answer:There may be areas of the US where instant coffee MIGHT be accepted—cultural norms do differ and there are parts of the the world where instant coffee is quite acceptable. Personally? If I would discover that situation…I would mount my trusty Internet Steed (Facebook) and let everyone know about the dastards. I would let everyone here at ask-public know. I would create both and Item and a Post on Linkedin. I would meditate on the fact. And no, I am not kidding. Instant coffee, unless under the most dire of circumstances or in those parts of the world where it is the norm, is just not acceptable. Unless it is Starbucks Via