Jiva Cubes: Good Tasting Backpacking Coffee

I have never really liked instant coffee and usually do not drink it. The exception is when I’m out on a multi-day backpacking trip. However, the taste of most instant coffees I’ve tried is terrible. When I found Jiva Cubes on the web, I was really excited about the idea of cubed coffee, so I decided to give them a try.

I contacted owners, Natalia and Allen, with a requesting some samples in exchange for a honest review. A couple of weeks later I got a parcel delivered to my door with assorted coffee cubes.

What are Jiva Cubes?

Jiva cubes are individually wrapped cubes of the finest Colombian coffee from the mountains of Ocamonte, mixed with raw Panela sugar.

The Ocamonte region is known for the high-quality coffee they produce. The high elevation (4,500+ feet above sea level) and mineral rich volcanic soil from the Andes Mountains, give coffee beans a smooth balanced acidity with a bold, concentrated flavor.

Panela sugar not chosen randomly. It helps to bind coffee in cubes and gives it an unforgettable mild taste and aroma. Thanks to a more complex structure of carbohydrates, Panela is digested and absorbed slowly, providing a steady release of energy without the “sugar rush” and spike in blood sugar.

Special “cube packaging” ensures the portability and freshness of each coffee portion and makes them super easy to use on the go. All you need to do is put 1-2 (to taste) cubes in hot water, wait 30 seconds, stir and enjoy. It’s quick and requires no-dirty-mug brewing.

Jiva cubes are made from high-quality ingredients and do not contain preservatives or artificial additives.  Vegans and/or gluten-intolerant people can use them.

There are eight different flavors to choose from including: Classic, Classic Strong, Black, Mocha, Hazelnut, Caramel, French Vanilla and Caramel Hot Chocolate.

Taste Test

Black:  This coffee is strong enough and has a great aroma with a mild taste with no heavy acidic aftertaste. Perfectly flavored, sweetened just right – it contains only 1 gram of sugar. These coffee cubes make an ideal ingredient for my favorite camping dessert – Easy Trail Tiramisu.

Classic: Sweet black coffee with a mild taste of delicate honey-caramel tones. It may be too sweet, especially for those who don’t like any sugar in their coffee.

Classic Strong:These cubes produce a cup of very strong black coffee.

Mocha: Smooth and tasty black coffee with a hint of cocoa and a little bit of sweetness. As I like my mocha with a strong chocolate flavor, I add another teaspoon of cacao to get exactly what I need.

Caramel: Black coffee combined with organic caramel extract, mixed with hot milk makes a sweet and creamy cup of caramel coffee.

French Vanilla: Black coffee with a mild taste and a very thin, subtle aroma of vanilla. Sweet enough, especially when milk is added.

Summary

Jiva Cubes is an easiest way for outdoor enthusiasts and travellers to enjoy a cup of good tasting coffee on the go. They are lightweight, portable and easy-to-use on the trail. With wide range of flavors available you’ll never get bored of Jiva’s coffee.

Tech Specs:

Manufacturer: Jiva
Average price per cup of Jiva’s coffee:  1 USD
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 3 inches
Weight of 1 cube: 8g

Pros

• Taste much better than other instant coffees available on market

• Lightweight

• Compact and convenient packaging

• Easy-to-use on the trail

Cons

• Some varieties (Caramel, Classic, French Vanilla ) are too sweet

• Individual cube packaging is transparent and does not label the various coffee types. Once you take the cubes out of the cardboard box, you’ll never know where the Caramel or French Vanilla is until the coffee is brewed.

I was provided with a sample box of Jiva Cubes for the purpose of this review.  I was not required to write a positive review, and I was not compensated in any other form. The thoughts in this review reflect my own personal experience with Jiva.