12 Best Medium Roast K-Cups (Reviewed For 2024)

Tired of bland or bitter medium-roast coffee? I totally understand.

Coffee is an essential part of my daily routine, but I find many medium K cups don't get the balance quite right.

I set out on a mission to find the best medium roast K cups that give bold flavor without being overpowering.

I tried and tested 70 different medium roast K cups from various brands.

I compared their taste, texture, body, and balance, as well as any other factors that stood out about them.

Eventually, I narrowed it down to the 12 tastiest and most balanced K cups. In this guide, I'll introduce them and help you find a medium roast K cup you'll love.

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12 Best Medium Roast K-Cups

1. Starbucks Pike Place Roast

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Starbucks knows coffee, so it's no surprise they make one of the best medium roast K cup coffee pod options.

The medium roast coffee in these pods is extremely well-balanced and easy to drink.

They are perfect for anyone who wants bold, smooth coffee for everyday drinking.

Starbucks Pike Place is one of the oldest medium roast K cups available.

They’ve stood the test of time by using quality ingredients that produce a balance of coffee flavors.

They use a blend of high-quality Arabica beans in each K cup coffee.

There are rich cocoa notes from the Central American blend, followed up by the more complex flavors of South America.

It’s not as bold as Original Donut Shop K cups, but I love the unique flavors it creates.

What really stood out for me was the smoothness.

There are no harsh coffee notes, and unlike the Death Wish Coffee K cups, there’s not even a hint of bitterness in the aftertaste.

Grizzled coffee veterans may miss the bitter flavors, but for most people, it just makes this K cup coffee even more drinkable.

The Starbucks Pike Place K cups are my top pick for medium roast coffee because they are perfect for everyone.

There's enough coffee flavor for experienced coffee drinkers but a light smoothness for relaxed coffee drinkers.

I recommend these medium roast K cups to all coffee drinkers, but especially to anyone trying medium roast coffee for the first time.

Related Article - Best Starbucks K-Cups

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2. Green Mountain

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Green Mountain Roasters is one of the best-known Keurig K cup brands, and it's easy to see why my runner-up is so popular.

If you want a smooth, complex, and versatile coffee that fits into any daily routine, you will love this K cup.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters are owned by Keurig, so they produce very high-quality K cups.

I've used hundreds (maybe thousands) of Green Mountain K cups over the years and never experienced any leaks or clogs in the machine.

The seals are perfect, too, so you get a fresher medium roast coffee taste from Green Mountain K cups.

Green Mountain medium roast is slightly richer than other medium roast K cups.

They use African Arabica beans that give berry flavor notes and Indonesian coffee beans that give a robust flavor.

This produces a full-bodied coffee with more character than the McCafe or Solimo K cups.

The Green Mountain K cups are still silky smooth despite having a stronger flavor.

There is a hint of a bitter aftertaste, but nothing overpowering. Each sip just leaves you with the rich taste of medium-roast coffee.

The slightly deeper flavor profile of this medium roast K cup makes it perfect for additions. 

I love a strong black coffee in the morning, but this is one of the best K cups for those who like to add milk, cream, or sugar.

Green Mountain makes it easy to enjoy full-bodied coffee at home.

This is another pod that all coffee drinkers will enjoy, but it’s a particularly great choice for anyone who wants effortless and bold coffee every day.

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3. Peet’s Coffee

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Peet’s makes some of my favorite dark roast K cups, so I was excited to try their medium roast K cup coffees.

They didn’t disappoint, and this medium roast K cup is perfect for anyone who likes lighter, less intense coffees.

The flavor of Peet's medium roast coffees comes from the coffee beans. They use a mixture of coffee beans from 3 different countries with bright, almost citrus notes.

This creates a K-cup coffee that's lighter than the Death Wish Coffee or Original Donut Shop K cups, with less bold flavors.

The natural flavor of the medium roast is enhanced by the organic growth of the coffee beans.

There are no chemicals or fertilizers used, and they capture the coffee bean flavor from each region.

When you look past the delicious coffee flavor, you can see that Peet's is a sustainable company with some good values.

They source their coffee beans responsibly to help limit their impact on the region. This means you can drink coffee guilt free!

Plus, their K cup pods are easily recyclable, making it easier to protect the environment and limit waste.

This isn’t a bold, intense coffee, but it’s the best medium roast K cup for those who want a lighter, more relaxed brew.

The balanced flavor makes them easy to drink and great for casual coffee lovers.

Related Article - Best Reusable K-Cups

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4. The Original Donut Shop

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The Original Donut Shop specializes in sweet, flavored K cups. I expected more of the same with their medium roast K-cup coffee, but I couldn't be more wrong.

This bold and flavorsome brew is best for those who enjoy strong coffee or like adding sugar or syrups to their brew.

The Original Donut Shop uses high-quality beans from Central America. The coffee has a balanced flavor profile, strong coffee notes, and a mellow finish.

It’s not as bold as the Death Wish Coffee K cups, but it’s noticeably darker than a lot of medium roast coffees.

This medium-roast coffee is an excellent base for other drinks and pairs amazingly with sugary syrups and flavors.

I tried it with hazelnut and caramel syrup. It worked well with the bold flavor and is the perfect pairing for sugary foods (like donuts).

You will definitely appreciate this medium roast if you like strong coffee flavors paired with sugary sweetness.

The Original Donut Shop medium roast K cup is everyday coffee, with a difference.

It’s richer than most regular brews but still mild enough to sip throughout the day.

This K cup is perfect for coffee lovers who want to replace their drip or instant coffee with a higher-quality alternative.

Related Article - Best French Vanilla K Cups

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5. McCafe Premium

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McCafe shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great coffee.

These are the best medium roast K cup option for those who want quality coffee on a budget.

McCafe medium roast K cup pods are probably the mildest on the list. They aren't weak, but it's a light, subtle flavor compared to other K cups.

There are no spicy flavors like the Starbucks Pike Place K cup pods and no smoky flavor like the Green Mountain K cup pods have.

However, this K cup has an amazingly balanced flavor profile.

This coffee isn't too sweet, isn't too bitter, and isn't too weak. It's so well-rounded on your taste buds that it's incredibly easy to drink.

The premium Arabica beans give it a smooth finish, too, with no harshness that some single-serve coffee pods have.

The McCafe single-serve coffee pods also mix well with milk and sugar. They’re great for customizing, so you can add whatever you like to them without ruining the taste.

This is the best medium roast K cup for anyone who loves gentle coffees.

Coffee aficionados may not like this mellow brew, but I recommend these K-cup coffees to anyone who wants a simple, affordable, balanced everyday coffee.

Related Article - Best Mocha K Cups

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6. Maxwell House House Blend

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Maxwell House has a dangerously addictive medium roast K cup.

It's different from the mellow, subtle flavors of medium-roast coffee and is noticeably bolder and darker.

This particular best medium roast K cup option is best for those who want rich and strong coffee every day.

Maxwell House’s medium roast K cup has a thicker body and more robust flavor than the Starbucks, Green Mountain, or Peet’s coffee blends.

This is because they use a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.

The Arabica beans give some light, nutty flavors with some bright acidity, whereas the Robusta beans add a real kick of bold flavor.

This combination of different blends gives it a unique flavor compared to other medium roasts. It’s full-bodied but with some bitter notes.

What I really like about Maxwell House's medium blend is the consistency. Every coffee pod has the same exact flavor, and there are no nuances.

This is perfect for those who enjoy consistent coffees, and it's perfect for my morning routine.

Maxwell's K cups aren't as good as the Starbucks or Green Mountain K cups. I didn't have any issues, but I would avoid brewing too many coffees back to back.

The Maxwell medium roast coffee pods may not suit all casual coffee drinkers, but true coffee lovers will enjoy the unique flavor profile.

It's more intense than many medium roasts but still suitable for everyday drinking.

I would recommend these K cups to anyone who enjoys stronger-tasting coffees.

Related Article - Folgers vs Maxwell House

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7. Eight O’Clock Coffee

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Eight O'Clock K cup captures everything that a medium roast should be. Distinctive but not overpowering, with a coffee flavor that anyone can enjoy.

It's rich, gentle, and best for those with sensitive stomachs that still want a full-flavored coffee.

This medium roast coffee has all the flavor but with less bite. The South American beans give a bold taste, littered with nutty and chocolate notes.

There's no acidity or bitterness in this K cup, either.

The full body and smooth, rich finish make it easier to drink than the Maxwell and The Original Donut Shop K cups, and it’s perfect for everyday drinking.

Most medium roast blends are best with milk or sugar, but I actually prefer having this one black.

The natural richness of the coffee makes it easy to drink, and I didn't need milk to soften the flavor.

I recommend sticking to 8oz or 10oz sizes, though, or the coffee can get a bit watery.

Eight O’Clock has been around for over 150 years, consistently delivering the highest quality coffee.

Their delicious Keurig pods aren't subtle or mild, but they aren't overpowering.

I recommend them to anyone who prefers full-bodied coffee without any sugary extras.

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8. Krispy Kreme Classic

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Krispy Kreme medium roast is light and smooth, with an amazing aroma. It's another well-balanced cup but with less intensity than other pods.

This Keurig cup is definitely best for sweet coffee lovers.

I’m usually a fan of darker, more intense brews, but Krispy Kreme has converted me.

This Keurig pod is similar to Peet’s Keurig pods because they both have bright, fruity notes, but I would say the Krispy Kreme is better for casual coffee drinkers.

Krispy Kreme has deliberately chosen coffee beans with tastes that won't overpower each other.

There's a good balance in every cup, with some delicious sweet tastes to round out each flavorful cup.

I love the Krispy Kreme one because it tastes so clean.

There's a purity about this coffee that you don't get with other pods, and I almost didn't want to add milk or sugar to ruin that.

Every pod is consistent, too, giving you a perfect cup of sweet and mild coffee every time.

Krispy Kreme makes the best medium roast for those who value high-quality coffee. This refreshing brew is the perfect morning Joe to set you up for the day.

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9. Caribou Coffee Caribou Blend

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The Caribou Coffee medium roast Keurig pods offer something a bit different.

Their K cup captures spicy, woody, and earthy flavors, creating something bold and unique. These K cups are best for those who prefer specialty coffees.

The blend of flavors comes from a mixture of Indonesian and Central American beans.

The richness of the Central American beans contrasts the smoky, spicy flavors of the Indonesian beans, creating an original flavor.

Usually, only single-origin coffee creates such interesting flavors, but Caribou has done it well with a blend.

Caribou Coffee is one of the freshest and noticeably fresher than the Starbucks or Green Mountain K cups.

Their ethically sourced coffee grounds are processed using a small batch roasting process. This allows them to capture all the amazing flavors and transfer them directly into your cup.

The only downside is that this small batch-roasting process means less consistency in the Keurig pods.

I quite enjoy the slight variations of flavor, but those who want a consistent coffee will prefer the Maxwell or Eight O'clock coffee Keurig pods.

Caribou Coffee source sustainably, too, and are a Rainforest Alliance-certified and Fair Trade company.

This extra care helps to protect the workers and the environment but ultimately creates a more flavorful brew.

If you’ve had medium roast coffee before and want something a bit different, this is the Keurig pod I recommend.

I prefer drinking it black to enjoy the new flavors fully, but it works well with additions too.

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10. Death Wish Coffee

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If you need a serious energy boost in the morning, look no further.

Death Wish Coffee is known for producing the strongest coffee in the world, and this K cup has more caffeine than any others on the list.

It's best for those who want a full-bodied coffee that delivers a big energy boost.

This Death Wish Coffee K cup has the most caffeine of any medium roast K cup I’ve ever seen (it's even stronger than most energy drinks).

The extra caffeine comes from the blend of Robusta and Arabica beans used in the K cup.

The Robusta beans are more robust than the Arabica beans and contain more caffeine.

This extra caffeine gives you a wake-up slap in the face as you drink it, and there's a slight bitterness in the aftertaste.

However, despite the high caffeine content, this Keurig K cup is surprisingly drinkable.

It has heavy notes of bitter caramel and chocolate, lightened by a nutty apricot finish.

This K cup is heavier than the Green Mountain Coffee Roaster and Starbucks K cups but not as dark or intense as you might think. It's remarkably balanced.

The balanced flavor is a result of the growing process.

Death Wish Coffee only uses organic beans to maximize the natural growing process, growing their beans at a higher altitude.

This enhances the original flavor of the beans and gives you a unique smooth finish.

Death Wish Coffee isn't mild or mellow, but it's not as harsh as you might think, given that it has the most caffeine.

I recommend this ultra-caffeinated brew to coffee drinkers who want a massive buzz of energy.

Related Article - Best Organic Coffee K-Cups 

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11. Amazon Brand - Solimo Medium

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Looking to stock up and buy medium roast K cups in bulk? Solimo has exactly what you need.

Their medium roast pods are incredibly cheap and offer great value for money.

They’re best for those that want decent medium-roast coffee without spending a fortune.

Solimo uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from Colombia which capture the original flavor of the region.

These coffee pods have light, delicate, floral flavors and are much lighter than Death Wish Coffee or The Original Donut Shop K cups.

There's no harsh flavor, and it's fairly well-balanced. I wouldn't drink these K cups black, but it's the perfect base for milk, cream, or sugar.

There's no denying that these K cups have a less pronounced flavor and less intensity than other brands.

There's less caffeine, too, so you'll get a gentler energy boost.

The Solimo medium roast may not be the first choice for bold coffee lovers, but the lighter flavor makes them more versatile.

All coffee drinkers should be able to enjoy them, and they are a good choice if you are catering to a range of coffee tastes.

These are the best medium roast K cups for buying in bulk.

I recommend these coffee pods to anyone who wants an affordable everyday brew or those buying coffee pods for an office/workplace.

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12. Lifeboost Coffee USDA Organic

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Lifeboost is different from any other medium roast coffee I've tasted. This is because of the extra care taken to source, grow, and process the beans.

It's the best medium roast K cup for those who want the purest organic coffee at home.

Most medium roast coffees are mild and mellow, but this one has a life of its own. Every sip has bright, citrusy notes with a vanilla and caramel aftertaste.

It's not as sweet as the Krispy Kreme Classic medium roast, but it's definitely more interesting on your palate.

The secret of the flavors is in the growing. Lifeboost is USDA-certified organic and uses shade-grown coffee beans.

This allows the coffee to ripen more slowly and preserves the complex flavors. They also have a batch roasting process for the beans.

This prevents overroasting or burning and helps preserve all those delicious notes.

Lifeboost takes care of their coffee beans and their workers. They're Rainforest Alliance Certified and Fair Trade, showing that they operate ethically worldwide.

They've also made their pods easily recyclable so you can dispose of them quickly and responsibly.

Lifeboost coffee is more expensive, but when you consider the love and care that's gone into each pod, it's understandable.

These are the best medium roast K cups for coffee purists who want to satisfy their caffeine cravings with a clean, eco-friendly brew.

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Tasty Medium Roast K-Cups Compared For You

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Find The Best Medium Roast K-Cups

Price (Per Count)

Medium roast K cups usually cost between $0.50 and $0.90 per pod.

The price will vary depending on the coffee beans used, the brand, and the growing processes (organic coffee tends to be more expensive).

Medium roasted K cups tend to be less expensive than coffee beans at a light or dark roasting level.

This is because they work well with a blend of beans and don’t rely on single-origin crops.

If you’re on a very tight budget, I recommend the Solimo K cups. They offer the best value and make home brewing very affordable for everyone.

Flavor Profile

Medium roast coffee tends to have a milder, more balanced flavor profile. It’s often regarded as 'regular' coffee and has less strong or overpowering flavors.

However, the flavor profile of different medium roast K cups can vary significantly depending on the coffee bean used in the roasting process.

If you prefer a classic, mild, and mellow medium roast, I recommend the McCafe K cups.

If you prefer a darker, more intense brew, I recommend the Death Wish Coffee or Maxwell K cups.

If you want something lighter, I recommend the Krispy Kreme Classic.

If you want a more unique, signature coffee taste, I recommend either the Lifeboost or Caribou K cups.

These are a bit more expensive but will make your home brewing a bit more interesting.

Region Of Origin

Most medium-roast coffee comes from Latin America, particularly Brazil and Colombia. However, you can find medium-roast coffee from around the world.

The conditions and environment in which coffee beans are grown will impact their flavor profiles and can even change how they should be used.[1]

Medium roast coffee is often made from a blend of different coffee beans to give a more balanced, smooth taste.

Here’s a summary of the flavor profile in major coffee-growing regions:

• South America: nutty, chocolatey, with subtle fruity notes (especially in organic Peruvian coffee). Peet's Coffee K cups use beans from this region.
• Central America: sweet fruity, with rich chocolate notes (sometimes with hazelnut notes). Lifeboost K cups use organic beans from this region.
• Africa: More vibrant floral notes, citrus, and berry flavors with bright acidity. Green Mountain CoffeeK cups use beans from this region.
• Indonesia: Earthy, musty, with spicy notes. A complex flavor with cocoa flavors. Maxwell House K cups use beans from this region.
• Asia: Bitter, earthy, with dark chocolate and slightly herbal notes. Death Wish Coffee K cups use beans from this region.

Within each region, there are differences in flavor depending on the exact growing location.

Medium roasts are all fairly well-balanced regardless of origin, but I still recommend picking a few K cups from different regions until you find the one you love the most.

It’s also worth noting that climate change is starting to impact the growing conditions, so flavor profiles may start to change over the next few years.[2]

Caffeine Content

Medium roast K cups generally have 80-120mg of caffeine.

The exact caffeine level will vary depending on the origin of the coffee beans and the quantity of ground coffee in each pod.

The Amazon Solimo K cups have less caffeine than any other K cups on the list, so I recommend them if you want a smaller caffeine boost.

The Death Wish Coffee K cups have the most caffeine, so I recommend them if you want a more considerable energy boost.

It’s important to monitor how much caffeine you drink to avoid any potentially nasty side effects.[3]

If you’re worried about your caffeine intake and love coffee, I recommend buying half-caff of decaf K cups instead.

Related Article - Best Decaf K-Cups To Try

Organic

Organic coffee is made from coffee beans grown without synthetic fertilizers or potentially toxic chemicals.[4]

There’s some debate over how they impact coffee grounds, but the general consensus is that organic coffee has a richer and smoother taste.

The downside is that organic K cups usually cost more because of the more labor-intensive processes associated with them.

If you're careful about what you put in your body, I recommend the organic Lifeboost K cup.

They cost a bit more, but I think the high quality means they're worth it.

Machine Compatibility

Keurig coffee makers only work with K cups, and you can't use other coffee pods. Regular coffee pods won't work with your Keurig machine.

To make matters even more complicated, some Keurig coffee makers will only take specific types of K cups.

This is particularly true with newer Keurig coffee makers (like the Keurig 2.0) that are only compatible with a certain type of coffee pod.

All the Keurig medium roast coffee pods listed above are compatible with all Keurig coffee makers.

I recommend checking the specifications carefully if you choose a different K cup to ensure it’s compatible with your Keurig machine.

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Medium Vs Light Vs Dark Roast K-Cups

The roast level of a coffee is how long the coffee beans have been roasted. The longer the roasting process, the darker the coffee beans.

The roast level and roasting process will impact the caffeine level and flavor of the coffee, and coffee drinkers tend to prefer one roast level.

Medium roasts provide the most balanced and well-rounded coffee.

They tend to be the most popular, but some people swear by light roast or dark roast coffee instead.

Light Roast Coffee

This coffee has been roasted for the shortest time, usually 5-7 minutes.

The light roasting process preserves more of the natural flavors of the coffee beans, giving lighter flavor notes and a more complex taste.

Light roast K cups typically have light, floral, and citrus notes, but it depends on the origin of the coffee beans.

The shorter roasting period also preserves more caffeine content, making these the strongest option. The average light roast K cup has 120-150mg of caffeine.

Who are light roast K cups best for?

Light roasts are best for those who prefer lighter coffees and experienced coffee drinkers who enjoy the unique flavors.

They don’t blend as well with milk and sugar, and it’s more common to serve them black after brewing.

Related Article - Best Light Roast K Cups

Medium Roast Coffee

Medium roast coffee is roasted at temperatures for 10-15 minutes. It’s more roasted than light roast but less than dark roast.

This medium level of roasting gives you elements of both light and dark roasts.

Medium roast coffee showcases the natural flavors of the coffee beans but also has some darker, sweeter, more intense notes as a result of the longer roasting.

Medium roasts have more oils than light roasts, giving them a full-bodied flavor.

They typically have sweet, mellow, and chocolatey notes. They have a thicker body than light roasts and are really smooth to drink.

The medium roasting period means it has a reasonable amount of caffeine but less than light roasts.

There's usually 100-120mg of caffeine in medium roast coffee pods.

Who are medium roast K cups best for?

Medium roast K cups offer a universal coffee flavor that suits most tastes.

It’s light enough for casual coffee drinkers but has a bold enough flavor for coffee aficionados.

Specialist coffee roasters will often use medium roasts because they aren’t too intense or complex.

This makes medium-roast coffee pods perfect for those who want to try new flavors or unique blends.

Dark Roast Coffee

Dark roast coffee is roasted for the longest time, usually 15-25 minutes. This gives it a dark coloring and a rich, robust, and intense taste.

Dark roasts can be rough or bitter and are harsher on the palate than light or medium roast coffee taste.

Typically, dark roast coffee has deep, chocolate, nutty, and caramel notes.

The dark roasting level will also usually create a slightly bitter coffee with a thicker body that gives a heavy mouthfeel.

A dark roasting level leaves less caffeine than light or medium roast coffee. Generally, dark roast K cups have 60-100mg of caffeine in each coffee pod.

Who are dark roast K cups best for?

Dark roast K cups are best for coffee lovers who enjoy strong, robust coffees.

Dark roasts blend well with milk, cream, and sugar, so they work well as a base for those who like to add flavors to their coffee.

Related Article - Best Dark Roast K Cups

Which is best for you?

Everyone has different preferences, but medium roast K cups give you the best of both worlds.

They have a bold coffee flavor without being overpowering and a caffeine boost that isn't too harsh.

If you're unsure which roast level you enjoy the most, chances are that medium roast coffee pods will be best.

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Related Medium Roast K-Cup Questions

Is medium roast high caffeine?

Medium roast usually has an average amount of caffeine, more than dark roasts and less than light roasts. The average medium roast K cup has 90-120mg of caffeine.

Is medium roast good for espresso?

Medium or medium-dark coffee beans are best for making a classic espresso.

How long does medium roast coffee last?

Medium roast coffee should last 12-18 months in a properly sealed K cup. You can check the packaging to find the exact best-before date.

Is Starbucks espresso medium or dark roast?

Starbucks uses a unique, finely ground dark roast for their espresso coffee.

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And The Winner Is...

Medium roast coffee should be smooth, balanced, and full of flavor. The best medium roast K cups have a bold coffee flavor but are easy to drink.

They are also versatile enough for all types of coffee drinkers.

My top choice is Starbucks Pike Place. It has a bold, distinctive flavor but isn't overpowering.

It blends really well with milk and sugar and is one of those coffees everyone will love. 

Resources:

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep24483
2. https://www.fooddive.com/news/climate-change-is-affecting-coffee-flavor-and-aroma-study-says/609048/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019963