Instant: If you’re in a real hurry, this can save the day (regular brown rice can take close to an hour to cook). Try Uncle Ben’s Fast & Natural Whole Grain Instant Brown Rice — it’s ready in about 10 minutes and still packs in 2 grams of fiber per serving.

Regular: You can get up to three times as much regular rice for the price of instant, so if time isn’t an issue, go for regular. Making rice pudding? Use regular rice — instant won’t be as creamy.

Yeast

Instant:You can mix this time-saver directly into your dry ingredients when baking. It starts to react as soon as it comes into contact with moisture and needs only one rising period.

Regular: Active dry yeast needs to be proofed (soaked in warm water) before it’s ready to add to other ingredients. Though you should usually let dough rise twice with this type of yeast, many bakers prefer it — the slower rising time lets flavors and texture develop more.

Milk

Instant: Stir nonfat dry milk into soups, sauces or gravy for a creamy taste (and a calcium boost!) without the fat. Keep a box in the cupboard for emergencies — it has a six-month shelf life.

Regular: If you’re pouring a tall glass and drinking it straight, there’s nothing like the real stuff.

Coffee

Instant: Add a teaspoon of granules to cake, brownie or cookie batters to kick up the flavor (it’s especially good in chocolate desserts).
Regular: Whether it’s for your morning cup o’ joe or a nightly decaf, a fresh brew is usually the purist’s pick.

Cocoa

Instant: A packet of instant cocoa makes for a speedy hot treat. Substitute fresh brewed coffee for the water and you’ll have a mocha in a minute.

Regular: This unsweetened powder gives baked goods an intense, rich, chocolaty flavor (most recipes call for nonalkalized, non-Dutch-process cocoa). But to make hot cocoa, you’ll need to add milk and sugar, and then simmer the mixture over low heat.

Oatmeal

Instant: Good for those crazy mornings before school, but watch out for added sugar. The flavored kinds can have a whopping 15 grams per packet (regular oats have just 1 gram per serving), so check the label before you buy.

Regular: For baking, this is the way to go — instant can land you with mushy cookies and bars.

Soup

Instant: Dry soup mix is a simple, quick way to flavor sour cream- or yogurt-based dips, and it also can add oomph to casseroles. Watch out for high sodium counts, though — be sure to taste before you add more salt.

Regular: Craving a quick cup? Go with the canned kind. With all the different brands available, you’re sure to find a healthy and delicious option.