Keurig's latest technology means zero-waste pods (2024)

Finally: The K-cups everyone loves for their unmatched convenience are going plastic-free.

Keurig just announced the launch of its upcoming compostable coffee pods for Keurig—titled K-Rounds—which are made from coffee grounds wrapped in a plant-based protective coating that's completely free from plastic and aluminum.

The result is the same beloved convenience that comes from traditional Keurig coffee machines (think hot and cold coffee ready at the touch of a button) without the environmentally and personally harmful effects of microplastics.

"Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single-serve coffee system," said chairman and CEO of Keurig Dr. Pepper, Bob Gamgort in a press release.

"Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come."

Unfortunately, K-Rounds won't be able to be used with the existing line of Keurig coffee machines. Instead, they will only be compatible with the soon-to-launch Keurig Alta brewer, which is still undergoing development and is expected to undergo its first beta testing phase in fall 2024.

According to Keurig, the K-Rounds will be available in a variety of different sizes and flavors, each marked with a unique code that the Keurig Alta will be able to recognize and automatically adjust pressure and extraction levels to achieve the most flavorful results every time.

Consumers are encouraged to sign up for email updates on the Keurig Alta and K-Rounds via the brand's website.

In the meantime, there are other environmentally friendly K-cup alternatives you can shop.

Instant Brands compostable pods

Back when we tested the Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker, we were able to try out the brand's proprietary compostable coffee pods.

These are made from organic coffee and plant-based compostable materials, and they can be used in the Instant Brands machine, as well as Keurig coffee makers.

We found that they yielded much more full-bodied and flavorful brewed coffee compared to traditional plastic-coated K-cups.

San Francisco Bay Compostable Coffee Pods

Another popular brand of compostable coffee pods that consumers highly rate, San Francisco Bay compostable coffee pods are also compatible with Keurig machines. These are made from hand-picked Central American coffee beans encased in plant-based, certified compostable pods.

They come in an array of roasts and flavors, from French Roast to Donut Shop to decaf.

Kauai Coffee Na Pali Coast Dark Roast Compostable Keurig Pods

Kauai Coffee was helping provide the world with fair-trade, environmentally-friendly, sustainable beans before it was cool. Its dark roast is available in Keurig pods that are made with 35% less plastic than the alternative.

Its Na Pali Coast Dark Roast is available in compostable K-Pod forms, but it offers plenty of other popular flavors like Island Sunrise Mild and Banana Creme.

Reusable K-Cups

Perhaps the most eco-friendly option there is, reusable K-cups are the best way to minimize waste. This option is especially ideal for anyone looking to ditch plastic but doesn't have access to an at-home compost machine or local composting service.

Instead, these can be filled with any ground coffee of your choosing and then washed and reused again and again.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.