Abstract: A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod comprises a body (202) defining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient. Said body comprises a closed surface having a central axis (B); and a side wall (210) disposed around the central axis, extending from the closed surface (214) in a direction away from the closed surface, wherein an edge (216) of the side wall distal from the closed surface defines a dispensing side of the body. The pod further comprises a closing member for closing the dispensing side and scaling the cavity. The body further defines an actuation member (204) extending from the closed surface of the pod towards the dispensing side. The actuation member being configured to exert a force on the closing member to cause an opening to be formed between the cavity and a region outside of the pod around the perimeter of the wall at the dispensing side.