Maintaining Flavor and Freshness in Coffee Pods

Portion coffee capsule made from a composite material that improves resource utilization and environmental friendliness compared to conventional capsules. The composite material contains a component made from separated coffee cherry silver skins, along with a biodegradable plastic. The silver skin component provides antioxidant properties that protect the coffee extract inside the capsule during storage. This allows longer shelf life for the capsules. The capsule base is made by shaping the composite material. The silver skins can be separated during coffee roasting. The capsule can have a removable lid. The composite material can be produced by compounding the silver skin component with the biodegradable plastic. The silver skin component is made by processing the separated silver skins.

Portion capsule for brewing beverages like coffee using a capsule system. The capsule has a base element, cover element, interior space with extraction material, and a filter element made of an open-pore foam material. The foam filter separates the extraction material from the capsule base. The foam filter allows brewed beverage extraction without piercing or tearing the capsule. It simplifies capsule design and production compared to prior filters. The foam filter is inexpensive, easy to produce, and environmentally friendly. The foam filter prevents coffee grounds from entering the brewed beverage.

Improving the taste of coffee and reducing the perceived acidity when brewed in single-serve capsules by adding compounds containing magnesium and/or calcium to the coffee. The minerals help balance the flavor and reduce the acidity when the coffee brews quickly in capsules. The compounds can be added in amounts sufficient to enhance taste, improve the coffee quality when brewed in capsules with short brew times.

Reusable single-serve coffee pod system that is environmentally friendly and provides a better tasting cup of coffee. The pod system consists of a reusable open-bottomed ring and disposable filters. The filters are biodegradable and can be quickly and easily assembled and disposed of using a dedicated assembly station.

Dispenser for moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquids or gels that allows single pod dispensing while preventing pod deterioration in a moist environment. The dispenser has a valve with flexible panels that inhibits pod passage until force pushes a panel. Accelerating a pod applies force to push it through the valve. The valve and chamber design prevents multiple pods passing at once. This enables controlled dispensing of individual pods while protecting the remaining pods from moisture.

Single-serve coffee packages that are compostable and biodegradable, with filters made of compostable materials that prevent coffee grounds from passing through. The packages have compostable envelopes and compostable filter bags. The coffee grains are enclosed inside the filter bags, which have compostable filters with small openings to keep the grounds from escaping. The envelopes are filled with inert gas to prevent oxidation. The compostable packages eliminate waste compared to disposable coffee pods.

Flexible refill container that can be inserted into a rigid tin to create a reusable, stackable, and more economical coffee container. The refill has a flexible body that fits snugly inside the tin, preventing movement during transport. Coupling mechanisms secure the refill in the tin. This allows using a cheaper, lightweight refill inside a rigid tin instead of a full metal tin for coffee storage. The refill can be easily removed and replaced, making it a refillable container.

Sealed cartridges for beverage machines that contain liquid beverage ingredients like chocolate, milk, coffee, soup, juice, sauce, or dessert. The cartridges are made of air- and water-impermeable materials. The liquid ingredients are diluted with water during brewing to make beverages. The cartridges can be used in machines that operate at lower pressures than espresso machines, making them more affordable. The sealed cartridges eliminate the need for powdered ingredients and allow precise dilution ratios. They also enable making beverages like cappuccino with foam without steam wands or separate milk containers. The cartridges can be snap-fit assembled for ease of use.

Container for brewing coffee or tea with improved extraction. The container has a foil made of liquid impermeable material with localized weakened areas. These weakenings are formed by craters with raised edges around them. The raised edges prevent the weakened areas from tearing further during brewing, preventing excessive flow and loss of pressure. The foil can also have through holes for faster weakening. The container is designed to allow water to pass through the foil at multiple points for optimal extraction.

Multicompartment capsules for beverage machines that extend shelf life by separating reactive beverage components. The capsules have multiple sealed chambers, like a first with ethanol-based aroma compounds and a second with water-based taste/mouthfeel compounds. This prevents aroma degradation in water. The compartments can be pierced sequentially by the machine to combine the beverage ingredients.

Soluble beverage component for making coffee-like beverages in single-serve machines that addresses issues like dusting, clogging, and uneven extraction. The component has a unique preparation method to improve taste and aroma. It combines soluble beverage, sweetener, and whole coffee beans. The mixture is agitated to infuse flavors and oils from the beans into the soluble beverage and sweetener. Then the beans are removed. This leaves behind a concentrated soluble beverage with enhanced coffee flavor and aroma. The oil-infused sweetened soluble beverage is used in single-serve coffee cartridges to avoid dusting and clogging issues.