s site to find one near you.
My Honest Waka Coffee Review
By now it should be pretty obvious that I‘ve fallen hard for Waka and its stellar instant coffee and teas. As a big time coffee lover, I was honestly shocked at how complex and delicious these simple brews are. They‘ve quickly become a staple in my kitchen for busy mornings and afternoon boosts.
But you don‘t have to just take my word for it – the thousands of glowing customer reviews speak for themselves. People can‘t seem to get enough of Waka‘s unique flavors, ease of use, and fun brand personality.
So if you‘ve been curious about ditching the Folgers for something a little more gourmet, I can‘t recommend Waka enough. Even if you‘re a coffee snob, I think you‘ll be pleasantly surprised. And at around $1 per cup, it‘s a pretty low-risk investment.
My biggest tip? Start with a variety pack or sampler set so you can find your favorite blend. The medium roast Colombian is a great everyday drinker, but don‘t sleep on the light roast Indian and Kenyan black tea. And if you want to treat yourself, go for the Japanese matcha – it‘s phenomenal.
I hope this mega honest review helped give you a better idea of what Waka Coffee is all about and whether it‘s right for you. I know I‘ll personally be keeping a steady stock in my pantry for the foreseeable future.
Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat coffee! And if you do end up trying Waka, I‘d love to hear what you think. Shoot me a message or leave a comment.
Happy sipping!
