2024 is here, and futuristic tech isn't the only thing to get excited about. Another year of technological progress also means we're one year closer to the perfect cup of coffee to start your day. Today, we're rating Keurig espresso coffee pods. We've sifted through the coffee aisles and read the reviews to bring you our top 7 Keurig espresso pods this year.
We've chosen the San Francisco Bay Compostable Coffee Pods – Espresso Roast as our pick for the best Keurig espresso pod of 2023.
Of course, Keurig espresso isn't real espresso. But! Using an espresso K-pod is a great way to enjoy your morning coffee because it's simple, quick, convenient, and avoids that watery coffee taste that some less strong K-cups can give you.
So, grab your favorite mug, get comfy, and let's dive into the 7 best Keurig espresso pods of 2023.
Related: The Story Behind the Keurig Brand
Best 7 Keurig Espresso Pods of 2023
7. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Single-Serve Coffee K-Cup Pods
Lavazza is a very well-known name in the coffee world, and there is a reason for it. This Italian brand understands espresso, and their goal with their K-Cups is to bring the taste of an authentic Italian café into your kitchen. When you brew a cup, you’ll get a robust, rich smell that sets the stage for a great coffee experience.
The flavor of this coffee is bold without being overpowering. You get a very smooth texture with subtle hints of chocolate. Additionally, there is no bitterness at the end, with a crisp, clean finish. However, if you’re someone like me who likes a ton of creamer in their coffee or a super light roast, this brand can come off strong.
- Amazon Reviews – 1,939
- Stars – 4.5/5
6. Double Donut Coffee Espresso Roast Blend
When you first hear the name “Double Donut,” you may expect something sweet or a with dessert flavoring. However, this option is all about that deep, rich espresso flavor.
This espresso K-cup has a full-bodied, intense flavor with very light hints of dark chocolate and caramel. So, it will be slightly sweet, but it’s a well-balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the coffee flavor. It offers a solid, no-nonsense punch of espresso that may be heavy if you like fruity or light notes in your coffee. It also makes a great partner for your morning pastry.
- Amazon Reviews – 8,670
- Stars – 4.4/5
5. VitaCup Extra Shot Coffee Pods with Espresso Shot
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For taste, this K-cup offers a very bold, vibrant profile with a depth that balances between espresso and coffee. Additionally, it provides this extra kick without a bitter edge. It’s not a good match for those who like lighter flavors as this one is strong.
As a bonus, it comes with vitamins like B12 and antioxidants. So, you’re getting your crave-worthy caffeine and a slight health boost when you drink it.
- Amazon Reviews – 18,012
- Stars – 4.3/5
4. Brooklyn Beans Express-O Gourmet Coffee Pod
The first thing a lot of people notice about this K-Cup is the name: “Brooklyn Express-O.” It’s like the manufacturer blending New York’s iconic on-the-go feel with the classic espresso. The experience you get when you drink also mirrors the name. When you brew a cup, you’ll notice a scent that is dark and rich while being a bit smokey, just like those old-school Brooklyn coffee shops.
This K-Cup features a bold taste with hints of toasted nuts and dark chocolate. It is on the stronger side and may not suit people who prefer floral, light coffee tastes, but if you’re someone looking for a robust coffee flavor, Brooklyn Expresso-O is a great choice.
- Amazon Reviews – 19,659
- Stars – 4.3/5
3. Café Bustelo Espresso Style Dark Roast Coffee
Consider this K-Cup like your favorite record you put on during a lazy weekend – it never gets old. This expresso-style blend is all about deep roots and tradition, and the goal is to give you the flavor and aroma you’d get if you stepped into a Latin cafe. It's described as “a heady mix of rich coffee beans and dark espresso with slightly chocolate scents.”
The taste is a bold, dark roast richness without any lingering bitterness. You’ll also taste slightly smoky undertones that nicely balance out the blend’s boldness.
- Amazon Reviews – 24,020
- Stars – 4.8/5
2. Maud's Espresso Coffee Dark Roast Pods
Let’s start with the name for this choice – Maud’s. It comes with a very comforting, old-school charm to it that is almost like having a well-loved, cozy coffee shop right around the corner.
With Maud's you get a very bold flavor, as you’d expect from a high-quality dark roast. There are also hints of cocoa, a touch of caramel, and a nice smoky undertone. This gives you a well-rounded cup of coffee that ends on a pleasant note with no bitterness. As a bonus, Maud’s has a reputation for eco-friendliness.
- Amazon Reviews – 74,775
- Stars – 4.2/5
1. San Francisco Bay Compostable Coffee Pods – Espresso Roast
Finally, our pick for the best Keurig espresso pod of 2023 is San Francisco Bay Compostable Coffee Pods – Espresso Roast. For me, the name invokes stunning views, cool morning fogs, and small boutique coffee joints. The espresso roast feels like a love letter to San Francisco’s coffee culture.
When you take a sip, the bold espresso combines nicely with a taste of dark chocolate and a slightly fruity undertone with a very smooth finish and no bitterness. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a smooth, rich kick to start the day.
The pods are also compostable!
- Amazon Reviews – 79,087
- Stars – 4.5/5
Related: Routine maintenance is critical to keeping your Keurig in top working order so you can enjoy your expresso pods whenever you like, and our guides will help ensure it’s always ready when you are, including:
- Keurig Not Working After Descaling – The Complete Guide
- Keurig Water Light Not Working – How to Fix
- Why Your Keurig is so Loud – How to Fix
- Keurig Descale Light Won’t Turn Off
- Keurig K Supreme and K Supreme Plus Won’t Turn On – How to Fix
This article was written by Sara. You can learn more about Sara on our About the Team page.
