Top 10 Best Espresso K-Cups You Can Buy

The best espresso K-Cups are single-serve coffee pods for Keurig® machines that combine rich flavor, freshness, fair pricing, availability, and brand reputation. Keurig does have espresso-style pods from brands, but they are not all the same.

Espresso K-Cups differ by bean origin, roast level, flavor intensity, pod material, and price, making the best espresso pod a matter of personal taste. In taste comparisons, Starbucks Espresso Roast is the best for balanced flavor, Lavazza Espresso K-Cups are the best for a dark, caramel-rich Italian roast, and Colipse Espresso K-Cups are the best for freshly roasted specialty coffee.

To choose the Keurig® espresso pods, look for K-Cups that suit the coffee drinks you enjoy, such as espresso, latte, iced coffee, Americano, cappuccino, blonde espresso, or espresso martini. Pick Keurig espresso pods that fit your daily routine, budget, how often you brew coffee, how much caffeine and sugar you want, and what’s best for the environment. The following list reviews top 10 best espresso K-Cup pods and shows how to brew them at home.

1. Colipse Espresso K-Cups
2. Starbucks Espresso Roast K Cups
3. Lavazza Espresso K Cups
4. Cafe Bustelo Espresso K Cups
5. Death Wish Espresso Roast K Cups
6. Dunkin Espresso K Cups
7. Maud's Espresso Coffee Pods
8. San Francisco Bay Espresso K Cups
9. Cafe La Llave Espresso-Style K Cups
10. Eight O'Clock Dark Italian Espresso K Cups

1. Colipse Espresso K-Cups

Colipse Espresso K-Cups are single-serve espresso pods sourced from high-altitude farms in the Kintamani Highlands of Central Bali. Colipse Espresso K-Cups rank among the best-tasting espresso pods because they use specialty-grade beans that are hand-harvested, wet-hulled, and roasted fresh to order. The pods are made from Red Bourbon, Castillo, and Typica varieties, and are grown by Subak Abian cooperative farmers using sustainable, organic methods. These farmers protect nature by avoiding chemical fertilizers and following the Tri Hita Karana way, which teaches people to live in balance with nature and spirit.

Taste: Colipse Espresso Pods delivers a rich, aromatic brew with citrus and chocolate notes. The coffee features bright acidity, full body, and a clean finish. Colipse Espresso Pods are great for people who love specialty coffee, like trying different kinds, and enjoy drinking it black but want to avoid the sharp taste of lighter roasts.

About Colipse Coffee: Colipse Coffee is an online store that sells specialty coffee pods, grounds, and beans.

Availability: Colipse Espresso K-Cups are available for $21.99 per 12-pod box on the Colipse website. The company offers free U.S. delivery and a flexible subscription that lets customers pause, skip, or cancel orders with built-in savings.

Pros: Freshly roasted to order, Specialty-grade Arabica, Single origin, Free U.S. shipping.

Cons: Not available on Amazon, 12-count only.

Recommendation: Colipse Espresso K-Cups are ideal for people who love specialty coffee without the high acidity of single-origin beans.

2. Starbucks Espresso Roast K-Cups

Starbucks Espresso Roast K-Cups are dark roast espresso pods made for Keurig machines using 100% ethically sourced Arabica beans. Starbucks Espresso Roast K Cups are best for drinkers who enjoy a dark roast with molasses and caramelized sugar notes. Starbucks K cups deliver cafe-quality coffee using the same roasting standards as Starbucks coffee shops worldwide.

Taste: Starbucks Espresso K-Cups delivers bold, full-bodied coffee with molasses and caramelized sugar notes. Its flavor profile features a caramelly sweetness that blends smoothly with almond milk, oat milk, or condensed milk. The best way to enjoy Starbucks Espresso Roast K-Cups is to serve them over ice for smooth iced coffee or use them in lattes, cappuccinos, or as a strong espresso shot.

About Starbucks: Starbucks is a multinational coffee company founded in 1971 that sells espresso pods and other coffee products.

Availability: Starbucks Espresso Roast K-Cups is available online on the Starbucks website, Target, Walmart, Publix, Amazon. Starbucks Espresso Roast K-Cups come in 10, 22, or 75-count boxes on Amazon. Each 75-count box costs $47.15 for direct-to-consumer purchase, though prices vary by store and location.

Pros: Strong espresso flavor, Great for lattes and iced drinks, High customer rating.

Cons: Premium price, Non-recyclable pods.

Recommendation: Starbucks Espresso Roast Pods deliver bold flavor ideal for iced lattes and cappuccinos that pair perfectly with milk.

3. Lavazza Espresso K-Cups

Lavazza Espresso K-Cups are single-serve espresso coffee pods made for Keurig brewers. Lavazza Espresso is made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Central and South America. Lavazza Espresso is best for those who want coffee pods with an authentic Italian coffee flavor. Lavazza Espresso K-Cups have an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Taste: Lavazza Espresso pods capsules deliver a full-bodied flavor with rich aroma and smooth texture. They feature caramel and chocolate notes that enhance espresso, americano, lungo, or long black coffee. The coffee pair beautifully with buttery pastries, dark chocolate, or nut-based desserts.

About Lavazza: Lavazza is an Italian coffee manufacturer founded in 1895 and based in Turin, Italy.

Availability: Lavazza Espresso K Cups is available online through the Lavazza USA site, Amazon, and Instacart, and in grocery stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Publix. Lavazza comes in 10-count or 32-count K-Cup packs. Each pod holds 0.34 oz of pre-packed ground coffee ready for use. The U.S. average price is $28.94 for a 32-count pack, with variation based on retailer, location, and promotions.

Pros: Trusted Italian brand, Widely available, Recyclable K-Cups.

Cons: Not organic, Not freshly roasted to order.

Recommendation: Lavazza Espresso Italiano is ideal for K-Cup brewing. It offers a medium roast made from 100% Arabica beans with aromatic, velvety flavor notes and subtle caramel and chocolate undertones. It carries kosher certification.

4. Cafe Bustelo Espresso K Cups

Café Bustelo Espresso Pods are dark roast K-Cup espresso capsules made for Keurig brewers. The pods are made with 100% Arabica beans sourced from Latin America. Café Bustelo Espresso pods rank among the best-rated Keurig espresso capsules, based on a 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 28,000 customer reviews.

Taste: Café Bustelo Espresso K Cups delivers bold, full-bodied coffee with a smooth texture, rich finish, and clean aftertaste. Café Bustelo Espresso K Cups suits both black coffee and espresso from K-Cups. The coffee appeal to coffee drinkers who enjoy a strong and intense flavor. It pair perfectly with sweet pastries, churros, or dark chocolate desserts.

About Café Bustelo: Café Bustelo is an American coffee brand owned by The J.M. Smucker Company and operates in the United States.

Availability: Café Bustelo Espresso Style sells online via its official site, Keurig.com, Amazon, Walmart, and Sam’s Club in the U.S. It is also available in select retail stores. The product offers 12, 24, or 72-count K-Cup pod packs priced from $8.99 to $38.01, with discounts up to 25% through subscriptions.

Pros: Strong flavor, Great price per pod, Widely available.

Cons: Plastic pods, No organic.

Recommendation: Café Bustelo Espresso K-Cups are ideal for espresso lovers seeking budget-friendly Keurig pods with a bold, full-bodied flavor.

5. Death Wish Espresso Roast K Cups

Death Wish Coffee Espresso Roast K Cups are single-serve espresso coffee pods designed for Keurig and similar coffee machines. Death Wish Coffee ranks among the best k cups for espresso shots by blending Arabica and Robusta beans to create a bold, smooth, and full-bodied espresso-style brew. This USDA Organic blend delivers rich flavor and high caffeine for a strong, robust coffee experience.

Taste: Death Wish Coffee Espresso Roast has a bold, full-bodied flavor profile. The espresso roast features low acidity and a heavy, smooth body with a rich aromas of cocoa and caramelized sugar. The flavor includes notes of baker’s chocolate, black cherry, and caramelized sugar. The roast delivers a smooth finish with a hint of bitterness.

About Death Wish Coffee: Death Wish Coffee is an independent coffee brand founded in 2012 by Mike Brown.

Availability: Death Wish Coffee Espresso Roast sells online through its website and major retailers including Amazon, FoodMaxx, Target, Whole Foods Market, and Walmart. Death Wish Coffee Espresso Roast K-Cups cost $14.99 for 10 count, $29.98 for 20 count, $59.99 for 50 count, and $99.99 for 100 count. Free shipping applies to orders over $50.

Pros: Strong caffeine kick, USDA Organic, Wide availability.

Cons: High price per pod, Not compostable.

Recommendation: Death Wish Coffee is a bold keurig espresso pod made from organic and Fair Trade certified beans.

6. Dunkin Espresso K Cups

Dunkin Espresso K-Cups are coffee espresso capsules compatible with most Keurig single-serve coffee machines. Dunkin Espresso K-Cups deliver the best extra-dark roast using 100% Arabica beans for a consistent, low-acid espresso shots. These Keurig espresso pods deliver a convenient and affordable espresso experience at home or in the office, costing $0.50–$0.75 per pod depending on retailer, pack size, and promotions.

Taste: Dunkin Espresso K-Cups delivers full-bodied flavor with dark fruit and molasses notes. It has a bold taste that stands up to cream, sugar, and flavored syrups. The best way to drink Dunkin Espresso Pods is as a rich 30 ml shot for full intensity or blended with steamed oat milk to create lattes, macchiatos, or flat whites.

About Dunkin Donuts: Dunkin’ is a U.S.-based coffee and baked goods brand known for serving premium coffee, espresso, and donuts at quick-service restaurants.

Availability: Dunkin Espresso K-Cups are available online through Dunkin’s site, Keurig’s store, Amazon, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target. A 22-count box costs about $10.99–$12.99, and a 60-count box costs $29.94–$32.94. Discounts and subscriptions lower the price to about $0.45 per pod during sales or auto-delivery programs.

Pros: Affordable, Strong but not bitter, Trusted national brand.

Cons: Not organic or Fair Trade, No recyclable pods.

Recommendation: Dunkin Espresso K-Cups are a solid choice for making espresso-style drinks with a bold, extra-dark roast flavor.

7. Maud's Espresso Coffee Pods

Maud's Espresso Coffee Pods are single-serve coffee K-Cups containing premium 100% Arabica coffee beans. Maud’s Espresso Coffee Pods deliver the best affordable espresso k cups at $0.46 per cup, making them ideal for bulk orders for offices, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. The coffee is produced in a solar-powered facility. The pods are recyclable and BPA-free for eco-friendly disposal.

Taste: Maud's Espresso Coffee Pods deliver bold, rich flavor with burnt undertones, a full body, and low acidity. The coffee features chocolate and nut notes and brews smoothly in espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.

About Maud's Coffee: Maud's Coffee is a family-owned brand recognized for gourmet coffee pods and unique blends.

Availability: Maud's Espresso Coffee Pods are sold online through Maud's website and major U.S. retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Each box includes 100 pre-packed pods. Customers receive a 20% discount on all orders and can subscribe for regular deliveries.

Pros: Best for bulk, Recyclable pods.

Cons: Not certified organic.

Recommendation: Maud’s Espresso Coffee Pods are a reliable option for K-Cup espresso lovers who want the best value for their money.

8. San Francisco Bay Espresso K Cups

San Francisco Bay Espresso Roast Coffee Pods are coffee capsules compatible with Keurig and Keurig 2.0 brewers. The coffee is a dark roast espresso blend made from 100% Arabica beans from Central America. This coffee is best for Keurig espresso K-Cups lovers who want compatible, plant-based pods that fully biodegrade within weeks.

Taste: San Francisco Bay coffee delivers a rich, full-bodied flavor with deep aroma and smooth texture. It offers balanced sweetness and a lasting finish. Ideal for black coffee or lattes, it brews perfectly in Keurig machines and pairs well with chocolate desserts or nutty pastries.

About San Francisco Bay Coffee: San Francisco Bay Coffee brand is a family-owned business that produces gourmet, sustainably grown 100% Arabica coffee.

Availability: San Francisco Bay Coffee is sold online and in major U.S. retailers like Amazon and Walmart. It offers K-Cup packs of 12, 36, 80, and 120 cups without grind size options. Prices start at $25.99 for 36-count packs, varying by retailer and subscription discounts.

Pros: Compostable pods, Great value, Widely available on Amazon.

Cons: Not certified organic, No decaf version.

Recommendation: San Francisco Bay Espresso Roast Coffee Pods are ideal for environmentally conscious coffee drinkers who prefer strong, dark espresso flavor and use Keurig brewers.

9. Cafe La Llave Espresso-Style K Cups

Café La Llave Espresso-Style Coffee Pods are dark-roasted, single-serve coffee K-Cups that deliver a bold and rich espresso-style flavor. The coffee inside the pods is 100 percent pure coffee with no additives. Customers rate the Café La Llave Espresso-Style Coffee Pods 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 2,300 global ratings.

Taste: Café La Llave offers bold espresso k cups for Keurig with chocolate and nutty notes. It delivers smooth texture and balanced body with a lingering dark chocolate finish. The coffee brews quickly and evenly in any Keurig K-Cup Brewer, making it ideal for home use.

About Café La Llave: Café La Llave is an authentic Latin-style coffee brand with Cuban origins.

Availability: Café La Llave Espresso-Style Coffee is sold online through its official website, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and CVS in the United States. Each 55-count Café La Llave Keurig espresso pod box costs $19.99 at Walmart and $13.99 for a 24-count box at Amazon.

Pros: Affordable, Widely available on Amazon, Kosher certified.

Cons: Not organic or Fair Trade, No decaf K-Cup version.

Recommendation: Café La Llave delivers dark-roast espresso with chocolate notes that is best for users who enjoy rich flavor.

10. Eight O'Clock Dark Italian Espresso K Cups

Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso K-Cup® Pods are Keurig espresso pods made from 100% Arabica coffee beans. Eight O'Clock Coffee ranks among the best Italian espresso pods for Keurig, delivering a bold flavor ideal for espresso and cappuccino lovers. The coffee holds Orthodox Union Kosher certification and maintains a 4.7-star rating from over 29,000 reviews.

Taste: Eight O'Clock Coffee delivers bold, chocolatey espresso with a full body and smooth finish. It offers a rich, dark chocolate aftertaste ideal for espresso and cappuccino lovers. Brew it easily with a Keurig machine for a quick, flavorful coffee at home.

About Eight O'Clock Coffee: Eight O'Clock Coffee is America's original gourmet coffee with a 160-year legacy.

Availability: Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso K-Cup® Pods sells online through its website and major U.S. retailers. The product is available direct-to-consumer and in retail stores in pre-packed counts of 10, 24, or 32 pods.

Pros: Strong, Affordable price per pod, High customer rating.

Cons: Not recyclable pods, No roast date.

Recommendation: Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso K-Cup® Pods are ideal for espresso and cappuccino lovers.

How to Pick the Best Espresso Pods for Keurig?

To choose the best espresso pods for Keurig, look for espresso K-Cups made from freshly roasted, specialty-grade 100% Arabica beans and sealed in aluminum or nitrogen-flushed packaging from trusted brands. Match the roast level to your preference, typically medium to dark for espresso. Ensure pods are compatible with your Keurig model and check their intensity rating, with espresso pods often ranging from 8 to 12. Here’s a detailed guide on picking the best espresso coffee pods.

1. Check freshness by choosing pods with a visible roast date to ensure coffee flavor remains vibrant.
2. Look for specialty-grade coffee to enjoy richer, higher-quality taste.
3. Select pods from trusted origins like Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil, or Indonesia for superior flavor.
4. Choose ethically sourced pods using organic or sustainable practices.
5. Try reusable pods with high-quality espresso grounds for sustainability and better flavor control.
6. Read user reviews to learn about flavor, aroma, and crema quality from other Keurig users.
7. Experiment with single-origin pods for unique regional flavor experiences.
8. Sample variety packs to discover your preferred pod type without overcommitting.

What is the Best Place to Buy Espresso K-Cups Online?

Colipse Coffee is the best place to buy espresso K-Cups online. At Colipse Coffee, our espresso pods for Keurig feature fresh-roasted, organic beans from the Kintamani Highlands of Bali. Each box includes 12 recyclable pods for $21.99 with free U.S. shipping. Customers can also subscribe and save 5% on recurring orders.

Can You Make Espresso in a Keurig?

No, Keurig cannot make true espresso because it lacks the 9-bar pressure required for authentic extraction. True espresso, defined by the Italian Espresso National Institute, is a 30 ml shot made by forcing water at 91–96°C through 7 grams of finely ground coffee under 9 bars of pressure for about 25 seconds. Keurig produces a brewed coffee that is similar in strength to espresso shots but lighter in body and crema. For richer espresso flavor, use dark roast espresso K-Cups and the smallest cup size setting.

How to Make Espresso with a Keurig?

To make espresso coffee with a Keurig, follow the five steps below.

1. Choose dark roast or espresso roast K-Cups to create the richest and strongest espresso-like flavor.
2. Use the smallest cup size on your Keurig to match the espresso ratio of 1:2 by brewing a concentrated amount of coffee.
3. Brew the coffee by placing a large cup under the machine and running the cycle with the chosen K-Cup and smallest water setting.
4. Pour brewed coffee into small espresso cups to mimic the traditional serving size, though the crema will remain light.
5. Serve and enjoy your espresso-style coffee, which delivers a strong, flavorful, and satisfying taste even without true espresso.

How to Use Espresso Pods without Keurig Machine?

To use espresso pods without a machine, heat water to around 195-205°F and then submerge the capsule in a cup, letting it steep for 2-3 minutes like a tea bag to extract the coffee flavor. Stir occasionally while keeping the pod submerged to ensure even brewing and then remove the pod once the desired strength is reached. Alternatively, you can cut open the pod, pour the grounds into a filter or mug, add hot water, steep, and strain to enjoy espresso without a machine.