Top picks for coffee in a bottle or can

Jun 29, 2009

Diana De Cicco is a food editor and writer based in New York City. She has a master's degree from New York University in Food Studies. Her passions are eating, traveling, and eating while traveling.

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The best grab and go coffee

When you're on the run and need a caffeine fix, sometimes a grab and go coffee is your only option. But fret not, even if you don't have time to wait in line at the local coffee bar for a made-to-order iced coffee or cappuccino, some pre-made bottled and canned coffees can actually satisfy your need for convenience and, most importantly, your desire for a delicious pick-me-up. Here are some of our top picks for the best grab and go coffees.

Starbucks chilled coffee

Starbucks has three different types of chilled coffee and espresso. All offer a good amount of caffeine; particularly the Starbucks DoubleShot, a 6.5-ounce can of chilled espresso.

Starbucks DoubleShot: Low in fat and calories, this cool canned coffee is also high in energy and taste. One of the best choices for grab and go coffee, it actually tastes like a chilled rich espresso with just a touch of cream – much like the coffees that the Starbucks barristas make, but without the fuss of ordering and waiting in line. Two varieties are available: Espresso and Cream, and Espresso and Cream Light.

Nutrition info: Regular – 140 calories, 6 grams fat; Light – 70 calories, 4 grams fat.

Starbucks DoubleShot Energy plus Coffee: Available in four flavors, Energy plus Coffee is more than just a simple chilled coffee drink. It is actually packed with vitamins, minerals and protein. In addition to the caffeine, the coffee's B vitamins, ginseng, guarana and natural milk proteins will give you a tasty boost of energy. This 15-ounce canned coffee comes in four delicious flavors: Cinnamon Dulce, Vanilla, Coffee, and Mocha. The only complaint is a very slight metal taste from the can.

Nutrition info: Cinnamon Dulce – 200 calories, 3 grams fat; Mocha – 200 calories, 2.5 grams fat; Vanilla and Coffee –210 calories 2.5 grams fat.

Starbucks Frappuccino Beverage: Though this frap doesn't come straight off the Starbucks counter, it does taste similar to a freshly made iced coffee. The major thing missing, however, is the frothy, icy-thick texture of a blended coffee drink. This 9.5-ounce bottled coffee is also a bit low on the caffeine compared to other grab and go coffees. Six flavors are available: Dark Chocolate Mocha, Vanilla, Caramel, Coffee, Mocha, and Mocha Lite.

Nutrition info: Dark Chocolate Mocha – 190 calories, 3.5 grams fat; Vanilla, Caramel, and Coffee – 200 calories, 3 grams fat; Mocha – 180 calories, 3 grams fat; Mocha Lite –100 calories, 3 grams fat.

Illy Brand

The classic Italian espresso brand, Illy, has come out with a chilled espresso drink in a can. Illy is known for its amazing coffee and the company's canned drinks don't dissapoint.

Illy Issimo Caffe: This is a black version of iced coffee that has great flavor and is bold and full-bodied. This drink is straight coffee with a little sugar (yet it is not overly sweet). For the serious black coffee drinker, this is a terrific option. The 6.8-ounce can provides a modest amount of beverage and the coffee gives you a good boost of energy when you need a fast caffeine fix.

Nutrition info: 24 calories, 0.1 grams fat.

Illy Issimo Latte Macchiato: Another satisfying cold canned coffee, this option is more milk and less coffee. Perfect for times when you need a delicious drink to give you a little boost of energy. It is extremely smooth and tastes like a chilled coffee should.

Nutrition info: 44 calories, 1.3 grams fat.

Illy Issimo Cappuccino: This Italian-style cappuccino with coffee, milk and dark cocoa is the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. When chilled, it is a delightful caffeinated drink with a good amount of that famous Illy taste.

Nutrition info: 40 calories, 0.6 grams fat.

Pom Wonderful Brand

Renowned for high-antioxidant pomegranate juices and teas, POM Wonderful also makes cold coffee beverages with the same super health benefits.

Pom X Iced Coffee: Contrary to what you might think, the coffee-flavored Pom Wonderful does not taste like pomegranates. It actually tastes deliciously like coffee – and, as a bonus, it is healthy. These drinks are made with all organic products, including premium Italian-roasted Arabica beans, and have antioxidants built right in. Three flavors are available: Chocolate, Café au Lait, and Caramel.

Nutrition info: Chocolate – 190 calories, 0 grams fat; Café au Lait – 170 calories, 3 grams fat; Caramel – 170 calories, 0 grams fat.

Hillside Coffee Brand

What about those summer weekends when you go camping and wake up to unseasonally cold temperatures or chilly rain? A cold grab and go coffee isn't going to cut it. Good news: Hillside Coffee's line of instant hot lattes don't require electricity or even a camp stove. You simply push a button on the can and the self-heating element delivers a piping hot morning drink in 6 to 8 minutes. Tea and hot chocolate are also available.

Hillside Coffee: This self-heating 10-ounce can is perfect for camping trips, nonstop travel, or when you are super busy and don't even have time to brew a pot of coffee. The coffee does have a slight chemical aftertaste but if you're stuck in the wilderness or a vehicle with no electricity or don't even have a minute to spare, you'll find Hillside's coffee quite satisfactory. Flavors include: Mocha, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Double Shot.

Nutrition info: Mocha, Hazelnut, and Double Shot – 165 calories, 4 grams fat; French Vanilla — 170 calories, 4 grams fat.