Popular K-Cups, Ranked Worst To Best

If you are a person who loves coffee, then you probably have your own personal favorite way to make coffee at home. And, sure, it might be nice to get some Starbucks on your way to work every day, but at some point, you realize that's not financially feasible. You've got to make your own coffee at home. Whether you're a black coffee fan, prefer to add cream and sugar, or maybe you like to add steamed milk or drink your coffee over ice, you can probably make your perfect cup of coffee with a Keurig machine.

While Keurig might not make the kind of gourmet coffee you can get at a coffee shop, there's no denying the fact that it's super convenient. And compared to buying coffee shop stuff every day, it's also cost-effective. But, if you're new to the world of Keurig and K-Cups, you might feel a little overwhelmed at all the options out there to try. Fortunately, we've ranked some of the most popular K-Cups out there, from worst to best. So, keep reading to figure out which K-cups are worth trying, and which ones are worth leaving on grocery store shelves.

As popular as the commercials for Folgers Classic coffee might be, that doesn't necessarily mean their coffee is any good. What's more, when their coffee is put into K-Cup form, it seems to only get worse. Yes, though the Folgers Classic K-Cups are a seemingly easy choice for a classic coffee flavor at a low price, this particular coffee is just better off left behind.

Look at some reviews of the coffee if you don't believe us. "After trying to get a decent cup of coffee from the kcups i ordered, everyone had to be dumped, tasted bitter and burnt," one person wrote. "No aroma, no taste, a big ZERO," another added. Yikes. You definitely want a smooth and flavorful coffee when you make a cup of coffee at home, and the Folgers Classic K-Cups just do not deliver. Instead, you'll be seriously disappointed and wish you hadn't wasted your time with this one.

If you're a fan of Starbucks, you might be surprised that one of their K-Cups has ranked so low on this list. Now, obviously, if you choose this K-Cup, then odds are you're wanting to emanate the Starbucks Caramel-flavoring at home. Unfortunately, this blend just isn't the same.

According to reviews of the K-Cups, this coffee carries more fake caramel flavor than the in-store stuff and lacks some serious depth. One reviewer even went so far as to proclaim that "This coffee is by far the nastiest thing I've ever tasted." Others complained of a weirdly artificial, even plastic-infused taste. If you want to make a caramel macchiato or latte at home, this might seem like a great first step, but honestly, this isn't a great K-Cup option even for a dedicated Starbucks regular. Steer clear of the caramel flavoring, however, and you may be safer snagging other options from this coffeehouse giant.

If you are new to the world of Keurig and have a favorite brand of coffee that you used to make in your old coffee maker, you might be disappointed to learn that not every coffee tastes the same once it becomes a K-Cup. That's seemingly the case with the Newman's Own Special Extra Bold Blend. While people love the coffee, many have stated that once it's in a K-Cup, it's just not the same.

Plenty of reviewers claim that Newman's Own K-Cups were pretty bad, actually. One reviewer described it as "so bitter I can't even drink it," while another noted that "My coffee has been coming out tasting like burned popcorn." And if that wasn't enough to sway you away from this K-Cup, another user also pointed out that the coffee had a surprising flavor note to it that you might not expect, or like. "There's a bit too much chocolate notes for my taste," they claimed. Clearly, the Newman's Own Special Extra Bold Blend isn't all that great in K-Cup form, despite the otherwise good reputation of Newman's Own.

In terms of easy, inexpensive, and relatively moderate-tasting coffee, Eight O-Clock Coffee The Original blend might seem like a pretty great option, but these K-Cups are actually some of the worst out there. If you've never tried them, consider yourself lucky.

Online reviewers pretty much described the coffee as being bland, and foul-tasting. "I found the taste to be bitter and the aroma cardboardy," one wrote. "This is ok coffee, but not really delicious or interesting — sorta one dimensional taste," another added.

Still, one reviewer noted that there were some quality control issues with the K-Cups that made the coffee pretty nasty, overall. "The coffee must have been ground too fine, as it left grounds at bottom of the cup." Um, gross (unless you like chewing on your coffee for some reason). Eight O-Clock Coffee The Original K-Cups might be tempting if you like a medium, smooth coffee, but they just won't deliver.

Most fast food patrons agree that McDonald's has some surprisingly decent coffee. But, even if you're a big fan of their java blends, their K-Cups are simply not the same. McCafe Premium Medium Roast K-Cups aren't anything special, all things considered.

Reviews of the McCafe K-Cups are pretty harsh, with many tasters noting that the K-Cups are nowhere near as good as the coffee you get going through the McDonald's drive-thru. "This McDonald's product is weak, has a slight acidic after taste. It's NOT an enjoyable cup of coffee," one reviewer wrote. Still, another was even more adamant that the coffee just wasn't good. "It has a weak flavor compared to other dark roast pods I have purchased. This brand is delicious in person, not impressed via K cups." Clearly, these K-Cups don't hold up to other McDonald's coffees, so don't waste your time with them, no matter how much you love regular McCafe coffee.

Chances are pretty good that, if you've stayed at a hotel or rental that had a Keurig in it, you've probably seen Green Mountain Breakfast Blend K-Cups near those coffee machines. For whatever reason, the Green Mountain Breakfast K-Cups are super popular here, as the company claims that its coffee has a very mild, smooth taste that just about everyone can enjoy. But these K-Cups aren't all they're cracked up to be.

In fact, reviews of these K-Cups basically describe the coffee as being pretty lackluster. "Coffee is ok – nothing special but also good enough to get the job done every day," one person explained. Others complained that the resulting blend lacked body and was disappointingly weak and watery. The Green Mountain Breakfast Blend is basically the middle-ground of K-Cups. It's not terrible, to be certain, but neither is it the absolute best of the best.

Everyone knows that there's nothing quite like a Cinnabon cinnamon roll. When you start to smell the sweet, delicious scent of one waft towards you, it's almost impossible to resist. Yes, Cinnabon is known for its delicious pastries, but the Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cups aren't quite the same. If you're expecting to drink a cup of coffee that tastes exactly like the chain's cinnamon rolls, you'll be severely disappointed.

But don't just take our word for it. People who have tried these K-Cups are adamant that the flavor profile isn't anywhere close to an actual Cinnabon. One reviewer described the coffee as "super basic and tasted like nothing special," and that's not even the worst of it. "I like Cinnabon but other than a mildly cinnamon bun flavor that's about it. Nothing spectacular," another added. Perhaps you're better off just buying the roll and getting your coffee elsewhere.

Another super popular K-Cup option you've probably seen around is The Donut Shop Original. The coffee is a regular, medium roast blend that would seemingly appeal to a lot of people, and it definitely appears in plenty of hotels and rental spots. But not everyone is a fan of these ubiquitous K-Cups. On the contrary, the coffee is actually pretty bland for some, while others found it unpleasantly bitter.

One review claimed that the K-Cups didn't have a ton of flavor or depth. "I like dark coffee without sugar, creamer, or flavorings and I think this is just too weak for me. I'm sure if you like light coffee it would be fine," the reviewer wrote. Others found it too intense. "A little too strong on the burnt/cigarette taste for me, but not a bad cup of coffee." Overall, it seems as if this will do in a pinch, but few are raving about The Donut Shop's taste.

If you're lucky enough to live near a Caribou Coffee, then you know just how delicious the chain's drinks can be. Caribou Coffee is essentially the Starbucks of the Midwest, and so it makes sense that, just like Starbucks, Caribou Coffee would release its own K-Cups. However, fans might find themselves let down by the brand's mediocre K-Cups.

Reviewers agree that the coffee is just a little blah. "Morning coffee. Good flavor. I like it. Just doesn't set the world on fire," one user wrote. "Tasty coffee, not great, but pretty good," another added. Basically, the Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend ​​K-Cups are the very definition of underwhelming — it's nothing outright terrible or offensive, but neither does it seem like anyone's clamoring for a taste of that K-Cup brew. If you like Caribou Coffee, it might be worth trying just to make sure, but many believe there are better options out there.

Much like Caribou Coffee is a popular region chain, so too is Tim Hortons. Though Tim Hortons is mostly a Canadian favorite, the chain has quite a few locations in the United States and some super loyal and dedicated fans. So, if you love Tim Hortons, their Original Medium Roast K-Cups might be perfect for you. Overall, the coffee is tasty, and while it's not quite as good as the coffee you get in person, it's pretty close.

In fact, that's what true fans of Tim Hortons have said in their reviews of the coffee. "Its not QUITE canadian timmys, but it is decent," one wrote. "It is a bit more mild than expected," another added. But another reviewer noted that there were also some manufacturing issues that could plague your coffee drinking experience. "The flavor of this box was weak and so many cups have failed to keep grounds inside of said cup," they explained.

The Krispy Kreme Classic Medium Roast K-Cup definitely sounds like it would be something that most people would enjoy. Yet, as popular as it is, there are still people who found it lacking in a few different areas.

Specifically, reviews of the K-Cups state that the blend just wasn't very deep or strong. "It's a really weak coffee," one reviewer wrote. One reviewer said that this might be great for people who don't typically drink a lot of coffee, since it was so lacking in flavor. That's not exactly a gold star awarded in this K-Cup's favor, however, as most coffee aficionados prefer their drink to have a bit more body and flavor in the mix. So, yes, the Krispy Kreme Classic Medium Roast won't knock you off your feet. Still, it's clearly not the worst cup of coffee you'll ever drink, meaning that it will work if you don't have any other K-Cup option.

Though it's a chain that's mostly found in larger cities, Peet's Coffee can also be easily found on grocery store shelves and in a few smaller places. Anyone who has tried the coffee chain knows that the brand has some seriously tasty offerings. No matter what kind of coffee you like, Peet's probably has something for you. And as far as their K-Cups are concerned, the Peet's House Dark Roast Coffee is actually pretty impressive.

For the most part, people can't get enough of the K-Cups, raving that the flavor is bold, smooth, and exactly what you want. Well, for the most part. One review did note that the flavor was a bit off. "​​I got this thinking it would be stronger nice mild favor, it was ok not what I wanted," they explained. Still, most coffee drinkers really enjoyed it. "Good choice for an everyday coffee. Neither too dark nor too light. Good body," they wrote. The K-Cups are a good middle ground for just about any coffee drinker, so if you want something for your Keurig that will please everyone, these are a pretty safe if unadventurous bet.

The Starbucks French Roast is basically the quintessential dark roast coffee for many folks. But if you have a Keurig machine, the Starbucks French Roast K-Cups might actually be even better — not to mention easier, faster, and cheaper — than going to an actual Starbucks to get the coffee. Yes, really.

While the K-Cups in question aren't the absolute best ones out there, they are actually pretty tasty, especially if you prefer a darker coffee. "If you are a fan of dark roast, this is a good, consistent k-cup to purchase," one reviewer wrote. "It has a good bite without being bitter," another added. 

However, another reviewer added that it wasn't quite the same that you would get from Starbucks, noting that it made for a relatively weaker brew. Overall, though, the Starbucks French Roast K-Cups are a decent make-at-home coffee option and a must-try for fans of a dark roast.

Just to be clear, the Green Mountain Dark Magic K-Cups aren't actually magic. For the most part, they're decent enough, and while many customers really enjoy them, they're still not for people who prefer a lighter coffee experience. The Dark Magic is obviously a dark roast, and as far as dark roasts go it's pretty good.

Reviews of the coffee make it seem as if anyone who has tried it wants to order it again. "The Dark Magic has an excellent bold flavor without the typical 'burnt' flavor of many bold roasts," one person wrote. "Amazing flavor. Bold and tasty. Perfect blend for strong coffee lovers," another added. 

Still, the coffee isn't perfect, as others have noted being rather bored by the results of the Green Mountain K-Cups. So, if you want to try out a new dark roast, give the Green Mountain Dark Magic a try — it might surprise you!

While you might not have heard of Barrie House coffee, the brand is both increasingly popular and something worth trying, though you'll have to order it online. The brand is certified organic, fair trade, and was also a finalist for the 2021 Roaster of the Year from Roast Magazine.

Reviews of the Barrie House Bold K-Cup rave about the brand's delicious brew. "It's the best I have had in my 58 years of existence. And it saved me a lot since I've stopped buying made coffee," one person wrote. One reviewer even gave the coffee quite possibly the best review of a K-Cup you could get. "Ever since ordering these k-cups we can not drink any other coffee, simply the best!!" they wrote. So, all that being said, if you love a bold coffee, definitely give these K-Cups a try. While they aren't for everyone, they're still pretty good and may please your palate in particular.

For a quality coffee that's sure to please just about everyone and their own unique taste buds, the Starbucks Pike Place K-Cups might be your best bet. After all, the Pike Place blend is super subtle and smooth, and the K-Cup translates that into a convenient and tasty at-home alternative. And really, the reviews speak for themselves.

One coffee drinker exclaimed that the K-Cups were good, though they weren't exactly perfect. "I always go for Pike's Place when I visit a Starbucks; however, it just doesn't taste exactly the same with the K-cups. Still very good though," they wrote. Others praised the K-Cups for their convenience, while some noted that it was cheaper overall than going into the store and ordering the same brew. However, one reviewer also took the time to note that the coffee really wasn't that great. "I was disappointed with this coffee. It had a bitter taste and wasn't worth the money," they explained.

There's somewhat of an unspoken battle going on between two of the biggest coffee chains in the United States right now. That is to say, if you're a coffee drinker, then you're probably either a dedicated customer of either Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. And while it might seem that Starbucks is a lot more popular than Dunkin', when it comes to K-Cups, Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend takes the cake.

The K-Cups are easy to find in stores or online and, what's more, people really love the flavor. "Always stocked with the Dunkin K-cups!! Absolute favorite brand," one reviewer wrote. "Favorite coffee! [...] Good flavor and strength with out that overbearing 'I'm choking on coffee' flavor that some coffees give you," another reviewer added. 

All told, it's clear to us that Dunkin' Donuts truly has the best K-Cup out there. 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.