Keurig has launched the Keurig Alta System, which features plastic- and aluminum-free AltaRounds pressed coffee, expanding the brand’s single-serve platform beyond traditional coffee.
The Keurig Alta brews coffee and espresso. With an integrated milk frother, it can make café-style beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos and cortados, hot or iced.
“Everyone should be able to make exceptional coffee at home, without compromise or complex techniques,” said Phil Drapeau, senior vice president of future coffee systems for Keurig Dr Pepper. “To make it possible, we removed the plastic pod so nothing stands between you and the coffee.”
At the heart of the system is AltaRounds pressed coffee. Inspired by a barista’s tamping technique, roasted coffee beans are ground, pressed and wrapped in a proprietary plant-based coating. Each AltaRounds pressed coffee features a recipe code that the Alta brewer automatically reads, adjusting pressure, temperature and the water-to-coffee ratio to brew each beverage as intended.
The Keurig Alta brewer delivers up to 10 bars of high-pressure extraction for espresso while optimizing pressure for other brew styles, according to Keurig.
“The plant-based coating of the AltaRounds makes this system possible,” said Neha Mallik, senior director of product development at Keurig Dr Pepper. “It withstands the pressure authentic espresso requires while delivering the simplicity consumers expect from Keurig. After brewing, the grounds and coating come out as one piece that can be composted or disposed of like coffee grounds.”
AltaRounds pressed coffee is certified by BPI as home and commercially compostable, and its proprietary coating is NSF-certified and made from plant-based materials, including alginate, which is derived from seaweed, Keurig reported.
AltaRounds launches in six varieties:
- Single Shot (medium roast single espresso)
- Double Shot (dark roast double espresso)
- Bold Ambition (dark roast coffee)
- The House (medium roast coffee)
- Fresh Take (light roast coffee)
- Sweet Spot (caramel-flavored coffee)
The Peet’s Coffee brand will follow soon for the Alta system, with more coffee brands expected as the system grows, according to Keurig.
The Keurig Alta System is now available in the U.S. at KeurigAlta.com for $499.99, following a limited pre-order that the company said sold out in less than 24 hours. AltaRounds pressed coffee comes in packs of eight and costs $9.99 to $10.99, depending on the variety. The system is also compatible with Keurig K-Cup pods.
