2009.09.29
Starbucks launches instant coffee
If you like Starbucks coffee, you may want to try the instant version of the chain's new brew.
Today Starbucks launched instant coffee in all of its U.S. stores. It's called Via Ready Brew, and it sells for $2.95 (3 pack) and $9.95 (12 pack).
You can find Via in some other stores, such as Target, and in some hotels, but it won't be sold in grocery stores until next year.
Click here for more details.
According to this story in the Wall Street Journal, Via is a strategy by Starbucks to offer lower cost regular coffee to customers who don't want to pay for pricier java. An instant packet of Via produces a cup of coffee that's less than $1.
And if you want to taste this new instant coffee, all Starbucks stores will host special taste tests this Friday through Monday. You'll be able to taste the Columbia Starbucks Via instant coffee next to the fresh-brewed Pike Peak blend and guess which one is the Via coffee.
Taste test participants will receive a coupon for a free tall brewed coffee on a future Starbucks visit and $1 off a Via purchase.
I'm on a mailing list for Starbucks and took advantage of a promotion to try this new product. I thought it was really good. Definitely not comparable to other instant coffees.
Comment by NT — September 29, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
I'll still stick with brewing my own. Even when I buy really good, fair trade coffee...I can brew a full pot for about 40 cents and get about 6 good sized mugs of coffee from it.
Comment by Other John — September 30, 2009 @ 8:11 am