Compostable coffee pods: claims, refillable pods and cost per cup

Pod types

• Standard plastic pods: the most common. Some programs accept used pods for recycling, so check the maker's instructions.
• Recyclable pods: designed to be recycled, such as aluminum pods. Check how to prepare them and where you can recycle them.
• Compostable pods: designed to break down under composting conditions. The claim usually depends on home or industrial composting, and the FTC's Green Guides ask that such claims be clear about it.
• Refillable pods: you fill a reusable pod with your own ground coffee. They cost more at first and can lower the cost per cup.
• Compatibility: pods are made for particular machines or systems. Check that the pod you buy fits yours.

Reading compostable and recyclable claims

A compostable pod only helps if you can compost it. Some pods are marked for industrial composting and are not suited to a home pile. Some areas do not collect food waste. Recyclable pods need a place to recycle them and sometimes need to be emptied and rinsed. Check your local rules and the maker's instructions. We do not say that any specific product has a certification.

Our angle: the cost per cup is hidden in the weight

Pods look cheap per piece, but the amount of coffee inside is small. To compare with ground or whole bean coffee, find the coffee weight in each pod, which many labels list, and work out the price per ounce of coffee. This is often higher for pods than for ground coffee. A refillable pod with ground coffee is the cheaper route for many people. Compare the cost per cup for each option.

1. Divide the pod price by the number of pods to get the price per pod.
2. Find the coffee weight per pod, if listed, and calculate the price per ounce.
3. Compare with the price per ounce of ground or whole bean coffee and your usual amount per cup.

Buying tips

• Start with a small pack of a new pod type.
• Check the best-by date on the package.
• Compare subscriptions with the same price per pod.
• Reusable pods need cleaning after each use.

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