Wholesale coffee capsules have seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years. They can be used to brew high-quality espresso-style coffee quickly – making them a perfect fit for most hospitality businesses.
However, the terminology around pods and capsules can be confusing. As we’ve mentioned before, capsules are different from coffee pods in several ways. The most important is compatibility.
For example, in the US, we use the phrase “coffee capsules” to refer to those compatible with Nespresso original line machines. Conversely, coffee pods only work with the Keurig K-Cup system.
So, we know that wholesale coffee capsules are only compatible with Nespresso original line brewers and other similar machines. But how exactly do they work? Read on to find out.
You brew wholesale coffee capsules the same way as retail capsules – there’s no difference. The machine forces pressurized hot water through the capsule to brew espresso-style coffee.
The process is simple: you start by turning the machine on and inserting a capsule. The machine then pierces the shell and pumps hot water into it.
Once enough pressure builds up, the hermetically sealed foil lid on the other side ruptures. The water then passes through the grounds, extracting soluble aroma and flavor compounds in the process. From here, the coffee flows out of the capsule, through the spout, and into your cup.
Where you would normally have to balance dose, yield, and time to brew a shot of espresso, the machine handles everything. It optimizes every single variable to guarantee optimal extraction for each capsule.
One of these variables is pressure, which is crucial. Much like conventional espresso machines, capsule brewers use pressure to accelerate extraction. This is why it only takes seconds to brew a capsule, but minutes for a batch of drip coffee.
So – now we know how to brew them, let’s look at why wholesale coffee capsules are so valuable for hospitality businesses.
Coffee capsules have several benefits for businesses. Firstly, they can brew espresso-style coffee quickly without the need for a traditional espresso machine. This means that staff don’t need to be trained to pull a perfect shot – instead, all they have to do is push a button and serve the coffee.
This also helps to keep your team’s workspace tidy. With no need for a bulky espresso machine or grinder, you can save on space.
Cleanup is also simpler and quicker. If you’re using coffee capsules, you don’t need to worry about cleaning portafilters, descaling your espresso machine, or disposing of pounds of ground coffee at the end of every day.
Furthermore, because coffee capsules brew espresso-style coffee, they can be used as the base of other drinks – hot or cold. You can even use them in cocktails, making them perfect for both restaurants and bars.
Finally, wholesale coffee capsules are hermetically sealed with minimal oxygen levels. This means they stay fresh longer than whole bean or ground coffee, and that you never have to worry about serving stale coffee to customers.
At Metropolis, we also nitro-flush our capsules to extend their shelf life. During the flushing process, nitrogen forces oxygen out of each capsule. As well as maximizing freshness, this also allows you to stock up on different options without worrying about waste. For instance, you can keep a range of different roast profiles, seasonal blends, and decaf capsules for 12 to 24 months without any turning stale.
If you’re looking to start sourcing coffee capsules for your business, we offer our four retail capsule options on a wholesale basis:
We use a state-of-the-art Italian filling line to grind, fill, seal, and nitrogen-flush each capsule. Furthermore, because we use plant-based sustainable shells, Metropolis espresso capsules are commercially compostable.
Our espresso capsules are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and the Composting Manufacturers Alliance (CMA). This means that they meet the strictest standards for commercial composting in the US. So, instead of sending used capsules to landfills, you can dispose of them at any industrial composting facility in the country.
In addition to our wholesale coffee capsule blends, we also offer co-packing and private label options.
With co-packing, you provide the coffee and we handle everything else on our capsule production line. Once the capsules are filled and sealed, we deliver them to you, ready and packed with your branding.
For private-label espresso capsules, we work with you to design a signature blend suited to your requirements. We can also secure any relevant certifications, including organic, Fair Trade, and more.
Once you’re happy we’ve got the perfect coffee for your business, we pack it in our dedicated facility, before shipping it to you – complete with your branding.
Interested in learning more? Check out our wholesale co-packing and private-label espresso capsule solutions today.
Certified compostable facilities may not exist in your area. To find a composter near you, visit www.findacomposter.com or www.compostnow.org on all packaging and marketing materials.
Metropolis Coffee is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Nespresso. Nespresso is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé.
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