Can a Keurig Make Tea? (Using K-Cups and Loose Leaf Tea)

Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Karen

If you’re an avid tea drinker or just someone who enjoys a good cup of tea, you might be wondering: can a Keurig make tea?

While Keurig coffee makers are primarily designed for brewing coffee, they can actually be a great option for brewing tea as well. Many tea lovers may not realize that with the right tools and knowledge, your Keurig can brew a variety of tea types—from classic black tea to delicate white tea or refreshing iced tea.

Whether you’re looking for the best flavor from a tea pod or using a reusable K-Cup with loose leaf tea, a Keurig machine can be an efficient way to enjoy a good cup of tea.

Let’s explore the best way to brew different types of tea using your Keurig brewing machine!

Brewing Tea with Tea K-Cups

One of the easiest ways to make tea with a Keurig coffee maker is by using tea K-Cups. These pre-packaged pods come in a variety of flavors, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and even more unique options like oolong tea and white tea. The best tea K-Cups allow you to enjoy a variety of tea types without worrying about steeping times or different water temperatures.

To brew the perfect cup of tea using tea pods, simply pop a tea pod into your Keurig brewing machine and press the button. The machine heats hot water and brews the tea in just 1-3 minutes. For the best flavor, be sure to follow the recommended brew times for each type of tea. For example, green tea requires a lower temperature, so you might need to use a machine that allows you to adjust water temperature or brew at a lower temperature to avoid bitterness.

Brewing Loose Leaf Tea with a Reusable K-Cup

If you’re a fan of loose leaf tea and want to have more control over the flavor, a reusable K-Cup is the perfect solution. The reusable filter allows you to fill it with your own tea leaves, so you can enjoy any type of loose tea, from delicate teas like white tea to the more robust black tea. This method gives you complete control over the steeping time and strength of your tea, ensuring the perfect iced tea or a hot cup with just the right balance of flavors.

To brew loose tea with a Keurig, simply fill the reusable K-Cup (with disposable filter) with the desired amount of tea leaves and place it into your keurig coffee maker. Select your preferred brew size, and within minutes, you’ll have a good cup of tea. If you’re brewing a more delicate tea, like white tea, keep in mind that a lower temperature water setting is essential for preserving its subtle flavors.

How to Brew Different Tea Types

Not all tea types are brewed the same way. Each type of tea requires different water temperatures to bring out the best flavor. Check out our guide on mastering your Keurig coffee maker settings, from adjusting brew sizes to unlocking advanced features like temperature control and auto-on functionality.

Black Tea: Typically brewed at higher temperatures, around 200°F. With tea pods, this temperature is usually perfect, but if you’re brewing loose leaf tea, you might need to adjust the brew times.
Green Tea: Brew at a slightly lower temperature (around 170-180°F) to avoid bitterness and preserve the light, fresh taste.
Herbal Tea: These teas can be brewed at the same temperature as black tea, making them easy to brew with most Keurig machines.
Delicate Teas: White tea and oolong tea are considered more delicate and require even lower temperatures. If your Keurig doesn’t allow for temperature adjustment, using a tea kettle to heat water to the right level before brewing might be an alternative.

The Best Way to Make Iced Tea with Keurig

Brewing perfect iced tea with a Keurig is easy, especially with iced tea K-Cups. These pods are specially designed for brewing larger servings of iced tea. Start by brewing the tea pod as usual, but instead of using hot water, place ice in your cup before brewing. This method quickly chills the hot water as it brews, giving you a refreshing iced tea in no time. For an even cooler touch, consider using bottled water or filtered water from your home’s water filter for the cleanest taste.

If you prefer using loose leaf tea for iced tea, simply brew it as you would hot tea, then let it cool and pour it over ice for a crisp, refreshing beverage perfect for a hot summer day.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Keurig for Tea

There are several benefits to brewing tea with a Keurig, but it’s also important to consider the downsides:

Pros:

Convenience: Making a cup of tea with a Keurig is fast and easy. It’s ideal for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
Variety: With a selection of tea pods available, you can easily find a range of flavors, from green tea to black tea and more.
Consistency: The brewing process is automated, ensuring that each cup of tea is brewed to perfection.

Cons:

Limited control: Unlike traditional tea brewing methods, using a Keurig gives you limited control over steeping time and water temperature. For those who enjoy experimenting with tea or brewing more delicate teas, a tea kettle or manual brewing methods may be preferable.
Cost of K-Cups: Tea pods can be more expensive than traditional loose tea or tea bags.

Whether you’re a tea lover or an occasional tea drinker, a keurig coffee maker can easily become a versatile addition to your kitchen for brewing a good cup of tea.

With options like tea K-Cups and reusable K-Cups for loose tea, your Keurig can brew everything from black tea to herbal tea and even perfect iced tea. While it may not offer the same control as traditional brewing methods, it’s a quick and convenient way to enjoy a good cup of tea in just minutes.