Keurig Alta first look: Can biodegradable compressed coffee pucks replace the venerable K-Cup?

Date:
Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:43:39 +0000

Description:
Keurig's new brewer promises full flavor without the waste here's how it actually performs.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A few weeks ago, Keurig announced plans to kill off K-Cup coffee pods and replace them with tablets
of compressed coffee called AltaRounds. Unlike the venerable K-Cup, these are entirely biodegradable, and leave behind no plastic waste after brewing.

It sounds like a great concept, and now I've had the chance to try the new Alta system myself, to see how it compares to conventional single-serve espresso machines and to the Lavazza Tabli system, which uses similar pucks of ground coffee to achieve a capsule-free brew. The Keurig Alta Coffee and Espresso Maker is a large machine, measuring 10.84 x 11.7 x 19 inches / 27.5
x 29.7 x 48.6cm (W x H x D), and it has a stylish design reminiscent of
Smeg's premium coffee makers, with clean lines and rounded corners. It's available now direct from Keurig priced at $499.99 , which includes four
packs of AltaRounds of your choice. It comes in three colorways: Sandstone (shown here), Sandstone and Satin Stainless, and Graphite, all of which are classic and neutral enough to tie in with any kitchen decor. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: All the components feel reassuringly solid and well-made, including the removable drip tray extender that slots below the coffee dispenser to prevent splashes when using a small espresso cup, the stainless-steel milk frothing pitcher with measuring lines engraved on the interior, and the pitcher-style water tank with its ergonomic handle and large pouring spout. It's controlled using a bright touchscreen on the top, and although the setup process suggests connecting it to Wi-Fi, this is optional. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original The Alta brewer a versatile all-in-one machine, capable of preparing both espresso shots and longer coffee drinks, and is compatible
with K-Cups as well as AltaRounds an important consideration, since the switch to the new format is happening gradually, and your favorite drink may not be available in AltaRound format yet. You may like Keurig Alta system swaps plastic pods for compressed coffee tabs Forget pods, the Lavazza Tabli uses 100% coffee tablets and beats Nespresso hands-down for flavor Lavazza Tabli review: eco-friendly coffee tablets make quick, delicious espresso

I tested the Alta brewer with three AltaRound varieties: Double Shot, The House, and Sweet Spot. Each one has a thin plant-based coating printed with a small QR code on both sides. When you lift the brewer's lid, you'll notice a white LED that allows a small camera to read this code, and instantly
provides you with a list of brewing options and recipes for that specific
type of coffee. For example, if you insert a Double Shot pod, the brewer
might suggest preparing an espresso or cappuccino, whereas inserting a caramel-flavored Sweet Spot pod will suggest brewing a long coffee hot, or over ice.

It's worth noting that AltaRounds can't be brewed cold. If you select the 'over ice' option, the machine will dispense a shot of hot espresso that's more concentrated than usual, so it can be poured over ice without the meltwater diluting the flavor. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original Once you've picked a brewing style, you can customize your drink by tweaking the volume and temperature, and choose whether to finish it off with milk. Unlike the Lavazza Tabli coffee maker,
the Keurig Alta machine has a steam wand for this purpose, and has presets optimized for dairy and plant-based substitutes. You can use the wand manually, or insert a small whisk in the bottom of the milk pitcher and let the machine do the work automatically, whipping the milk while steaming it to produce creamy foam. Want a chilled drink? The Alta brewer can also whip milk without steam to create cold froth for iced lattes.

I tested the auto-frothing option with semi-skimmed dairy milk, and selected the hot mode with extra foam. The result was a 'dry' froth ideal for cappuccinos. Picking a lower-density foam option yields smaller bubbles, and
a more pourable texture suitable for latte art. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) Image 1 of 3 View Original Image 2 of 3 View Original Image 3 of 3 View Original Although I've only tried a few brews so far, my first impression is that AltaRounds deliver a more intense flavor than Lavazza's Tabli Tabs, despite using similar extraction methods. Double Shot is particularly punchy, and delivered a rich espresso topped with an impressive layer of crema.

When brewing is done, used pods drop into a bin at the bottom of the machine automatically, where they're suspended in a basket so water can drain away. The thin coating means each pod stays intact, and dropping them into your
food waste bin is much less messy than knocking used coffee grounds out of a portafilter.

So is this the future of single-serve, and does it deserve a place in TechRadar's roundup of the best coffee makers ? I'll continue testing the Keurig Alta Coffee and Espresso Maker over the coming weeks, using both AltaRounds and K-Cups, and will bring you a full review once I've finished putting it through its paces. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best coffee makers you can buy Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best coffee makers 1. Best espresso: Breville Barista Touch Impress 2. Best drip: Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal 3. Best all-in-one: Ninja Luxe Caf 4. Best Nespresso: Krups Nespresso Pixie



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