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Last Updated On August 18, 2023
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Can’t decide which of the Starbucks coffee K-cup flavors to try?
You’re in luck!
I love Starbucks and Keurig Cups so I have tried, tasted, and brewed up (pun intended) a top 10 list of the best Starbucks K-Cup that'll transform your kitchen into a personal coffee haven.
So, get ready to elevate your at-home barista game and savor the Starbucks coffee experience with my ultimate guide!
OUR TOP PICK
Pike Place
Taste
5.0
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
5.0
Our Score
5.0
CHEAP OPTION
Sumatra
Taste
4.5
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
5.0
Our Score
4.8
Most Popular
French Roast
Taste
4.5
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
4.5
Our Score
4.6
10 Best Starbucks K-Cups To Buy In 2023
After tasting tons of different K-Cup flavors and aromas - here are the best Starbucks K-Cups!
1. Starbucks Pike Place Roast - Best Tasting K-Cup
Taste
5.0
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
5.0
Overall Rating
5.0
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Smooth, rich, and balanced with notes of cocoa and toasted nuts |
Region Of Origin | Latin America |
Bean Type | Arabica |
Price Per Count | $0.51 - $0.86 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Ahh, Starbucks Pike Place Roast K-Cup - a classic and the best Starbucks K-cup brew as far as we’re concerned!
It's the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Starbucks coffee K-Cups. Truly the best flavor out there.
The fresh, smooth, rich flavor of this Starbucks medium roast coffee, sourced from the finest Latin American Arabica beans, truly sets it apart.
Isn't it just amazing how the notes of cocoa and praline blend harmoniously, giving you that comforting warmth in every sip?
So, if you're looking for that perfect cup to kickstart your day or want to unwind after a long day, Starbucks Pike Place medium-roasted coffee is your go-to choice.
As an added bonus, it is also one of the cheapest Starbucks K-Cups in terms of price per count. Being a budget conscious caffeine lover and able to get Pike Place for around 50c per cup really appeals to my taste buds and my wallet.
If you like the Pike Place blend, make sure that you try the Starbucks Holiday Blend around Christmastime. It's a seasonal medium roast that will run you about $1.25 per cup, but is totally worth stocking up on once a year.
Pros
Cons
2. Starbucks Sumatra - Best Value K-Cup
Taste
4.5
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
5.0
Overall Rating
4.8
Roast Level | Dark |
Taste | Earthy, herbal, full-bodied |
Region Of Origin | Sumatra, Indonesia |
Bean Type | Single origin Arabica |
Price Per Count | $0.58 - $0.77 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Starbucks Coffee Sumatra K-Cup is one of the best Starbucks K-Cup pods out there!
With its earthy and herbal aromas, this dark roast coffee has a bold, full-bodied profile that makes every sip an adventure for an avid coffee drinker. It's not quite as dark as the French Roast Starbucks K-Cups on my list, but coffee lovers will appreciate this Indonesian blend.
The Arabica coffee beans are carefully sourced from the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring a distinctive, high-quality dark coffee experience one does not forget easily.
Some people may find this blend to be too bitter, but I have found that the grind size makes a huge difference. If you're grinding your own beans, choose a courser grind for the Sumatra blend. This will weaken the flavor slightly but makes it much more palatable for some.
One the other hand, if you're a fan of complex, robust and rich flavor, the Sumatra K-Cup pods might just be the perfect match for Keurig single-cup brewing. The smaller the grind size, the more robust flavoring you'll get.
Pros
Cons
3. Starbucks French Roast - Best K-Cup For Iced Coffee
Taste
4.5
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.6
Roast Level | Dark |
Taste | Smoky, bold, intense, mildly acidic |
Region Of Origin | Latin America/Asia-Pacific |
Bean Type | Arabica |
Price Per Count | $0.51 - $0.77 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Bonjour to the French Roast K-Cups (and to you, too, if you’re a fan of this one)!
This dark(est) roast coffee exudes a certain "je ne sais quoi" that keeps you coming back for more.
The intense taste and aroma of Starbucks French Roast coffee pods may not make you feel like you're sipping coffee in a quaint Parisian café (despite the name), but boy, will this K-cup flavor take you for a ride!
With its not-so-subtle smoky notes and punchy flavor - this one is sure to have you coming back for more. Just like the Caffe Verona Blend, this K-Cup will start your morning with 130mg of caffeine.
So, why not treat your palate to something exotic and exciting with the Starbucks French Roast K-Cup pods? You might just find your new personal favorite!
Pros
Cons
4. Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce - Best Flavored K-Cup
Taste
5.0
Size Options
4.0
Value For Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.3
Roast Level | Light/Blonde |
Taste | Sweet, cinnamon-spicy, buttery |
Region Of Origin | Latin America |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $0.77 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
While not Starbucks lightest roast, the Starbucks Coffee Cinnamon Dolce K-Cup is our favorite flavored K-Cup.
It’s that typical Starbucks flavor we all love, but elevated.
The sweet taste and spicy notes of cinnamon and brown sugar perfectly blend with the light buttery taste of this delightful coffee. Seriously. It’s one of the nicest Starbucks blends.
With a name like Cinnamon Dolce, you might be expecting a sugary drink, but I promise the flavors are subtle here. For a more decadent, dessert-like K-Cup, instead try Starbucks Crème Brulee K-Cups.
So, if you wondered if these K-Cups sourced from Latin America's best Arabica coffee beans make for a great cup of coffee? Yes, they do!
Pros
Cons
5. Starbucks Caffe' Verona K-Cup
Taste
4.5
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
3.5
Overall Rating
4.3
Roast Level | Dark |
Taste | Rich, full-bodied, with notes of cocoa and caramelized sugar |
Region Of Origin | Latin America/Asia-Pacific |
Bean Type | Arabica |
Price Per Count | $0.77 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
While we can’t promise you’ll taste the romance in a cup, the Starbucks Caffe’ Verona K-Cup pods will put regular coffee to shame!
This dark roast, with its rich and robust notes of dark cocoa and caramelized sugar, is the perfect blend for those intimate moments or romantic mornings.
This Latin America/Asia-Pacific Arabica blend creates an alluring and distinctive taste you will likely get back to whenever you're in the mood for a coffee that captures the essence of love.
Will this be the best coffee you ever tried? If you're a fan of Starbucks Sumatra, then this one will be a worth contender.
Pros
Cons
6. Starbucks Hazelnut K-Cup
Taste
4.0
Size Options
5.0
Value For Money
3.0
Overall Rating
4.0
Roast Level | Light/Blonde |
Taste | Nutty, sugary, creamy, tangy, light-bodied |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $1.39 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Hazelnut K-Cup is a delightful fusion of nutty, sugary, and creamy flavors that simply dances on your taste buds!
This light roast coffee, made from premium Arabica beans, offers a truly indulgent experience that both coffee purists and Pumpkin Spice latte lovers will enjoy!
The best way we could describe this exceptional coffee is that the aroma of toasted hazelnuts wafts through the air as you take each sip while the mellow blonde roast notes transport you to a serene autumn day.
Now tell us, after hearing that, why wouldn't you want to savor the cozy warmth of the Hazelnut K-Cup?
The only downside with the Hazelnut K-Cup is that it is much more expensive per count than most of the other flavored K-Cups from Starbucks.
For example, on average it is 58c more per cup than the Starbucks Caramel K-Cups.
Why? I can only chalk it up to popularity driving up the price.
Pros
Cons
7. Starbucks Crème Brulee K-Cup
Taste
5.0
Size Options
3.5
Value For Money
3.5
Overall Rating
4.0
Roast Level | Medium |
Taste | Caramel, custard, vanilla |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $0.90 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
The Crème Brulee K-Cup is what Keurig coffee machines yearn for!
With its rich caramel, luscious custard, and smooth vanilla notes, this indulgent brew transports you to your favorite childhood memory, tempting your taste buds with every sip.
The medium roast, velvety texture, and harmonious blend of aromas create a great coffee experience perfect for special occasions or moments of self-pampering.
So, if you’re craving a touch of sweetness while you enjoy coffee, the Crème Brulee K-Cup is a delightful choice that's sure to satisfy.
If your current morning go-to is a medium roast like Starbucks Pike Place Blend and you're looking for a bit more indulgence, make sure to try this one out.
Pros
Cons
8. Starbucks Caramel K-Cup
Taste
4.0
Size Options
4.0
Value For Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
Roast Level | Medium Roast |
Taste | Smooth, buttery, with luscious notes of caramel |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $0.81 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Caramel K-Cup is a sublime blend of smooth, buttery goodness that simply melts in your mouth!
This medium roast coffee, crafted from premium coffee beans with added natural flavorings, offers a delightful sweetness that brightens your day and puts a smile on your face.
Honestly, the velvety caramel notes linger on your palate, making each sip a moment to savor. If you favor light roast coffees like Starbucks Breakfast Blend, you will really enjoy this leveled-up caramel flavored blend.
Try it and try to resist the enchanting charm of the Caramel K-Cups.
Pros
Cons
9. Starbucks Holiday Blend K-Cup
Taste
4.0
Size Options
4.5
Value For Money
3.0
Overall Rating
3.8
Roast Level | Medium Roast |
Taste | Spicy, sweet, herbal, and toasty, with notes of maple |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $1.27 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
It may not be the festive season, but the Holiday Blend K-Cups are perfect presents to stash in from of your Keurig Coffee makers!
This medium-roast coffee is the perfect way to capture the festive spirit despite the time of year.
The exquisite blend of spicy, sweet, and toasted aromas is derived from a mix of various ethically-sourced Arabica coffee beans and natural flavors.
Let me tell you - the aroma evokes memories of joyful holiday gatherings and cherished traditions.
The only problem is that unlike other blends like the Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce, it's only available seasonally, usually starting in early fall. As long as you remember to stock up, though, these K-cups have a shelf life of up to 12 months.
So, why not make every day the holiday with the Starbucks Holiday Blend K-Cup coffee?
Pros
Cons
10. Starbucks Breakfast Blend K-Cup
Taste
4.0
Size Options
4.0
Value For Money
3.5
Overall Rating
3.8
Roast Level | Light |
Taste | Citrus, bright, crisp, light-bodied |
Region Of Origin | Latin America |
Bean Type | Arabica blend |
Price Per Count | $0.69 |
Caffeine Per Cup | Approximately 100-130 mg |
Rise and shine with the Starbucks Breakfast Blend K-Cups! This is the one that everyone knows and loves.
This light-roast coffee, with its vibrant notes of citrus and crisp finish, is the ultimate morning coffee.
Can you imagine a better way to awaken your senses and set the tone for a day full of possibilities?
Made from the finest Latin America Arabica beans and infused with sweet orange, the Starbucks Breakfast Blend K-Cups are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
The flavor isn't quite as bold as that of the Pike Place Blend, which is also a light blend from Latin America. Still, I think it's a great way to start your day and have with... well... breakfast!
Pros
Cons
How To Choose The Right Starbucks Keurig Pod
Obviously, these ten are not the only Starbucks Keurig Pods you can get your hands on.[1]
So if you want to try some others but need help knowing where to start - here's a little guide on how to choose the best Starbucks K-Cups!
Cup Flavor Profile
When choosing the perfect Starbucks Keurig Pod, knowing your favorite flavor profile is key.
Do you like a bold, earthy taste? Then try the Starbucks Blend K-Cups.
Or, would you prefer a light, fruity cup of coffee? In that case, the Starbucks Breakfast Blend K-Cups might be a better choice for you.
Take note of your favorite flavor nuances - sweetness, acidity, bitterness, richness, and fullness of taste - and look for pods that highlight those characteristics.
Still, in the end, it’s all about experimenting and finding out what makes you tingle!
Price (Per Count)
First and foremost, consider your budget when selecting Starbucks Keurig Pods.
While they may be more expensive than some other coffee options, the convenience, flavor variety (a K-Cup variety pack usually costs more than single-flavor K-cups), and quality of Starbucks K-Cups definitely justify the price, in my opinion.
Still, it can’t hurt to look for discounts or bulk deals!
The Price per count refers to the individual price that each product equates to when we divide the price by the total amount.
An example of this can be seen for our top product, the Pike Place -
$30.82 / Pack of 60 = $0.51 per K-Cup.
*Note that the price per count can vary depending on stock.
Roast Type
The roast type can really make a difference in the flavor and intensity of your coffee.
To put it simply, the longer you roast the coffee, the more intense and pronounced the flavor will be.[2]
In other words:
Now, there’s a lot of talk about roasts and caffeine content, but you shouldn’t pay too much attention to it.
While it is true that roasting level can affect the caffeine content, it probably won't make a considerable or even a noticeable difference.
Region
The region from which coffee originates plays a significant role in the taste of Starbucks K-Cups, as each region imparts distinct characteristics to the beans.
In Latin America, for example, the high-altitude growing conditions and rich volcanic soil contribute to the bright and lively flavors, often marked by citrus and fruity notes, that have become a hallmark of the region's arabica beans.
On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is known for producing Arabica beans with bold, earthy, and robust profiles, often accompanied by herbal, spicy, or chocolaty undertones.
These unique characteristics are a result of the region's diverse microclimates, rainfall patterns, and terroir.
In the end, here’s a pro tip:
The lighter the roast, the more you’ll be able to make the origin distinctions.[3]
Blends Vs Single-Origin Coffees
When selecting your Starbucks Keurig Pods, ask yourself this question:
Do I prefer blends or single origin coffee?
Blends typically offer a harmonious mix of flavors and aromas from beans sourced from multiple regions, creating a well-rounded taste profile. For example, the Caffe Verona Blend includes beans from both Latin America and Asia.
On the other hand, single-origin coffees showcase the unique characteristics of a specific region, providing a distinct and specialized flavor experience. On my list above, the Sumatra is a prime example of this, featuring beans from Indonesia.
Now, you can go by that, or you can simply go by experience.
What have you liked in the past? Which K-Cups stood out to you?
If you know the answers to that question, you shouldn’t have too many issues finding what works for you.
Black Vs Flavored Coffee
The decision between black and flavored coffee is simply a matter of personal preference, as each type offers its own unique experience.
Black coffee, often enjoyed for its pure, unadulterated taste, allows the drinker to savor the natural characteristics of the beans, distinct notes, and complexity imparted by the coffee's origin, processing method, and roast level.
In contrast, flavored coffee offers a playful twist on the traditional coffee experience by adding complementary tastes such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
Your typical Starbucks experience, so to speak.
Ultimately, the choice between black and flavored coffee comes down to personal taste, and the type of sensory adventure one seeks when enjoying a cup of coffee - despite what the purists may say!
Compatibility With Coffee machine
Before purchasing a Starbucks K-Cup (or pods from other coffee brands), it would be wise to ensure that they're compatible with your specific Keurig machine model.
That said, all Starbucks K-Cup pods are designed to work seamlessly with Keurig brewers, but still, it's always a good idea to double-check for compatibility to avoid disappointment.
Easy To Make
One of the key advantages of using Starbucks Coffee K-Cup pods is their convenience and ease of use.
Simply pop a pod into your Keurig machine, and in moments, you'll have a delicious cup of coffee ready to enjoy.
Starbucks K-Cups Flavors To Choose From
There are many flavors available within the Starbucks K-cup range which I have highlighted below.
My personal favorites include the Creme Brulee and Cinnamon Dolce as they offer a sweet taste which reminds of dessert!
Commonly Asked Starbucks K-Cup Questions
Yes, Starbucks sells K-Cups in all of its stores across America. Of course, this may not apply to smaller kiosks within grocery stores or Target.
If you add cream or turn it into iced coffee, most K-Cups will taste like Starbucks.