Not only does the Keurig coffee machine give you nearly-instantaneous gourmet coffee, it offers a dazzling and drool-worthy array of flavors and blends. Whether you’re a light-roast sipper or a dark roast caffeine junkie, there are so many blends out there that are worth a try. And most of these coffees are pretty fabulous! I’ve spent my share of time sampling different K-cup blends, and here are my faves so far.
Everyday Drinking: I’m partial to the Nantucket Blend from Green Mountain for everyday drinking. Green Mountain’s K-cup patents got this coffee giant in on the ground floor of Keurigs, so they’ve had some time to develop pretty amazing blends. This one has up-front fruit and berry notes reminiscent of African coffees, but the flavor is mellow and a bit citrus-y. Perfect for any time of day!
Extra Bold: If you want a rich, bold K-cup coffee, you may be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t have a bitter element to it. For those who like their coffee strong without being bitter, or who consider themselves Starbucks loyalists, Coffee People’s Extra Bold Donut Shop and Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Coffee should go on your “must try” list. Both of these coffees have that full-bodied flavor without being too astringent. Emeril’s Big Easy Bold blend is thick, black and sludgy with a following all its own. Plus, the blend uses 50 percent Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, so you can feel good about drinking it.
Change of Pace: If you’re bored with your usual blend and looking to try something new, pick up the Timothy’s World Coffee, Kona Blend. With a mellow and relaxing blend of Kona and Arabica beans picked in Hawaii and roasted in Canada, this coffee serves up a relaxing, medium-bodied flavor burst.
Fair Trade: When it comes to Fair Trade, it might appear that your choices are limited. Here’s one that rises above the rest: Fair Trade Organic Sumatran Reserve Extra Bold K-Cup from Green Mountain. This blend has rich flavor, a thick, dark body and high notes of brown sugar, cherry and spice. A decadent treat for any time of day.
Flavored: Timothy’s World Coffee, German Chocolate Cake: Hands down, this is one of the best flavored coffees for K-cups. With a medium strength, full body and base of Arabica beans, this cake has all chocolate notes up front and a smooth, mellow drinking taste. Save this one for when you need a real treat; it is most definitely worth it. The only downside is this: actual cake not included.
Best for Icing: Summertime is all about cold coffee. For K-cups, you want a blend that can stand up to being poured over ice without diluting the flavor. For this, I recommend two Gloria Jean’s Coffees, hazelnut and Swiss chocolate almond. These are not the strongest coffees on the block, which is why they’re great iced. Too-strong coffee can just taste bitter when poured on ice. Both blends have a pleasing nutty flavor that makes iced coffee a real treat to savor.
These are my go-to blends when I’m looking for something new in the K-cup department. Do you have a favorite cup I’ve missed? As much as I love these guys, I’m always looking to try something new for my Keurig.
Image courtesy of Sears.com.
About the author: Lindsey is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and she writes on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.