13 Best Medium Roast K-Cups With Perfect Flavor

1. Atlas Coffee Club – Best Tasting Medium Roast K Cup

The Rwandan origin pods are my personal favorite as they deliver a hint of cranberry and chocolate while maintaining that smooth coffee flavor.

Atlas has a unique offering for coffee overs. They ship out your K-cups every 2,4, or 6 weeks depending on your personal preference when ordering. This means you should have your next cup available at all times.

The next big positive from Atlas is that they will send different origins as K-cups for each shipment. By doing this, you get to try many flavor profiles from different parts of the world. 

I loved this approach as it allow my partner and I to try the coffees from various countries. We each have a subtle difference in our preferences so we were able to find what worked to each of our tastebuds. 

The pricing can vary depending on where you purchase but the most economical option is to sign up for a subscription on the Atlas Coffee Website.

Pricing Explained:

• Initial 'BaristaHQ' Discounted Price = $0.34c per pod
• Regular Price = $0.68c per pod

This represents great value when comparing the quality versus the price to other Keurig pods on our list. 

This discount should automatically be applied through our links. If you do not see it, then add 'BARISTAHQ50' as a coupon code at checkout.

You can become an Atlas coffee member of their club and receive monthly coffee pod shipments from bean growing destinations across the world.

If monthly membership is not for you, then you can purchase Atlas Medium Roast K-Cups on Amazon.

2. Starbucks Pike Place Roast - Another Solid Choice

Starbucks knows coffee, so it's no surprise they make one of the best medium roast K cup coffee pod options.

The medium roast coffee in these pods is extremely well-balanced and easy to drink. They are perfect for anyone who wants bold, smooth coffee for everyday drinking.

Starbucks Pike Place is one of the oldest medium roast K cups available. They’ve stood the test of time by using quality ingredients that produce a balance of coffee flavors.

They use a blend of high-quality Arabica beans in each K cup coffee. There are rich cocoa notes from the Central American blend, followed up by the more complex flavors of South America.

It’s not as bold as Original Donut Shop K cups, but I love the unique flavors it creates.

What really stood out for me was the smoothness. There are no harsh coffee notes, and unlike the Death Wish Coffee K cups, there’s not even a hint of bitterness in the aftertaste.

Grizzled coffee veterans may miss the bitter flavors, but for most people, it just makes this K cup coffee even more drinkable.

The Starbucks Pike Place K cups are my top pick for medium roast coffee because they are perfect for everyone.

There's enough coffee flavor for experienced coffee drinkers but a light smoothness for relaxed coffee drinkers.

I recommend these medium roast K cups to all coffee drinkers, but especially to anyone trying medium roast coffee for the first time.

3. Green Mountain Medium Roast K-Cup

Green Mountain Roasters is one of the best-known Keurig K cup brands, and it's easy to see why my runner-up is so popular.

If you want a smooth, complex, and versatile coffee that fits into any daily routine, you will love this K cup.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters are owned by Keurig, so they produce very high-quality K cups.

I've used hundreds (maybe thousands) of Green Mountain K cups over the years and never experienced any leaks or clogs in the machine.

The seals are perfect, too, so you get a fresher medium roast coffee taste from Green Mountain K cups.

Green Mountain medium roast is slightly richer than other medium roast K cups. They use African Arabica beans that give berry flavor notes and Indonesian coffee beans that give a robust flavor.

This produces a full-bodied coffee with more character than the McCafe or Solimo K cups.

The Green Mountain K cups are still silky smooth despite having a stronger flavor. There is a hint of a bitter aftertaste, but nothing overpowering. 

Each sip just leaves you with the rich taste of medium-roast coffee. The slightly deeper flavor profile of this medium roast K cup makes it perfect for additions. 

I love a strong black coffee in the morning, but this is one of the best K cups for those who like to add milk, cream, or sugar.

Green Mountain makes it easy to enjoy full-bodied coffee at home. This is another pod that all coffee drinkers will enjoy, but it’s a particularly great choice for anyone who wants effortless and bold coffee every day.

4. Peet’s Coffee Medium Roast K-Cup

Peet’s makes some of my favorite dark roast K cups, so I was excited to try their medium roast K cup coffees.

They didn’t disappoint, and this medium roast K cup is perfect for anyone who likes lighter, less intense coffees.

The flavor of Peet's medium roast coffees comes from the coffee beans. They use a mixture of coffee beans from 3 different countries with bright, almost citrus notes.

This creates a K-cup coffee that's lighter than the Death Wish Coffee or Original Donut Shop K cups, with less bold flavors.

On top of that, these are one of the best organic coffee pods. The natural flavor of the medium roast is enhanced by the organic growth of the coffee beans.

There are no chemicals or fertilizers used, and they capture the coffee bean flavor from each region.

When you look past the delicious coffee flavor, you can see that Peet's is a sustainable company with some good values.

They source their coffee beans responsibly to help limit their impact on the region. This means you can drink coffee guilt free!

Plus, their K cup pods are easily recyclable, making it easier to protect the environment and limit waste.

This isn’t a bold, intense coffee, but it’s the best medium roast K cup for those who want a lighter, more relaxed brew.

The balanced flavor makes them easy to drink and great for casual coffee lovers.

5. The Original Donut Shop Medium Roast K-Cup

The Original Donut Shop specializes in sweet, flavored K cups. I expected more of the same with their medium roast K-cup coffee, but I couldn't be more wrong.

This bold and flavorsome brew is best for those who enjoy strong coffee or like adding sugar or syrups to their brew.

The Original Donut Shop uses high-quality beans from Central America. The coffee has a balanced flavor profile, strong coffee notes, and a mellow finish.

It’s not as bold as the Death Wish Coffee K cups, but it’s noticeably darker than a lot of medium roast coffees.

This medium-roast coffee is an excellent base for other drinks and pairs amazingly with sugary syrups and flavors.

I tried it with hazelnut and caramel syrup. It worked well with the bold flavor and is the perfect pairing for sugary foods (like donuts).

You will definitely appreciate this medium roast if you like strong coffee flavors paired with sugary sweetness.

The Original Donut Shop medium roast K cup is everyday coffee, with a difference. It’s richer than most regular brews but still mild enough to sip throughout the day.

This K cup is perfect for coffee lovers who want to replace their drip ground or instant coffee with a higher-quality alternative.

6. McCafe Premium Medium Roast K-Cup

McCafe shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great coffee. These are the best medium roast K cup option for those who want quality coffee on a budget.

McCafe medium roast K cup pods are probably the mildest on the list. They aren't weak, but it's a light, subtle flavor compared to other K cups.

There are no spicy flavors like the Starbucks Pike Place K cup pods and no smoky flavor like the Green Mountain K cup pods have.

However, this K cup has an amazingly balanced flavor profile.

This coffee isn't too sweet, isn't too bitter, and isn't too weak. It's so well-rounded on your taste buds that it's incredibly easy to drink.

The premium Arabica beans give it a smooth finish, too, with no harshness that some single-serve coffee pods have.

The McCafe single-serve coffee pods also mix well with milk and sugar. They’re great for customizing, so you can add whatever you like to them without ruining the taste.

This is the best medium roast K cup for anyone who loves gentle coffees.

Coffee aficionados may not like this mellow brew, but I recommend these K-cup coffees to anyone who wants a simple, affordable, balanced everyday coffee.

7. Maxwell House House Blend Medium Roast K-Cup

Maxwell House has a dangerously addictive medium roast K cup. It's different from the mellow, subtle flavors of medium-roast coffee and is noticeably bolder and darker.

This particular best medium roast K cup option is best for those who want rich and strong coffee every day.

Maxwell House’s medium roast K cup has a thicker body and more robust flavor than the Starbucks, Green Mountain, or Peet’s coffee blends.

This is because they use a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.

The Arabica beans give some light, nutty flavors with some bright acidity, whereas the Robusta beans add a real kick of bold flavor.

This combination of different blends gives it a unique flavor compared to other medium roasts. It’s full-bodied but with some bitter notes.

What I really like about Maxwell House's medium blend is the consistency. Every coffee pod has the same exact flavor, and there are no nuances.

This is perfect for those who enjoy consistent coffees, and it's perfect for my morning routine.

Maxwell's K cups aren't as good as the Starbucks or Green Mountain K cups. I didn't have any issues, but I would avoid brewing too many coffees back to back.

The Maxwell medium roast coffee pods may not suit all casual coffee drinkers, but true coffee lovers will enjoy the unique flavor profile.

It's more intense than many medium roasts but still suitable for everyday drinking. I would recommend these K cups to anyone who enjoys stronger-tasting coffees.

8. Eight O’Clock Coffee Medium Roast K-Cup

Eight O'Clock K cup captures everything that a medium roast should be. Distinctive but not overpowering, with a coffee flavor that anyone can enjoy.

It's rich, gentle, and best for those with sensitive stomachs that still want a full-flavored coffee.

This medium roast coffee has all the flavor but with less bite. The South American beans give a bold taste, littered with nutty and chocolate notes.

There's no acidity or bitterness in this K cup, either.

The full body and smooth, rich finish make it easier to drink than the Maxwell and The Original Donut Shop K cups, and it’s perfect for everyday drinking.

Most medium roast blends are best with milk or sugar, but I actually prefer having this one black.

The natural richness of the coffee makes it easy to drink, and I didn't need milk to soften the flavor. I recommend sticking to 8oz or 10oz Keurig cup sizes, though, or the coffee can get a bit watery.

Eight O’Clock has been around for over 150 years, consistently delivering the highest quality coffee. Their delicious Keurig pods aren't subtle or mild, but they aren't overpowering.

I recommend them to anyone who prefers full-bodied coffee without any sugary extras.

9. Krispy Kreme Classic Medium Roast K-Cup

Krispy Kreme medium roast is light and smooth, with an amazing aroma.

It's another well-balanced cup but with less intensity than other pods. This Keurig cup is definitely best for sweet coffee lovers.

I’m usually a fan of darker, more intense brews, but Krispy Kreme has converted me.

This Keurig pod is similar to Peet’s Keurig pods because they both have bright, fruity notes, but I would say the Krispy Kreme is better for casual coffee drinkers.

Krispy Kreme has deliberately chosen coffee beans with tastes that won't overpower each other.

There's a good balance in every cup, with some delicious sweet tastes to round out each flavorful cup.

I love the Krispy Kreme one because it tastes so clean. There's a purity about this coffee that you don't get with other pods, and I almost didn't want to add milk or sugar to ruin that.

Every pod is consistent, too, giving you a perfect cup of sweet and mild coffee every time.

Krispy Kreme makes the best medium roast for those who value high-quality coffee. This refreshing brew is the perfect morning Joe to set you up for the day.

10. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend

The Caribou Coffee medium roast Keurig pods offer something a bit different.

Their K cup captures spicy, woody, and earthy flavors, creating something bold and unique. These K cups are best for those who prefer specialty coffees.

The blend of flavors comes from a mixture of Indonesian and Central American beans.

The richness of the Central American beans contrasts the smoky, spicy flavors of the Indonesian beans, creating an original flavor.

Usually, only single-origin coffee creates such interesting flavors, but Caribou has done it well with a blend.

Caribou Coffee is one of the freshest and noticeably fresher than the Starbucks or Green Mountain K cups. Their ethically sourced coffee grounds are processed using a small batch roasting process.

This allows them to capture all the amazing flavors and transfer them directly into your cup.

The only downside is that this small batch-roasting process means less consistency in the Keurig pods.

I quite enjoy the slight variations of flavor, but those who want a consistent coffee will prefer the Maxwell or Eight O'clock coffee Keurig pods.

Caribou Coffee source sustainably, too, and are a Rainforest Alliance-certified and Fair Trade company.

This extra care helps to protect the workers and the environment but ultimately creates a more flavorful brew.

If you’ve had medium roast coffee before and want something a bit different, this is the Keurig pod I recommend.

I prefer drinking it black to enjoy the new flavors fully, but it works well with additions too.

11. Death Wish Coffee

If you need a serious energy boost in the morning, look no further.

Death Wish Coffee is known for producing the strongest coffee in the world, and this K cup has more caffeine than any others on the list.

It's best for those who want a full-bodied coffee that delivers a big energy boost.

This Death Wish Coffee K cup has the most caffeine of any medium roast K cup I’ve ever seen (it's even stronger than most energy drinks).

The extra caffeine comes from the blend of Robusta and Arabica beans used in the K cup.

The Robusta beans are more robust than the Arabica beans and contain more caffeine.

This extra caffeine gives you a wake-up slap in the face as you drink it, and there's a slight bitterness in the aftertaste.

However, despite the high caffeine content, this Keurig K cup is surprisingly drinkable. It has heavy notes of bitter caramel and chocolate, lightened by a nutty apricot finish.

This K cup is heavier than the Green Mountain Coffee Roaster and Starbucks K cups but not as dark or intense as you might think. It's remarkably balanced.

The balanced flavor is a result of the growing process. Death Wish Coffee only uses organic beans to maximize the natural growing process, growing their beans at a higher altitude.

This enhances the original flavor of the beans and gives you a unique smooth finish.

Death Wish Coffee isn't mild or mellow, but it's not as harsh as you might think, given that it has the most caffeine.

I recommend this ultra-caffeinated brew to coffee drinkers who want a massive buzz of energy.

12. Amazon Brand Solimo - Best Budget Medium Roast K-Cup