The 10 Best Decaf K-cups
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in April of 2018. The popularity and convenience of Keurigs and similar brewing systems is such that many homes and offices now have one. If you like to get your daily java fix without the kick, you’ll want to check out our list of decaf K-cups. They offer the same easy cleanup, lightning-fast preparation, and great taste as their caffeinated cousins, and are compatible with a host of machines. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Barista Prima Italian
2. Chock Full o’Nuts Midtown
3. Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original
Editor's Notes
November 26, 2020:
Whether you're avoiding decaf for mental or physical health reasons, want to limit your intake while still enjoying the taste of coffee, or like to mix in java with coffee substitutes, our selections strike a balance between mild everyday options like McCafe Premium to bold choices like Barista Prima Italian. And because it's not always easy to find specialty flavors in decaf, we added the Crazy Cups Variety Pack, a medley of 40 cups that should serve as a dessert lover's dream.
While we hated to say goodbye to Dunkin' Original Blend, there were simply too many complaints regarding defective, exploding pods to ignore. To fill the gap we brought on cult-favorite Chock Full o’Nuts Midtown, which promises a unique flavor without any acidity. People love this one for its traditional diner-style taste that's full-bodied without coming on too strong.
The eco-conscious will be glad to know that many coffee brands are moving to recyclable pods, such as Green Mountain Dark Magic, but we still like that The Organic Coffee Co. Gorilla and newly-added San Francisco Bay French Roast each come in compostable cups that use much less plastic than normal pods do.
For something robust without overpowering, Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original and Peet's House Blend are solid choices, while The Original Donut Shop is an eye-opening roast that pairs well with croissants, donuts, waffles, and other breakfast foods. For a potent after-dinner drink, Barista Prima Italian is the way to go.
June 10, 2019:
K Cups are convenient in that they don’t leave any stray beans or grounds on your countertop, and they’re perfect for those who don’t want to brew a full pot. Some java lovers enjoy their favorite drink all day, but prefer to limit their caffeine to just a couple of cups’ worth. The decaf options that made our list are all full of flavor, and some are even indistinguishable in taste from their caffeinated cousins.
Joining the mix in this update is The Organic Coffee Co. Gorilla, which is certified USDA organic and grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. It’s also responsibly shade-grown on bio-diverse farms. It features a unique flavor that’s made up of notes of light citrus and chocolate. It’s made decaffeinated through a natural water process. There’s no plastic to throw away, since the materials are commercially compostable, from the paper lid to the plant-based ring to the mesh filter.
Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original earns its spot thanks to its great-tasting 100% Arabica beans, sourced anywhere from Latin America to East Africa. It’s medium-roasted to deliver the same taste and balanced flavor as the company’s original blend, but without giving you the jitters. For a gluten-free, certified Kosher option, look to the Barista Prima Italian, which is deliciously robust with notes of fruit.
Special Honors
My K-Cup Universal Reusable Filter If you've got a local roast you just can't get enough of, try grinding it yourself and using this reusable filter from Keurig to make a cup at home. This branded filter is the only one that's approved for use in all Keurig K-Cup coffee makers. It's optimized for both cup and travel mug brew sizes, and the removable lid makes filling and cleaning easy. It's durable, BPA-free, and top-rack dishwasher safe. keurig.com
Swiss Water Process Subscription Swiss Water is the innovative craft of using pure water to gently remove caffeine. This chemical-free process decaffeinates coffee in small batches, which means it can be eliminated from select amounts of specialty roasts. As most coffee subscription services favor those who drink caffeinated beverages, this option should be a welcome surprise to decaf lovers. With light, medium, and dark varieties from all over the world, you can expect a solid range of hand-picked selections. swisswater.com
4. The Organic Coffee Co. Gorilla
5. Green Mountain Dark Magic
6. San Francisco Bay French Roast
7. Peet's House Blend
8. The Original Donut Shop
9. Crazy Cups Variety Pack
10. McCafe Premium
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.