For a lot of people, the day hasn’t started until they’ve gotten their first cup ‘o Joe. But, not everyone wants the intense caffeine jolt that can accompany that morning ritual. Decaf coffee isn’t as popular as regular strength, but can be just as tasty and a great alternative for quite a few people — like pregnant women or anyone with a sensitive stomach. Thankfully, if you like the idea of single-serve coffee, you don’t have to miss out just because you like your coffee unleaded.
Benefits Of Decaf K-Cups
Less caffeine
One of the primary benefits that you get with decaf K-cups is the fact that the coffee contains a significantly reduced amount of caffeine, especially when compared to regular coffee. While caffeine does not add health problems to regular coffee in most cases, there are some people who experience sensitivity to this chemical that is naturally present in coffee beans. By reducing the amount of caffeine in the coffee, you are less likely to experience jitters, restlessness, insomnia, and other adverse effects associated with caffeine sensitivity.
Contains antioxidants
People generally associate caffeine with coffee, but this is not the only chemical found in the beans. In addition to caffeine, coffee beans contain a large number of additional chemicals and compounds. Over 1,000 antioxidants have been identified in coffee beans. When these beans go through a roasting process, more antioxidants develop. These antioxidants are generally not lost when caffeine is reduced in the final product – giving your body access to these powerful compounds that fight against free radicals.
Offers the health benefits of regular coffee
While decaf coffee does go through a process in order to remove some of the caffeine that is present in the beans, the beverage still yields many of the benefits that a regular cup of coffee would offer. Decaf coffee has been shown to provide similar effects on insulin regulation and reduce tissue damage in the body, particularly compared to caffeinated variants.
Can be a late-night beverage
People try to avoid drinking a cup of coffee late at night, as the high caffeine content is linked to insomnia and sleeping problems. With the low caffeine content found in decaf options, you can now enjoy a cup of coffee later at night without having to be as concerned about insomnia.
Considerations
Compatibility
There is sometimes confusion in terms of compatibility, particularly since the term “K-Cup” is actually trademarked by the original creator of these products. It is important to consider the fact that these cups are not the same as coffee pods. When looking at decaf k-cups, always consider compatibility. The product should clearly state that it features a K-cup compatible design.
Coffee origin
Many people do not realize how much of a difference can exist in the flavor of coffee from different origins. When looking at decaf coffee, you’ll still be able to find options that feature different bean origins. Make sure you consider the flavors and beans that you generally prefer – then look for a decaf variant that comes in this particular option.
Supply
K-cups feature a single-serving design. This means one cup has a sufficient amount of decaf coffee to help you prepare a single cup for yourself. With this in mind, you usually do not want to buy a single K-cup at a time. Consider how much decaf coffee you consume. This should serve as guidance to help you choose an ideal number of K-cups to be included in the package.
1. Maud’s Decaf Coffee Variety Pack 80ct. (Best Variety)
A Tasty Sip in Every Cup
Some people like to switch up their drink choices from time to time. And if you’ve perused the decaf K-cup world, you know that often there aren’t as many choices for decaf as there are for regular coffee. We like that this decaf K-cup variety pack features nine different flavors and comes with a total of 90 K-cups. Along with being Kosher, you’ll like that these are responsibly made using solar energy and that the pods are recyclable.
2. McCafe Decaf Premium Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods 84 Count (Best for Running Late)
Coffee without the Line
McDonald’s coffee has a fan following, but not everyone has time in the morning to drop off at the nearest location to grab a cup of coffee on the way to work. Thankfully, you don’t have to with their McCafe K-cups. You’ll get a total of 84 decaf K-cups in this set. McDonald’s decaf coffee is a medium roast made from 100% Arabica beans. It’s great in the morning but you can also enjoy a tasty cup any time of the day.
3. The Original Donut Shop Decaf Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods Medium Roast Coffee (Best Medium Roast)
A Mild Blend for Any Time
The Original Donut Shop is a fan favorite for Keurig owners. In total, you’ll get 72 pods — all containing their medium roast decaf coffee. Note that the pods come in six containers with12 pods per package. We like that this decaf K-cup pick features recyclable K-cup pods. Note that these pods contain more coffee than regular K-cups. The coffee is made from 100% Arabica coffee that’s certified Kosher.
4. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend Decaf Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods (Best Light Roast)
A Subtle Flavor You’ll Love
For many first-time Keurig owners, Green Mountain is one of the first K-cup options they select. And if you like their breakfast blend but don’t want the added caffeine, you’ll like that it’s also available in decaf. This light roast decaf K-cup selection is the perfect way to start your day. You’ll get a total of 72 pods in the container — all of which are recyclable. This pick features a balanced flavor with a silky mouthfeel that you’ll enjoy.
5. Peet’s Coffee K-Cup Pods Decaf House Blend Dark Roast (Best Dark Roast)
A Rich Flavor for Your Senses
Just because you want decaf doesn’t mean that you want a mild flavor. This pick from Peet’s Coffee is perfect for people that love dark blends but want a decaf alternative. You’ll get a total of 60 pods in this six-pack selection. As is common with true Keurig brand coffee offerings, you’ll get true K-cups that are recyclable. The decaf house blend is made with a Latin blend derived from 100% Arabica high-grown coffee.
6. Amazon Brand 100ct. Solimo Decaf Light Roast Coffee Pods (Most Economical)
A Budget-friendly Perfect Cup
If you have a lot of coffee drinkers in the home or office, buying in bulk is going to make a lot of sense. This 100-count set of pods from Amazon’s Solimo brand is a great solution for frequent decaf coffee drinkers. This light roast decaf K-cup pick is compatible with Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 brewers. It features a blend of 100% Arabica coffee harvested from both Latin America and Africa and has a nutty aroma with medium body and acidity.
7. Victor Allen’s Coffee Decaf Donut Shop Medium Roast 80 Count Single Serve Coffee Pods (Best Non-GMO Pods)
Coffee without the Guilt
Many people are concerned about the production process for making coffee and want to be sure that harsh ingredients or additives aren’t used. If this is you, you’ll like that these Victor Allen’s Coffee pods are gluten-free and non-GMO. These single use decaf K-cups are compatible with all single serve brewing solutions, including the Keurig 2.0. Their Decaf Donut Shop Medium Roast pods have a sweet and smooth flavor profile with a mild finish.
8. Dunkin Donuts Dunkin Decaf K-Cups 24 Count (Best on the Go)
Because America Runs on Dunkin
Dunkin is another one of those brands that’s a go-to for people looking for a quick cup of coffee on their way to work or at any time. Take that experience home with you with their 24-count decaf k-cup set. While this decaf K-cup pick has the smallest quantity, it’s not short on flavor. This is a medium roast brew that’s also certified Kosher. You’ll get a rich, smooth cup of coffee with every pod you brew.