Cometeer

Cometeer brews coffee from specialty roasters such as Onyx, Proud Mary and Intelligentsia at ten times normal strength, then flash-freezes it into recyclable aluminum capsules. To make a cup, you melt a capsule into hot water, cold water or milk, with no machine needed. The range spans light, medium and dark roasts plus decaf and half caff. Cofounder Matt Roberts began the idea by experimenting with ice trays in his kitchen.

• Is Cometeer instant or freeze-dried coffee?

  Neither. Each coffee is brewed to 10x strength and then flash-frozen at -321ºF to hold its flavor and aroma.

• Why are the capsules frozen?

  Freezing right after brewing preserves the coffee's flavor and aroma, so the cup tastes freshly brewed whenever you make it.

• What if a capsule melts?

  Capsules can be refrozen if not used right away, and melted capsules keep their flavor for up to 24 hours at room temperature.

• How do I make a cup?

  For hot coffee, pop the frozen puck into a mug and add 6-8 oz of hot water. For iced drinks, melt the capsule first and pour it into water or milk over ice.

• How sustainable is the packaging?

  The aluminum capsules are curbside recyclable, the packaging and shipping materials are recyclable, and spent grounds are composted.

• Do the capsules contain coffee grounds?

  No. The grounds stay at Cometeer, where they are sent for composting, so the capsule can go straight into recycling after a rinse.