Coffee is an essential ingredient to start a day in most houses these days. Almost every house has Keurig coffee makers that prepare a cup of delicious coffee every morning. These coffee makers are simple to use and offer a wide range of coffee flavors according to your taste. 

Countless brands are into the manufacturing of k-cups which are used in the Keurig coffee makers. Simplicity and convenience of use have given k-cups a huge market. When you are looking for the best k-cups, you will find a long list of brands and flavors that will surely fascinate you. However, we are here to ease your search process. We have tested and reviewed different k-cups and have prepared a list that will help you choose among the best ones. Below is the list of the 17 best Keurig K-cup coffees you should try. 

Rank

K-Cup

Overall Score

Brand

Coffee Quality

Roast

Caffeine Content

Flavor Notes

Get them

1.

98/100

The Original Donut Shop

97/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Original, full-bodied, bold, and flavorful.

2.

94/100

Peet's Coffee

95/100

Dark Roast

Caffeinated

Flavorful, robust, and full-bodied.

3.

90/100

Dunkin'

92/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Original blend

4.

95/100

Maxwell House

94/100

Medium Roast

Decaffeinated

House blend

5.

88/100

Caribou Coffee

85/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Caribou blend

6.

96/100

Starbucks

95/100

Light Roast

Half Caffeinated

Toasted malt and baking chocolate

7.

94/100

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

92/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Caramel, chocolate, and dried fruit

8.

88/100

Krispy Kreme

80/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated 

Classic

9.

92/100

Folgers

96/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated 

100% Colombian

10.

94/100

Gevalia

91/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated 

Colombian

11.

87/100

Eight O'Clock Coffee

90/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated 

The Original

12.

93/100

AmazonFresh

95/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Hazelnut

13.

95/100

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

93/100

Dark Roast

Caffeinated

Dark Magic

14.

90/100

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

85/100

Light Roast

Caffeinated

Caramel Vanilla Cream

15.

87/100

Cinnabon

90/100

Light Roast

Caffeinated

Classic Cinnamon Roll

16.

 92/100

San Francisco Bay

89/100

Medium Roast

Naturally Caffeinated

Fog Chaser

17.

 93/100

Gloria Jeans Coffees

93/100

Medium Roast

Caffeinated

Hazelnut

1. The Original Donut Shop Coffee Regular K-cups

The-Original-Donut-Shop

Overview

The Original Donut Shop Coffee is 100% responsibly sourced coffee having an original flavor and bold taste, which is perfect for your morning routine. Moreover, these k-cups taste heavenly and are environment friendly. They are certified by Orthodox Union Kosher and are sure to have high-quality coffee beans. It is medium roast k-cups that can help you start your day full of energy. 

2. Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast

Overview

Peet’s dark roast k-cup is 100% Arabica coffee having a rich flavorful taste of Peet’s. These k-cups prepare a smooth and balanced cup of dark roast coffee, and the plus point is it does not have an aftertaste. It is a combined effort of Mr. Peet and its most tasteful customer Major Dickason’s. Peet’s K-cups are fully recyclable, and the company is working on bringing a positive impact on the communities where their coffee is grown. 

3. Dunkin’ Original Blend

Dunkin’ Original Blend

Overview

Dunkin’ k-cups have a rich, smooth and unmatchable taste. Its coffees are kosher and have a delicious original blend taste. Dunkin’ k-cups provide the same amazing coffee taste as the Dunkin’ shops provide. The good thing is that Dukin’ k-cups are recyclable. You can enjoy the great Dunkin taste and aromatic aroma while sitting at home. 

4. Maxwell House Blend

Maxwell House

Overview

Maxwell House Blend medium roast k-cup pods have a lively and delightful taste. They are available in decaf as well as coffee grounds. Also, it has two brew sizes, 10.5 and 24.5 oz. Maxwell House blend is made up of 100% Arabica coffee and is good till the last drop. It has a perfect balance of flavor and strength according to the user’s needs. Moreover, Maxwell House Blend is kosher certified and has proudly roasted coffee in the USA since 1892. 

5. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend

Caribou Coffee

Overview

Caribou Blend medium roast has berry and sweet and spicy flavor notes along with a cedar and cocoa finish. It prepares a medium roast smooth coffee having a unique taste. They make use of the freshest Indonesian coffee beans that add flavor to a cup of coffee. Caribou has a Rainforest Alliance Certification as well as Orthodox Union kosher. 

6. Starbucks Veranda Blend

Starbucks veranda blend

Overview

Starbucks provides premium quality k-cups for everyday use. These k-cups have exceptional taste and are made up of 100% Arabic coffee beans. Starbucks Veranda Blend is the lightest roast in their collection, which has the flavor of baking chocolate and toasted malt. Starbucks is dedicated to providing 100% ethical coffee while sourcing a partnership with Conservation International. Using Starbucks k-cups, you can prepare a coffee according to your taste. You can add cream, milk, syrups, and whatever you prefer.

7. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Nantucket Blend

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Nantucket Blend

Overview

Green Mountains Coffee Roasters is a special company that came into being in the Mountains. They aim to improve the lands through sustainably sourced coffee. Its Nantucket blend is a medium roast which is a complex mixture of rich flavors extracted from berry-hued African beans, special Indonesia beans, and a slight touch of smoky french roast. The Green Mountains Coffee Roasters Nantucket Blend k-cups are certified by the Orthodox Union Kosher. These k-cups are simple to use, delicious, and recyclable. They provide an amazing coffee experience at home. 

8. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Classic Medium Roast Coffee

Krispy Kreme k-cup

Overview

Krispy Kreme classic medium roast k-cups coffee have a balanced taste and are loved by all. It is a fine blend of fruit notes and a sweet finish. Krispy Kreme k-cups consist of 100% Arabica beans and are Orthodox Union Kosher certified. Krispy Kreme k-cups are reasonable to buy and are a perfect selection for your morning coffee. 

9. Folgers 100% Colombian K-cups

Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Coffee

Overview

Folgers 100% Colombian k-cups consist of 100% Arabica medium roast coffee beans. It is popular among the masses because it delivers a rich blend of lively and rich flavors to its consumers. Folgers 100% Colombian k-cups are recyclable and are crafted carefully by the masters of roasting. They are single-serve k-cup pods that provide a delicious taste in no time.

10. Gevalia Colombia K-cups

Gevalia Colombia K-Cup Coffee Pods

Overview

Gevalia Colombia medium roast k-cups coffee are keto friendly and are made up of 100% Arabica coffee beans. The beans they use come from the mountains of Colombia. The Gevalia k-cups are a perfect blend of slow-roasted aroma and snap-cooled flavor. It comes in ground bags of sizes 12 oz and 20 oz. The k-cups have an exceptionally smooth and light taste which is unmatchable. You can surely get addicted to its taste. 

11. Eight O’Clock The Original Medium Roast Coffee

Eight O'Clock Coffee

Overview

Eight O’Clock is a small business that prepares outstandingly smooth medium roast k-cups for daily use. These are caffeinated and have great taste. Tight O’ Clock k-cups are a perfect blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans with a touch of medium roast. The Original medium roast k-cups have a bold taste with a complex finish which helps you stay active throughout the day. The positive thing is that the k-cups of this small business brand are recyclable. When you are done using them, peel the top cover, empty the -cup and recycle. Moreover, these k-cups are certified by Orthodox Union Kosher. 

12. Amazonfresh Hazelnut Artificially Flavored k-cups

AmazonFresh 80 Ct. K-Cups, Hazelnut Flavored Medium Roast

Overview

Amazon fresh Hazelnut Artificially flavored medium roast k-cups are the most favorite among the people. The Hazelnut taste with a medium light roast is the center of attraction for most. It is made up of 100% Arabica coffee beans and roasted and packed well in the USA. Amazon fresh Keurig k-cups have a great aroma and smooth taste, which will genuinely satisfy your desires for a daily cup of coffee. 

13. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Dark Magic

Overview

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters’ Dark Magic is the love of people who like dark roast caffeinated drinks. It is made up of 100% Arabica beans and is engineered by the top Keurig k-cups coffee makers. These k-cup coffee is delicious, simple to use, and recyclable. You can enjoy a strong cup of coffee while sitting at home with little to no effort. The Dark Magic k-cups is an extra bold blend that consists of flavors of dried fruits and chocolates, making it heavenly tasty.

14. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Caramel Vanilla Cream

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Caramel Vanilla Cream

Overview

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Caramel Vanilla Cream has a special place in the hearts of caramel lovers. People who love caramel flavor do not prefer to rely on any other brand other than Green Mountain for the amazing taste. It is a premium blend of caramel, brown sugar, and creamy vanilla. It has a balanced taste and is certified by Orthodox Union Kosher. However, not many people like caramel taste, so the good taste of k-cups depends mostly on your caramel taste. 

15. Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cups

Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods

Overview

Cinnabon is a famous Keurig k-cups company working for years. They prepare k-cups which make a delicious cup of coffee with classic cinnamon roll flavor. These k-cups are light roast and are caffeinated. Moreover, these k-cups are certified by Orthodox Union Kosher and are made up of 100% Arabica coffee beans. Also, these single-serve k-cups are compatible with all Keurig machines. Cinnabon classic cinnamon rolls have a superior quality taste in every drop. 

16. San Francisco Bay Coffee Fog Chaser Medium Dark Roast

San Francisco Bay

Overview

San Francisco Bay provides a unique line of k-cups having custom blends, exotic regional tastes, and the best possible prices. Fog Chaser single serve k-cups are a great blend of South and Central American beans. These k-cup coffee pods have a medium dark roast flavor and a great quality of coffee grounds. The coffee bags they use are made up of plant-based materials, and they are eco-friendly. 

17. Gloria Jean’s Coffees Hazelnut K-Cups

Gloria Jeans Coffees

Overview

Gloria Jean’s Coffees is a great name in the coffee world. They provide premium quality coffee with a great hazelnut taste. The blend of Keurig k-cups is smooth, with a subtle taste. Gloria Jean’s coffee pods are surely an addiction. The k-cups are caffeinated and have a medium roast with delicious flavor. Furthermore, these k-cups are certified by the Orthodox Union Kosher. In short, Gloria Jeans gives a perfect shot of the ideal hazelnut coffee you crave. 

Is it worth it to buy a K-cup?

If you are a Keurig user then k-cups are a necessity for you. They are beneficial in all ways. For example, Keurig k-cups are cheaper than going out for a coffee daily. Each coffee lover can choose a coffee flavor they wish to drink. Moreover, K-cups offer users ease of time and are very simple to use as you do not have to grind the coffee beans yourself. You get fresh coffee grounds air sealed in a small cartridge. You just have to put it in the Keurig coffee maker and it will serve you a delicious cup of coffee. K-cups are an essential thing in almost all houses, and over 75 million homes brew coffee using them every day and also multiple times in a single day. So, yes! It is worth buying k-cups if you are a coffee lover. 

Also read: How To Use A Keurig: Easy Guide to Brewing & Maintenance

5 Things to Consider Before Buying K-cup

There is a wide variety of k-cups available in the market from which you can choose. But not all k-cups are equal. Different brands offer different variations in k-cups. Here is a list of five things you should keep in mind before you buy a specific k-cup.

1. Coffee quality

Coffee quality is the first thing to consider before buying k-cups for your Keurig machine. Not all k-cups are made equal. Some have high-quality coffee grounds, whereas others have low-quality coffee grounds. You have to choose a brand that offers fresh coffee with a strong and pleasant aroma. The coffee grounds should not be too dry or oily or should not be too hard to extract flavor. It is better to read reviews of coffee quality before buying from any brand.

2. Roast

The roasting of coffee grounds strongly affects its aroma and taste. You can choose between light, medium, and dark roast coffee flavors. Light roast k-cups possess a fruity, floral, and sweet flavor. Whereas medium roast coffee has the flavor of its origin and dark roast coffee has a strong and bold flavor with toasty, sweet, and caramelized tastes. 

3. Flavor notes

There is a large variety of flavors that k-cups offer. You can find any flavor according to your taste ranging from chocolate to fruity. In short, whatever flavor you like, you can find the options in k-cups. However, not all flavors taste good in coffee. Make sure to choose the flavor you are sure to try that suits your taste buds.   

4. Brand

Keurig has over 60 brands of k-cups operating in the market today. So choosing a suitable brand according to your needs is a big task. We suggest you try 3-4 popular brands which suit your budget and select the one that offers you the flavor and aroma you desire. Some famous brands are Starbucks, The Donut Shop, Dunkin’, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Maxwell House.  

5. Price

Another major thing to consider before buying k-cups is the price. Some k-cups are quite reasonable, but some are very expensive. The price of k-cups ranges from $10 to $50. Remember to check out the price and the number of k-cups offered at that price. Set your budget and shop k-cups at ease. 

K-cups Frequently Asked Questions

What is a K-cup?

A k-cup is a single-serve plastic cartridge that contains coffee or tea. The top of the cartridge is covered with a foil top, and the inner layer has a filter material that helps while brewing coffee. These k-cups are inserted in a compatible brewer, which prepares a classic cup of coffee. 

Also read: The Best Keurig Coffee Maker 2023 

What is the best light roast k-cup?

According to our observation, Starbuck Veranda Blend Blonde Roast K-cups are the best light roast k-cups available on the market. It is flavorful without having an extravagant, bold taste. Also, its flavor has notes of baking chocolate and toasted malt, making it toothsome. 

What is the best medium roast k-cup?

The Original Donut Shop Coffee Regular k-cup is the best medium roast k-cup on the market. It has a balance of coffee taste and aromas emerging from roasting. The Original Donut Shop provides coffee lovers with what they desire, making itself ideal for everyday use. 

What is the best dark roast k-cup?

We consider Green Mountain Dark-Roast the best dark roast k-cup, as it has a bold flavor with guilt-free brewing. Also, it has no aftertaste, which makes it unique. However, it is a bit expensive for daily usage. 

What is the best decaf k-cup?

According to our survey, Maxwell House Blend Medium Roast k-cup is the best decaf k-cup available. It has a perfect balance of flavor and strength.  It is preferred by people because it has a smooth taste of coffee with a medium roast that tastes heavenly till the last drop. 

What is the cheapest k-cup?

Maxwell House Breakfast Blend Light Roast k-cups are the cheapest ones on the market. These k-cups are best for daily use and are not too costly. Maxwell House Breakfast blend box consists of 84 coffee pods and costs $51. It has a consistently good taste and incredible flavor. 

Also read : Keurig Cup Sizes – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Can k-cup pods be used more than once?

K-cup pods are specifically designed for a single-serve purpose. They can not be used more than once as they contain coffee content for a single brew. If you try using it more than once, the second cup will not have enough flavor as most of the caffeine would be used in the first cup.

Also read: 21 Best Single Serve Coffee Makers of 2023

Do k-cups expire?

K-cups usually do not expire until the seal breaks or the packaging is intact. They would be usable for about eight to twelve months without considering the expiry date. The k-cups are sealed tightly against the oxygen, moisture, and light, which won’t let it go bad. You can check out more details on a Complete Guide on Nespresso Pods Expiry.

Are k-cup pods kosher?

K-cup pods are kosher. The kosher certificate covers almost all the brands, including Starbucks, The Donut Shop, Gloria Jeans, Newman’s Own, Tully’s, and many more. However, Cafe Escapes K-cups are not kosher.  

Can you recycle k-cups?

Yes, K-cups are recyclable. From 2020 onwards, Keurig is preparing 100% recyclable k-cups. They spent years testing and manufacturing k-cups that are environmentally friendly. 

Are k-cups easy to use?

K-cups are super easy to use and come in a wide variety of flavors according to your taste. You just have to place the k-cups in the Keurig machine, and the machine will do the rest of the task to provide you with an amazing cup of coffee.

Recommended guide: How to Make Espresso With Keurig: The Surprising Answer!

Are all Keurig machines compatible with all k-cups?

Yes, fortunately, all k-cups are of the same size and thus they are compatible with all Keurig coffee machines on the market. You can use k-cups of different flavors to prepare a coffee of your choice. However, you should consider Best Keurig Coffee Makers | Top Models Compared [2022] before buying a Keurig machine. 

Also read : Keurig Won’t Turn On – Quick and Easy Fixes

Are k-cups compatible with the Nespresso machine?

No, k-cups are not compatible with the Nespresso machines. It is because of the size and the shape difference of the Nespresso pods. However, you can use your Nespresso pods in Keurig.

Are k-cups compatible with other machines?

No, the k-cups are not compatible with other pod brewers. However, you can open the k-cups and use the coffee grounds in other coffee machines.

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