Alterra Coffee is a popular choice for those who want quick, consistent coffee without the fuss. Designed with convenience in mind, it fits seamlessly into fast-paced environments like offices or shared workspaces.
In this review, we’ll cover what makes Alterra stand out—its range of blends, ease of use, sustainability efforts, and whether it’s the right pick for your daily brew.
Understanding Alterra Coffee’s Journey
Original Alterra Coffee Roasters started in 1993. It began as a specialty coffee roaster and café chain in Milwaukee. The brand quickly gained popularity for its quality coffee.
In 2010, the Alterra brand name was sold to Mars, Inc. This sale marked a new chapter. Mars aimed to incorporate Alterra into their office coffee systems. The focus shifted from cafes to workplaces.
In 2013, the original Milwaukee company rebranded to Colectivo Coffee. They continued their cafes and roasting operations, keeping the coffee quality high. Despite the changes, the essence of Alterra remained.
The table below summarizes key milestones:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Original Alterra Coffee Roasters established in Milwaukee. |
| 2010 | Brand name sold to Mars, Inc. |
| 2013 | Rebranded to Colectivo Coffee. |
Today, Alterra Coffee is recognized in office environments. Their journey illustrates adaptability and a focus on quality.
Alterra Coffee Today: The Flavia Connection
Currently, Alterra Coffee is part of MyFlavia by Lavazza. After Lavazza acquired Mars Drinks in 2018, Alterra’s coffee became available for Flavia brewers. This connection marked another step in their evolution.
Alterra offers single-serve Freshpacks. These are sealed pouches designed exclusively for Flavia office coffee machines. They ensure a convenient and mess-free brewing experience.
Key features of Alterra Coffee today include:
- Single-serve Freshpacks for easy brewing.
- Part of MyFlavia by Lavazza for office use.
- No retail whole bean or ground coffee sales.
Alterra Coffee’s journey from local roaster to global office coffee is impressive. Their focus on quality continues to resonate with coffee lovers everywhere.
Design & Packaging: The Freshpack System
One of its key features is the Freshpack System. This innovative design enhances the overall coffee experience. Each pack keeps coffee fresh and flavorful until you’re ready to brew.
Unique Single-Serve Format
Alterra Coffee uses a unique single-serve format that appeals to many coffee drinkers. The Sealed Freshpacks are individual pouches designed to preserve freshness and flavor until brewing.
Each pack is tailored for use with the proprietary Flavia system. It is exclusively compatible with Flavia Creation series brewers.
- No cross-contamination: Prevents flavor transfer between different drinks in the same machine.
- Convenience: Easy to use, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Less waste: Only brew what you need.
The Freshpack design also helps maintain the integrity of the coffee. With no exposure to air until opened, the flavor remains intact.
Variety And Visual Appeal
Alterra Coffee offers a wide range of roasts and origins. This variety caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Options include popular selections like Colombia, French Roast, and House Blend.
The packaging is visually appealing and functional. Each Freshpack features clear labeling. This helps customers easily identify the roast level and flavor notes. Certifications are also prominently displayed.
- Range of roasts: Satisfies both bold and mild coffee lovers.
- Flavored varieties: Offers something different for adventurous drinkers.
- Designed for office use: Focus on practicality and ease of selection in a shared environment.
In summary, Alterra Coffee’s design and packaging strategy combines practicality with variety. The Freshpack System not only keeps coffee fresh but also makes it easy to choose your favorite blend.
Key Features & Functionality (Within Flavia System)
The Flavia System makes coffee brewing easy and efficient. With Alterra Coffee, you enjoy instant fresh brewing. The system grinds and brews coffee per cup. This means you get a fresh cup every time.
The one-touch operation simplifies your morning routine. Just select your blend, and the machine does the rest. This process is especially ideal for busy office settings. You can quickly grab a cup without fuss.
Here are some benefits of the Brew On-Demand feature:
- Freshly brewed coffee with every cup
- Easy to use, perfect for all skill levels
- Minimal cleanup required
Cleanup is simple. Used Freshpacks are self-contained and easily disposed of. No mess, no hassle. Enjoy your coffee break without the worry of cleaning up a traditional coffee maker.
Ethical Sourcing And Certifications
Alterra Coffee is committed to ethical sourcing. Many blends source coffee from certified sustainable farms. This includes blends that are Rainforest Alliance Certified. Some blends contain up to 100% sustainably sourced coffee. Here are some key points about Alterra’s ethical sourcing:
- Supports local farmers
- Prioritizes environmental sustainability
- Quality assurance for a reliable coffee experience
The certifications guarantee that every cup of Alterra Coffee meets high standards. Customers can enjoy their coffee, knowing it is sourced responsibly.
Popular Alterra Coffee Varieties
Popular Alterra Coffee varieties stand out for their unique profiles. Each blend has its own character, catering to different tastes. From morning routines to afternoon pick-me-ups, there’s something for everyone.
Alterra House Blend & Morning Roast
The Alterra House Blend is a staple for many coffee drinkers. This blend is smooth and balanced. It often features light to medium roasts, designed for broad appeal and easy drinking. Here are some key features of the House Blend:
- Smooth flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Medium roast, perfect for everyday enjoyment.
- Works well with milk or cream.
The Morning Roast is another favorite. It is specifically crafted for a gentle start to the day. This sweet, toasted light roast helps wake you up without overwhelming your senses. Key points about the Morning Roast include:
- Light roast with a bright flavor.
- Perfect for those who enjoy a mild cup.
- Great for pairing with breakfast foods.
Both blends are popular choices for a consistent and approachable daily coffee.
Alterra Donut Shop Blend
The Donut Shop Blend is familiar and comforting. This blend delivers a traditional coffee experience. It has a sweet and bright profile. Key highlights of the Donut Shop Blend include:
- Medium roast for a balanced taste.
- Sweet notes that enhance morning treats.
- Widely loved for its classic flavor.
This blend is designed for those who appreciate a straightforward coffee. It stands out as an everyday favorite. Many find it satisfying and easy to drink at any time of day. This blend’s consistency makes it a go-to choice.
Alterra French Roast
The Alterra French Roast is for strong coffee lovers. This bold dark roast offers smoky, robust notes. The intense flavor provides a heavy-bodied experience. Some features of the French Roast include:
- Dark roast for a powerful taste.
- Great for those who enjoy rich flavors.
- Pairs well with desserts or after dinner.
Another option, Sumatra, provides a complex and full-bodied cup. Both blends cater to those who prefer a more intense coffee experience. The French Roast remains a popular choice for its boldness and depth.
Performance: Taste And Quality
Alterra Coffee offers a rich and diverse flavor profile. It is designed for reliable taste day after day, especially in high-volume settings. This makes it a popular choice for offices and gatherings. The coffee is balanced for office palates, ensuring that everyone finds something they like.
The flavor options range from light morning roasts to bold dark roasts. This range of intensities allows drinkers to choose according to their preferences. Each roast has its unique characteristics:
- Light Roasts: Bright and fruity flavors.
- Medium Roasts: Balanced with a touch of sweetness.
- Dark Roasts: Rich, deep flavors with a slight bitterness.
Many users note that Alterra coffee generally leans towards approachable and familiar coffee flavors. This quality makes it easy to enjoy. A simple table below highlights key flavor notes:
| Roast Type | Flavor Notes | Best Time to Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Light Roast | Citrus, floral, and bright | Morning |
| Medium Roast | Chocolate, caramel, and nutty | Anytime |
| Dark Roast | Smoky, rich, and bold | Evening |
Each roast is crafted to meet various taste preferences. Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark, there is something for everyone.
Pros & Cons Of Alterra Coffee
This review explores the pros and cons of Alterra Coffee. Understanding these aspects can help you decide if it fits your taste and lifestyle.
Advantages Of Alterra Coffee
Alterra Coffee has several strengths that appeal to many users. Here are some key advantages:
- Exceptional convenience for office settings: Alterra Coffee is easy to use. It fits well in busy environments.
- Consistent taste and quality per cup: Each cup delivers a reliable flavor. This keeps coffee lovers satisfied.
- Zero mess and easy cleanup: The brewing process is clean. Users enjoy hassle-free coffee preparation.
- Ethically sourced options (Rainforest Alliance): Many blends support sustainable practices. This attracts environmentally conscious consumers.
- Wide variety of blends and flavors available: Alterra Coffee offers numerous options. There is something for everyone.
These advantages make Alterra Coffee a practical and appealing choice for both workplaces and individuals.
Considerations For Users
While Alterra Coffee has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Users should consider these points:
- Proprietary system: Alterra Coffee only works with Flavia brewers. This limits accessibility for some users.
- Higher cost per cup: It can be more expensive than bulk whole bean coffee. Users may pay more for the convenience.
- Limited control: There is no ability to adjust grind, brew time, or temperature. This may not satisfy coffee enthusiasts.
- Not for specialty coffee connoisseurs: The coffee is designed for mass appeal. It may lack complex flavor exploration.
Alterra Coffee stands out by combining ease of use with a variety of flavors and ethical sourcing. It’s a dependable option for anyone seeking quality coffee with minimal effort.