Keurig launches Alta coffee system with plastic-free pods

Keurig has announced the Alta brewing system, a new coffee machine designed to move away from the traditional K-Cup ecosystem toward more sustainable options. The system utilizes AltaRounds, which are plastic-free, plant-based pods made from pressed premium ground coffee and protected by a thin, algae-based coating.

The Alta machine features Intelligent Brew Recognition, allowing it to read recipe codes on the pods to automatically adjust brewing temperature, pressure, and style. Unlike many pod-based systems, the Alta includes an integrated milk frother capable of producing both hot and cold frothed milk, enabling the preparation of sophisticated beverages like cappuccinos and lattes.

Technically, the machine is equipped with a 2.8-inch color TFT touch display and a quad-core ARM Cortex processor. While the system aims to reduce environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastic and aluminum, critics have noted its high power draw of 1500 watts during the brewing cycle. The retail price for the system is estimated to be around $500.