With the rise of Keurig coffee machines, it’s no surprise that Starbucks, the largest coffee shop chain in the world, decided to get in on the action.
As well as bringing whole bean, ground and instant coffee, you can now bring K-Cups or coffee “pods” to your home and enjoy a single cup of freshly brewed coffee in minutes.
But which Starbucks pods should you buy? I’ve got a list of the five best Starbucks pods you need to try before all the rest.
5 Best Starbucks Pods You Need To Try
5. Starbucks Pike Place Roast K-Cups
In 2008 Starbucks’ expert blenders and roasters formulated the Pike Place coffee, a subtly chocolatey and nutty roast that is suited to any time of day.
Then, it made the jump to K-Cups, and the medium roast coffee, with its notes of cocoa and praline, has been winning over Keurig users ever since.
It is indeed the most-sold K-Cup across Starbucks’ line of Keurig-friendly pods – which means you should at least try it once for yourself.
One reviewer on Amazon’s product page simply declares, “Great tasting coffee.
Another states, “My favorite taste! I share it with my friends and colleagues and they like the flavor as well.”
4. Starbucks K-Cup Coffee Pods French Roast
French roasts are known for their dark and smoky flavors, and Starbucks does not disappoint with its French Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods.
The dark roast, which means a full-bodied cup of Joe and robust, bold flavors, features coffee beans that can’t be roasted any darker.
“A master roaster watches,” the product description reads, “knowing that if he pushes them a second too long, they’ll burst into flames.”
A reviewer on the item’s product page on Amazon says, “If you like French Roast, you know you want to have a certain flavor to your coffee.
“You don’t want it to be burned but you do want that distinctive taste of almost burned. Starbucks does a really nice job of these K-Cups, getting it just right.”
A second reviewer states, “Love the French blend from Starbucks K-Cups. Always a refreshing taste with no aftertaste. Cool beans!”
3. Starbucks Blonde Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods Sunrise Blend
The lightest roast possible here does not mean a lack of flavor for these Starbucks Blonde Roast Sunrise Blend K-Cups.
With notes of chocolate and light caramel, this lighter-bodied, mellow-flavored coffee is a bright way to start your morning.
The coffee contained within the K-Cups is actually on the border of light and medium roast, and it’s been described as “approachable” by Roasty Coffee.
What that means is that you don’t have to know anything about coffee or have a sophisticated palate to enjoy it – you can simply pop it in your Keurig, brew and enjoy, without any fuss.
A reviewer from the coffee’s Amazon product page says, “I am a Caribou fan, always have been. But when I saw this and tasted the Starbucks Blonde Roast I knew I would buy it again!
“I am not disappointed…the flavor is great!”
2. Starbucks Caramel
Instead of “notes of caramel,” the Starbucks Caramel-flavored K-Cup Coffee Pods are chock full of buttery, smooth caramel taste.
Made with natural flavors, this coffee is widely drinkable, suitable even for those who protest they “don’t like coffee” or find dark roast coffees too strong.
This medium roast has just the right touch of richness and sweetness so as to not be overpowering.
In fact, you can add sweetness in the form of marshmallows or hot chocolate mix after the K-Cup is done brewing for a delectable after-dinner drink.
A reviewer on this product’s Amazon page says, “I like the caramel smell and hint of flavor without taking away from my morning brew.
“This is a nice coffee, I enjoy it very much.”
Another says, “Let me start by saying I have never been a coffee drinker…This caramel coffee is amazing.”
She continues, “I have already ordered more and have decided that I am now an ‘at home’ coffee drinker because of this wonderful coffee!”
1. Starbucks Plus Madagascar Vanilla
For those who need an extra kick in the morning, there is the Starbucks Plus Madagascar Vanilla K-Cup Coffee Pods.
The “Plus” in the name refers to the caffeine content – two times the amount as in a normal cup.
The Madagascar Vanilla gives this blonde roast a subtly sweet flavor, while the coffee extracts are what supercharge the caffeine content.
A reviewer on this product’s Amazon page states, “High octane – must if you enjoy the benefits of caffeine. This is one of the strongest/best cups of coffee that I have found.
“Literally gives me the energy I need to make it through my day and improve mood.”
Another says, “Great tasting coffee that keeps you awake longer than regular coffee,” while yet another jokes, “Love this stuff, it tasted good and really added a pep to my step.”
To know more, you can also read our posts on Starbucks Puppucino, Starbucks Flat White, and Starbucks Pink Drink.
Conclusion
K-Cups (or coffee pods) are hugely popular these days, so it’s unsurprising Starbucks has been selling them for a while.
If you’re unsure where to start in your K-Cup journey, I recommend any of these five best Starbucks pods, choosing the one closest to your taste preference.
