A common misconception about Keurig machines is that they’re exclusively for coffee. In reality, K-Cups are available for a wide range of hot beverages, making a Keurig a genuinely versatile hot drink station. Here’s what you can brew and how to get the best results from non-coffee beverages.
Tea
Tea is the most popular non-coffee beverage in the K-Cup ecosystem. Dozens of tea varieties are available in K-Cup format, spanning black tea, green tea, herbal tea, chai, chamomile, peppermint, and specialty blends.
Brewing tea in a Keurig is as simple as brewing coffee: insert the tea pod, select your preferred brew size, and press brew. However, there are important nuances. Green and white teas ideally brew at lower temperatures—around 170 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit—than most Keurig machines deliver at their default settings.
For temperature-sensitive teas, use the lowest available temperature setting on machines that offer temperature control. On machines without temperature control, brewing into a mug that has been pre-filled with a small amount of cold water slightly reduces the brew temperature at the point of contact with the tea.
Popular tea K-Cup brands include Twinings (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, green teas), Bigelow (multiple varieties), and Celestial Seasonings (herbal teas). Most major tea brands offer K-Cup versions of their popular lines.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate K-Cups are excellent for non-coffee drinkers and make Keurig machines genuinely useful for children and guests who don’t drink coffee. K-Cups from brands like Swiss Miss, Grove Square, and Nestle produce rich, creamy hot chocolate.
Brew hot chocolate at the smallest available size—six to eight ounces—for the richest, most intensely flavored result. Larger sizes dilute the cocoa concentration significantly. For a mocha-style drink, brew hot chocolate over a previously brewed espresso-style shot using a machine with shot mode capability.
Chai Latte
Chai K-Cups produce a pre-mixed tea latte flavor that combines tea, spices, and milk powder. Popular brands include Bigelow, The Original Donut Shop, and Celestial Seasonings. Brew at six to eight ounces for the fullest flavor.
For an enhanced chai latte, brew the K-Cup at six ounces and add a splash of warm frothed milk for a more authentic chai latte experience.
Apple Cider
Seasonal K-Cups for hot apple cider are available in autumn from brands including Green Mountain and Grove Square. These produce a sweet, spiced apple beverage that’s particularly popular during cold weather months. Brew at eight ounces for a well-balanced flavor.
Specialty Flavored Drinks
Keurig K-Cups include flavored specialty beverages like French vanilla, mocha, caramel, and various seasonal flavors. These use a combination of coffee and flavoring to produce drinks that sit between standard coffee and specialty café beverages.
Iced Tea
While Keurig machines brew hot beverages, making iced tea is straightforward. Brew your tea K-Cup at the smallest available size (six ounces) directly over a glass filled with ice. The concentrated brew over ice produces a properly diluted iced tea. For larger iced tea servings, brew multiple cycles consecutively over a pitcher of ice.
Using Regular Coffee Pods for Tea Lovers
If you can’t find a specific tea variety in K-Cup format, a reusable K-Cup filled with loose-leaf tea works beautifully. Pack the basket loosely (tea doesn’t need to be packed as firmly as coffee grounds), brew at the appropriate temperature, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup from your favorite loose-leaf variety.
Tips for Non-Coffee Brews
Always run a water-only flush cycle after brewing strongly flavored beverages like hot chocolate or flavored chai. These drinks leave residue that can affect the flavor of subsequent brews. Cleaning the needle assembly monthly is especially important for non-coffee pod users, as these beverages can leave more residue than standard coffee.
With the right selection of K-Cups and a bit of experimentation, your Keurig can serve as a complete hot beverage station for everyone in your household.
