Keurig’s Plastic-Free Pod Coffee System Has Finally Arrived, and We Tried It First

In 2024, Keurig invited a handful of media to sneak a peek at a concept brewer and the new era of single-serve coffee makers: a system that brews 100% aluminum- and plastic-free pressed coffee rounds. Two years later, Keurig is letting the Alta loose, and we got an early look at the first-of-its-kind push-button coffee and espresso maker. At an unveiling in Manhattan, the Keurig product team showcased the Alta system, including the brand’s first 100% compostable pods. The $500 Alta looks and feels more premium than anything Keurig has previously released.David Watsky/CNET As Keurig’s most advanced brewer to date, the Alta looks and functions more like a modern espresso machine than the Keurigs we’re used to. An on-board touchscreen guides you step by step through a range of coffee and espresso drinks made with the pressed pucks and the machine’s integrated frother whips up silky, consistent froth, including cold foam. The plastic-free pods are wrapped in seaweed byproduct Each coffee round is stamped with a special code that the machine reads to trigger proper brewing.David Watsky/CNET The pods, called AltaRounds, are finely ground and pressed “like a barista tamps espresso into a portafilter,” then wrapped in a plant-based coating to preserve flavor and aroma. The coating is made from an NSF-certified plant-based material with alginate from seaweed harvested off the coast of France. Each AltaRound is stamped with a recipe QR code, which the machine reads and uses to trigger precise brewing specifications; no manual adjustments needed. The onboard computer offers suggested drink recipes and controls the frother and whisk to automatically whip up the proper milk, including cold foam. The Alta is Wi-Fi connected, so it will get recurring updates with new recipes, programs and features over time. 10 bars of pressure for genuine espresso One of the biggest leaps is this Keurig’s ability to brew genuine espresso shots using 10 bars of pressure. Beyond the plastic-free pods, the Alta’s biggest update is its ability to brew espresso — like, real espresso. The machine delivers up to 10 bars of pressure, pushing hot water through holes made by 37 small spikes that puncture the coffee pod. The machine’s preset programs prompt the proper flow rate, pressure and water temperature, matching each coffee and brew type. Tiny spikes puncture the pod, letting water pass through.David Watsky/CNET I made a double espresso shot with the Alta. It was effortless and took about a minute to heat and brew once the pod was loaded and the cycle started. The shot that dripped out was piping hot — something a few automatic espresso machines I’ve tested struggle with. The coffee was dark and rich, with a proper espresso profile and a frothy crema coating the surface. The espresso I brewed using Keurig’s new machine was dark and rich with a silky crema. David Watsky/CNET At launch, six plastic-free AltaRounds – all caffeinated – will be available, with more in development. The Alta system also brews classic plastic K-Cups, giving you access to more than 500 varieties across 80-plus brands. AltaRounds available at launch: 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 Keurig Alta’s onboard computer does all the work.David Watsky/CNET All the simplicity without the waste. Well, sort of Keurig machines have become a staple in homes and offices, lauded for their push-button ease and surprisingly drinkable coffee if you buy the right pods, but they were never an eco-friendly choice. Alta marks a major step forward for no-fuss coffee with less daily plastic waste. One wrinkle: Each AltaRound comes wrapped individually in, you guessed it, plastic. I was surprised to learn this, though a brand rep assured me it is working to transition to a paper wrapper within the next few years. The coffee pods come individually wrapped in plastic, though the brand plans to transition to paper packaging.David Watsky/CNET Wrapped pods are shelf-stable for nine months, according to brand reps. The limpid plant-based coating keeps the rounds fresh for up to 30 days if unwrapped. Users are encouraged to dispose of spent pods as they would normal coffee grounds, including composting. A look at the current plastic packaging (left) and the paper version the brand plans to transition to.David Watsky/CNET The Alta launch follows that of Lavazza’s Tabli, a compact $130 push-button espresso maker that also uses plastic-free pods. Read our full review of the Tabli here. Preorder has begun, with machines shipping later this month The $500 Keurig Alta bundle is available for preorder.Keurig The Alta is available for preorder, currently only as a $500 bundle. The bundle includes the Keurig Alta brewer in sandstone, sandstone and satin stainless or graphite, six boxes of AltaRounds pressed coffee and glassware from by Ethan Rode of FLUR. Orders begin shipping on Oct. 21.