When Keurig first introduced K-cups, no one could resist them. What coffee drinkers loved about the K-cups is that they were convenient, easy to use, and came in an array of flavors.
Today, fans adore these cups more, not only because Green Mountain and Keurig make them, but also because they come in more flavors and tons of brand varieties.
In other words, you can now choose your best brand and keep using it. But if you truly love coffee, you may find it exciting to try out several brands.
You’ll notice that the best K-cup coffees come from beans from various parts of the globe, such as Central and South America, Italy, Africa, and Colombia.
The coffee beans go through different degrees of roasting to produce outstanding flavors. Thus, the roast type can be light, medium, or dark.
The K-Cups are available in different prices and quantities, which allows you to select one that meets your brewing needs.
Short on time? Here’s a quick list of our Best K-Cup picks!
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Green Mountain Roasters Breakfast Blend
Best K-Cup Coffee
It's near impossible to pick just one but, if we had to do it Green Mountain Roasters Breakfast Blend is the best K-Cup on the market. It's versatile and offers a balanced taste.
Best Dark Roast K-Cups
1. Emeril’s Big Easy Bold, K-Cup
2. SF Bay Coffee French Roast 80 Ct Dark Roast
3. Barista Prima Coffeehouse Italian Roast Coffee K-Cup
4. Tully’s Coffee, French Roast, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods
5. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Dark Magic Keurig Single-Serve
Best Light Roast K-Cups
1. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend
2. Caribou Coffee Daybreak Morning Blend Keurig Single
3. Morning Blend for K-Cup Keurig 2.0 Brewers, 80 Count
The 10 Best K-Cup Coffees
1. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend
In the world of coffee enthusiasts, there are those of us who want our coffee to bite us. But there’s another unique category that prefers a lighter roast, and for that case, the Green Mountain Breakfast Blend is probably the only answer.
That all comes down to a tasty cup of coffee; just because you prefer a lighter roast, it doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious. This K-Cup offers the best of both worlds.
But there’s more.
The notes of this K-Cup are bright, engaging, and vibrant. And it comprises 100% Arabica ground coffee without any artificial additions.
What We Like
Perfect for those who don’t prefer strong coffee
Sustainably sourced
Light but flavorful
Great any moment of your day
What We Don’t Like
It’s not as caffeinated as other coffees, so don’t expect a robust, refreshing effect.
Verdict
If you prefer drinking your coffee other times of the day and looking for a balance between taste and light roast, then you’ll like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend.
2. Eight O'Clock Coffee, The Original
Each morning, you want a cup that activates your senses, so you gain focus at work in no time. That’s where the Eight O’Clock Coffee kicks in.
The smooth and full body of this medium roast K-Cup coffee is what tips the scales. Don’t let the word ‘original’ fool you into thinking it’s boring.
On the contrary, you’ll start enjoying the aroma when still brewing your coffee. And when sipping time comes, the taste is fantastic - neither bitter nor burnt. And the mild aftertaste will leave you looking forward to the next brewing session.
The Eight O’Clock original offers you value for money as well. You get a pack of 6 with 12 K-Cup packages each, which totals to 72 K-Cups.
What We Like
No bitter or burnt taste
The mind-blowing aroma when brewing
Value for money
100% Arabica coffee with antioxidants to lower your risk of chronic diseases
What We Don’t Like
We haven’t found anything to dislike about this coffee yet
Verdict
The Eight O’Clock Coffee strikes a great balance between quality, value for money, and an excellent taste. We highly recommend it.
3. Barista Prima Coffeehouse Italian Roast
The dark roast coffee has a bold body and is ideal for those who often say, “Drinking coffee from a Keurig is not my thing.”
The flavor is not only rich and deep but also roasted and smoky. While it has some bitterness, it’s isn’t anything to turn you off.
The aroma that comes from the machine when brewing is enough to awaken everyone at home or office to brew their own.
This Kosher Certified K-Cup coffee has a rich and deep taste with ripe fruit notes. Regardless of your favorite cup size, Barista Prima is always amazingly bold.
What We Like
Superb aroma
Rich taste
Value for money. Wait, 92 packs is a lot of coffee, isn’t it?
What We Don’t Like
Slightly more expensive than other K-Cup coffees. But at the count of 96? Not too shabby.
Verdict
If you’re a fan of dark roasts and bold cups, we recommend you give the Barista Prima a try. You’ll have one more reason to get out of your bed in the morning.
4. Diedrich French Roast Blend
This K-Cup has a lot of fans because of its authentic flavor that isn’t burnt or bitter. With Diedrich, you can enjoy delicious coffee right after waking up in the morning or even later in the day, after work.
Nearly everyone has this K-Cup in their kitchen because it’s easy to use, works well with Keurig brewers, and provides hassle-free brewing.
The dark roast coffee has a heavy taste accompanied by a toasty flavor. Brace yourself for a toasty aroma, molasses hint, and a syrupy body.
What We Like
Ease of use
Compatible with Keurig brewers
Authentic coffee flavor
A sweet, toasty aroma
Value for money: 96 K-Cups give you a reason to start brewing daily
What We Don’t Like
Some users say its taste is not as bold as most dark roast coffees. But we’ll leave the judgment to you.
Verdict
If you’re a Keurig brewer and wondering what K-Cup coffee to buy, choose Diedrich, French Roast Blend.
5. Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend
Peet’s coffee refers to Major Dickason’s Blend as one of its best products. It was introduced in 1969 and continues to be the favorite of coffee fanatics to date due to its overall strength and exceptional richness.
This coffee is an excellent choice for those of us interested in pure coffee flavor and not watered down or sugared-up products. Its flavor is deep, but that doesn’t mean it’s average or boring.
The aroma is strong and vibrant, putting everyone at the office or home in the mood for coffee. For a coffee fanatic that’s tried other products before, Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is a must, thanks to its gratifying flavors.
What We Like
Full-bodied and smooth taste
Rich and strong aroma
Bold but not bitter
Consistent flavor
What We Don’t Like
It’s a little pricey, but this balances out well with the subscribe and save option.
Verdict
For those coffee lovers looking for an incredible cup of coffee with a unique flavor and bold taste, this blend is worth seeking out.
6. SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser
This coffee is one of the few K-Cups known to lift off your morning fog. The coffee comes from 100 percent Arabica coffee beans that are Kosher certified.
You’re going to look forward to tasty fresh coffee every morning because the roasted coffee undergoes grinding and packaging when fresh. We brewed this K-Cup coffee and realized its taste is very close to Starbucks French Roast.
If you have a Keurig brewer or any single-serve brewer, your next step should be to seek out the San Francisco Bay Coffee, as it’s compatible with these brewers.
The outer bag and coffee valve are designed from fully compostable plant materials. So, this coffee is right for your garden too.
What We Like
Environment-friendly
The flavor and aroma are out of this world
Compatible with Keurig brewers
Ground and packaged fresh for high-quality coffee
What We Don’t Like
The packaging isn’t airtight, which can affect the freshness if not well stored.
Verdict
If you’ve been looking for tasty coffee that formats your previous night’s unfriendly experiences and puts you in the mood for a new, productive day, you should order SF Bay Coffee Fog Chaser.
7. Death Wish Coffee Single Serve Capsules
No, this coffee won’t end your life. Instead, the first sip will keep you hooked.
Death Wish Coffee goes through a unique roasting method, which results in a delicious blend with a robust and smooth flavor and low acidity.
Each time you open the bag, the sweet aroma hits your nose, making you fall in love with the coffee again.
The beans are Fair Trade, and USDA certified organic to give you the tastiest coffee. A cup of this coffee will wake you up and keep you alert and ready, to carry on with your day.
The blend of top-grade Robusta and Arabica beans gives you not only the clarity but also the focus associated with high caffeine coffee devoid of acidity or the bitter aftertaste.
For the freshest and smoothest cup, Death Wish cups come packed in hard capsules.
What We Like
Smooth flavor
Intensely sweet aroma
The K-cups are packaged in an airtight bag for long-term freshness
What We Don’t Like
The high caffeine content may not be suitable for people with heart problems or caffeine sensitivity
Verdict
Whether you’re a shift worker or not, we recommend you consider Death Wish Coffee to boost your mood and alertness. Warning: it’s so good you might get addicted.
8. Starbucks French Roast Coffee K-Cup Pods
Do you know the secret to Starbucks’ fame? Well, it’s because they sell high-quality coffee, and a good example is this French Roast Coffee that comes from dark fried beans.
The popularity of this coffee has been rising since 1971. There's a reason it's on our best K-Cup coffee list. Coffee fanatics love it for its intense smokiness and low acidity.
Years of expertise and focus led to the birth of Starbucks French Dark Roast. For a peak in taste, aroma, and acidity, each bean needs a careful balance of time and temperature.
What We Like
Bold and full-bodied
No bitter taste
At 96 count, you get good value for your money
What We Don’t Like
Beginners who’re not used to the bold flavor may find this coffee a bit overwhelming
Verdict
If you’re OK with the bold taste typical in dark roast coffee but more delicious, then Starbucks French Dark Roast could as well be your favorite K-Cup coffee.
9. The Original Donut Shop Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pods
This coffee not only warms the soul, but it also lingers on your tongue. You’ll find it delicious, creamy, smooth, and ready to cook. The K cups are compatible with Keurig brewers.
Original Donut Shop is 100 percent pure Arabica, and Arabica has more sugar, which plays a vital in not only the coffee’s flavor but also its body and aroma.
Additionally, the Original Donut Shop is extra bold – it has more coffee than your regular K-Cup pods.
What We Like
The smell of a wonderful aroma when brewing could make you salivate
Extra bold taste
Sweet tasting coffee
Terrific value for money – 72 K-Cup packs can serve you for quite some time
What We Don’t Like
Some users have complained about bursting of K-Cups
Verdict
We recommend the Original Donut Shop to those coffee lovers who want to drink high-quality coffee at any time of the day to remain focused.
10. McCafe Premium Roast Keurig K-Cup Coffee Pods
Chances are you’re already familiar with McDonald’s. How about gulping their signature coffee mug from the comfort of your home?
Well, you can enjoy the McCafe Premium Roast at home or office. Thanks to the coffee’s balanced and mild flavor, you can drink it any time of the day.
The coffee is 100 percent Arabica and is carefully gathered from mountainous areas and fertile soils of South and Central America.
What We Like
Medium roast with fantastic taste and rich aroma
Consistent flavor
Value for money
Smooth without bitterness
What We Don’t Like
Some users say the filter is too weak and grounds fall
Verdict
If you’ve been looking for a dark roast coffee with an enticing aroma to awaken your senses as well as a lively and bright flavor, then McCafe Premium Roast will do the trick.
How To Buy The Best K-Cup Coffee
If you’re out there looking for the best K-Cup coffees for your home or office needs, start by keeping the following in mind:
1. Roast
The roast type is a high distinguishing factor for K-Cup coffee, as it determines the flavor. The coffee can have a light, medium, or dark roast.
- Light roasts – They have more acidity than dark roasts and toasted grain taste. The bean’s original flavors are more retained than in dark roasted coffee. Besides, light roasts retain a high amount of caffeine from the beans.
- Medium roasts – Medium roasted coffee is medium brown and has more body than a light roast. Instead of the grainy taste of a light roast, medium roasts have a more balanced aroma, acidity, and flavor. The caffeine level is slightly lower compared to dark roasts.
- Dark roasts – Dark roasted coffees are typically brown, near chocolate, or almost black. The roasting process eclipses the original flavor of the coffee. The coffee has a smoky, bitter, or somewhat burnt taste. Coffees with a dark roast have significantly lower caffeine amounts.
So, depending on your preferences in terms of flavor, acidity, and caffeine levels, you can decide which K-Cup coffee to go for.
2. Brand
A brand determines the coffee quality and overall coffee experience. Some brands are associated with sourcing coffee beans from the best places. Others are popular for their unique roasting mechanisms, and other brands are known for making good-tasting and fresh coffee.
Established brands, such as Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee, undoubtedly offer some of the world’s best K-Cup coffee. While smaller brands may not be getting all the attention, some still provide the best coffee out there.
So, when choosing your best K-Cup coffee, be sure to read reviews from other users to see whether there’s a common trend (positive or negative) regarding any brand and their product. And don’t be quick to dismiss up and coming brands if they seem to have a better product with more reviews.
3. Price
We all have a budget when purchasing everything, including coffee. Thus, based on what K-Cup brand you prefer, it would be best to look at the number of cups per pack compared to the price of the product.
Brands charge differently depending on the quantity or quality of the coffee. So it’s important to research which brands suit your taste and price.
We’d advise that you go for high-quality K-Cup coffee with a high number of K-Cups but reasonably priced.
K-Cup Coffee FAQ's
How Much Coffee Is In A K-Cup?
The amount of coffee per K-Cup varies depending on the roast. A mixture of light roast coffee contains 9 to 10 grams of coffee. In a medium roast mixture, there’s 10 to 11 grams of coffee. And there’s 11 to 12 grams of coffee in a dark roast mixture.
The caffeine amount in a K-Cup varies as well; an 8oz cup of coffee has approximately 120 to 160 mg of caffeine.
Do K-Cups Expire?
Not really. K-Cups should last indefinitely provided their foil seal isn’t torn or punctured. But why do the K-Cups have an expiration date? Well, the date you see at the bottom of a K-Cup box isn’t necessarily an expiry date. Instead, it’s an estimation of how long it can take before the coffee within the K-Cup loses most of its freshness.
The coffee pod has a foil seal on top of it that safeguards the grounds in the cup from moisture and oxygen. If oxygen gets inside the cup, it oxidizes the coffee grounds. Similarly, if moisture seeps in, then bacteria may develop.
If coffee outlives the indicated date and the seal is not yet damaged, then it’s still safe for consumption. Only the freshness might change a little bit after the stated date.
You may be wondering, “how can my coffee oxidize and get stale in a non-broken seal?”
Well, the reason is, while plastic is solid, it still contains microscopic gaps through which air can pass, over a long duration and oxidize the coffee, taking away its original freshness.
So, K-Cups will have a shorter shelf life if you store them at random on the ground, in the cupboard, or around the house without much thought.
But, it’s still possible to store your K-Cups and prevent any air from getting in, not even through the microscopic gaps in plastic gaps.
Here’s how:
Store the K-Cups non-punctured (unopened) in an airtight glass container and put them in a dark, cool area. You could also vacuum-seal them if you’re an extremist, that is.
Can You Use K-Cups Twice?
If you’d like to enjoy tasty and decent coffee, don’t use your K-Cup twice. Other than getting light and thin coffee, you’ll end up with weak and bad coffee due to over-extraction.
Most Keurig brewer owners think using a K-Cup only once is wasteful. If that’s your concern, you can invest in the Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Filter. This reusable filter allows you to add ground coffee every time you need to make coffee. After brewing, you clean it and use it next time. So, you can save on coffee costs and the environment as well.
Can I Recycle K-Cups?
Yes, but to recycle, you need to separate the cup components. This is because most K-Cups have a combination of aluminum, plastic, a paper filter, and organic material (the coffee grounds). Thus, you need to separate the components and sort them into different groups for composting or recycling.
It’s only a few companies that make organic K-Cups that you can dispose of.
Final Word
When looking for your best K-Cup coffee, it’s best to consider the roast, price, and brand. Most importantly, consider buying coffee that has the right caffeine level, the number of cups per pack, and the flavor that you desire.
Happy brewing!
