There is some debate about whether Keurig K-Cups are filtered or unfiltered. Some people believe that Keurig coffee is typically filtered because most k-cups use ground coffee and the pods are lined with filters on the inside. However, others argue that their coffee can also be unfiltered, since not all pods use those filters, or the same quality of filters, at least.
K-Cup Pods have a built-in paper filter
Doesn’t matter what brand of K-Cup pods you buy: Starbucks, Folgers, Green Mountain, Donut Shop, they all share the same pod design with a built-in filter inside it, making the coffee brew filtered.
One reason that Keurig pods are considered filtered is the pods are lined with a paper filter on the inside. This filter helps to prevent sediment from getting into your cup, and traps as much of the oils as possible, which without, can make your coffee taste bitter or gritty.
So if you want your Keurig coffee to be filtered, using these pods is the safest option.
Using a paper filter in a refillable K-cup pod filters the coffee
Refillable K-Cup pods work the same as a gold-tone metal filter in a drip coffee maker. They have a fine mesh filter that will hold the coffee grounds, but it does not filter out sediments the same way as a regular K-cup pod.
If you want better filtration when using reusable pods, you can purchase paper filters specially made for these types of pods and they’ll help you filter your coffee even better.
Compostable K-Cup pods are not filtered enough
While these are great for your environment, they’re not the best when it comes to filtering coffee. These types of pods do not filter out coffee the same way a paper filter does, and will most likely brew an oilier cup of coffee.
I wouldn’t recommend these pods to anyone watching for their cholesterol levels. As you can see, the paper filter holding the coffee grounds is so thin it’s almost see-through. I am NOT saying this brand is not good, or that their coffee is not. I am only using their compostable pods as an example here.
Do K-Cups Filter Out Cafestol and Kahweol?
One thing to keep in mind is that Keurig pods can also filter out cafestol and kahweol, chemicals found in coffee. These two compounds can actually be beneficial to a healthy person like lowering inflammation, having anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. (source). But if you already have some health concerns, you’ll want to watch out for these compounds.
So if you are concerned about these chemicals, regular Keurig k-cup pods can be your best option because they will help remove them from your coffee before you you drink it. If you want to use a reusable pod, make sure to use a paper filter with it.
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