10 Best K-Cups For Iced Coffee Lovers

When temperatures heat up, there's nothing better than an iced coffee at home! If you're still deciding which K-cup is worth having in your arsenal, fret no more.

Lucky for you, I've tried an embarrassing (or impressive?) amount of different brands, and I am here to ensure you never have to leave your house for an invigorating glass of smooth, iced coffee.

Put on your barista apron, grab your Keurig, and get ready to be whisked away into a realm of rich aromas and delicious flavors with my ultimate guide to iced coffee K-cups!

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10 K-Cups That Are Perfect For Making Iced Coffee

1. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend

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Who would have thought that a retired military member named "Dickason," who one day approached the chain's owner, would've gone on to help create one of their most popular blends?

I’m always a bit apprehensive when I hear of a coffee being the “best of the best” by seemingly everyone.

However, in this case, it’s really hard to deny how delicious the dark roast coffee K-cup is - brewed both iced and hot.

It's sweet but not overly saccharine. The flavor is full-bodied and complex yet still silky-smooth. The aroma fills the room, creating a kind of comforting, familiar scent of a cafe on a rainy day.

The only downside?

If you are sensitive to acidity, you may want to skip these coffee K-cup pods and instead go with the Death Wish pods or Tully's French Roast.

Peet's are also more expensive than many other options out there at 54 cents per count (but honestly, worth a few extra cents per capsule).

Related Article - Best Dark Roast K Cups

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2. Dunkin’ Cold Coffee Roast

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You know what I find really annoying about trying to make a good iced coffee at home?

Half the time, the ice cubes are already melted, and the coffee is watered down before I even get a chance to try it.

I don't know about you, but when my morning routine is altered in any way, I get a little irked.

With the Dunkin' Cold Coffee Roast, no one has to worry about me being grumpy, as it's made specifically for brewing cold coffees.

This medium roast is perfect if you don't like a super strong flavor but still want a rich body.

If you find Maud's Dark Roast or Major Dickason too full-bodied, it's a great alternative.

I found this K-cup to be one of the most smooth, well-balanced iced coffees of the bunch.

Related Article - 12 Tasty Medium Roast K-Cups

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3. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Brew Over Ice Vanilla Caramel

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If you have a sweet tooth or would perhaps just like to cut out the creamer without cutting down on flavor, the Green Mountain Brew Over Ice Vanilla Caramel K-cup coffee is what you're looking for.

Smooth, buttery caramel and perfectly-sweet vanilla combine perfectly with this bold medium roast flavor.

Of all the flavored coffees, this is the best K-cup pod I've had the pleasure of trying.

For me, it's not a daily drinker, but nice when I'm craving dessert or something decadent.

It's also smooth and slightly sweet in a way that reminds me of a nitro cold brew without the high quantity of caffeine.

If you find the Major Dickason, Dunkin' Cold Coffee Roast, and Starbucks Sumatra Reserve to be too bitter, you'll love these.

The 100% Arabica coffee does taste very fresh, and the fact that it’s certified Orthodox Union Kosher attests to its quality.

I’m a fan of pretty much every medium roast from Green Mountain Coffee, but this is one of the best K-cups if you want to make iced coffee with a Keurig.

If you enjoy drinking your dessert, look no further.

Related Article - Best Espresso K-Cups

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4. Death Wish Coffee Single Serve Pods

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Have you ever been bored by drinking coffee? Have you ever felt like it just didn’t give you that same jolt of energy it used to?

If so, do yourself a favor and grab a box of these guys. I see mine as a kind of first aid kit for those days I really need reviving.

Aside from offering an unparalleled caffeine kick, the "world's strongest coffee" has a surprisingly exquisite taste!

The bold, rich flavor has notes of dark chocolate and cherry with premium-quality, fresh Arabica and Robusta beans that really do taste like something I'd get from my favorite cafe.

If you feel like the other coffees in this guide just don't quite give you the energy you need to get through your day, there's no better option than this one.

I’m pretty sensitive to acidity, but this regular coffee is super smooth and not acidic at all.

It is, however, pretty pricey in comparison to others on this guide, clocking in at about a dollar per K-cup. Get ready to shell out the big bucks!

Related Article - Strongest K-Cups

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5. Victor Allen Caramel Macchiato

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This is the iced coffee I serve when I host brunch because I know that everyone loves it. It's the pizza of the K-cup world.

No one can say "no" to it, and you may occasionally crave it at 2 am.

The rich, buttery caramel and smooth vanilla cream flavors blend seamlessly together, bringing out the medium roast Arabica coffee taste.

This may be a bit controversial, but I feel like it's a more affordable, tastier alternative to Starbucks' Blonde Roast. Add to the fact that it's non-GMO and gluten-free, and there's no wonder they have flocks of fans around the globe.

If you find the Starbucks Sumatra Reserve, Maud's Bold Dark Roast, and Death Wish too bitter, this morning beverage is ideal.

The only thing that may be a turn-off for you is that it’s quite acidic.

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6. Starbucks Dark Roast Sumatra

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Back in the day, you used to be able to get a good cup of coffee for just a nickel.

While that seems impossible to find today, the Starbucks Dark Roast Sumatra comes pretty close!

You can have a full-bodied cup o' Joe for less than 40 cents right from the comfort of your own home with these K-cups.

Maybe I'm an outlier, but I personally love that black sludge-type diners are known to brew up, and this is kind of like a dressed-up version of that.

It's dark and earthy, with some dark chocolate and a hint of smokiness that creates an unapologetically robust cup of Sumatran coffee perfect for starting the day with.

If you find the flavored coffees like Crazy Cups, Victor Allen Caramel Macchiato, and Green Mountain Brew Over Ice Vanilla Caramel too sweet, you'll enjoy this.

It's mildly acidic and very smooth, making the best-iced coffee from Starbucks I've tried in a while.

I know there are a lot of Starbucks Pike Roast fans out there, but I find it to be significantly more acidic and not as tasty when you add ice cubes into the mix.

Related Article - Best Starbucks K-Cups

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7. Crazy Cups Flavored Coffee Pods

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Isn't the saying "Life is like a box of Crazy Cups Flavored Coffee Pods; you never know what you're going to get"?

Okay, so it's a little bit different, but I feel like it could still work!

With 40 different flavors, it's perfect if you have a hard time making decisions or simply enjoy living life on the edge.

I actually had a lot of fun with these, as the box included such unique flavors! Double Donut, Texas Pecan, Popcorn, Cinnamon Crumb Cake, and Chocolate Raspberry Truffle were just some notable flavors I hadn't seen anywhere else.

Some are from Crazy Cups themselves, but most are from other brands.

If the "regular" coffees like Starbucks Pike Roast or Sumatra or Dunkin' Donuts Cold Coffee Roast are too boring for your personality, go and toss these in your shopping cart.

The only downside is if you happen to not like most of them (doubtful, but possible), you're not going to get much use from them.

I straddle the line between coffee snob and coffee slave, so I'm fine with trying something different every day.

If you have to have a daily drinker, this may be better used as a gift for someone else.

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8. Maud’s Bold Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee

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Next up, we have a K-cup ideal for making delicious iced coffee! The deep, dark, complex flavors will wake you right up and are still nice and captivating even if the ice melts.

It didn't taste watered-down at all to me, even toward the end of the glass.

If you like the idea of a bold roast like Death Wish without the caffeine, Maud's is perfect for you.

It's important to mention that this is also a variety box, with 40 different Maud's dark roast blends.

I'm a fan of Maud's after this, and if you like dark and strong coffee, you'll love this.

I think dark roast K-cups are fantastic for iced coffee, as they tend to keep their flavor better than light or medium roasts. Of course, this box is great for making hot coffee, too.

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9. Tully’s Coffee French Roast

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One of my favorite things when I used to live in Seattle was to go to Tully's to drink a cup of their French Roast while watching the rain pouring outside.

I don't live there anymore, but when it gets rainy outside, I can't help but grab the Keurig and make an iced coffee with these.

The rich, smoky flavors are contrasted with bittersweet chocolate, a hint of caramel, and even a bit of herbiness. I can't stand flat, one-dimensional iced coffee, and this is anything but.

They're not the cheapest K-Cups around, but they do make an excellent coffee, no matter the temperature.

This one is very similar to the San Francisco Bay French Roast but with much more caffeine (wink, wink).

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10. San Francisco Bay Coffee Onecup French Roast

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No need to feel guilty in any way with these K-cup pods. If you make iced coffee regularly, you'll enjoy the fact that these are certified BPI compostable.[2]

Not only that, but they're some of the most affordable on the market!

If you enjoy the flavor of Tully's French Roast but are worried about the potential environmental repercussions, I can't recommend these enough.

Low acidity, low price, but bold flavor is what defines this French roast.

The smokey, chocolatey iced coffee my coffee maker produced was amazing.

I'd say this is the best-iced coffee for anyone who appreciates saving cash and a good dark roast.

The only possible "con" for me is that the aroma of this full-bodied coffee was a bit weak.

Related Article - Best Reusable K-Cups

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Iced Coffee K-Cups Compared For Flavor

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What To Look For In An Iced Coffee K-Cup

Price Per Count

There’s a surprisingly large price difference when it comes to the best K-cups for iced coffee.

Sure, you’re likely still saving more money than you would if you went to your local cafe every day, but you could be spending hundreds or even thousands less just by going with another brand.

For example, the Death Wish Coffee Single Serve fantastic K-cups are $1 per cup, whereas the San Francisco Bay Coffee Onecup is just 33 cents.

You're looking at a third of the price from one K-cup coffee to the next!

Compatibility With Ice

I've never heard anyone say, "Mmm, I just love the taste of ice melting in my coffee!"

I'm sure there's someone out there who likes it, but most don't want a watered-down cup of coffee to start their day.

I find that dark and bold flavors work best, as they retain their taste better. They don't taste watery or muted.

Great examples of these are Peet's Major Dickason and Tully's French Roast, though Starbucks K-Cups, like their Sumatran Blend, are fantastic, too.

However, there are some medium roasts that hold their own, so give them a shot, too.

Great medium coffee pods include the Victor Allen Caramel Macchiato, Green Mountain Ice Vanilla Caramel, and Dunkin’ Cold Coffee Roast.

Compatibility With Coffee Machine

Your Keurig should have either the "iced coffee" or "strong brew" options to create a more intense brew that balances out the unavoidable melting of ice in your glass.

I think the best Keurig for iced coffee is the Keurig K-Slim, which takes up very little counter space and is perfect for home or office. [3]

Roast Level

Lighter roasts are typically brighter and "softer," while dark-roasted beans are richer and bolder.

The San Francisco Bay Onecup French Roast, Maud's Bold Dark Roast, and Starbucks Dark Roast Sumatra Reserve are fantastic K-cups for making well-balanced iced coffee.

Medium roast is a happy medium between the two, such as the Victor Allen, Dunkin', or Green Mountain Coffee Ice Vanilla Caramel.

The "best K-cup" won't be the same for everyone, so evaluate what you like in a coffee first.

Related Article - Best Light Roast K Cups 

Flavor Profile (Type of Bean)

Finding the right K-cup means you must consider your taste preferences. Are you someone who enjoys a smooth flavor or a striking, bold taste?

The vast majority of K-cups for iced coffee will have Arabica beans and are smoother and slightly sweeter.

Robusta is more in-your-face and bitter, like Death Wish includes. Its popularity is indisputable!

Caffeine Content

Most of the best K-cups for iced coffee sit around 100 mg of caffeine per cup.

However, there are people who want a bit of an extra energy supply.

For those, I recommend going with the Death Wish K-cup at your own risk!

At 420 mg of caffeine per cup, it’s almost 4 times the amount as most coffees!

Environmental Impact

If you're using K-cups every day, that can create a lot of trash. Many are made with plastic, which is obviously not great for the environment.

Studies have shown that compostable pods (like San Francisco Bay's French Roast) have the "least burden on the environment and budget." [4]

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Tips For Making The Perfect Iced Coffee With Your Keurig

You don't need to buy a cold brew to enjoy a chilled glass of coffee anymore. These are my tried-and-true tips for making great iced coffee with a Keurig every time.

1. Choose the right container. Plastic tumblers are nice because they can handle rapid temperature changes, which can cause many glasses to break. However, many types of glass can handle quick changes in temperature, so it’s not a rule.
2. Select one of the best K-cups for iced coffee and add it to your machine.
3. Select the "Brew Over Ice" setting and beverage size.
4. Add cream, milk, sweetener, etc., after it's done brewing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients!
5. Enjoy!

Related Articles:
Best French Vanilla K-Cups
Best Hot Chocolate K-Cups
Best Chai Latte K-Cups

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Related K-Cups For Iced Coffee Questions

Can you use any regular K-cup for iced coffee?

Technically, you can use any regular K-cup for iced coffee, but I wouldn't recommend it. A great iced coffee for Keurig involves a brew that will retain its flavor or have enough body even after the ice has melted. Generally, I'd say avoid a medium roast K-cup, aside from those I've listed above.

Do you need a special Keurig machine for iced coffee?

You do need a Keurig machine that offers the "brew over ice" or "strong brew" setting to make a good iced coffee.

How can I save money on K Cups?

There are plenty of medium roast and dark roast K-cups that are easy on the wallet. For iced drinks, you may even consume less K-cups as the volume will be larger with the added ice/melted ice. You can also save money by selecting a K-cup you can use to brew a hot cup of coffee and iced coffee.

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And The Winner Is...

The key to great coffee on ice is not only more freshness and a reputable name but selecting the top picks for your preferences.

I'm sure you'll enjoy all of the selections in this guide just as I have, but you'll surely appreciate some more than others.

All of them are flavorful, but for best results, follow the guide to selecting the right pods for making iced coffee tailored to your taste.

Resources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Non-GMO_Project
2. https://bpiworld.org/
3. https://www.keurig.com/Home-Coffee-Makers/K-Slim%C2%AE-Single-Serve-Coffee-Maker/p/K-Slim-Single-Serve-Coffee-Maker#Black_color
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7280196/