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Biodegradable K-cups are less harmful to the environment; here are our experts' favorites.
If you love Keurig coffee, then you've probably wondered how much trash is created when you dispose of the plastic pods. These pods are terrible for the planet. Fortunately, biodegradable K-Cups reduce the harmful effects on nature.
In this article, we'll take a look at 5 of the best biodegradable K-Cup brands that care about the environment and the quality of their coffee. We've also compiled a buying guide and FAQ section.
Let's begin!
OUR TOP PICK
Tayst Coffee
Tayst Coffee sells a variety of blends and flavors, so there are many different ways to enjoy some K-Cup coffee anytime, anywhere.
Key Features
• All roasts, plus decaf, available
• Earth's Favorite Coffee - 100% compostable K-Cup pods and bags
• Supports farmers and communities via the Rainforest Alliance
PREMIUM PICK
Gourmesso Coffee
Gourmesso has paid great attention to the environment in the production of their K-Cups, but they also focus on great taste.
Key Features
• Compostable K-Cups are completely biodegrade within 8 weeks
• Arabica bean varieties are sourced from South America for excellent flavor
• Flavored coffee pods available
Are There Biodegradable K-cups?
Biodegradable K-Cups are single-serve pods made from organic material that can be composted into environmentally friendly substances by bacteria or other biological processes after use. Organic material can degrade aerobically with oxygen or anaerobically under oxygen-free conditions. These K-Cups are plastic-free and can be easily distinguished by their special packaging.
Are Compostable Coffee Pods Really Compostable?
Biodegradable and compostable have similar meanings but are slightly different. Any compostable product is biodegradable, while a biodegradable substance will not necessarily be compostable.
Compostable materials leave behind compost after they degrade, which is used to improve the quality and fertilization of the soil. Biodegradable materials leave nothing behind. 100% compostable K-Cups are a slightly better choice than biodegradable, non-compostable K-Cups.
It is worth noting that compostable K-Cups must be taken to a specialized composting company. If you are using K-cups from a BPI certified company and you want your K-Cup single serve pods to be useful, you can take them to the closest composter in your area. You can find a composter at FindAComposter.
Our Top Picks
OUR TOP PICK
Tayst Coffee
Tayst Coffee sells a variety of blends and flavors, so there are many different ways to enjoy some K-Cup coffee anytime, anywhere.
Key Features
• All roasts, plus decaf, available
• Earth's Favorite Coffee - 100% compostable K-Cup pods and bags
• Supports farmers and communities via the Rainforest Alliance
PREMIUM PICK
Gourmesso
Gourmesso has paid great attention to the environment in the production of their K-Cups, but they also focus on great taste.
Key Features
• Compostable K-Cups are completely biodegrade within 8 weeks
• Arabica bean varieties are sourced from South America for excellent flavor
• Flavored coffee pods available
The Best Biodegradable K-Cups Reviews
1. Tayst Coffee - Best Biodegradable K-Cups
9.8
/ 10
K-Cups by Tayst Coffee are 100% plastic-free, compostable coffee pods. The pods are made of a blend of bioresins from renewable sources and coffee chaff (bean husks). These pods return fertile nutrients to the soil during decomposition.
It is noteworthy that the company is Rainforest Alliance-certified. This means that Tayst Coffee supports farmers and coffee plantation workers and invests in developing environmentally sustainable coffee production standards.
Tayst Coffee sells a huge selection of coffee blends. You can choose any roast, flavored coffees (made with natural flavors), and even decaf coffees.
Plus, you can choose how many K-cups you need per pack, from 30 to 100 pods. And if you love their coffee, you can even sign up for their subscription service.
What We Like:
What We Don't Like:
2. Gourmesso - Premium Pick
9.5
/ 10
Gourmesso sells 5 different blends in biodegradable pods. They specialize in dark roasts, so this is the company for you if you like dark or extra-dark roasts. Gourmesso also sells a medium roast, as well as two flavored coffees: vanilla and hazelnut.
Gourmesso sells a 100% compostable coffee pod. The ring is made of coffee chaff and the filter is made of renewable bio-based materials. The pods decompose completely within 8 weeks.
These K-Cup compostable single serve coffee pods are suitable for use in any Keurig coffee maker, including the Keurig 2.0.
Gourmesso compostable pods are sold in packs of 12. This is handy as you can order several flavors in small batches to find your favorite.
What We Like:
What We Don't Like:
3. SF Bay Coffee - Best on Amazon
8.4
/ 10
San Francisco bay Coffee's OneCup is the best choice if you want to preserve both nature and your wallet.
Plus, this company makes it worthwhile to buy in bulk. Unlike other brands, their prices are two times lower when buying in bulk (36-count or larger).
All compostable pods from San Francisco Bay Coffee are made from plant-based compostable materials and contain no plastic. The K-Cup pods are BPI certified compostable in a commercial or industrial composting facility. This means they will need to be composted at an industrial composting plant. But if you don't have a commercial composter nearby, you can throw your coffee pods in the trash. They'll still be less harmful than plastic single-serve pods.
If you prefer dark roast coffee, there is a large selection here. We think the French Roast is the best they have. These K-Cups have a rich taste with hints of dark chocolate and a smoky aftertaste that will delight any coffee drinker.
San Francisco Bay pods are compatible with all Keurigs, including the Keurig 2.0 coffee system.
What We Like:
What We Don't Like:
4. Beniac - Best Organic Choice
8.6
/ 10
If you want to buy coffee that helps the planet from planting to brewing, you should choose Beaniac coffee pods.
Beaniac coffee comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms and is USDA Organic-certified. This means that the coffee grows on these farms without affecting nature. No pesticides are used here, no deforestation occurs, and the rights of plantation workers are respected.
Beaniac sells only high-quality coffee. Their medium-roast K-Cup coffee is 100% Arabica with fruity notes.
The compostable pods are sold in packs of 30. They are suitable for use in all Keurig coffee makers, including the Keurig 2.0.
What We Like:
What We Don't Like:
5. Cameron's Coffee - Best Kona Blend
9.2
/ 10
Kona coffee is a premium coffee grown in Hawaii. The taste of this coffee is revealed gradually, the pronounced fruity acidity is replaced by a nutty taste, and the aftertaste will delight you with its nuances. This is the kind of delicious coffee you get in K-Cups from Cameron's Coffee.
Cameron's Coffee calls their capsules Eco Coffee Pods. These are made from plant materials and are 100% compostable.
You can choose to purchase between 12 and 96 K-Cups. The price is slightly higher than when buying for other companies, because Kona beans are an expensive, premium coffee.
What We Like:
What We Don't Like:
What to Look for When Buying Biodegradable Coffee Pods
Flavors and roasts
Some companies provide a wide variety of roasts and flavor profiles, as well as flavored and decaf coffee. Other companies have a more limited inventory. What company you buy from will depend on your individual preferences.
Count
Some manufacturers let you choose the number of K-Cup coffee pods when ordering. Also, pay attention to the price change depending on the selected quantity. Some companies lower the price when you buy more pods.
Keurig compatibility
Any coffee drinker will be very frustrated to buy K-Cups and they are not suitable for single serve coffee maker. Always check compatibility before making a purchase.
Organic certification
If a brand has this certification, it means that it uses coffee beans that were grown on organic plantations without the use of chemicals. As a rule, organic coffee is harvested by hand, so Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certifications can indicate organic coffee (but always check for an organic certification as well).
Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certification
These certifications carry a long list of coffee-producer responsibilities, but in short, they mean that the company supports farmers and promotes good working conditions on plantations. They also include a responsible attitude towards the environment and the preservation of biodiversity in the places where coffee is grown.
FAQ
How can I dispose of biodegradable K-Cups?
If there are composting facilities in your area, you can take them there when your green waste bin is full. If this is not possible, then you can throw them in a landfill. Biodegradable K-Cups will degrade at a faster rate than conventional non-biodegradable waste in a landfill, but not as quickly as under composting conditions.
Which K-Cups are biodegradable?
Coffee pods made from special organic materials are biodegradable. The materials are degraded by bacteria or other biological processes after use.
How should I store biodegradable K-Cups?
Because K-Cups contain ground coffee and are made from biodegradable materials, they should be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. A cupboard in the kitchen is a great place, but keep the coffee away from spices so it doesn’t absorb the spices’ aromas. Also, try to restrict oxygen exposure by using a jar or zip-lock bag.
Sources:
- WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE: BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE - Nature's Path
- Ecopods - Cameron's Coffee
- What’s the healthiest way to keep everyone caffeinated? - The Atlantic