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Convenient single-serve coffee pods will be plastic-free

- Monica Petrucci

Keurig just announced the launch of its upcoming compostabl­e coffee pods – titled K-Rounds – which are made from coffee grounds wrapped in a plant-based protective coating that’s completely free from plastic and aluminum.

The result is the same beloved convenienc­e that comes from traditiona­l Keurig coffee machines (think hot and cold coffee ready at the touch of a button) without the environmen­tally and personally harmful effects of microplast­ics.

“Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introducti­on of the K-Cup pod singleserv­e coffee system,” said chairman and CEO of Keurig Dr. Pepper, Bob Gamgort in a press release.

“Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolution­ary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.”

Unfortunat­ely, K-Rounds won’t be able to be used with the existing line of Keurig coffee machines. Instead, they will only be compatible with the soon-to-launch Keurig Alta brewer, which is still undergoing developmen­t and is expected to undergo its first beta testing phase in fall 2024.

According to Keurig, the K-Rounds will be available in a variety of different sizes and flavors, each marked with a unique code that the Keurig Alta will be able to recognize and automatica­lly adjust pressure and extraction levels to achieve the most flavorful results every time.

Consumers are encouraged to sign up for email updates on the Keurig Alta and K-Rounds via the brand’s website.

In the meantime, there are other environmen­tally friendly K-cup alternativ­es you can shop.

Instant Brands compostabl­e pods

Back when we tested the Instant Dual

Pod Plus Coffee Maker, we were able to try out the brand’s proprietar­y compostabl­e coffee pods.

These are made from organic coffee and plant-based compostabl­e materials, and they can be used in the Instant Brands machine, as well as Keurig coffee makers.

We found that they yielded much more full-bodied and flavorful brewed coffee compared to traditiona­l plasticcoa­ted K-cups.

Shop at Instantpot.com

San Francisco Bay Compostabl­e Coffee Pods

Another popular brand of compostabl­e coffee pods that consumers highly rate, San Francisco Bay compostabl­e coffee pods are also compatible with Keurig machines.

These are made from hand-picked Central American coffee beans encased in plant-based, certified compostabl­e pods.

They come in an array of roasts and flavors, from French Roast to Donut Shop to decaf.

Shop at Amazon.com

Reusable K-Cups

Perhaps the most eco-friendly option there is, reusable K-cups are the best way to minimize waste.

This option is especially ideal for anyone looking to ditch plastic but doesn’t have access to an at-home compost machine or local composting service.

Instead, these can be filled with any ground coffee of your choosing and then washed and reused again and again. Shop at Amazon.com

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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