dissolve in cold water, ONLY THEN add hot water. The rationale behind it is that aromatics evaporate too quickly when the instant powder is infused with too/boiling hot water.
I drink french-press rocket fuel in the morning, a strong cap at lunchtime on office days, and I wouldn't compromise on either.
But afternoons at home, or in the evening... I dunno, it's just too much drama. I want something in the background that isn't going to make any demands on my attention. It's the equivalent of watching garbage TV at the end of a long day. You don't want hard-hitting incisive social commentary, you just want a couple episodes of Ow, My Balls.
I've found a brand that doesn't taste like toner; it's not real coffee, just Brown Drink. But it's entirely acceptable Brown Drink, and it does what I need it for.
Oh hey, hay čxʷ q̓ə for the reply! That's good to know what the equivalent quality is. I juuuust discovered a good, high quality instant coffee that is decent. It's called Davidoff. Pricey at anywhere from $15 - $20(!) CAD for 100g.
I'm trying to avoid Nestle products on principle, and I find the Tim Horton's original blend way too high acidity/bitterness but it's okay in a pinch.
I'll take a look at more of the big box stores you mentioned.