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As Japan is famous as a green tea-drinking country, many visitors are initially surprised to find that it has a thriving coffee-drinking culture. In 2021, almost 433 million tons of coffee were consumed in Japan, an increase from less than 400 million tons at the turn of the century.
Japan has a host of coffee chains, including a plethora of stores from popular American brands such as “Starbucks,” “Seattle’s Best,” and “Tully’s” as well as a wide selection of specialist hand-drip coffee houses. For those looking for a simpler coffee experience, however, Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores offer a wide range of instant coffee, including individual sticks of coffee containing exactly the right amount for one cup of coffee, which will be the subject of this article.
How we decided
After looking very briefly at the history of coffee drinking in Japan, we will look at the freeze-dried method used for instant coffee, before comparing a wide range of types of stick coffee available in Japan.
Our recommendations
Black Coffee
One thing to be aware of when purchasing coffee in Japan is that whereas in other countries, “black” coffee means “without milk”, in Japan, unless otherwise stated, this will mean “without milk and sugar.” This simplest form of coffee is very popular, especially among men, and a number of “black coffee” products are available in stick form, as described below.
Nescafé Black Stick Instant Coffee Packets Sampler 45 Count
This pack of 45 coffee sticks from Nescafé is a great idea if you are not sure of your preference and would like to try a variety of different black coffee blends. This sampler includes five different types, namely Nescafé Gold Blend, Nescafé Gold Blend Dark, Nescafé Gold Blend Fragrant, Nescafé Roasted Aromatic Rich, and Nescafé Roasted Aromatic Soft. Enjoy this wide range of different exquisite coffee flavors coupled with the convenience of instant coffee in a stick.
AGF Instant Black Coffee Packets Coffee Shop Blend 100 Sticks
This bumper pack of AGF instant coffee offers excellent flavor and aroma in the convenience of a coffee stick. These 100 individually wrapped sticks mean that your regular shot of coffee won’t break the bank, working out at only 30 yen per cup.
Pros
Cons
AGF Maxim Freeze Dried Instant Coffee 100 Sticks
Another extremely economical offering from AGF is this pack of 100 coffee sticks in the Maxim brand. The freeze-dried coffee in each pack is made in Japan, using coffee beans from various places around the world, including Colombia and Vietnam.
Pros
Cons
AGF Maxim Black In Box Instant Coffee Assortment 50 Sticks
If a pack of 100 sticks feels like more than you want to be starting with off the bat, why not try this pack of 50 sticks from AGF? The pack includes coffee sticks made from four different bean types: 20 sticks of the Brazil blend, and 10 each of Colombia, Mocha, and Kilimanjaro blends.
Pros
Cons
Coffee with Milk
This section covers blends of ground coffee with milk, as well as milk-based espresso drinks.
AGF Blendy Café Latory Rich Milk Cafe Latte Unsweetened 18 Sticks
A common gripe among coffee lovers in Japan is that only “black” coffee is unsweetened and, especially canned coffee with milk tends to be sweetened to some degree. If you prefer your coffee with milk but no sugar, then this product is for you. Just add water to create a delicious cup of rich coffee with milk.
Pros
Cons
AGF Blendy Cafe Latory Rich Milk Cafe Latte 18 Sticks
This is the sweetened version of the above product for those who like their creamy coffee a little sweeter.
Pros
Cons
AGF Blendy Stick Cafe au Lait Instant Coffee with Milk 8 Sticks
If your preference is for Cafe au Lait rather than the espresso-based Café Latte, then this may be the product for you. This compact box is also easy to carry around, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy an instant cup of rich coffee with milk on the go.
Pros
Cons
Starbucks Creamy Cafe Latte Premium Mixes (Pack of 3)
This product, created as a collaboration between Nescafé and Starbucks, contains a total of 12 servings, and allows you to experience the true taste of Starbucks Café Latte enjoyed in their stores with the convenience of an instant stick coffee.
Pros
Cons
Flavored Coffees
Flavored coffees have greatly increased in popularity in recent years in Japan, and those who like a plus alpha in their coffee will be glad to know that there is a wide range of options available in stick form as well.
AGF Blendy Cafe Latory Rich Creamy Capuccino 7 Sticks
Although it may be a matter of debate whether cappuccino counts as flavored coffee, as it contains chocolate sprinkles we have put it in this section. Lighter than a Café Latte, this pack of seven sticks allows you to make the perfect cappuccino just by adding hot water.
Pros
Cons
Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Premium Mixes (Pack of 3)
If you are going for something truly luxurious, why not try this pack of 12 servings of white chocolate mocha, that faithfully recreates the taste of the famous Starbucks drink. Made from 100% arabica coffee beans combined with milk and white chocolate, every sachet will provide your day with a special moment. Other offerings from Starbucks include regular Caffé Mocha and Caramel Latte.
Pros
Cons
AGF Blendy Cafe Latory Flavored Drinks Assortment Box 20 Sticks
If you are interested in trying an assortment of different flavored coffee and tea drinks, this assortment box from AGF may be ideal for you. It includes rich bitter café latte, rich milk café latte, rich caramel macchiato, and rich matcha latte. Other assortment sets that contain both coffee and tea options include this gift box from Starbucks.
Pros
Cons
Just Add Hot Water For Delicious Coffee Of All Types
As we have explored in this blog post, in addition to its plethora of coffee chain stores, specialist coffee houses, and convenience store offerings. Japan offers a wide range of delicious coffees that are available in highly convenient stick form, for use either at home or on the go. These include coffee with or without milk, as well as a wide range of flavored coffees.
What is your impression of stick coffee in Japan? Do you feel it recreates the taste found in the stores or is it a poor substitute? Do you have a favorite type of stick coffee? Let us know in the comments.
