For most people, their morning cup of coffee is non-negotiable. Whether you need the caffeine to wake up or simply enjoy the daily ritual, why go with a sub-standard option when you can and should have the best tasting coffee available?
What To Look For In Coffee Pods
Did you know coffee pods expire? It’s not something we often think about, but when buying in bulk, ensure that you have enough time to enjoy your cup of joe before it expires.
Get the right pod for your machine. This may seem like an obvious point, but when it comes to certain machines, especially the Nespresso brand, not all pods are created equal.
Coffee pods have been heavily criticized for their impact on the environment, which is why we’ve included options that can be composted. Some companies, like Nespresso, also have recycling programs to help reduce the impact of their pods on the environment.
How We Picked The Best Coffee Pods
While coffee preference is certainly subjective, we have found some options below that incorporate a variety of brews and flavors to ensure you find your favorite and never get bored. These variety packs are made specifically for Nespresso and Keurig Brewers and can be used with their 1.0 and 2.0 systems.
For a delicious and quick cup of coffee every time, check out the best coffee pods below.
1. Starbucks K-Cup Coffee Variety Pack (60 Count )
Starbucks Black Coffee Variety Pack is made especially for Keurig Brewers and includes six of their most popular flavors: French Roast, Cafe Verona, Sumatra, Pike Place, House and Breakfast Blends. With a mix of both medium and dark roasts, you can experience a different taste every day with these coffees that are also smooth, balanced and rich with flavor. Perfect for home or in the office, these coffees will please anyone in need of that quick fix.
Pros: Great for Starbucks fans, work on all Keurig brewers, includes the most popular flavors.
Cons: No decaf options included.
2. Green Mountain Coffee Variety Pack (40 Count)
Green Mountain’s Coffee Variety Pack includes pods from 20 popular varieties including their Breakfast Blend, Original Donut Shop, Newman’s Own Organic blend, Tully’s Coffee and more. This pack includes authentic Keurig K Cup pods engineered for quality and compatibility with all Keurig coffee makers.
Pros: Several flavors available, organic options, excellent price.
Cons: These K-Cups are not biodegradable.
3. Coffee Pods Variety Pack Sampler
Whether you’re new to the world of Keurig and want to try all there is to drink, or you’re in search of your new favorite brew, we recommend this sampler from the Crazy Cups Store. The pack features 40 unique coffees, including organic, dark, medium and milk roasts. Compatible with all styles of Keurig machines, the sample pack is a great option for parties or anyone who wants to discover their new preferred brew (or two).
Pros: Large sample size, flavored options, several companies featured.
Cons: There are no decaffeinated coffees in this sampler pack.
4. Solimo Dark Roast Coffee Pods (100 Count)
The Solimo Dark Roast Coffee Pods, an Amazon Brand, comes with 100 French Roast coffee pods made from 100 percent Arabica coffee. This is an intensely flavored coffee with a very bold dark roast profile and has some bold, smoky notes as well. These K-Cup pods are also fully compatible with 1.0 and 2.0 Keurig brewers.
Pros: Intense flavor, affordable price, work in all Keurig machines.
Cons: 100 pods might be a lot for a first-time user.
5. Genius Keto Coffee Pods by VitaCup
When we think of drinks with a health focus, juices, elixirs, smoothies and teas are usually on the list long before coffee. Thankfully, you can get your caffeine fix and some added health benefits with the Genius Keto Coffee Pods by VitaCup. Increase your energy and improve your concentration with a blend of MCT oil, cinnamon and turmeric for a Keto-friendly blend. The pods are also packed with a vitamin infusion that includes B1, B5, B6, B9 and B12, as well as vitamin D. While things focused on health aren’t always focused on taste, that’s not the case with the Genius Keto pods, which are made from 100% Arabica beans that are roasted in the U.S. Healthy for the body and the earth, the Keurig-friendly pods can be recycled.
Pros: Health benefits, Keto-friendly, can be recycled.
Cons: VitaCup sells several health-focused coffee pods, but no variety packs that allow users to try each flavor.
6. Newman’s Own Organics Special Blend
For a great cup of coffee that will please most caffeine lovers, we recommend Newman’s Own Organics Special Blend. The bold and smooth medium roast coffee is made using organically grown beans and is a great option for serving a large group at once thanks to its universally enjoyed flavor. Made for Keurig machines, Newman’s Own also makes a French Roast, Decaf Special Blend and Sunrise Blend. We like that in addition to being USDA certified organic, the coffee is also Fair Trade and Kosher.
Pros: Available in several flavors, organic, Fair Trade and Kosher.
Cons: The pods can be recycled, but users must peel off the top of the pod and empty the contents first.
7. SF Bay Coffee OneCUP Variety Pack
Want to try several types of coffee at once without harming the environment? We’ve got the sample pack for you. The SF Bay Coffee OneCUP Variety Pack features four types of coffee all packaged in compost-friendly pods. Users can enjoy the dark French Roast, as well as three medium roasts, including Fog Chaser, Breakfast Blend and Organic Rainforest Blend. The pods work with all Keurig-style brewers and a made using only 100% Arabica beans that are Kosher certified. The pod is made with a paper lid, a plant-based, eco-friendly ring, and a commercially compostable coffee filter at the bottom.
Pros: Eco-friendly design, an organic option included, four popular flavors in each pack.
Cons: The rounded bottoms on the pods can make them difficult to fit into all K-cup holders.
8. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine
If you’ve upgraded to the Nespresso VertuoLine, you’re going to want to pick up one of these variety packs to find your new favorite flavor. All pods are color-coded for their flavor and include the name of their flavor on the bottom. A unique barcode tells the VertuoLine machine exactly how small (espresso) or big (coffee) the cup should be, pouring the perfect drink every time. The pack includes three of the best-selling Nespresso flavors, including Stormio, Odacio and Melozio. The 7.8-ounce drinks have three levels of intensity and can be recycled through the Nespresso program.
Pros: Three intensity levels, full-sized coffee drink, pods can be recycled.
Cons: The variety pack doesn’t include a decaffeinated option.
9. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine
Don’t get rid of your Nespresso OriginalLine machine just because there’s a newer version of the one-touch coffee machine. Instead, purchase pods that will work with your tried and tested gadget that delivers a smooth cup of coffee or espresso every time. This variety pack includes five flavors, including two dark and two medium roasts as well as a light roast. Nespresso includes a helpful guide for all its coffee and espresso pods, educating customers on the strength of each blend. Each pod delivers 1.35 oz of coffee and can be recycled through the Nespresso recycling program. The capsules are not only compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine machine, but also the KitchenAid machines that accept Nespresso capsules.
Pros: Excellent variety, can be used in Nespresso and KitchenAid machines, recyclable pods.
Cons: Customers may be able to purchase Nespresso pods for a lower price from Nespresso, but the company has limited shipping options.