Keurig has launched the Keurig Alta System, a new single-serve brewing platform designed to prepare coffee, espresso and café-style beverages at home using plastic-free, aluminum-free pressed coffee.

The system uses AltaRounds, which are made from ground coffee beans pressed together and wrapped in a proprietary plant-based coating. The brewer automatically adjusts pressure, temperature and the water-to-coffee ratio according to a recipe code on each AltaRound.

The machine can deliver up to ten bars of pressure for espresso extraction and uses optimised pressure brewing for other coffee styles. An integrated milk frother allows users to prepare drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and cortados, both hot and iced.

According to Keurig, the AltaRounds' plant-based coating enables the system to withstand the pressure required for espresso brewing. After use, the coffee grounds and coating can be removed together and composted or disposed of like coffee grounds.

The AltaRounds are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as home and commercially compostable. Their coating is also NSF-certified and made from plant-based materials, including alginate derived from seaweed.

Keurig Alta Coffee and Espresso is said to be the first brand available for the system, launching with six varieties: Single Shot, a medium-roast single espresso; Double Shot, a dark-roast double espresso; Bold Ambition, a dark-roast coffee; The House, a medium-roast coffee; Fresh Take, a light-roast coffee; and Sweet Spot, a caramel-flavoured coffee.

Peet’s Coffee is also expected to join the platform, with further coffee brands planned as the system expands.

Keurig said more than 47 million households across the US and Canada use its brewers. The Alta System is intended to extend its single-serve offering beyond traditional coffee to include espresso and other café-style drinks.

Phil Drapeau, senior vice president of Future Coffee Systems at Keurig Dr Pepper, said: “Everyone should be able to make exceptional coffee at home, without compromise or complex techniques. To make it possible, we removed the plastic pod so nothing stands between you and the coffee.”

The system is available in the US via the brand's website for $499.99, following a limited pre-order that sold out in less than 24 hours. Packs of eight AltaRounds are priced at $9.99-$10.99, depending on the variety.

The brewer is backward compatible with Keurig K-Cup pods, allowing users to continue making coffee with existing K-Cup varieties.