FAQ

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your favorite Apffels® single-serve brew.

QUESTIONS?
1. Are your K-Cups® compatible with my Keurig® brewer?

Yes! Our pods are fully compatible with all Keurig® brewers, including Keurig® 2.0 and newer models — except for the Keurig Vue. Just pop one in and brew as usual.

2. Do your cups work with Keurig® Vue machines?

Our single-serve cups are not compatible with the Keurig Vue system. However, third-party adapters are available that allow Vue machines to brew our K-Cups®.

3. How much coffee is in each pod?

Each pod is carefully filled with 9–12 grams of fresh-roasted coffee, depending on the roast and blend. This creates a perfectly balanced 8-oz cup — strong, smooth, and never bitter.

4. Can I reuse a K-Cup®?

We don’t recommend re-brewing a used pod — the coffee inside is ground for single extraction. For a stronger cup, try brewing on the 8-oz setting or choose our French Dark Roast.

5. Are your pods recyclable or compostable?

Yes! Our K-Cups® are made from #5 recyclable plastic (polypropylene).

To recycle:

  1. Let the pod cool.
  2. Peel back the lid.
  3. Empty the used grounds (they’re great for compost!).
  4. Rinse and place the cup in your recycling bin.
  5. Check locally to ensure your community recycles #5 plastics. Recycling facilities may not be available in all areas.

We’re also exploring compostable and plant-based materials for future packaging — responsibility is part of every decision we make.

6. How long do K-Cups® stay fresh?

Our coffee is fresh-roasted and nitrogen-sealed for maximum flavor. You’ll find a “Best By” date on every box — typically 12 months from roasting.

While coffee doesn’t technically “go bad,” it can lose freshness and flavor over time as the natural oils and aromas fade. For the best taste, store your pods in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and enjoy them within a year of roasting.

7. How do I get the best flavor from my Apffels® Coffee pods?

Great coffee starts with the basics — fresh water and a clean machine. Even the best coffee can lose its edge if your brewer has buildup inside.

Keurig® recommends descaling every 3–6 months, or a bit more often if you brew multiple cups a day or have hard water. Descaling helps clear out mineral deposits so your coffee tastes exactly as it should — smooth, rich, and fresh.

Pro Tip:
If you brew several times a day, try descaling every 2–3 months. And if your machine has a “descale” light, don’t ignore it — your taste buds will thank you!

Keeping your brewer in good shape means every cup of Apffels® coffee tastes just as it should — freshly roasted and full of flavor, just the way we’ve done it since 1914.

8. What kind of coffee beans do you use?

We source 100% Arabica beans from responsible farms across Central and South America, Africa, and the Pacific Rim — ensuring clean, consistent flavor in every cup.

9. Is your coffee Fair Trade or Direct Trade?

While not every coffee we source is Fair Trade or Direct Trade certified, Apffels® has long-standing relationships with trusted importers and sustainable farms that prioritize fair labor practices and environmental stewardship.

Our goal is to deliver ethically sourced coffee that supports both quality and community — without compromise. (See also Question 18 for more about our Direct Trade approach.)

10. What roast levels do you offer?

We offer a full range — Light, Medium, and Dark Roasts — so there’s something for every taste. You’ll find the roast level clearly marked on the front panel of each box.

11. Do you have decaf options?

Yes!  Our K-Cups® decaf coffee is made using a gentle water-based process that removes caffeine naturally — without the use of synthetic solvents — while preserving flavor and aroma.

12. Can I brew these pods over ice?

Absolutely! For iced coffee, brew one pod on the 6-oz or 8-oz setting directly over a cup filled with ice. Try it with our Colombian Medium or Gourmet Blend for a smooth, bright, and refreshing cup — or go bold with our French Roast for a richer, more intense iced coffee experience.

13. How many pods come in a box?

Our K-Cups® are available in an industry-standard 24-count box, perfect for home, office, or on-the-go brewing.

14. Can I subscribe or buy in bulk?

Yes! Subscription options are available HERE so you’ll never run out of your favorite roast.
We’re also working on bulk purchasing options, which will be available soon through select partners.

15. What makes your pods different from other brands?

We roast for people who love coffee as much as we do.

Our pods are:
• Fresh-roasted and locally packed in Southern California
• Crafted by Certified Coffee Graders with decades of experience
• Responsibly sourced and ethically produced
• Backed by over 100 years of family roasting heritage

In short — we roast for people who love coffee.

16. Are your coffees Kosher-certified?

Yes! All Apffels® Coffee pods are Keurig®-compatible and Kosher-certified under the Rabbinical Council of New England (KVH).
We’re proud to meet KVH’s high standards for quality and integrity — from bean selection to roasting and packaging.

Look for the KVH Kosher symbol on our packaging to enjoy every cup with confidence.

17. Do you have any organic coffee options?

We’re proud to partner with industry leaders who care as much about the earth as they do about great coffee. Many of the farms we work with use organic and responsible growing practices, even if they choose not to pursue formal certification.

Organic certification can be costly and complex, especially for small family farms. By working closely with our trusted suppliers — many of whom we’ve partnered with for years — we’re able to source coffee that’s grown naturally, without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, while keeping it accessible and affordable.

Even when it’s not labeled “certified organic,” you can feel confident that Apffels® coffee is responsibly sourced and crafted with care — from the ground up.

18. What is your Direct Trade approach?

At Apffels®, we don’t rely on third-party trade certifications to define our ethics — we rely on relationships. For more than a century, we’ve collaborated with trusted importers, farming cooperatives, and origin partners who share our commitment to fair labor, environmental responsibility, and exceptional quality.

Because coffees of exceptional flavor and quality command premium pricing at origin, we’re proud to support those producers by paying premiums that reflect the care, craftsmanship, and distinct taste they deliver. These premiums help strengthen farming communities while ensuring every cup meets the elevated flavor experience Apffels® is known for.

 

Our green Arabica beans come from over 27 growing regions worldwide — from Hawaii and Colombia to Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea — each selected for its unique character and consistent excellence.

19. Where can I buy your K-Cups®?

You can find our K-Cups® directly on our website at HERE

Trademark & Legal Notice
K-Cup® and Keurig® are registered trademarks of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.Apffels® Coffee is not affiliated with or endorsed by Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

Recyclable in communities that accept #5 plastics; recycling facilities may not exist in all areas.

© 2025 Apffels Coffee Company. All rights reserved.

Ver. 11.12.2025

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