8 Best Decaf K-Cups – Light, Medium, and Dark Roast You Need to Try

We've selected the best decaffeinated k-cups with different flavors, roast strengths and origins
By
Samanta Fryer
Samanta Fryer
Writer
Samanta Fryer is our senior editor and content writer, at CoffeeVibe. Apart from writing and reading, she’s fond of the coffee brewing process and enjoys tasting new coffe read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Ryan Hendricks
Ryan Hendricks
Expert
Ryan Hendricks is our tester, who puts products through their paces. He used to be a barista and is now a full-time coffee enthusiast. He’s always testing out new gadgets, read more
Last updated: September 04, 2023
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K-cups have grown in popularity for providing buyers ease and convenience of use. If you are looking to cut back on your coffeine consumption, probably for health reasons, you will be pleased to know that you can get the perfect cup of coffee without any caffeine whatsoever, yet with the same coffee flavor and aroma.

While researching the top decaf blend products we considered the flavor, including ordinary and more unique ones, such as blends with hazelnut hints. Next, we looked at the decaf methods and their pros and cons. We also factored in the pack size as well as the price to recommend the decaf K-cups that will meet various coffee demands while providing great value for money. Read our comprehensive guide for more information on your favorite blends.

Quick Summary

  • "Decaf K-cups with excellent taste and full flavor. 96 items in box. Syrup and chocolate flavor."
  • "Sweet decaf k-cup blend that is perfect for a morning espresso shot. 60 items in pack. Dark roast."
  • Best Decaf Hazelnut K Cups: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Hazelnut
    "Enjoy nutty taste of these perfect decaf k-cups. 72 items in pack. Hazelnut flavor."
  • Amazing Colombian Blend: Folgers Colombian Coffee
    "Decaf k-cup coffee blend with delicate medium roast. 72 items in pack. Rich flavor."
  • "Fairly priced decaf k-cups with fully recyclable packing. 84 items in pack. 100% arabica."
  • Best Donut Shop Coffee Brand K-Cup: Dunkin' Decaf Medium Roast Coffee
    "Your favorite drink is now prepared at the comfort of your home. 88 items in pack. Chocolate and nut flavor."
  • Best Starbucks Brand K-Cup: Starbucks Decaf K-Cup Coffee Pods
    "Medium roast gentle yet rich flavor of this decaf coffee will delight you every morning. 60 items in pack. Cocoa and toffee flavor."
  • Best with High Acidity: Gevalia Signature Blend
    "Original taste decaf coffee with high acidity for. 84 items in pack. Light roast."

Top 8 Decaf K Cups – Light, Medium, and Dark Roast Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5766 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
Features
  • Flavor: syrup, chocolate
  • Quantity: 96
  • Roast: medium

More features: kosher, recyclable, Rainforest Alliance Certified

Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Decaf has a full bodied flavor with a little bite to it. This is as a result of blending coffee beans that have fruit tones with ones that are spicy to create a syrupy flavor with a savory chocolate finish. A pack consists of 96 pods that are compatible with Keurig K-cup pod single-serve coffee machines. The medium roast coffee is chemical-free and certified by Orthodox Union Kosher as well as Rainforest Alliance Certified.

This blend is great for people who like a bold yet smooth flavor with no bitterness. The syrupy taste also allows people who want little to no sugar to sweeten it with coffee creamer instead.

    What stands out?
  • The large number of positive reviews is proof of the popularity of Caribou decaf K-cups which most users report they have been using for years. It is a hit with buyers who want to switch to decaffeinated coffee after being avid coffee drinkers. They note that this is their favorite blend because it tastes close to regular coffee and it has no aftertaste. We also find the fruit and nutty flavor appealing.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Despite plenty of high ratings, there is a significant number of customers who seem to have received batches that either turned out to be too bland or too bitter. Since this blend is easily available at most local grocery stores, changing suppliers for a fresh batch has worked for some people who didn’t think their purchase had been the real deal. Confirm that the label and packaging is from Caribou to avoid fake ones.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5803 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
2
Features
  • Flavor: sweet
  • Quantity: 60
  • Roast: dark

More features: central and south America blend, kosher

This dark roast decaf coffee blend with pleasant spiciness is made from 100% Arabica coffee that is deep-roasted by hand to generate dark roast that works with all Keurig capsule models. Peet’s Coffee Decaf House Blend is available in a pack with 6 boxes of 10 K-cup pods that add up to 60 K-cups.

It is a great choice for espresso lovers who would like to limit their caffeine intake but still enjoy drinking dark roast blends with rich flavor. We would also recommend this kosher certified Central and South American blend to users who prefer a stronger flavor of decaf coffee without a bitter taste.

    What are its best features?
  • If you are transitioning from regular strong coffee, you will like this blend for its robust flavor without the jitters. These Peet's pods have a full bodied taste of regular coffee with a mildly nutty flavor and no sharp notes. You can brew them iced or hot without them losing their taste. The 6 boxes are well-packaged individually to preserve the quality of the K-cup pods, and then put in a larger box.
    What could be improved?
  • A few years ago, there were several complaints about the seals of the decaf espresso k cups loosening and spewing coffee grounds into the machine during brewing, and this takes a while to clean up. It also creates a drink with the loose grounds. The issue has largely improved with recent products and now there are few of such incidents. If you are still in doubt, the thousands of high ratings should reassure you.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5167 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
3
Best Decaf Hazelnut K Cups

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Hazelnut

Features
  • Flavor: hazelnut
  • Quantity: 72
  • Roast: light

More features: kosher, no artificial sweeteners

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Hazelnut is a light roast decaffeinated coffee with the sweet and buttery flavor of warm, roasted hazelnuts. It is certified Orthodox Union Kosher. The pods come in a pack of 72, and they are compatible with all Keurig K-cup coffee machines. Reviewers note that it is much cheaper to buy this coffee blend online from Amazon.

Some women prefer decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy, and there are many users who take these hazelnut decaf coffee k cups as their drink of choice. These single-serve K-Cup pods are also ideal for people who like light roast coffee with no artificial sweeteners.

    What makes it stand out?
  • These Green Mountain decaf k cups have a nice, creamy aroma and a smooth and mild flavor. The coffee has no aftertaste. We recommend it to people who like enjoying their coffee at night without suffering insomnia. It is also good for users who find dark roast coffee too strong, and the 72 pods will last a while before you need to replace them. You can order it online and have it delivered right at your doorstep.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • According to the manufacturer, the coffee is at least 97% caffeine free. However, they cannot disclose information on the decaf methods they use because it is proprietary by the company. It is also hard to find this particular blend in most local stores, and if you do, it will likely cost more than buying it from Amazon. Lastly, a few people report that their Keurig K-cup coffee makers stopped working with these pods.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5151 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
4
Amazing Colombian Blend

Folgers Colombian Coffee

Features
  • Flavor: rich
  • Quantity: 72
  • Roast: medium

More features: 100% Colombian Arabica

Folgers Colombian Coffee comes in a pack of 6 boxes, with each containing 12 K-cup pods to make a total of 72 pods. You can also purchase it in a large size consisting of a pack of 4 boxes of 12 count that add up to 84 pods. Folgers decaf k cups are made from 100% Colombian Arabica. They work with all Keurig brewers, and you can recycle them in some communities. The coffee beans are double-dried for a deeper and balanced taste.

As a medium roast blend with rich flavor, this is the best blend that accommodates a lot of coffee drinkers that like single-serve K-cup pods that you can conveniently brew in minutes.

    What stands out?
  • The Company uses ethyl acetate decaffeination method which is a natural process that occurs in many fruits and helps to preserve the flavor of coffee. They steam the beans to draw caffeine to the surface, add ethyl acetate to extract the caffeine, and then steam the beans again before finally roasting them. We also like that the pods have been made biodegradable and eco-friendly because you can now recycle them.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Depending on the vendor you buy from, you might receive K-Cups that do not pierce easily or ones that clog up and spew coffee. This makes the coffee grounds to get into your coffee. Most uses agree that these organic decaf k cups have a rich flavor that taste good but there are those who find it bitter and acidic and have to use more sweeteners to neutralize the taste.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3660 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
Features
  • Flavor: rich
  • Quantity: 84
  • Roast: medium

More features: 100% arabica, recyclable

If you are looking for decaf coffee k cups that you can recycle, we recommend McCafe Premium Roast Decaf. It is a medium roast blend with a rich flavor from 100% Arabica beans. The K cup pods are roasted in a temperature-controlled environment to extract maximum flavor. They are certified Orthodox Union Kosher, and compatible with all Keurig K-cup coffee makers. A single pack consists of 84 K cup coffee pods.

For those with health issues such as acid reflux, this coffee blend would make a suitable choice because you can enjoy a rich flavor that is not weakened or too robust for your stomach.

    Why is it special?
  • The pricing is a great selling point. These Keurig Single Serve K-Cup Pods are a worthy purchase because they are a cheaper alternative to Starbucks decaf k cups. We also appreciate the new eco-friendly pods and the packaging because users in the past had several issues with the older K-cup pods. The seal on the pods no longer tears, the expiration dates are labeled clearly and the flavor suits several people.
    What are the flaws?
  • Some users previously reported that coffee grounds would wind up in their drink or the coffee they brewed was diluted because they received fewer pods than they ordered, or the coffee in the pods was less than marketed. Others received their K cup pods, especially the textured ones, with the expiration dates rubbed off which made them lose trust with the products. Those issues have since been resolved and there are only few such cases now.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7800 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
6
Best Donut Shop Coffee Brand K-Cup

Dunkin' Decaf Medium Roast Coffee

Features
  • Flavor: chocolate, nut
  • Quantity: 88
  • Roast: medium

More features: recyclable

Dunkin’ Decaf Medium Roast Coffee is a medium roast blend with nut and chocolate flavor, and is available in a pack of 4 boxes containing a total of 88 recyclable K cup pods. It is made from 100% Premium Arabica coffee beans which are then decaffeinated using the ethyl acetate process. These decaf K cups are made by Dunkin which opened its first shop in 1950. The company also offers other brewing options such as classic flavors, whole bean and ground coffee.

This is another great choice for those with a sensitive stomach; these are low acid decaf coffee k cups that will be gentle on your stomach and pockets.

    Why are we impressed?
  • The coffee smells great and it has a full-bodied flavor, but it is not overpowering. We like the Subscribe & Save option which we find a convenient way of ensuring us constant supply of flavored decaf coffee k cups, especially during the ongoing pandemic and lockdowns. The price is competitive and there are many K cup pods in a pack that will provide you with freshly brewed coffee for a long period.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The main complaint that many users have about their decaf K cups is receiving some defective ones that explode during brewing and spurt coffee grounds everywhere in their Keurig coffee makers, and also in the coffee. This clogs the needle and the machine and makes it hard for users to clean the unit. They also have to strain the coffee to remove the sediment. This problem is present only with some batches.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6189 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.1
7
Best Starbucks Brand K-Cup

Starbucks Decaf K-Cup Coffee Pods

Features
  • Flavor: cocoa, toffee
  • Quantity: 60
  • Roast: medium

More features: 100% arabica, Latin American beans

You can buy Starbucks Decaf K-Cup Coffee Pods that are made from medium roasted 100% Arabica coffee beans with cocoa and nut flavors and toffee notes. The pods are compatible with Keurig Single Cup Brewing System. They are available in a package of 6 boxes of 10 K cup pods that total to 60 pods.

These Starbucks decaf K cups are ideal for most coffee lovers, and they can take it black or add milk, syrup or cream. It is particularly popular among buyers who love black coffee because this blend has a bold flavor that is smoothly rounded, so it won’t have the heavy toast edges common with dark roast blends.

    What are our favorite features?
  • This is a prominent coffee brand that mostly lives up to its reputation. We like the robust flavor of these decaf K cups which has also been a preference of many coffee purists. The pods work with all the Keurig K-cup pod single-serve coffee machines, and there are no problems with sprayed coffee grounds that you encounter with some brands. Lastly, you can subscribe for this coffee for consistent supply.
    What could be better?
  • A number of users have complained about the packaging; some boxes had fewer pods than advertised. There are also buyers who either received expired K cup pods, or pods that were close to expiring which was a loss because the pack comes with several pods that become a waste. 60 pods provide a sizeable amount. However, some K cup pods we have reviewed come with more pods in a pack.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4038 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
8
Best with High Acidity

Gevalia Signature Blend

Features
  • Flavor: original
  • Quantity: 84
  • Roast: light

More features: 100% arabica, slow roasted, high acidity, compatible with Keurig 1.0/ 2.0

These Gevalia decaf K cups are light roasted from 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced worldwide. They are compatible with all Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 coffee makers. The slow roasted Gevalia Signature Blend has high acidity which some users find too bitter for their palate. Interestingly, plenty of users define it as smooth with a mild flavor. The coffee has the original flavor and comes in a pack of a total of 84 pods. The Company which manufactures this blend has its origins in Sweden where it has been in existence for at least 150 years.

They are a good bargain for coffee lovers who like a mild and smooth flavor.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Gevalia decaf k cups are made by an established brand that was found several decades ago, and one that is known for their fresh and delicious coffee. The high quality has been consistent which is why the users who had issues with their decaf K cups blame it on a rare bad batch. The seller also ships them quickly, and they are competitively priced when you order them from Amazon.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Although the problem is not very rampant, a couple of users report that these decaf coffee K cups spew a lot of grounds in their cup. Some recommendations they get to fix the issue include using paper clip on the needle or cleaning their coffee machines. There are also those who believe they received bad batches that brewed old and stale coffee or one that tasted like dark roast decaf k cups.

Things to Consider

Looking at the products we reviewed during our research, it seems that decaffeinated coffee offers unlimited options to brew your coffee the way you like it without the negative effects of caffeine. There are decaf green tea K-cups, flavored French vanilla decaf K-cups, the smooth Starbucks pike place decaf k cups with subtle cocoa and nut flavor, and many more. Let’s now discuss how to choose the best decaf K cups and how to use them.

How Decaf Coffee Pods Are Made

Decaf coffee pods are made by removing caffeine from coffee beans while still preserving other compounds that are responsible for the flavor and aroma. Read on for further details of the main decaf methods employed by manufacturers.

How to Use Decaf K-Cups

Make sure there is sufficient water in the reservoir, and then put your K-Cup such as Folgers in the chamber of your Keurig coffee maker. Close the lid and position your cup on the drink plate. After that, choose your cup size and then press the brew button.

How to Choose the Best Decaf K-Cups

Below are the qualities to look for before buying the best decaf K cups.

Light, Medium or Dark Roast?

Gevalia Signature Blend and Green Mountain breakfast blend decaf k cups are light roast decaf coffee k cups with a mild natural flavor. Medium roast typically has a bold and smooth flavor whereas dark roast will have a deep and rich flavor. This is because the roasting process plays a key role in coffee color and flavor. If you have a sensitive stomach, a light roast would be ideal for you because, unlike medium or dark roast, there is less risk of a bitter taste from overburning the coffee. There’s also the so-called French roast, which enriches coffee with intense flavor, without extra bitterness though. This type is not that common among decaf pods: San Francisco Bay Decaf French Roast Pods are probably among those few decent options you may come across in stores.

Flavor

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to all the flavors that are available. There are sweet decaf pumpkin spice k cups with hints of caramel, Dunkin’ Decaf Medium Roast Coffee with chocolate and nutty flavor, and donut house decaf k cups which have a bold taste and a pleasant aroma. There are also unique flavors for special occasions such as Double Donut Medium Roast Decaf Coffee Pods for Halloween.

Pack and quantity

8 Best Decaf K-Cups - Light, Medium, and Dark Roast You Need to Try
Most K-pods come in simple carton boxes – storing space and recyclable afterward

Since different brands package their K-cups in different sizes, consider your coffee needs so you can select the quantity that will serve you best. Ideally, you should buy a large pack that you can use for an extended period before needing replacement. We have included products with large sizes in our review. Other great options for high coffee demand are Dunkin Donuts decaf k cups and Maxwell House decaf k cups with a pack containing total coffee pods of 88 pods and 84 respectively.

We would recommend buying a smaller size if you are buying decaf K cups and you are unfamiliar with their flavor.

Decaf method

The following are the main methods used to decaffeinate coffee beans.

Swiss water method

During this process, beans are soaked in hot water and then added to a blend that detaches the caffeine. The next step involves keeping other nutrients while removing caffeine from the caffeine-rich water by using an activated carbon filter. It is an eco-friendly way of decaffeinating but there is a risk of removing other nutrients alongside the caffeine.

Using CO2

This method of using carbon dioxide is suitable for large-scale decaffeination because you can reuse the activated carbon filters for other batches. However, it requires modern machines that are costly.

Solvent technique

This is the method used for Folgers decaf k cups which uses ethyl acetate to absorb the caffeine and extract it after drawing it to the surface by steaming the beans. Some manufacturers use methylene chloride solvent instead to extract the caffeine while preserving the compounds for flavor.

8 Best Decaf K-Cups - Light, Medium, and Dark Roast You Need to Try
Three different decaffienation methods are used for pods production and only depend on availability and speed of the process

The above decaffeinating methods are approved by FDA.  Stay away from coffee which uses chemicals or preservatives to extract caffeine in an artificial process.

Price

If you look at reviews, majority of users agree that Amazon decaf K-cups usually cost less than local store prices. You can choose the size that matches your budget, and some brands allow you to subscribe so you don’t run out of your favorite decaf cappuccino or espresso k cups.

Compatibility

Almost all the products we have featured are Keurig decaf K-cups that are compatible with almost all 1.0 and 2.0 coffee makers. This is important because some brands only work with proprietary brewers.

FAQ

Is decaf coffee beneficial for health?

The National Coffee Association Trusted Source Is decaf coffee safe? www.ncausa.org reports that independent scientific reports found that decaf coffee has several health benefits such as reduced risk of multiple cancers and chronic illnesses as well as extended lifespan. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Trusted Source Coffee | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Coffee lovers around the world who reach for their favorite morning brew probably aren’t thinking about its health benefits or risks. www.hsph.harvard.edu , decaf coffee offers similar health benefits as caffeinated coffee while preventing potential negative side effects of high amounts of caffeine; jitteriness, insomnia, increased heart rate, and low birth weight.

How does a k-cup work?

The process is very simple. The coffee maker pumps pressurized hot water into the cylindrical K cup through a needle that pierces the top seal of the K cup, and then a second needle pierces the bottom of the K cup to dispense filtered coffee into your cup.

Are there decaf green tea k-pods?

There are decaf green tea k-pods such as Twinings of London Decaffeinated Green Tea K-Cups which has an earthy taste from pan roasting leaves immediately after harvesting them to preserve their aroma and signature flavor. Sometimes the leaves are steamed instead for a lighter flavor.

Our verdict

Our top pick comes with 96 K-cups in a single pack. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Decaf combines has a full-bodied flavor with spicy and fruit tones and no aftertaste. The syrupy taste eliminates the need for sugar, and the K-cups are certified Orthodox Union Kosher as well as Rainforest Alliance Certified. Peet’s Coffee Decaf House Blend is a favorite pick for espresso drinkers and coffee fans who like the deep and rich flavor of dark roast decaf K-cups with a mild nutty flavor that tastes great whether it is iced or hot. Our third pick for the best decaf K cups is Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Hazelnut.  A pack has 72 pods of decaf coffee with a sweet flavor of hazelnuts. As a light roast, it would also be great for evenings.

References

1.
Is decaf coffee safe?
2.
Coffee | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Coffee lovers around the world who reach for their favorite morning brew probably aren’t thinking about its health benefits or risks.
9,9
Total Score
Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend Decaf - Editor’s Choice
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