Best Keurig K-Cups: Top 5 Pods Most Recommended By Coffee Experts

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since the Keurig single-cup brewing system hit the home market, transforming our morning routines. Remember when you had to brew an entire drip pot only to throw most of it away? The dream machine makes it simple to make a cup at a time — even with one eye open! With the brand’s stellar technology comes the best Keurig K-Cups that provide you with any flavor in the comfort of your own home.

At first, only a few companies offered the K-Cups designed for Keurig. Now, we’re flooded with so many endless brands and flavor profiles choosing the perfect brew online or in the grocery aisles can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, StudyFinds has uncovered the crème de la crème of these caffeinated capsules.

Speaking of caffeine, did you know that sipping your morning coffee can supercharge your brain’s performance? A recent study found this beloved brew not only perks you up but also sharpens tasks that require concentration and memory. No wonder many of us rely on that essential jolt to kickstart our day!

K-Cups aren’t just for coffee. Other hot beverages, such as hot chocolate and tea, are available in K-Cup form. But, for this piece, we focus only on the top five best K-Cups, ranked and rated by coffee aficionados. Read on and share in the comments below if there’s a K-Cup you believe deserves the spotlight!

Hot Americano in a mug — Cup of coffee (Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)

The List: Best Keurig K-Cups, According to Coffee Lovers

1. Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast K-Cup

“Dunkin’ Donuts truly has the best K-Cup out there,” boasts Mashed. “It’s one that’s bound to satisfy you no matter what kind of coffee you like, thanks to its balanced texture and flavor. So, if you’re looking for the best coffee to make in your Keurig, this has got to be it.”

Tasting Table points out, “The non-Dunkin’ like coffee flowing from the branded K-cups is very nice in a different way. We’d describe Dunkin’s Original Blend as surprisingly complex. It has a milder coffee flavor than some of its peers, and this allows that complexity to blossom. The main thing we noted was a strong, almost perfume-like, collection of floral notes. It’s one to enjoy, and places high on our list.”

Restaurant Clicks raves, “It tastes just like the coffee you get with a donut at any of their locations, except you don’t have to wait in line to get it.”

2. Donut Shop Original Donut Shop Regular K-Cup

For long-time Keurig users, the Donut Shop brand is a pantry staple in their pantry, since it’s owned by Keurig. The Spruce Eats writes, “The brand is known for its tasty blend of chocolatey and nutty. This medium roast is the type of coffee you can drink every day, cup after cup, and never tire of. The Original Donut Shop brand is owned by Keurig and makes several other varieties worth checking out—including a dark roast, a decaf roast, and even a coconut mocha blend—but regular is our favorite.”

Delish states these K-Cups are a “crowd favorite.” This brew has over 73,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 rating. One reviewer says “This medium roast is like a shot of adrenaline, sharp and strong, just what you need to get your day going.”

“With 100% arabica beans, this is a simple coffee with a bold and balanced flavor,” according to Your Coffee and Tea. “There’s no bitterness or dryness as an aftertaste. It’s not overly strong with a rich and sweet taste and a heavy coffee aroma.”

3. Peet’s Big Bang Medium Roast K-Cup

The Food Network knows its stuff and calls this K-Cup a great medium roast. “It features notes of tropical fruit, but still manages to be super smooth and not too acidic. It’s definitely bold, so we would definitely add in a little milk and a dash of sugar to bring out the fruit flavors.”

“We did encounter a refreshing and vibrant drink, with a lot of natural sweetness to it,” writes Tasting Table. “The coffee smell that filled the kitchen was stronger and more pleasant than anything else we tested. So at the very least, consider using one of these as an air freshener.”

One SheSpeaks reviewer mentions, “Peet’s Big Bang is a medium roast but it has the same strong craft taste of dark roasts that I like-without the bitterness. I always liked Coffee anyway, but I really like the Big Bang K-cups!”

4. McCafé Premium Medium Roast K-Cup

“The McCafé coffee at McDonalds is a not-so-hidden gem,” observes Tasting Table. “The stuff you get from the almost omni-present fast food chain is cheap, flavorful, and pretty great value for the money. Now, thanks to this line of K-cups, you can enjoy the flavor of a McCafé without having to travel a couple to a Golden Arches.”

“McCafe Premium Medium Roast is a smooth, well-balanced coffee that has a subtle and delightful flavor,” according to Restaurant Clicks. “It’s a good choice for beginner coffee drinkers. I like to mix it with cream and sugar to make it as comforting as an All-American meal.”

Coffee Hevean says, “If you love the taste of McDonald’s coffee and want to enjoy it in the comfort of your home or office, then McCafe Premium Roast Medium Coffee K-Cup Pods are the perfect choice.”

5. Caribou Coffee’s Daybreak Morning Blend K-Cup

Prefer a light roast? “Thanks to its smooth and gentle flavor, light roast coffee is a wonderful way to get your day started,” says The Spruce Eats. “That’s why Caribou Coffee’s Daybreak Morning Blend is so aptly named. It’s bright, fruity, and has subtle undertones of sweet caramel to wake you up right. Those who drink darker coffee may worry that light roasts don’t offer enough flavor, but that’s not the case here.”

Tasting Table loves the Caribou brand encouraging everyone to, “Stock up on Caribou, it could be a reliable way to start your day for many years to come.”

If your eco-conscious, Restaurant Clicks says Caribou is “committed to sustainable and fair sourcing, their coffee beans achieving the 100% Clean Label and the Rainforest Alliance Certification.”

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.

Tags: coffee