Invented in 1975, coffee pods have completely transformed the way coffee is brewed today. They’re quick, convenient and consistent - brewing delicious coffee at the touch of a button. But despite their popularity, have you given much thought to how they work? 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what coffee pods are, how they work, and the benefits of using them at home.

What Are Coffee Pods & What’s in Them?

Coffee pods (also known as coffee capsules) are a single serving of ground coffee sealed in a small container. Each pod typically contains around 5-7 grams of coffee, perfect for one cup.

Thanks to the airtight seal on each pod, the coffee inside is protected from oxygen, moisture and light. This keeps the coffee fresh and tasting great.

How Do Coffee Pods Work?

Coffee pods help you brew delicious coffee at the touch of a button. But have you ever given much thought to how they work?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens when you use one:

1. The pod is placed in a compatible coffee pod machine.

2. The machine pierces the foil seal of the pod, creating holes for water to enter into.

3. Hot water is then forced through the pod at high pressure.

4. The pressurized water extracts the coffee from the pod, which then flows into the cup below.
   
   

The Benefits of Coffee Pods

Coffee pods have become one of the most popular ways of brewing coffee at home. It’s not hard to see why, when they offer a range of benefits that fit modern, busy lifestyles.

Convenient

Coffee pods are one of the fastest ways to make coffee at home. Forget measuring or grinding coffee - simply insert the pod, press a button and enjoy. They are the perfect solution for busy mornings, when you don’t have time to clear up coffee grounds or wash used equipment.

Consistent

Each coffee pod is manufactured to contain the exact same amount of coffee, ground to the exact same size and sealed for freshness. This makes sure every cup tastes the same as the one before - no weak brew one day and strong one the next.

Thanks to this, you can start every day with the same great tasting coffee you love. No more disappointing brews!

Variety 

Enjoy a different blend every morning thanks to coffee pods. As each pod is individually sealed you don’t have to worry about using a box up in one go - unlike a bag of ground or whole bean coffee, that goes stale more quickly once opened. 

This allows you to try out a different blend each day (or multiple times each day) - great for if you like a strong coffee in the morning, flavoured coffee in the afternoon and decaf in the evening.

Additionally, thanks to the popularity of coffee pods, there is a huge range of brands and blends to choose from.

Fresh for Longer

Air, moisture and light are the 3 main factors that cause coffee to go stale and lose its flavour. With pods, the coffee is sealed in an airtight container - keeping it fresher for longer.

Coffee pods come in a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum and compostable bio-materials. At CafePod, we chose aluminum pods made with 80% recycled metal. After rigorous testing, we found this ensured maximum freshness and flavour, whilst also brewing a great cup every time (forget weak pours or clogged machines.) Additionally, aluminum pods are easily and readily recyclable - simple rinse out the coffee grounds after use and add to your normal household recycling.

Great for Beginners

If you’re new to coffee brewing, pods can be a great place to start. Unlike traditional brewing methods (such as moka pot or pour-over), they don’t require specific technique or knowledge but still deliver a great tasting cup of coffee.

Why choose CafePod coffee pods?

We were the first to launch Nespresso Compatible pods in UK supermarkets back in 2011. With a vision of helping people brew delicious, cafe-quality coffee at home, we've spent over a decade developing our range of strong, decaf and flavoured blends. 

With over 190,000 happy customers to date, our pods have been put through their paces.

Final Thoughts

Coffee pods are more than just a quick caffeine fix — they’ve redefined how we enjoy coffee at home. With nothing more than fresh pre-ground coffee sealed inside, pods make it easy to brew consistently great tasting coffee at the touch of a button.