Diehard coffee lovers shouldn’t have to suffer a flavor sacrifice in the name of decaf coffee, but unfortunately, due to the caffeine removal process requiring the coffee beans to be reheated (all roasted coffee beans have already experienced heat during the roasting process) to make the coffee decaffeinated, this can often result in an altered flavor – and not for the better!
For those who can’t do without at least one beloved cup of joe during the day – but sans the caffeine – good news! We’ve taken the time to choose and review the ten best decaf k cups, so you don’t have to!
What Are K-Cups?
Like coffee pods, K-Cups are considered single-serve coffee brewing systems and come in their own little cartridges. But contrary to popular belief, K-Cups and coffee pods aren’t the same.
K-Cups & Coffee Pods: What’s The Difference?
So, we know both are compacted coffee that fit into a machine to give us a cup of the good stuff, right? But how do they differ?
Well, K-Cups are single-serve plastic containers with coffee grounds designed for the Keurig coffee maker and cannot be used in other branded coffee makers. Coffee pods aren’t designed to go in Keurig brewers.
The Best Decaf K Cups
So, without further ado, let’s look at the winning decaf K-cups:
Coffee + chocolate – caffeine = heck, yes!
This medium roast coffee is gluten-free, contains no added sugar or lactose, and is brimming with a warm chocolatey flavor, giving off a natural mocha vibe. These K-Cups are also 100 % recyclable to enjoy a good cup of joe without a sugar, caffeine, or lactose explosion – and without harming the environment!
The only downer here is while this brand uses natural flavors to give a chocolate vibe, they also use a few synthetic ones, which sensitive taste buds may not be fond of.
When it comes to coffee – Peet knows his stuff!
These joe pods may be decaf, but they still pack a full-bodied punch. A big part of this flavorful coffee is that this company uses heated water as a solvent rather than a chemical, meaning no unpleasant artificial, chemical-y flavor is brimming in these beans.
The downside with these decaf K-Cups is that the price is higher than that of most of their competitors and that the K-Cups themselves aren’t overly robust insofar as you may find one or two cups per box that aren’t fully sealed and need to be tossed.
San Francisco is known as a coffee lover’s haven for a reason!
These k cups offer a unique and bold flavor synonymous with traditional French taste. And the best part? These K-Cups are fully compostable.
Many coffee pods aren’t environmentally friendly as they have been designed using non-recyclable materials, but San Francisco Bay believes a steaming cup of joe shouldn’t come at the expense of the earth. Hear hear!
The only issues here are the seals. Sometimes you may find your Keurig machine struggling to pierce the cup’s foil. Also, despite this robustness, sealing these pods are sealed like traditional K-Cups, and you may find your coffee loses its freshness sooner than it should. If you’re a San Francisco Bay die-hard, you’re well-advised to keep your pods in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
These 100 % Arabica coffee beans are packed into 72 delightful decaf k cups for your Keurig machine and are easily recyclable. Tim Horton’s has been a coffee fan-fave since 1964 and is available in a medium or dark roast.
The only downside here is, as with the above brand, there can be issues with piercing the foil when making your brew.
illy is an Italian brand and what the Italians don’t know about coffee ain’t worth knowing!
These delightful decaf K-Cups come in boxes of ten and are generally a little pricier than other brands, but they make up for it in terms of taste and value for money.
No real downers here save that these decaf k cups are medium roast but are still pretty punchy, so if you prefer lighter tastes, it could be worth looking into a different brand.
Donut shop coffee is the ultimate comfort treat, but why have to haul yourself out the door whenever you want to indulge?! Instead, you can bring the delights of Dunkin’ to your own home.
And it doesn’t stop there. Dunkin decaf K-Calso has festive flavors, including pumpkin spice and French vanilla.
Brownie points get knocked off, however, owing to the high cost of this brand and the fact that even with the additional flavor options, these K-Cups won’t exactly ignite your taste buds.
Lovers of a sweeter, milder coffee taste are in luck with this decaf coffee while still providing a rich, smooth flavor that every coffee should have.
This Kosher decaffeinated coffee also comes with no additional ‘nasties,’ such as additives, artificial flavors, sugar, or synthetic ingredients. Just pure coffee, which is just what we coffee drinkers need!
The only complaint is the flimsy packaging, which can result in occasional bean spillage!
Green Mountain coffee roasters had to make an appearance on this list somewhere.
Light roast decaf coffee can sometimes be a bit bland, but that’s not the case here. Another delicious coffee of the light roast variety to wrap your chops around, offering consistently good decaf coffee for great value for money—and the ideal K-Cup option for those who like their coffee sans milk or creamer.
A con? Yes, unfortunately. Sometimes this decaf blend can be prone to clogging your machine, so be mindful of that.
100 % Arabica beans and packaging that’s 100 % recyclable? Count us in!
Lovers of dark roast blends can enjoy a strong coffee without the dreaded caffeine kick. The decaf process is also water-based – not chemical-based – so it’s just pure decaf coffee without any unpleasant additions. Also, any decaf K-Cup that is fully eco-friendly is okay in our books!
One word of warning, though – occasionally, the pods can be known to explode during the coffee-making process.
Name a better combo than donuts and coffee… we’ll wait.
If Dunkin’ Donuts aren’t your thing, enter The Donut Shop’s delectable medium roast K-Cup, which is ideal for your morning cup of joe or as a post-dinner treat, as it boasts a great flavor for all occasions.
The only bummer with this K-Cup is its price. Like most big brands – there are more inexpensive options with zero quality sacrificed.
Best Decaf K Cups – The Verdict
A tough call, but we have to say our favorite option is the illy Decaffeinated K-Cups, which are authentic-tasting, great value for money, and just provide a great cup of coffee.
Decaf Coffee K-Cups: FAQs
What is the healthiest decaf coffee?
Any decaf coffee that has been filtered using the Swiss water process is the healthiest option because it won’t contain any chemicals or unpleasantries, so not only will it retain the natural (and delicious) flavor of the coffee, but it will also be loaded with antioxidants.
Where can I buy decaf K-Cups?
Most coffee brands will have branches and an online shopping option. Conversely, most large eCommerce shops, such as Amazon, provide ample coffee ranges.
Which K-Cup coffee has the least caffeine?
According to the web*, the coffee beans with the least amount of caffeine are Melitta Buzzworthy.
What is the point of k cups?
K-Cups provide single-serve hot beverages (including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate) for those with a Keurig coffee maker. They are ideal for those who love single-serve machine coffee at home. The drink granules are contained within a plastic cartridge and covered with a foil lid, pierced during the brewing process, keeping the coffee contained while the machine prepares your drink.
Is it cheaper to use k cups or ground or instant coffee?
Generally, it costs a little more to drink coffee via K-Cups than ground coffee (instant or in another machine). This is down to the individual packaging costs involved with K-Cups or other coffee pods.
Final Thoughts
Drinking decaf coffee shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor, so we hope this has helped you find the best decaf K-Cups money can buy. There are plenty of options available.
You must ensure you own a Keurig machine and choose the roast type that tickles those taste buds the most. Where you prefer Italian, French, or good old America joe – you’re spoilt for choice. Happy brewing!
