The Truth About K-Cups

The Truth About K-Cups

 How Bad Are K-Cups? - Why You Should Switch

Written by: Caighlen Brady

You may have heard the rave about the new and evolutional way to making coffee at home? It’s simple, easy and only takes a minute of "no mess" for a cup of coffee. Yes, it’s the Keurig and it comes in many different builds and endless pods to choose from.

I admit, I used to a dedicated Keurig fanatic. I had the luxury of a fancy machine that dispenses the perfect amount of coffee. I didn’t think twice about going back to regular coffee making. I loved having the many options of flavored coffee and English breakfast tea.

But throughout a period of two years I’ve had problems and was ready to move on. I found new ways to get more out of my coffee and did some research.

If you’re a dedicated Keurig user, I am going to expose the truth about Keurig and why you should switch to a more quality way of making coffee.

Rising of Keurig Company and Inventor’s Thoughts

One and three American homes have a Keurig. In today’s time it is estimated around 35 million who are Keurig owners. Which makes me think, how in the world did Keurig get started to become such a huge hit in the home coffee industry.

K-Cup inventor John Sylvan wanted a way to make coffee easier. The market is tailored around busy coffee consumers, convenience, and having cute proportion pods.

The number of K-Cups produced can line up and go around the Earth 10 times.

In the 90’s Sylvan came up with the concept of premade cup by pod mechanism. The idea was so brilliant, he was brought out for $50,000 in 1997. Under new ownership, Keurig expanded rapidly and became the company we know today.

Sylvan sat down with James Hamblin from The Atlantic for an exclusive interview on his thoughts about the K-Cup. Sylvan has his own set opinions that aren’t fond of his product years later.

In the article, Sylvan admits he doesn’t own a Keurig because of how expensive they are to use. He mentions drip coffee that isn’t hard to make. Shockingly, he wished he never even made the thing.

 

Why You Should Stop Using K-Cups

  • Cost
    Keurig don’t come cheap. They range from $100 base model, up to $140. The machine seems reasonable, but keep in mind the number of pods you must buy.

    A 24 pack of their different blends of coffee go for $14.99 and branded coffees range at $16.99. Each cup of coffee you make is $1.60. This seems cheaper than regularly going to a coffee shop.

    Although the value of good tasting coffee and buying by the pound will save you in the long run. Let's say you drink a cup a coffee daily. It would cost you around $320 in K-Cups (including the highest priced machine).

    If you buy coffee from the store or even a local coffee shop, a pound ranges at the same price as the pack of 24-count K-Cups. 

    Here's the catch. You will get more out of the pound bag then a K-Cup. Not only in cost, but in taste and will improve your morning coffee ritual.

  • Coffee Quality
    If you value the quality of coffee, then Keurig is probably a last resort. Think about it. You go to the store and pick up a box of your desired K-Cups.

    It is already premade, and prepared to be convenient. There are factors of having no idea when the coffee was roasted or ground. When ground coffee sits too long, the taste changes.

     

    One of the biggest issues being addressed is the amount of K-Cup waste has been produced over the years.

     


    It becomes stale from the gases escaping overtime. The freshness of the coffee is gone and you have hot stale coffee.

    There are K-Cup filters available to buy to put your choice coffee in it. I find it defeating half the purpose. Also finding messy coffee grounds littered all over the counter isn’t worth the money or the headache.

  • Environment
    One of the biggest issues being addressed is the amount of K-Cup waste has been produced over the years. K-Cups are not recyclable or biodegradable.

    It contains #7 plastic that is tested to affect health issues. K-Cups are poorly designed with layers of toxic plastic and a lid of aluminum foil.

    In the coffee making process, the aluminum is heated up by the water. This allows it to extract into your coffee along with plastic chemicals. An acidic cup of coffee brewed with chemicals doesn't sound pleasant to drink.

    The number of K-Cups produced can line up and go around the Earth 10 times. K-Cups aren’t the only problem, Keurig machines are also harmful.
    They contain components of BPAs and are also filling up landfills.

    After the aftermath of the campaign against K-Cups, “Kill the K-Cup” video, Keurig surfaced for damage control. They created new K-Cups that are recyclable this year. 

    Just because it says it's recyclable, doesn't mean it will actually be recycled. 

    If anything, K-Cups are environmental disasters pilling up to happen.

    Pour Over

    If you are looking for an outlet to ditch the Keurig, I can help. A brewing machine can easily replace a Keurig to save on coffee.

    If you are searching for something more worth your money and better coffee quantity. A pour over is a perfect way to get started. Pour over allows you to enjoy hand craft coffee that you will be missing out with a Keurig.

    You can read “What is a Pour” blog to getting started making the perfect brew!