Java Blog

While new coffees come out quite frequently, it’s been a while since we have seen a new drink released for the Keurig® single cup coffee system. Things have been quiet since the release of two hot chocolate k-cups® from Timothy’s World and Green Mountain®. This time things take a slight turn as Timothy’s has released Canarino® Italian Hot Lemon Beverage drink in a k-cup®. Canarino® has been enjoyed for hundreds of years throught Europe and Italy.

This delicious hot drink derives it’s flavor from lemon peel. While normally served hot, just add ice for a cold lemon treat.  Sugar may also be added to sweeten the flavor.  Canarino® health benefits come from the fact that it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidents, contains no artificial ingredients, 0 calories per serving, and no sugar or caffeine.

Who doesn’t love to celebrate the holidays with family and friends?  The folks at Gloria Jean’s and Coffee People® are kicking off the holiday season a bit early this year and to get Santa and the rest of us all in a jolly mood, we have an all new K-cup® coffee for the Keurig® single cup coffee system: “Santa’s Buzz“.  Don’t worry the traditional favorites are back too with Gloria Jean’s® Sleigh Ride and Ginger Snap coffee k-cups®.

It’s that time of year again when the leaves start changing and the crisp Fall air settles in. For some it’s a change that is dreaded all summer long but for others it’s a refreshing and anticipated time. With the change of season comes the return of the Autumn coffee flavors. For Keurig® users, Green Mountain once again has Pumpkin Spice (reg and decaf) and Autumn Harvest Blend kcups® available. For pod lovers it’s Melitta® with Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Spice flavored pods, which are compatible with most pod brewers. Nothing tastes better than a steaming hot cup of gourmet coffee while enjoying the beautiful colors of Autumn.

The news is out that Keurig® will soon be releasing the Mini B30 model as a less expensive home brewer. Based on the technology and design of the commercial B130 unit that is used in the hospitality industry, the B30 is the perfect little unit for your vacation home or college dorm room. With a small profile (11″H x 10″ D x 7″ W) this brewer will fit almost anywhere, but don’t let the size fool you, the Mini still delivers the great tasting coffee that is expected from a Keurig® coffee maker and also uses the same k-cups®.  Marketed as a “personal brewer” , the unit can hold only 8 ounces of water, colors available will be black and white. Expected price will be around $80.00 .

Single cup coffee has been around for many years in varying forms, but it was not until recently that serious coffee drinkers have taken an interest. Over the years there have been attempts in the commercial office coffee environment, to come up with a decent single cup coffee system but most have fallen short of the quality that true coffee lovers desire. One big reason for the failure was that the coffee was not truly fresh brewed but rather freeze dried.

Then it arrived…. It was ten years ago that Keurig® came on the scene and changed everything. Partnering with Green Mountain Coffee®, Keurig® managed to start a revolution in the workplace with a single cup coffee system that was simple to use, required very little user maintenance and produced an excellent cup of fresh brewed coffee. Not only could we get a great cup of coffee but we also had a choice. In the beginning choices ranged from somewhere around 10-20 varieties of roast profiles and flavored coffees. Our jobs were now worth going to, knowing the steaming hot cup that awaited us, but wait what about weekends??

Good coffee at home….While Keurig® was busy in the workplace people were looking for ways to fill the void at home. Along came coffee pods! Melitta® was one of the first on scene in the U.S. to offer a reasonably priced single cup coffee pod maker, the One:One. Coupled with coffees like “Buzzworthy” and “Cafe Kind of Day” not only did we now have a reason to wake up on Sunday but we also had coffees that fit our mood. About the same time Senseo® arrived in the USA and with it’s smooth frothy topping and cute “elbow macaroni” design people instantly feel in love. Mr. Coffee® and Black & Decker® soon followed along with the “Home Cafe” pod brewer. Great single cup coffee had finally made it’s way into our kitchens.

Keurig® comes home…One comment always made by employees with a Keurig® in their office was “I wish I had one at home”. Keurig® was well aware of the commotion they started in the workplace and after a few years of waiting finally delivered the B100, their first home brewer. Keurig® has since realeased 3 more models, the B40, B60, and B70 units.

Single cup coffee is here to stay, most of us who have tried it could never turn back!