Starbucks VIA is the company's first foray into instant coffee. Appropriately they go there with a bang. Packaged in a cool looking box with starbucks cup markings, VIA comes in convenient single server packets - just tear, pour and add water.

I've tried both flavors (Columbian and Italian) and like them both. Colombian is a little more rounded and mellow, while Italian has a little more kick to it. They definitely taste better than any other instant coffee I've tried, with more body and edges. It's the best instant coffee available. But it's NOT a freshly ground and brewed cup.

However, they're perfect when on the run, traveling or to make a quick iced coffee - just use 2 packets and ice cubes.

Only con is the price - $9.95 for 12 packets, which is pretty high for instant. Not to mention they are only avaialble at the Starbucks online store, so you have to add in shipping.