Keurig® took the world by storm when they introduced single-serve coffee brewers and coffee pods in 1998. Their initial round of coffee pods specifically targeted the office market bringing convenience and quality to the job sites around the world. Fast forward a few years and K cups® and coffee pods have made their way into the homes of millions of coffee lovers around the world. However, despite the wild success of Keurig's® single service coffee pods, there remained a void in the market that desperately needed to be filled. Customers were searching for the best espresso K cups® only to discover there were none.
Brief History of the Espresso K Cup and Coffee Pod
In 2012, the espresso coffee pod was introduced and to the overwhelming joy of espresso drinkers around the world, the market was inundated with some of the best espresso K cups® the market had ever seen. Considering the sales figures of 7.37 million Keurig machine sales in 2011 versus a jump to 10.1 million sales in 2013, there's little doubt that the introduction of convenient espresso pods played a critical role in the popularity of K cups®.
Nowadays, however, the coffee pod and capsule game is so rife with competition that it can be a challenge finding the best espresso k cup that fits your particular palette. Sure, you could spend hours sifting through reviews yourself or put together a flow chart of personal recommendations from friends and colleagues. We've taken some of the legwork out of the searching process and compiled a convenient list of some of the best espresso K cups® and coffee pods on available. As a note, these aren't in any particular order. They all have qualities that make them exceptional.
Best Espresso K Cups and Coffee Pods
Timothy's Rainforest Espresso Dark Roast K cups®
Anyone who is familiar with the espresso K cup® world knows that it's all about achieving that perfect balance of body, strength, and flavor. Timothy's Rainforest Espresso K Cup teems with flavor and richness without the bitterness you might expect from an extra dark roast. This coffee offers a deep body and texture that satisfies even though most discerning espresso drinkers. At day's end, Timothy's espresso k cup makes an espresso that's worthy of a cafe in Paris. It packs the extra punch that espresso drinkers routinely seek while balancing it with a rich flavor that's as smooth as it is tasty. Espresso drinkers will also appreciate the subtle yet undeniable hints of crema.
Maud's Coffee is known for producing a distinctly smooth and very non-acidic coffee. It's easily one of my favorite coffee brands as it offers a bold and bodied tasting experience with virtually no “bite”. To put this espresso coffee pod into context, if you think Starbucks coffee is too acidic for your taste profile, then Maud's may be a perfect fit for you.
Gevalia Kaffe Cappuccina Espresso K cups®
I can't say it's a huge surprise to find Gevalia on a list of this best espresso K cups® on the market. Known for their decadently-smooth and impeccably-balanced coffee, Gevalia starts off with to grade 100% arabica coffee and adds just enough flavor to provide a exquisite treat without overwhelming the taste buds. It's for this reason that the Gevalia Cappuccina Espresso K Cup® is a customer favorite time and time again. Gevalia has done a brilliant job with creating a luxurious cafe-quality beverage that comes from a simple k cup and powdered packet. The end product is impressive to behold and even more impressive to taste. This specialty pack includes 6 pods of deliciously-flavored espresso and 6 froth packets made with real milk.
The two-part treat costs more than the average Keurig pod, but “treat” is the operative word here. Even at an average of $1.50 per serving, it's still cheaper than name-brand coffee house options of similar quality at best. All Gevalia pods are compatible with Keurig machines, so why even bother leaving the house again for a hot, caffeinated treat when you can enjoy some of the best espresso K cups® in your favorite fluffy slippers?
Illy Dark Roast Espresso Capsules
No list of best espresso K cups® and capsules would complete without illy being on the list. Illy is one of the top espresso manufacturers in the world. Caffeine addicts who prefer single brewing methods for their daily perks and pick-me-ups can also experience the quality and true commitment from this Italian brand thanks to their Illy Dark Roast Espresso Capsules. The tin container has an air-pressured lid to keep the contents fresh until you need them. Inside, 5 ounces of high-quality arabica blend iperEspresso is expertly measured throughout 21 capsules that deliver an intense, robust, fully flavored experience when brewed.
True espresso aficionados can expect a rich, velvety crema found in some of the most luxurious European cafes. And as for compatibility, Illy iperEspresso capsule system lets you prepare extraordinary espresso and cappuccino at home with ease. IperEspresso capsules work with multiple machines including Cuisinart for Illy, Gaga for Illy, and Francis Francis Espresso machines (X1 through X9 models and Y1 through Y5 models).
This list was created for specifically espresso lovers. If espresso isn't your thing, check out our list of some of the best K cups® on the market that aren't espresso.
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