Sponsored Content by Juan Valdez
New Juan Valdez Coffee Pods are Way Greener Than the Competition
Mornings were made for coffee. A fresh steaming brew in your hands and that full flavor are just what you need to kick off the day, right? Which is why when Keurig re-introduced K-Cups in 2011, the product rightfully took the world by storm. No more decision making about how much coffee to brew or the wait that comes with it; with the touch of a button, you could have a fresh, delicious personal cup of liquid gold in minutes. In the last five years, other coffee brands have taken up this trend, which has brought the ultimate single-serve product to the market: The Juan Valdez 100 percent compostable pods.
Juan Valdez is already known the world over for serving up a delicious cup of 100 percent pure Colombian coffee goodness. Since 1958, the company has taken pride in providing consumers with coffee that is comprised of high-quality, mild-washed Arabica beans harvested directly by one of the 500,000 growing families living in the country. Not much has changed with its PODS. Though many single-serve coffee products are made with lower-quality Robusta beans, Juan Valdez maintains its commitment to quality by only using Colombian-harvested Arabica. Not only is the quality of beans higher, but you’re getting more bang for your buck as well; Juan Valdez PODS reportedly contain 30 percent more coffee by weight in them than the average packet. In addition, each POD is packaged in a nitrogen-infused environment to ensure that their freshness, which unlike bagged coffee pods, can last for up to 12 months of quality flavor after opening.
Critics of the single-serve phenomena have discussed their negative environmental impact in depth, arguing that the beloved cups contribute to wastefulness. Though plastic pods are recyclable, they are actually more harmful to the environment than the average user might think. For one, the lids on plastic pods are not recyclable, and need to be cut off by the consumer before tossing out. If the lids are not cut off, the entire piece cannot be recycled and will eventually end up in a landfill. Many companies, including Juan Valdez, have answered these criticisms en force. In fact, PODS were developed as one of the world’s first entirely compostable coffee cups. Using PurPOD 100 Technology, these cups are one of the easiest ways to introduce a little eco-friendly action into your morning routine.
In the United States alone, the market for single-serve coffee has grown to nearly four billion dollars by 2014, according to the Euromonitor US Coffee Report. Nearly 11 million pods will be purchased this year alone, which means that a sustainable solution to waste is necessary. Developed with the help of experts from the University of Guelph, every pod is designed to be convenient, delicious, and as environmentally-friendly as possible. Each pod is compatible with both the Keurig 1.0 and Keurig 2.0 products. One of the biggest arguments for 100 percent compostable pods is that they introduce many consumers to composting in general. Pods are used the same way that any other single-serve product can and can be thrown away with any other household items that would be taken to the curb. The big difference? PODS, unlike other materials, will break down into organic materials in a matter of five weeks or less.
To receive the 100 percent compostable certification, these products have to go through strict regulation. First, they must be approved by the Biodegradable Products Institute, which is North America’s leading authority on compostable products. Products are tested by third party laboratories before ever reaching market, ensuring that each PURPOD can break down in 84 days without leaving any kind of by-product in the soil or in the air after it has decomposed. But don’t be fooled; just because pods are good for the environment doesn’t mean that they sacrifice anything in flavor.
Juan Valdez PODs, while doing their part to help the environment, are still available in all of the delicious flavors you have come to know and love. The Huila POD, for example, is balanced in flavor and is a great way to end a home-cooked meal with friends. If you’re more interested in coffee with a kick, try the intensely-flavored Sierra Nevada POD. This little cup packs a big punch, making it perfect for when you need something special to rev up your morning. Don’t worry decaf-lovers; Juan Valdez has you covered, too. The decaf POD makes the same seven ounce cup of delectable flavor and aroma without any of the caffeine. Once you’re finished creating your fresh cup of joy, there are no worries. Pop your pod into the bin, sit back, relax, and enjoy your sweet brew guilt-free. Juan Valdez PODS are now available for purchase online at the Juan Valdez Café Store for $9.99 for a pack of ten.
