If you are new and want to step into the large and complex coffee market, you must understand the four most common coffee products: bagged ground coffee, instant coffee sachets, single-serve coffee capsules (like K-Cup), and ready-to-drink cold-brew beverages. Each differs in production difficulty, market, and consumer base. Let’s see how to choose the most suitable starting product.
1. Bagged Ground Coffee
One of the most traditional coffee products. Roasted coffee beans, whether whole or ground, are sold in bags. People can brew them with a home coffee machine, a hand-brewed coffee machine, or a French press. Currently, bagged ground coffee still accounts for the largest share in the United States.
2. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is coffee liquid extracted and dried into powder or granules. One small sachet usually equals one cup; just add hot water. Some brands add sugar and creamer, making "3-in-1” packs.
3. Coffee Capsules
The most popular types in North America are K-Cup and Nespresso capsules. These sealed pods are made for single-serve coffee machines; each contains a pre-measured dose of ground coffee. Pop one into the right brewer and you get a cup in seconds. More and more homes and offices love this format.
4. Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee
This refers to coffee that is brewed ahead of time and packaged as a finished drink, usually cold brew. It is often sold in glass bottles or cans. Just open and drink, or add milk or syrup to make a latte. It is very common in convenience stores and supermarkets.
With the above overview, you now have a clear picture of different coffee types. Next, let’s look at each one in terms of cost, operating difficulty, market situation, and recommended target group:
1. Bagged Ground Coffee
Cost: Lowest; you can start by outsourcing roasting and hand-sealing the bags.
Difficulty: Control bean source, roast level, and grind size; keep freshness.
Market: Largest volume, slow growth, fiercest competition.
Suitable for: Those with limited budgets who love the craft and are ready to build a brand over time.
2. Instant Coffee
Cost: Medium; buy freeze-dried powder and use a small filling machine.
Difficulty: No brewing skills needed; focus on choosing powder and moisture-proof packaging.
Market: Convenience is attracting young consumers again; demand is recovering.
Suitable for: Small teams good at marketing who can attract attention with creative flavors or functional blends.
3. Coffee Capsules
Cost: High; need a co-packer or your own capsule filling-sealing line with large minimum orders.
Difficulty: Nitrogen flushing, precise dosing, and complex processes.
Market: About 40 % of U.S. homes/offices have single-serve brewers; high price per cup and strong repeat purchases.
Suitable for: Well-funded teams who understand supply chains, target convenience, and can address environmental concerns.
4. Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee
Cost: Highest; involves large-batch cold extraction, sterilization, and bottling lines.
Difficulty: Strict food-safety regulations; requires cold chain or pasteurization.
Market: Loved by Gen Z; annual growth nearly 20 %, great potential.
Suitable for: Teams with capital and beverage resources who excel at building trendy fast-moving brands.
From the above analysis, we can see that before entering the coffee market, you should first consider your financial strength, interests, and target market, and then make your choice; this will lead to good results. EXPAK focuses on integrated solutions for coffee filling, sealing, and packaging. Please contact us whenever you need help.
Publication Date: 7/11/2025
Category: Product Events
