Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided having a body, a filter disposed in the body, ingredients disposed in the filter and a cover. The body includes a side wall that extends from an end wall to an opening that is covered by the cover. A boss extends into the interior space from the end wall inwardly of an extraction region. In one embodiment, the boss defines an engagement surface having a plurality of arms adapted for engaging a bottom portion of the filter during use. In another embodiment, the boss engages the filter to define a tented filter zone wherein an inner portion of the filter is spaced a further distance from the end wall than an outer portion of the filter. In another embodiment, a diffusing surface is disposed in the body downstream of where a fluid is intended to enter the opening of the capsule during use with a beverage preparing machine, the diffusing surface being adapted to redirect fluid that engages the diffusing surface to desired locations within the capsule.