K-Cup Coffee Pods (72-Count)

Name: K-Cup Coffee Pods (72-Count)
Brand: Keurig

PFR Grade

Avoid — high plastic content with documented health risks

K-Cup pods are made from #7 plastic (polystyrene or polypropylene) with an aluminum foil lid. Hot water forced through plastic at high pressure is one of the highest-risk plastic-food contact scenarios. Significant microplastic contamination documented.

PFR Avoid

72-count K-Cup coffee pods for Keurig machines. The most popular single-serve coffee system in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$35See Safer Alternatives in Food & Drink

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Critical Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Food packaging is a primary route of chemical exposure. BPA, phthalates, PFAS, and microplastics migrate from packaging into food — especially when heated, acidic, or fatty foods are involved. The FDA has approved thousands of food contact substances with limited long-term safety testing.

Synthetic Plastic Content

80%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

K-Cup pods represent one of the most concerning plastic-food contact scenarios: hot water forced through plastic at high pressure and temperature. Studies have documented significant microplastic contamination in Keurig-brewed coffee. A French press or pour-over with a stainless steel filter is a far safer alternative.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Polypropylene or polystyrene pod

microplastics

Source

Hot water through plastic K-Cup pods

Health Risk

Ingestion of microplastics with every cup of coffee

Who Is Most At RiskDaily coffee drinkers using Keurig machines

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.