Abstract: A machine which dispenses beverages from sachets containing a beverage-producing material injects liquid into the sachet. A pressure-sensitive base seam of the sachet is opened by liquid pressure. To prevent the base seam opening explosively and spray solids or liquid away from the beverage receptacle directly below the sachet, a heat source is employed to weaken the seam prior to opening, so that it opens non-explosively by peeling in a controlled manner. The heat source can be internal (an initial volume of hot liquid at a pressure insufficient to break the seal) or external such as a radiant source, hot air or steam. Such a machine is particularly advantageous for dispensing hot chocolate.