What are Coffee Pods & Why are They In Demand?

Coffee pods, capsules, and dip bags are all pre-packaged coffee products that make it possible for you to brew your kaapi quicker and without much effort.

As fans of the traditional Indian coffee filter, we know that there’s a sense of peace in ritualistically brewing kaapi. But we also understand that not everyone has the luxury of spending quality time making kaapi every day or is looking to dedicate that much effort to making a cup of coffee.

Therefore, coffee pods can be the best option for some people. Keep reading to know more about coffee pods and what you can expect.

How are Coffee Pods Made?

They were first introduced in the late 1900s as a better alternative to conventional coffee brewing methods. The outer shell of coffee pods is made with a biodegradable, plastic or aluminium casing. Ground coffee is then sealed into each shell using a machine. 

Coffee pods usually contain about 7-10 grams of coffee, which makes them ideal for single servings. Some manufacturers use a process called nitrogen flushing to seal the pods. This removes all the oxygen in the pod, which ultimately keeps the coffee fresh for longer as the grounds don’t lose flavour quickly.

How to Use Coffee Pods?

Depending on the coffee pod machine you are using, you’ll want to set it up by filling water and milk. Then, place the pod in the pod chamber and choose the setting for your preferred coffee drink.

Some pod machines offer a choice between espresso or lungo. Others will let you choose not only the size of your coffee drink but the type of brew too. Once you have selected this, you should hear the machine preparing your brew. It heats the water, and a needle within the machine punctures the pod, forcing the hot water through it and out into the cup.

The brewing stops automatically once the coffee has been thoroughly extracted. Simply discard the pod and run a brew cycle with just water to clean the machine.

Why are Coffee Pods Popular?

For starters, coffee pods simplify the entire brewing process. Those who are not interested in becoming a home barista or developing coffee brewing skills would find that it is very easy to use coffee pods to get good quality cups of coffee. 

Since you also don’t need to think about grinding coffee or the coffee-to-water ratio, there is a certain consistency that coffee pods promise. You know that every time you brew a cup, it’s going to taste exactly how you like it since the brewing process is automated.

A lot of coffee lovers also feel that the minimal clean-up and maintenance of coffee pod machines makes this brewing better suited to their lifestyles. Unlike in a Moka pot or French press where you need to clean elements of the brew gear by hand after every use, pod machines don’t require that level of maintenance.

Moreover, coffee pods can remain fresh for longer if stored well. Since each pod is individually sealed, you are not exposing the entire batch of ground coffee to light or moisture every time you open the container to brew a cup. 

These reasons alone are enough to understand why coffee pods are becoming increasingly in demand. 

It’s no wonder that the global coffee pod market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2024 and 2032, reaching $50.8 billion by then.