The Starbucks Verismo coffee pod system is the coffee giant’s latest move on the battlefield of coffee pod dominance. The Starbucks Verismo system strives to vertically integrate your coffee experience. Now you can get your Starbucks coffee from your Starbucks brand coffee machine into your Starbucks satellite coffee (aka your kitchen).
Advantages of the Verismo system:
The biggest advantage that the Verismo system has over K cups and the like is its ability to make barista quality latte. Verismo uses a capsule system called K-fee, which originates from Germany. K-fee capsules allow you to drink coffee with milk by combining an espresso capsule and a powdered milk capsule. The final latte is quite delicious and is equivalent to ordering one at a Starbucks store. Plus, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy a great latte.
The Verismo system also allows Starbucks to brand and sell its various coffee blends. Most blends are strong and acidic, like coffee made in a Starbucks store. My personal favorite is the Veranda blend, which also happens to be the lightest blend currently offered.
Cons:
The biggest challenges facing the Verismo system are the price of the capsules and the variety of capsules. A box of 12 capsules tends to cost an average of $ 12 and some mixes cost slightly more. Capsules are hard to find for less, because they are sold almost exclusively in Starbucks stores. K cups, for example, can cost significantly less, due to the many brands that use competing K cups. More competition lowers the price for the consumer. Since Verismo primarily only competes with itself, there is less need to make prices ultra competitive.
The variety, although improved since the introduction of Verismo pods, is still very slim compared to K cups. Verismo pods are currently offered for coffee, lattes, and some teas. While the selection is sure to improve over time, do not opt for Verismo if your favorite coffee or tea blend is not currently offered. You could be waiting a while for it to be available.
Verdict:
I recommend the Verismo system to anyone who enjoys a latte above all other coffee drinks. Verismo capsules and machines consistently produce delicious latte that rivals the barista with the convenience of never having to leave the kitchen. Plus, if a latte is your habit, using the Verismo system will save you money in the long run compared to going to a Starbucks store every day.