Keurig Alta First-Look: No More Plastic K-Cups
Keurig is ready to ditch the K-Cup with a compostable and plastic- and aluminum-free coffee pod, but the price is steep.
Keurig has unveiled its new single-serve coffee maker, the Alta, which uses plastic- and aluminum-free coffee pods called AltaRounds. This marks a potential end to the disposable K-Cup, which was launched in 1998. The Alta aims to bring the experience of brewing third-wave coffee in the home, offering a variety of espresso drinks with ease.
The AltaRound pods are compostable, compressed coffee rounds that are pressed into the machine and extracted with 10 bars of pressure. The machine also includes a built-in milk frother and a K-Cup brewer for those who want to keep using their old pods. While the machine is large and takes longer to brew compared to traditional espresso makers, it offers a more flavorful cup of coffee with crema on top.
Keurig is currently offering a bundle that includes the Alta, four boxes of AltaRounds, and glassware for $500. The preorder has already sold out, indicating strong demand. It will likely be some time before the K-Cup is completely replaced by the Alta due to its high price, but the environmental impact of the K-Cup's plastic and aluminum materials has been a driving force behind the development of the Alta.
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