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10 Best Organic Coffee K-Cups (Top-Notch Ingredients)

We often talk about organic food, but what about organic coffee?

If you want a healthier way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix, you should be drinking organic coffee.

I drink a lot of coffee, but in the past few years, I’ve mostly switched to organic.

Organic K cups are free from toxic chemicals, making them healthier, and they usually taste better too.

In this guide, I’ll introduce the 10 best organic K cups.

These are made with good quality ingredients and deliver amazing flavor, and hopefully, you'll see one that's perfect for you.


10 Best Organic Coffee K-Cups Reviewed

There aren’t as many organic K cups to choose from, and it can be hard to find the best options.

I want everyone to have access to the best organic K cups, so I decided to track down the best brands that use the highest quality ingredients.

I tried and tested over 40 different K cups and eventually narrowed it down to the best.

1. Lifeboost Coffee USDA

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Lifeboost organic medium roast is as clean as they come. This K cup has the purest coffee of all the organic options and is one of my absolute top picks.

It’s best for coffee drinkers with sensitive stomachs who want a smooth, acid-free drink.

The key to Lifeboost’s clean coffee is the effort they put in.

They don’t use any chemicals, but they also test the soil for any harmful materials or heavy metals that might impact the purity of the Arabica beans.

In fact, their ground coffee is over 25% less acidic than other brands, and the resulting coffee is much more gentle on your stomach.

Lifeboost coffee is also shade-grown and GMO-free. That means more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

I admire how much care Lifeboost take in their process, but what I really love about this coffee is the flavor.

For a medium roast, it has a lot of deep flavors, and while it isn't as intense as Newman's Own Special Blend, it's still full-bodied.

This K cup is healthy and delicious. I recommend it for coffee lovers who are sensitive to acidity and want a clean, organic, low-acid K cup.

Related Article - Tasty Medium Roast K-Cups


2. Newman's Own Special Blend

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Newman's Own Special Blend has a place in my heart for two reasons: the flavor and the company values.

Their organic coffee beans are grown naturally and full of goodness, producing a darker and deeper coffee than other medium roasts.

This coffee is best for those who love their coffee with a bit of a punch.

The key to Newman's Own coffee flavor is the blend of Arabica coffee beans.

They use lighter beans from Central America (widely regarded as the most flavorsome for medium roast coffee) and combine them with darker beans from Indonesia.

The end result is the best of both worlds, with a deep flavor that’s still easy to drink.

It doesn’t have the intensity of the Death Wish Coffee K cup, but it’s definitely darker than the Lifeboost medium roast.

Newman’s Own is also one of the most ethical coffee companies in the world. They source ethically, grow naturally, and are Fair Trade certified.

They also live up to their slogan, 'Give it all away.' Every dollar they make after business expenses is donated to charity and used to make the world a better place, so you can enjoy your rich coffee knowing that you're helping to make the world a better place.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more responsible company than Newman's own and equally hard-pressed to find a medium roast coffee with such a bold taste.

I recommend these K cups to pure coffee lovers who want less sweetness in their cups.


3. Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast

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I love dark roasts, so when I saw Death Wish Coffee had an organic dark roast, I was excited to try it.

These dark roast coffee K cups are the strongest on the list, both in terms of flavor and caffeine.

These are the best K cups for organic coffee lovers who want a strong, smokey, and intense cup of coffee at home.

The dark roast coffee in these K cups has more earthy, almost bitter notes than other medium roasts.

It’s noticeably smokier than Newman’s Own K cups, and they pack a punch.

Even the aroma of this organic dark roast is strong and will fill your whole house with comforting coffee smells.

This dark roast doesn't just pack a strong coffee flavor; it packs one hell of a kick of caffeine.

It's over double the strength of your standard coffee and not for your casual everyday coffee drinker.

The flavor and caffeine come from the mix of beans.

Death Wish Coffee blend Robusta and Arabica beans in their dark roast coffee grounds to mix flavor and strength.

The Robusta beans are harsher but more caffeinated and add an extra edge to this coffee.

Death Wish Coffee is not for the faint of heart.

The organic beans have kept it relatively smooth, but it’s harder to drink as LifeBoost or Green Mountain Coffee Roasters K cups.

There’s also a slight bitterness that won’t meet everyone’s tastes.

However, this is the perfect single-serve coffee K cup for anyone who likes strong coffee that really slaps you around the face.

I recommend it for true coffee lovers who enjoy bold flavors and massive caffeine boosts.

Related Article - 15 Strongest K-Cups


4. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

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Green Mountain Coffee Roasters actually merged with Keurig in 2014, so it's no surprise they make great K cups.

These K cups are best for those who want high-quality, flavorsome coffee for everyday drinking.

I’ve had a lot of Green Mountain coffee over the years, so I was excited to try their organic blend.

I was slightly surprised by the flavor, which was sweeter and more complex than I expected.

Green Mountain sources their dark roast beans from Indonesia, a region that usually produces dark, earthy coffee.

However, this organic K cup has sweeter, more complex flavor notes.

This is because of the organic growing and makes this dark roast organic K cup more balanced and less overpowering.

It is full-bodied but easier to drink than the Death Wish Coffee or Newman's Own K cups.

In fact, this is one of the only dark roast K-cup coffee options that I’ll drink without milk and sugar because the flavor is light enough.

Every Green Mountain Coffee K cup is sealed perfectly to protect the ground coffee and give a consistent flavor which is perfect for avid coffee drinkers who want the same taste every time.

It's a guilt-free K cup coffee, too, as Green Mountain Coffee K cups are organic, Fair Trade, and ethically sourced.

Green Mountain Coffee makes the perfect high-quality coffee for a single-serve Keurig machine.

I recommend these K cups to anyone who wants a robust but drinkable everyday coffee option.


5. Peet's Coffee Organic Alma De La Tierra Dark Roast

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Peet’s Coffee is one of the brands you can trust.

This special blend of dark roast beans is kept far away from potentially harmful chemicals and creates a smooth and full-bodied coffee.

These K cups are best for casual coffee drinkers who want a healthy brew.

This Peet’s Coffee K cup uses Arabica beans grown at high altitudes in Latin American countries.

These conditions give it a lighter flavor than Death Wish and VitaCup K cups, with more citrussy notes to balance the bold flavors.

This means that it produces a more drinkable cup of coffee.

Peet’s is also one of the most hands-on coffee growers. They actively test the soil to detect and remove toxic chemicals that may impact the beans.

They also batch roast, showing individual care and attention to the Arabica beans.

Organic Arabica beans have an abundance of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your body, and these K cups are far healthier than standard coffee brands.

Peet’s Coffee is a company that clearly loves its craft, and it shows in the end product.

I recommend this K cup to anyone who wants a deliciously moreish and healthy dark roast.


6. Kirkland Signature Breakfast Blend

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Organic coffee is often expensive because the additional cost to grow the beans is passed on to customers.

Kirkland breaks that mold with their Signature Breakfast Blend light roast K cups that are delicious and affordable.

These K cups are best for those who want organic coffee without spending a fortune.

Kirkland light roast coffee has delicate, floral, and citrus notes.

It's much lighter than LifeBoost or Newman's Own K cups and better suited to casual coffee drinkers.

The organic growing and light roast Arabica beans also give this brew much less acidity and bitterness.

Every sip is smooth and easy to drink. It also has less caffeine, so it’s great for those with sensitive stomachs.

Most importantly, these K cups are extremely affordable and prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to go organic.

I recommend the Kirkland Signature Breakfast Blend K cups to anyone who wants organic coffee every day without breaking the bank.


7. The Organic Coffee Co. Medium Roast

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The Organic Coffee Co. showcases how to grow coffee beans the right way.

The extra effort they put in really adds to the flavor, and these K cups make a refreshing cup of coffee.

These K cups are best for those who enjoy a lighter brew.

The Organic Coffee Co. is a responsible company that takes coffee making seriously.

They use organic single-origin beans from Central America that bring out the natural flavors of the region and enhance the taste.

They’re also Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified, so they look after the environment and local workers.

Every Organic Coffee Co coffee pod is compostable too. This means you can throw it away as biodegradable waste with virtually no effort.

If, like me, you drink a lot of coffee, this makes life a lot easier and makes it simple to dispose of them responsibly.

Each K cup contains a medium roast coffee, but it’s much lighter than the Lifeboost and Green Mountain blends.

It has sweet vanilla and vibrant citrus notes that contrast the darker coffee flavors, making this a well-balanced K cup.

This coffee is perfect for anyone; you don't have to be a coffee aficionado to enjoy it.

I recommend this organic K cup to anyone who wants ethical, light coffee.


8. Peak Performance Organic Decaf

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High-quality decaf organic coffee can be hard to find, but Peak Performance hit the spot for me.

These are the best organic coffee pods for Keurig owners who want clean, great-tasting, and caffeine-free coffee.

These decaf pods have all the rich flavor you would expect from medium roast Arabica beans.

Peak Performance uses single-origin beans grown in the Guatemalan highlands (an area considered to produce a coffee full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals).

The coffee beans give a good balance of bold and sweet notes.

There's very little acidity, and it has a smooth flavor that's gentle on your stomach. Each pod produces a medium-bodied coffee that's easy to drink.

Peak Performance grow their beans carefully and away from toxic chemicals.

They use the Swiss water decaffeination method, too, so no chemical solvents are used to remove the caffeine.

The high-quality ingredients and great growing and production processes make a delicious organic K cup.

It's packed with all the vitamins and minerals but none of the caffeine, which can cause anxiety, jitters, or nausea.

I recommend it to anyone who wants a healthy coffee without the caffeine.

Related Article - Best Decaf K-Cups


9. Real Good Coffee Company

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Real Good Coffee Company's single-serve coffee pods have unique flavors I don't often see in dark roasts.

They are batch roasted, too, so you get slight flavor nuances between pods.

This is the best organic K-cup coffee for anyone who likes unique and interesting organic coffee.

Real Good Coffee comes from a small company based in Seattle.

Everything about their business is responsible, with sustainable coffee plantations, Fair Trade certification, and completely organic growing processes.

The extra care and effort taken are what gives this single-serve coffee pod such a unique flavor.

There are bright notes of zesty citrus combined with earthy tones and cedar.

I’ve not tasted a dark roast that gives so much light flavor before, and it’s great black or with additions.

Real Good Coffee Company believe that their whole bean coffee should do the talking.

There's no fancy packaging or design, but don’t let that fool you - this coffee is impressive.

I recommend these K cups to anyone who wants healthy, organic coffee with a bright flavor profile.


10. VitaCup USDA Organic Keto Max Dark Roast

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The VitaCup Keto dark roast K cup is silky smooth and packed with healthy ingredients.

It makes a deliciously healthy brew that's perfect for anyone on a keto diet.

The VitaCup organic label K cup is something a bit different.

It comes loaded with antioxidants and vitamins from the coffee, but also added vitamins to enhance your immune system.

It also features MCT oil (known to fight bacteria and give you energy) and turmeric (known to help with digestion).

This blend of ingredients gives your body a lot of what it needs, and it's one of the healthiest coffee pods.

Aside from the health benefits, this K cup is so easy to drink. VitaCup use single source Central American beans that are known for their richness.

The added organic butter enhances the richness and rounds off any sharp edges.

There's no bitterness to this brew; even those who don't usually drink dark roast will appreciate the bold flavor.

This is the best organic K-cup coffee for anyone who wants a simple and delicious Keto coffee.

However, it's also a great option for anyone who wants a rich, dark, and velvety smooth coffee. I'm not on keto, and I still love it!



Best Organic Coffee K-Cups Compared

Products Specs Buy Now
  • Price Per Count: $15 for 10 K cups ($1.50 per K cup) 
  • Roast Level: Medium
  • Taste: Sweet cocoa with woody undertones. Smooth and gentle
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 95mg
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  • Price Per Count: $85 for 96 ($0.89 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Medium roast
  • Taste: Full-bodied, robust, with chocolate notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 100mg
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  • Price Per Count: $60 for 50 K cups ($1.2 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Taste: Strong and smokey with hints of chocolate and cherry
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 420mg
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  • Price Per Count: $58 for 72 K cups ($0.80)
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Taste: Rich brown sugar and warm spicy notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 100mg
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  • Price Per Count: $10 for 10 K cups ($1 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Taste: Sweet dark chocolate with citrus notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 75mg
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  • Price Per Count: $55 for 120 K cups ($0.46 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Light
  • Taste: Sweet, subtle, with slight floral notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 70mg
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  • Price Per Count: $25 for 36 K cups ($0.70 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Medium
  • Taste: Vanilla, toffee, and citrus notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 105mg
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  • Price Per Count: $30 for 20 K cups ($1.45 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Medium
  • Taste: Smooth, bold, with chocolate notes
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 10mg
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  • Price Per Count: $33 for 36 K cups ($0.91 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Taste: Light, floral and citrus notes, hints of cedar, earthy aftertaste. Complex.
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 75mg
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  • Price Per Count: $115 for 72 K cups ($1.60 per K cup)
  • Roast Level: Dark
  • Taste: Silky smooth with rich chocolate notes and a creamy finish
  • Caffeine Per Cup: 75mg
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Buyer’s Guide: How to Find The Best Organic K-Cups

Price (Per Count)

Organic K cups will cost, on average, $0.60-$1.20 per K cup.

They are more expensive than regular K cups because the growing process is more resource-intensive, and manufacturers pass that additional cost onto consumers.

If you want organic coffee on a budget, I recommend the Kirkland organic light roast K cups.

These are the cheapest per unit and offer great value, good quality organic coffee.

Organic / Fair Trade Certified

If you want the best organic coffee K cups, then you first need to be sure it’s certified as organic.

The easiest way to do this is to check the packaging to ensure the organic K-cup coffees have the USDA-certified organic seal of approval.[1]

It's worth noting that organic and Fair Trade certifications are different.

Fair Trade certification means that the workers receive a fair wage and won't necessarily mean no synthetic fertilizers are used.

However, the best organic coffee K cups will usually be Fair Trade and organic.

All the best organic K cups listed above are fully certified as organic.

If you want Fair Trade-certified and organic K cups, I recommend the Lifeboost, Peet’s Coffee, or Green Mountain Coffee K cups.

Environmental Impact

Millions of K cups end up in landfill every year even though they are fully recyclable.[2]

Some K cups are more recyclable than others, and there are even some fully compostable pods on the market which make it easy and convenient to protect the environment.

Generally, organic K-cup brands are more environmentally conscious than regular brands, so they make it easy as possible to recycle your coffee pods.

All the brands listed above give clear instructions, so you can dispose of them responsibly.

I recommend the Organic Coffee Co. K cups for anyone who wants a convenient way to be more eco-friendly.

These are fully compostable coffee pods that will naturally biodegrade without you having to do anything.

Remember, all K cups are recyclable, so whichever you choose, you should recycle them properly to protect the environment. In most cases, you need to rinse out the coffee grounds first.

Related Article - Best Reusable K-Cups

Flavor Profile

Organic coffee tends to have more of a full-bodied taste than regular coffee because the coffee beans have been allowed to grow naturally (without synthetic fertilizers).

However, the flavor profile of organic coffee will vary depending on the coffee beans and roast level of the brew.

Generally, you can choose a lighter, more complex coffee or a darker, more intense coffee flavor.

If you prefer lighter coffees, I recommend the Real Good Coffee Company organic K cups. These are really easy to drink and won’t overpower your taste buds.

If you prefer a bold, intense coffee, I recommend Death Wish Coffee K cups.

These are very strong and smokey and will give your taste buds a deep coffee flavor.

Remember, you can add milk, cream, and sugar to your organic coffee to change the flavor.

You can also find flavored organic coffees if you want something sweeter.

Roast Level

The roast level is how long your coffee beans have been roasted.

Light roasts have been exposed to high heat for just a few minutes, whereas dark roasts have been roasted longer.

The roast level of your organic coffee will impact the taste and strength of your K cups.[3]

Dark roasts will give richer, earthier flavors but contain less caffeine.

In comparison, light roasts have lighter flavors with complex notes and more caffeine.

If you're a coffee purist, you'll probably prefer a dark roast coffee, like the Death Wish Coffee or Newman's Own K-Cups.

If you're a fan of lighter, everyday coffee flavors, you may prefer a lighter roast, like the Kirkland K cups.

Organic coffee tends to be smoother, so dark roasts are easier to drink. I prefer a medium dark roast that is rich but not bitter.

However, everyone has their own unique preferences.

I recommend trying a few different brands and roast levels until you find the K cups that suit you the most.

Related Article - Best Light Roast K Cups

Region Of Origin

Around 75% of organic coffee comes from Latin America (particularly Colombian coffee), but you can still find organic coffee grounds from around the world.

The environmental conditions the coffee beans are grown impact the taste of the coffee.

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

  • Central America: sweet, fruity, with rich chocolate notes (sometimes with hazelnut notes). Lifeboost K cups use organic beans from this region.
  • South America: nutty, chocolatey, with subtle fruity notes (especially in organic Peruvian coffee). Peet's Coffee K cups use beans from this region.
  • Africa: More vibrant floral notes, citrus, and berry flavors with bright acidity. Kirkland Signature K cups use beans from this region.
  • Indonesia: Earthy, musty, with spicy notes. A complex flavor with cocoa flavors. Newman's Own 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.

Organic coffee is all about natural flavors, so the taste of the region is usually more pronounced.

I recommend picking a few K cups from different regions until you find the one you love the most.

Caffeine Content

Organic K-cup options contain 100-140mg of caffeine.

That's about the same as a standard K cup, as the organic growing process doesn't really impact the caffeine content.

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, I recommend the Death Wish Coffee single-serve coffee pods.

These have a massive 420mg of caffeine and will give you a significant energy boost alongside the great taste.

Just make sure you drink this one responsibly because it is a lot of caffeine.

If you want a milder cup of coffee, I recommend the Kirkland single-serve coffee pods.

These still make good coffee with great flavor, but the caffeine content is much lower.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, I recommend looking at half-caff or decaf K cup options (like the Peak Performance organic decaf).

These will give you all the coffee flavor without the caffeine side effects.[4]

Related Article - Best Low Acid Coffee K-Cups

Machine Compatibility

Keurig machines are only compatible with K cups, not regular single-serve coffee pods, so make sure you're looking for organic K cups, or you could end up with coffee you can't even use.

You also need to check that the organic single-serve K cups are compatible with your Keurig model.

Some newer Keurig coffee machines (like the Keurig 2.0) won't work with older single-serve pods, so ensure you get the right K cups that work with your device.

The organic K-cups listed above are compatible with all Keurig coffee machines.

If you choose different organic products, I recommend checking the manufacturer’s information on the packaging before you purchase.


What Exactly Is Organic Coffee? (How’s It Different?)

Organic coffee is made from coffee beans that have been grown without any synthetic fertilizers or weed removers.

No pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides are used to help the coffee beans grow, only organic fertilizers.

Conventional coffee is one of the most chemically treated beverages on the planet.

Most coffee-growing operations rely on synthetic chemicals to support crop growth, and these chemicals can transfer into your cup.

Organic coffee brands don't use chemical solvents, so the coffee beans grow differently.

This changes the overall flavor and chemical composition of the coffee beans and positively impacts the taste of your coffee.

Benefits of organic coffee:

  • Organic coffee tastes better than conventional coffee. Most people agree that organic coffee tastes better, though that difference is subtle. The lack of chemicals means that the best organic coffee has a fuller flavor which is less acidic and bitter than regular coffee.

  • Organic coffee has fewer chemicals than regular coffee. Organic coffee beans aren’t exposed to all the synthetic chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers.[4]The organic coffee beans are purer and cleaner, giving you a higher quality cup of coffee.

  • Organic coffee beans are healthier than conventional coffee. Coffee contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to improve your immune system.[5]

    Organic coffee is allowed to grow naturally, without foreign chemicals, allowing more of these natural health-boosting properties to develop. It also adds to the overall flavor of the organic coffee.

  • Organic coffee beans are more environmentally friendly than conventional coffee. Organic coffee isn’t necessarily Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certified (even though they often go hand in hand), but it does usually involve more sustainable practices.

    The best organic coffee brands grow beans more naturally and in a way that has less of a negative environmental impact.

Downsides of organic coffee:

  • The only real downside of organic coffee is the price. The more labor-intensive and hands-on approach takes more time and effort to grow the beans. The organic certification process can also be time-consuming and expensive for organic coffee brands.

This additional cost usually gets passed on to the customer, and organic single-serve K cups are more expensive than other brands.

Is organic coffee worth it?

Some coffee drinkers argue that organic coffee is a waste of time because the synthetic chemicals are burned off during the roasting process.[6]

However, the best organic coffee K cups I have tried usually have a richer, more enjoyable taste.

If you monitor what you put in your body, I recommend drinking organic coffee rather than standard coffee, and I think the benefits are worth the additional cost.

Related Articles:
Best Espresso K-Cups
Best Green Tea K-Cups


Related Organic Coffee K-Cup Questions

How do you know if coffee is organic?

Organic coffee brands need an official organic certification to prove their coffee beans are grown without chemicals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for marking food procured as USDA-certified organic. Look for a USDA-certified organic label on the packaging to check if it's actually organic.

Why should I drink organic coffee?

Coffee that is certified organic is cleaner, healthier, and tastes better than regular coffee.

Does Mcdonald's use organic coffee?

Yes, but only in certain locations and countries. Not all McDonald's coffee is certified organic, and it's worth asking or checking for a USDA certified organic seal of approval on the product. All their coffee is Fair Trade certified and approved by the Rainforest Alliance.

Is Starbucks Coffee organic?

No, not all Starbucks coffee is certified organic, but they do have some organic coffee options.


Go With This One

The best organic coffee brands use high-quality ingredients and take extra care of the beans.

All 10 of my top picks do this and create delicious, healthy coffee with the convenience of brewing at home.

My number one choice is the Lifeboost K cup.

The care they take in removing impurities and toxins from the soil to protect the beans is unique and creates better-tasting, smoother coffee.

However, that's just my preference, and you may prefer different organic K cups.

There's something in this buying guide for everyone, so I recommend you experiment with them all to find the best organic K cup to meet your tastes.

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Resources:

  1. https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/organic-basics
  2. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/03/the-abominable-k-cup-coffee-pod-environment-problem/386501/
  3. https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/6/2/29
  4. https://www.drugwatcher.org/bad-health-effects-of-fertilizers
  5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22057507
Author Profile Picture

Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.