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Keurig K-Cup Buying Guide
Keurig K-cup machine is a timesaving, convenient way to make yourself a coffee in the morning with unlimited flavors options.
Published November 30, 2021
Erik Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Whether you’ve just bought one for yourself or are considering investing in a new Keurig K-cup machine, once you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll see that it’s a timesaving, convenient way to make yourself a coffee in the morning, and the best part is that the coffee and hot drink options you can make with it are pretty much unlimited. But with so many different roasts, intensity levels, and flavors to pick from, it’s not always easy to make sure that you are choosing one that you’re going to love.
How to Make the Perfect Keurig K-Cup Coffee
When it comes to convenience, you really can’t beat Keurig’s single serve brewing system. After just a couple of minutes and with the click of a button, you can have a fresh, hot cup of coffee that’s the perfect brewing temperature. To use one, first make sure that the machine is plugged in before removing the water reservoir and filling it up if needed. Then, reattach the tank to the machine and turn it on so that it can preheat. While waiting, open your capsule pocket and place the K-cup pod that you want inside. Press to pierce, place your favorite mug underneath, and press the brewing button when ready.
Is There a Difference Between K-Cups and Pods?
If single-serve coffee brewing is something that you are new to, then you might be a little confused about the terms K-cups and coffee pods, which are often used interchangeably. Are they the same thing, or are they different? Well, both can be true, since all K-cups are coffee pods, but not all coffee pods are going to be K-cups. K-cups are plastic cartridges where coffee grounds are sealed inside. They are lined with a filter to make sure that the coffee stays intact during the brewing process. However, some coffee pods are made with ground coffee that is packed inside of a paper filter for more convenient brewing.
K-Cup Pros and Cons
The K-Cup can easily be detected thanks to the capsule-like look. However, while the K-Cup is trademarked by Keurig Green Mountain, not all pods are made by Keurig. There are many other brands offering K-cup varieties that are compatible with Keurig machines.
Pros
- Convenience – if you want to avoid grounding, measuring, and brewing your coffee in the morning, K-Cups are perfect for you as all you need to do is place the capsule in the coffee maker and leave it to work.
- No mess – since the coffee is sealed inside the cartridge, it’s a mess-free experience.
- Quick – without all the additional steps, you can get straight to brewing your favorite coffee and enjoy it in just a couple of minutes.
Cons
- K-Cups can be quite expensive compared to buying your own coffee beans
- The brewing experience is not going to be as authentic as other types of coffee brewing for some people
Are K-Cups Considered Filtered Coffee?
Some people mistakenly believe that Keurig coffee pods are packed with instant coffee that has water poured through them. However, there is actually ground coffee inside the pod, along with a filter.
How Many Coffees Can You Make with a K-Cup?
A K-cup can make one six-ounce cup of coffee. Of course, this will depend on how you prefer your coffee, and it is possible to make two weak cups using one pod, but they are not really designed for this.
Which Coffee Pods Can You Use in a Keurig Machine?
Coffee pods in the traditional sense are made from pliable filter paper that is packed with coffee grounds. On the other hand, Keurig cups are made with plastic that is pierced by a needle in the machine to allow the brewed coffee to flow out of the cup. Because of this, you can only use Keurig-compatible cups or Keurig K cup coffee pods in a Keurig machine. If you want to use another style of coffee pod, you can purchase an adaptor or a machine that accepts both.
Can You Make Your Own K-Cups?
You can make your own K cup coffee by purchasing a reusable K-cup and then filling it with your choice of coffee grounds. Or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can even re-use an old K-cup by washing out the old coffee grounds, refilling with your own grounds and then resealing it with aluminum foil.
So, now you know more about K-cups and how they are used, what are the best Keurig coffee pods? Keep reading for reviews of products worth considering including the best K cup flavors list and the best K cup flavors for non-coffee drinkers.
InfuSio Premium Roasted Coffee
With twelve unique flavors and almost one hundred single-serving pods included in the pack, this variety pack is definitely worth trying. It comes with a range of unique and interesting coffee flavors including hazelnut, chocolate, Crème Brulé, banana, almond, French toast, vanilla, caramel, butter toffee, pecan, and s’mores, with something for every coffee drinker. It includes a combination of light, medium and dark roasts and is made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.
Roast Ridge Coffee Pods
If you love coffee with a salty, caramel flavor, this medium roast is perfect for you. A premium blend that brings the perfect flavor, these pods are made from coffee beans that are grown at high altitudes, providing smooth, rich coffee with a kick that is subtle yet satisfying. It’s made with 100% Arabica beans.
Gevalia K-Cup Coffee Pods
If you enjoy Colombia Arabica Beans, this medium roast is bright, filled with flavor, and provides a smooth, rich coffee without a bitter taste. It’s compatible with all Keurig K-Cup brewing systems and is crafted using an old Swedish tradition.
Maxwell House K-Cup Coffee Pods
This lightly roasted breakfast coffee blend is compatible with both the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 brewers. It’s the best way to start your day in a way that’s energizing, delicious, and very satisfying. The coffee is perfectly balanced and has a bold, strong aroma, perfect for getting you awake in the morning. It’s certified Kosher and made with 100% Arabica beans.
Cinnabon Keurig K-Cup Pods
With light roasted coffee that’s smooth in texture, these pods offer a combination of high-quality Arabica beans and cinnamon rolls. The bakery-inspired pods offer pure satisfaction and are definitely an ideal choice for anybody who enjoys flavored coffee. They are made with 100% Arabica beans and certified Kosher.
Bradford Coffee Roasters K-Cups
This assortment of K-cups from Bradford offers eight different varieties of roast and flavor. Whether you want a breakfast blend, French roast, donut shop, or Colombian coffee, you can find it all in this variety pack. If you enjoy flavored coffee, you can also find options with hazelnut, caramel, and vanilla in this pack of one hundred pods that are made with 100% Arabica beans.
Caribou Coffee Keurig K-Cup Pods
This blend of Indonesian Arabica beans provides a smooth, calming brew that you can enjoy at any time. The flavor is fruity and woody with notes of berry and cocoa, offering a rich, snappy taste. The beans are grown at 4,000 feet and are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Eight O’clock Coffee the Original
If you like pure Arabica when it comes to your coffee, this medium roast will be the perfect option for you. These pods from Eight O’clock Coffee are rich and complex with an extremely smooth finish.
Starbucks Medium Roast K-Cup
If you love Starbucks coffee but can’t justify going to the coffee shop every morning to get your favorite brew, getting a Keurig machine and Starbucks K-cups is the next best thing. The breakfast blend from Starbucks is rich and crisp along with being vibrant and bright, making it the ultimate drink for waking you up in the morning. It is flavorful and smooth with notes of citrus and sugar. Even better, the coffee pods are fully recyclable. Starbucks offer a range of other blends in K-cups along with hot chocolate options perfect for non-coffee drinkers.
McCafé Premium Roast Keurig
McCafé from McDonald’s is another popular brand for coffee in the morning. But you can skip the queues and save money with this premium blend offering a balanced, smooth taste. McCafé offer rich, flavorful coffee that is compatible with all Keurig K-Cup machines.
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
If you enjoy dark roasted coffee, this will be a good option for you to consider. Peet’s K-cups are complex, deep, rich, and full-bodied, offering a unique and bold taste that will leave you feeling immediately energized. It’s made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans and the coffee pods are recyclable.
Keurig Original Donut Shop
If you want pods that offer more coffee than your regular K-Cup, this is the best choice for you. The donut shop coffee is rich, full-bodied, and extra bold with pleasant afternotes. The medium roast is made with 100% Arabica beans and is certified Kosher.
K-cups are some of the easiest and most convenient ways to make coffee, and there’s an abundance of options to choose from.
About the author
Erik Hedlund
With Era of We and The Coffee Lab, I hope to share knowledge, increase the value of coffee – and secure the future of coffee.
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