Keurig Introduces Alta Brewer and Compostable Coffee Tablets, Keeping K-Cup Compatibility
Keurig unveiled Alta, a single-serve system that brews compressed coffee tablets called AltaRounds instead of plastic pods. The brewer still accepts K-Cups, and a $499.99 early access bundle ships in October.
The tablets, branded AltaRounds, carry a recipe code printed on their surface. The Alta brewer reads that code and sets the brew style, pressure and temperature for the drink. Each round has a thin plant-based coating intended to keep the coffee fresh, prevent breakage in transit and help generate the pressure needed for brewing. The machine also includes an integrated milk frother for drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, and a color screen that walks users through coffee and espresso options.
TechRadar reported that the concept resembles the pressed coffee tablets used by the Lavazza Tabli system its reviewer tested, with some differences: Lavazza's tabs are uncoated and carry no brewing code, and the Tabli machine prepares espresso only. Keurig says Alta is backward-compatible with K-Cups, so drinks not yet available in Alta format can still be brewed.
At launch, the Keurig Alta Coffee & Espresso brand will offer six AltaRound varieties: Single Shot, a medium roast single espresso; Double Shot, a dark roast double espresso; Bold Ambition, a dark roast coffee; The House, a medium roast coffee; Fresh Take, a light roast coffee; and Sweet Spot, a caramel flavored coffee. Peet's Coffee AltaRounds are described as coming soon, with more brands to follow.
The rounds are packaged in an SFI-certified paperboard carton. Their coating is made from an NSF-certified plant-based material that includes alginate from seaweed harvested off the coast of France. Keurig says the entire AltaRound, coffee and coating included, is certified for home and commercial composting, allowing it to be disposed of in the same way as ordinary coffee grounds.
Keurig said in a press release that "Keurig Alta represents the future of single-serve — and the future of Keurig," while adding that the shift to AltaRounds will be gradual and that K-Cups are not being discontinued. The early access bundle is priced at $499.99, which TechRadar put at approximately £380 or AU$720, and includes an Alta brewer, four boxes of AltaRounds and glassware made by Ethan Rode of FLUR. The bundle is available only in the United States.
【Editor's Summary】Keurig has launched Alta, a single-serve brewer that reads coded, compostable coffee tablets called AltaRounds, with a $499.99 US-only early access bundle shipping from October 21. The machine retains K-Cup compatibility, and Keurig says the move away from pods will be gradual.