K-cups VS Pods – Which’s the Best & Why?

We know that you might be someone who might be confused about whether to get a Keurig machine or simply use coffee pods to make coffee capsules. However, both of them provide coffee but both of them have their own pros and cons which you should know.

Therefore, we have brought before you this article K-cups VS pods in which we will talk in detail about the differences between both of them. Moreover, we have also featured the best k-cups and pods according to our preferences so you can try them if you want. 

K-cups VS Pods 

What are k-cups?

K-cups are coffee capsules used exclusively in Keurig coffee machines. These cups have coffee grounds in them which are sealed with aluminum foil on the top.

Moreover, the cup is made out of plastic. These K-cups are available in a lot of flavors which make it easier for people to use them and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee at home. 

Moreover, due to the neat packing, those coffee grounds don’t lose any flavour or aroma. Also, they don’t get any moisture inside them.

However, they are a lot more expensive as compared to traditional coffee pods but you can easily get them at your nearby coffee store. 

How are k-cups used?

K-cups are easy to use but they can be only used with a Keurig coffee maker, any other machine like a Nespresso won’t be compatible with them. You have to simply toss the K-cup inside the coffee slot of the machine and start the coffee machine.

See also  French press VS Pour Over Coffee - What's the Difference 

Afterward, you can see the freshly brewed coffee getting poured in the coffee cup. Anyway, you can only use them once and they are not recyclable too. 

Benefits of using k-cups

  1. K-cups are easily available at your nearby stores and can be easily used 
  2. You can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee with the perfect flavor and intact aroma 
  3. Moreover, there is a varied range of flavors to choose from so you can get one you love 
  4. Also, they are used in a fully automatic keurig machine which lets you do nothing 

Side effects of using k-cups

  • Not recyclable at all because of the aluminum and plastic content which requires segregation done only at some plants 
  • Makes a huge amount of waste which is can harm our environment and make big landfills 

What are coffee Pods?

Coffee pods are nothing but paper coffee bag similar to a tea bag. The coffee grounds are sealed in a filter, that’s what we call the paper. Moreover, they are flat in shape and can be used without any coffee maker.

Actually, they are used like tea bags where you have to dip the bag into hot water and let the grounds get infused with the water. Coffee pods are available in very little variety but have the same diameter which is 61 mm which makes it easier for anyone with any machine to use any coffee pod. 

How are coffee pods used? 

There are many ways to use a coffee pod one of the best and real methods to use a coffee pod is by dipping the pod into a cup of hot water until you achieve the perfect taste and concentration. Moreover, you can also use coffee pods with a coffee maker compatible with them. You have to follow the same procedure you do while using coffee capsules. 

See also  Ninja Coffee Bar review - Pros & Cons

Benefits of using coffee pods 

  • Coffee pods are much cheaper than compared to k-cups or any coffee capsules 
  • Moreover, they are made out of paper and are compostable, so you can use them as a fertilizer for your plants. 
  • Also, they can be used for making a drip coffee easily and can be used without a coffee maker 

Side effects of using coffee Pods

  • Coffee pods cannot hold the flavor and aroma of coffee grounds for a long time so use them as early as possible 
  • Moreover, these coffee capsules are not readily available because of the emergence of coffee capsules 

How does a Coffee pod differ from a K cup?

There is a lot of difference between a coffee pod and a K-cup starting from their shape, size to their availability. K-cups are cylindrical in shape made out of plastic with aluminum foil on the top.

On the other hand, coffee pods are small, circular and flat in shape. Moreover, they are made out of paper and also contain a filter which makes drip coffee brewing easier.

Also, coffee pods are not easily available so you have to search long for the best coffee pods. On the contrary, there are many brands making K-cups. 

Here are the best K-cups popular amongst the masses for their amazing flavor and mesmerizing aroma. 

Starbucks Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

Made from French roasted coffee beans, these K-cups will be your next favorite. With your favorite Starbucks taste, it has an intense and smoky flavor due to the dark roast which will make you fall in love with it.

Moreover, this pack contains 96 K-cups at a discounted price so you don’t have to search and buy more within 2 or 3 months. We love the amazing flavor it offers and has been our preference for many years. Therefore, you should definitely give it a try. 

See also  What is Cuban Coffee - (How to make, Benefits)

Here are the best coffee pods by KONA which we loved for their mouthwatering flavor.

KONA BLEND COFFEE PODS

KONA is popular amongst coffee enthusiasts for its availability of traditional coffee pods with great taste and long-lasting stock life. The coffee grounds are medium roast for people who love having balanced flavors and aroma from their cup of coffee.

Unlike other coffee pods, these won’t lose their flavor and aroma because all of them come in a foil package which makes sure you get freshly brewed coffee all time. There are a total of 18 coffee pods in this pack so it’s a great option if you want to try something new without wasting much money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can you use a K-cup?

A K-cup can be used only once after then you have to throw away the whole cup with those grounds. However, if you feel that its sheer wastage then you can opt for reusable coffee cups available. 

How long do coffee pods last?

On average, coffee pods can last for a minimum of 8 months. However, each brand has a different expiration date given so do check it out. 

Are K-cups biodegradable?

We are sorry to say but they are not, K-cups are made from plastic and some aluminium which has to be separated even if you have to recycle them. So it’s better to opt for some environmentally friendly option. 

Conclusion

It’s a debatable topic whether to use K-cups or pods because both of them have their own pros and cons, so it’s totally up to you. We have already given you the K-cups VS pods article. However, pods are biodegradable and won’t harm the earth.


Share post on

SipCoffeePro is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.