Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, components, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a brewer machine and a beverage pod. The brewer machine can include a brew chamber unit, which can receive the beverage pod. The brew chamber unit can be adapted to receive multiple beverage pod types. Some embodiments include a drawer that includes the brew chamber and that moves to present the brew chamber unit to a user. Certain embodiments include locking mechanisms.

Abstract: Various beverage preparation machines having a multi-chambered basket unit are disclosed. The basket unit can be configured to accept multiple cartridge configurations. For example, some embodiments are configured to receive a first cartridge configuration in a first chamber of the basket unit and a second configuration in a second chamber of the basket unit. In various embodiments, the basket unit can rotate to allow selective accessibility of the first and second chambers. This can facilitate loading the cartridges into the appropriate chamber, such as loading the first cartridge configuration into the first chamber and the second cartridge configuration into the second chamber.

Abstract: A single-serve beverage preparation device including a multi-chambered basket unit having a first cartridge-receiving chamber and a second cartridge-receiving chamber is provided. The first cartridge-receiving chamber is configured to receive a first cartridge of a first beverage type and the second cartridge-receiving chamber is configured to receive a second cartridge of a second beverage type. The device includes a reader configured to read a code or tag associated with a single-serve beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients. The device can include a controller configured to determine a beverage type of the single-serve beverage cartridge from the code or tag and to cause the multi-chambered basket unit to present the cartridge-receiving chamber corresponding to the determined beverage type in a position to receive a single-serve beverage cartridge.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a dynamic graphical display for use in a product dispensing system, wherein the content of the display is dynamically generated based, at least in part, by the dispensing of a product. The product dispensing system can be a beverage dispensing system. When an operator activates a product dispenser to dispense a product, product imagery and/or related information may be dynamically generated and presented on a graphical display. A product dispensing and display system can include multiple product dispensers (for example, beverage taps) and an associated display for displaying dynamic digital content (such as visual and/or audible content) based on information received from the product dispensers and/or other input sources.

Abstract: Disclosed are packages for serving and storing powdered beverages and associated methods. A package for storing a powdered instant beverage comprises a first container, a utensil, and a lid. The lid is configured to engage with the first container so that the lid and the container enclose an interior volume. The lid comprises a lid body, a lid insert configured to be secured to the lid body, and a utensil-holding structure on the lid insert. The lid insert comprises a utensil recess configured to receive at least a portion of the utensil, and a handling recess configured to facilitate the removal and securing of the utensil to the lid. The utensil-holding structure is configured to removably secure the utensil to the lid insert.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to a method and system for preparing a single or double espresso shot involving an initial compression at a low pressure and a second compression at a high pressure. This more efficient compression maximizes extraction of ground coffee and improves taste of the resulting espresso-containing beverage.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.