New single-cup coffee pods promise to revolutionize the way North Americans brew coffee.

The coffee pods contain enough coffee for one cup of coffee, offering a convenient way for individuals to choose and brew their favorite blend or flavor. New pod-based coffee brewers for the home market have been launched by companies including Melitta, Cuisinart, Senseo, Krups, Hamilton Beach, etc. Commercial units are now being introduced by Newco, Bunn, Grindmaster and others.

Coffee Pods

Media analysts say the pods could become as common as tea bags within just a few years. A Chicago Tribune headline read, “Invasion of 1-cup wonders could sound the death knell for coffeepots.” NBC reports, “The new breed of coffee makers that rival your favorite brew at Starbucks.” A USA Today article was headlined with, “Plans brew to replace drip coffee makers.” Experts agree that pod-based brewers are the biggest innovation in coffee technology since drip brewers were introduced decades ago.