The 7 Best K Cups for Iced Coffee in 2023
Iced coffee has become my regular go-to caffeinated beverage during the warmer months. Sipping on chilled coffee is a refreshing way to get that coffee fix when it’s hot outside.
But not all coffee K cups are created equal when it comes to cold brewing. Some K cup varieties make a delicious iced coffee, while others end up watery and weak over ice.
So how do you determine which K cups brew the tastiest iced coffee? After much experimenting, I’ve narrowed it down to a few key factors to look for.
In this article, I’ll share the top things to consider when selecting K cups for iced coffee. I’ll also recommend the 7 best K cups for iced coffee based on flavor, caffeine content, roast type, eco-friendliness, and more.
Factors to Consider When Choosing K Cups for Iced Coffee
Choosing the right K cup variety is crucial for iced coffee that retains its bold flavor when chilled. Here are the key factors I look for:
Flavor Profile
Since iced coffee is cold, you want a K cup with a robust, bold flavor that will still taste great chilled. Flavors like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla are safe bets for iced coffee.
On the other hand, light or fruity roasts tend to taste watery and weak when poured over ice. Go for intensity of flavor whenever possible.
Caffeine Content
Be sure to look for K cups with higher caffeine content, at least 120mg per cup. This ensures the coffee still gives you that energizing kick even when iced.
Roast Type
Medium and dark roasts are ideal for retaining rich flavor when brewed into iced coffee. Light roasts can sometimes taste diluted and boring once chilled.
Compatibility
Make sure to choose a K cup variety that is designed for your specific Keurig model. Check the product details to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Eco-Friendliness
Many standard K cups are made of plastic, which isn’t great for the environment. Some are made of recyclable or biodegradable materials which is better for sustainability.
The 7 Best K Cups for Iced Coffee
Based on the criteria above, these are my top recommendations for K cups that make delicious iced coffee:
1. Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend (Editors’ Choice)
Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend is my number one choice for bold, smooth iced coffee. The dark roast Arabica beans give it a rich flavor that really sings when chilled.
Some key features:
- Dark roast profile has a bold, smooth flavor
- Higher caffeine content (140mg per cup) provides an energizing boost
- Works in all Keurig models both 1.0 and 2.0
- Not the most eco-friendly – uses plastic pods
This is an all-around excellent option from a premium coffee brand. The intensity and caffeine content make it perfect for pouring over ice.
2. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Vanilla Caramel
If you like some sweetness and creaminess in your iced coffee, Green Mountain’s Vanilla Caramel is sure to satisfy.
Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- The sweet vanilla and buttery caramel flavors pair deliciously with cold brews
- Smooth medium roast retains maximum flavor when iced
- Each cup contains 120 mg of caffeine
- However, the plastic pods aren’t very eco-friendly
This is one of my go-to pods whenever I’m craving an iced caramel coffee.
3. Dunkin’ Cold Brew Coffee Roast
This offering from coffee shop favorite Dunkin’ Donuts is specially designed for optimal cold coffee drinking.
What makes it stand out?
- Crafted by Dunkin’ specifically to be ideal for cold coffee
- Has a smooth, well-balanced flavor that isn’t diluted when iced
- 120-180 mg of caffeine per cup gives you an energizing cold brew
- Very affordable at just $0.33 per cup
Dunkin’ really nailed it with these cold brew roast K cups. The flavor and caffeine content make it one of the best choices for iced coffee.
4. Death Wish Coffee
If you really need a caffeine jolt, Death Wish Coffee delivers. This incredibly bold, dark roast has sky-high caffeine content.
Key features:
- An incredibly bold, dark roast with robust flavor that ices well
- Highest caffeine content out of all options – 175mg per cup
- The intense flavor needs ice to mellow it out
- Downside is the plastic pods and higher price point
While not the most budget-friendly, Death Wish Coffee makes a strong iced coffee that really packs a punch.
5. Victor Allen’s Caramel Macchiato
For a delicious caramel iced coffee, Victor Allen’s Caramel Macchiato is a great affordable option.
Here’s what I like about it:
- The sweet caramel and vanilla flavors are delicious cold
- Smooth medium roast retains maximum flavor when poured over ice
- 90-150 mg of caffeine per pod
- Affordable at $0.36 per cup, and uses compostable pods
This is my favorite caramel choice for making a cafe-style iced caramel macchiato at home.
6. Starbucks Sumatra Dark Roast
Starbucks’ Sumatra dark roast makes a fine iced coffee with its full-bodied flavor.
Key features:
- A full-bodied dark roast with bold flavor that doesn’t get diluted with ice
- Lower acidity than many roasts
- 140 mg of caffeine per cup gives you an energizing boost
- Very affordable at around $0.33 per pod
This widely available option from Starbucks is great for a simple iced coffee with robust flavor.
7. San Francisco Bay Coffee French Roast
San Francisco Bay’s French roast is a very smooth, easy to drink dark roast that’s perfect for iced coffee.
Here’s why I recommend it:
- A smooth, easy to drink dark roast that’s perfect for iced coffee
- Retains its robust flavor even when chilled
- 100 mg of caffeine per cup
- Eco-friendly compostable pods
This is an excellent choice if you want a sustainable option that retains its bold taste over ice.
Tips for Making Iced Coffee with K Cups
Once you’ve selected the best K cups for iced coffee, here are some tips to get the perfect chilled brew:
- Use a plastic tumbler or insulated cup that can handle rapid temperature changes without cracking
- If your Keurig has a “brew over ice” setting, use that – otherwise brew hot coffee as normal
- Wait until coffee is brewed then add any cream, milk, sweetener, or other flavors you want
- Experiment with different K cup varieties to find your perfect iced coffee! Flavored coffees can be fun over ice.
Get Refreshing Iced Coffee at Home
Iced coffee is the perfect beat-the-heat beverage during warm weather seasons. With so many K cup options on the market, use this guide to select a flavorful, aromatic coffee that retains its bold taste even when poured over ice.
The key factors to look for are strong flavor profiles, higher caffeine content, dark roast types, and eco-friendliness. My top recommendations include bold options like Peet’s Major Dickason’s and smooth favorites like Vanilla Caramel.
With the right K cups, you can easily make cafe-quality chilled coffee drinks at home. Try different varieties to find your perfect iced coffee ritual for summer sipping!
