Coated beverage tablets and methods of manufacturing same

Abstract

Aspects disclosed herein relate to beverage tablets and coatings thereof. The coatings provided may be food-safe and biodegradable (e.g., compostable). For example, in some cases coatings provided herein include steroids (e.g., phytosterols). Coatings provided herein may provide a number of advantages including beverage tablet labeling, beverage ingredient retention, and / or beverage ingredient preservation. In some aspects, the use of oxygen scavengers in coatings as a beverage ingredient stabilizing agent is provided.

Description

COATED BEVERAGE TABLETS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 551,776, filed February 9, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD

[0002] Disclosed embodiments are related to beverage tablets for use in forming beverages, and associated methods. BACKGROUND

[0003] Tablets of beverage ingredients can be used for forming a beverage. In some arrangements, such beverage tablets are mixed directly with hot water to form a beverage. In some arrangements, water is permitted to percolate through beverage tablets to form a beverage. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a beverage tablet is provided. According to some embodiments, the beverage tablet comprises: a beverage ingredient; and a coating at least partially surrounding the beverage ingredient, wherein the coating comprises a steroid.

[0005] In another aspect, a method of making a beverage tablet is provided. According to some embodiments, the method comprises: applying a steroid to a beverage ingredient to form a coating that at least partially surrounds the beverage ingredient.

[0006] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non- limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG.1 provides a cross-sectional, schematic illustration of a beverage tablet comprising a coating, according to some embodiments;

[0009] FIG.2 provides a cross-sectional, schematic illustration of a beverage tablet comprising a coating, according to some embodiments;

[0010] FIG.3 provides a cross-sectional, schematic illustration of a beverage tablet comprising a coating, according to some embodiments; and

[0011] FIG.4 provides a perspective, schematic illustration of a beverage tablet comprising a coating, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Beverage tablets for making single serving brewed beverages are generally provided. Using beverage tablets, a user may prepare a small quantity of a beverage, such as a single serving of a beverage. Users can use the same machine to prepare a wide range of different beverages quickly, without preparing or wasting unwanted quantities of the beverages. Improved beverage tablets that help preserve the quality of beverage ingredients and / or that further reduce the waste associated with beverage preparation are provided below, according to some embodiments.

[0013] The present disclosure relates, in some aspects, to beverage tablets prepared using biodegradable coatings that may retain some or all of the advantages of other single- serving beverage packages while reducing beverage ingredient packaging and / or waste resulting from the preparation of a beverage. According to embodiments disclosed herein, beverage ingredients may be portioned for use within a beverage machine without separate disposable packaging for each portion using beverage tablets. In some embodiments, the beverage tablets provided herein are provided with a coating at least partially surrounding the beverage ingredient. The coating may provide any of a variety of advantages for labeling of beverage tablets, for retaining beverage ingredients within a beverage tablet, and / or forbeverage ingredient preservation. The coating may be biodegradable, e.g., to further reduce waste and / or to make the beverage tablets compostable after use.

[0014] Generally, a beverage tablet provided herein is an article that comprises a beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet comprises a solid body comprising a beverage ingredient. For example, one or more beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet may be formed into a solid body by compression, adhesion, solidification in a mold, or any of a variety of other suitable methods for making a rigid body from one or more beverage ingredients. However, according to some embodiments, the beverage tablet comprises loose beverage ingredients that are not formed into a solid body. For example, the beverage tablet may comprise a coating configured to retain at least a portion of a beverage ingredient within the coating. The use of a rigid body in a beverage ingredient may provide any of a number of advantages, including greater ingredient density, brewing predictability, and tablet formability during manufacturing.

[0015] In one aspect, beverage tablets comprising coatings are provided. The coating of the beverage tablet may be configured to permit wetting and / or dissolution of beverage ingredients of a beverage tablet (e.g., may be pierceable by inlet needle(s), and / or may be permeable to beverage precursor liquid). Generally, the coating at least partially surrounds the beverage tablet, when present. In some embodiments, the coating completely surrounds the beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet and water passes through the coating during brewing. However, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet is only partially surrounded by the coating, and in such cases the coating may or may not permit transmission of water through the coating.

[0016] Beverage tablet coatings may provide any of a number of advantages for use in beverage tablets. For example, in some embodiments, a coating helps to keep one or more beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet fresh (e.g., by helping to limit the amount of oxygen or water to which one or more beverage ingredients of the beverage tablet are exposed), to mechanically support the beverage ingredient, to mark or label the beverage ingredient, or to retain the beverage ingredient within the beverage tablet (e.g., the coating may be configured to retain a residual beverage ingredient formed during brewing, or may be configured to retain a loose beverage ingredient, e.g. loose leaf tea that has not been formed into a solid body). Depending on the application, it may be advantageous for the coating tocompletely surround the beverage ingredient, e.g., to provide improved retention or protection of the beverage ingredient. However, at least some of these advantages are available for coatings that only partially surround the beverage ingredient, and it may be advantageous to use a coating that only partially surrounds the beverage ingredient, e.g., to conserve coating materials or provide other benefits, depending on the application.

[0017] Generally, a coating of a beverage tablet comprises one or more coating materials. Coating materials may be selected to have one or more advantageous properties. For example, a coating material may be chosen to be food-safe, to be strong at relatively high temperatures, to allow the tablet to be transported without fracturing, to allow the tablet to be pierced (e.g., for passage of liquid water through the tablet) without fracturing, to be flexible to permit the tablet to be deformed without fracturing,, to have a desirable color, to have desirable thermal properties, or to be biodegradable (e.g., compostable). A coating of a beverage tablet may comprise any of a variety of suitable materials. For example, the coating may comprise one or more food-safe materials. As another example, the coating may comprise one or more biodegradable (e.g., compostable) materials.

[0018] In some aspects, coatings comprising steroids are provided. A steroid generally refers to a compound comprising an aliphatic, four-ringed structure comprising three 6-membered rings (A, B, and C) and a fourth, 5-membered ring (D), as indicated in structure (1)Although structure (1) does not label every possible chemical substituent, it should, of course, be understood that any of carbons 1-17 indicated in structure (1) may be mono-or di- substituted, depending on the embodiment, as the disclosure is not so limited. Likewise, it should be understood that structure (1) need not be fully saturated, and that although only single bonds are expressly indicated in structure (1), any of the bonds illustrated could be adouble bond or a triple bond, as steroids are not limited to compounds comprising the purely saturated form of structure (1).

[0019] In the context of the present disclosure, it has been recognized that steroids may possess certain advantages when used as a constituent of a coating of a beverage tablet. For example, a steroid may be water-insoluble, food-safe, and / or biodegradable (e.g., compostable). Of course, it may be advantageous to coat the beverage tablet in steroids that are not biologically active in humans. For example, in some embodiments, structural or plant steroids may be particularly useful in the context of coating a beverage tablet.

[0020] Any of a variety of steroids may be used in a coating provided herein. According to some embodiments, a steroid used to coat a beverage tablet is a sterol. Generally, a sterol is any steroid having the structure (1) where carbon 3 (as numbered in structure (1)) is hydroxy-substituted. In other words, a sterol generally comprises the chemical structure (2) shown below.As with structure (1), any of the numbered carbons of structure (2) could be further substituted, and any of the illustrated carbon-carbon bonds could be single, double, or triple bonds. (Although the literature sometimes distinguishes the term “sterol” from the term “stanol” based on whether or not the structure is fully saturated, the present disclosure adopts the convention that “sterol” refers to any compound (2) regardless of saturation state.) Accordingly, in some embodiments, the application is directed towards a beverage tablet comprising a coating comprising a steroid comprising the structure (2).

[0021] In some instances, a steroid used in a beverage coating is a sterol ester—a compound that would result from an esterification reaction of a sterol. A sterol ester generally comprises the structure (3) shown below, where any of the numbered carbons could be further substituted, and where any of the illustrated carbon-carbon bonds of the rings could be a single, double, or triple bond.

[0022] In some embodiments, a sterol used to coat a beverage tablet has the structure (4), where any of the illustrated carbon-carbon bonds of the rings could be a single, double, or triple bond, and wherein R1, R2, and R3are aliphatic substituents. Unlike the representations in structures (1)-(3), structure (4) represents a steroid that only comprises the substitutions shown.

[0023] In some embodiments, R1, R2, and R3are each, independently aliphatic substituents. For example, R1, R2, and R3may be each, independently be an aliphatic substituent comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, R1 is an aliphatic substituent comprising more carbon atoms than R2or R3. According to some embodiments, R2and R3are both unsubstituted alkyl substituents. For example, in some embodiments, R2 and R3 are identical unsubstituted alkyl substituents (e.g., wherein R2=R3). In some embodiments, for example, R2 and R3 are both methyl substituents. According to some embodiments, R2and R3are different unsubstituted alkyl substituents.

[0024] According to some embodiments, a coating comprises phytosterol or a derivative thereof (e.g., a phytosterol ester). In some embodiments, the coating comprises phytosterol having a chemical structure (4), wherein R2and R3are methyl substituents,wherein R1is an aliphatic substituent, and wherein the rings of structure (4) include exactly one double bond. For example, the coating may comprise a Δ5 phytosterol having structure (5), where R4 is an aliphatic substituent.Structure (5), unlike structures (1)-(4), expressly shows all substituents and all double or triple bonds present in the structure (aside from those of the R-group). Examples of Δ5 phytosterols having the structure (5) that may be used in beverage coatings include, but are not limited to, cholesterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and Δ5-avenasterol, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is coated with a Δ5 phytosterol having a structure shown below:

[0025] The phytosterol having a chemical structure (4) could be a Δ7 phytosterol having structure (6), where R4is an aliphatic substituent.Structure (6), unlike structures (1)-(4), expressly shows all substituents and all double or triple bonds present in the structure (aside from those of the R-group). Examples of Δ7 phytosterols having the structure (8) that may be used in beverage coatings include, but are not limited to, Δ7-stigmasterol and Δ7-avenasterol, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is coated with a Δ7 phytosterol having a structure shown below:

[0026] A beverage tablet may include the steroid (e.g., phytosterol) in any of a variety of appropriate proportions of the coating. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet includes a steroid in an amount of greater than or equal to 20 wt%, greater than or equal to 30 wt%, greater than or equal to 40 wt%, greater than or equal to 50 wt%, greater than or equal to 60 wt%, greater than or equal to 70 wt%, greater than or equal to 80 wt%, orgreater than or equal to 90 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet includes a steroid in an amount of less than or equal to 100 wt%, less than or equal to 90 wt%, less than or equal to 80 wt%, less than or equal to 70 wt%, less than or equal to 60 wt%, less than or equal to 50 wt%, less than or equal to 40 wt%, or less than or equal to 30 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 20 wt% and less than or equal to 100 wt%, greater than or equal to 50 wt% and less than or equal to 100 wt%, or greater than or equal to 70 wt% and less than or equal to 100 wt%). Other ranges are also possible.

[0027] In the context of beverage tablet coatings, certain advantages have been observed to the use of a fatty acid in a coating comprising a steroid (e.g., a phytosterol). Like at least some steroids, a fatty acid used in a beverage tablet coating may be non-toxic, insoluble under ordinary brewing conditions as described elsewhere herein, compostable, food-safe, and / or abundant in nature. The fatty acid may be used for any of a variety of purposes within the coating. For example, in some cases, the fatty acid may be used to alter the crystal structure of the coating, to change the thermal properties of the coating, to change the mechanical properties of the coating, and / or to change the process of forming the coating (e.g., by impacting crystallization kinetics of the coating and / or by impacting defect formation during formation of the coating). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, fatty acids and steroids (e.g., phytosterols) are thought to interact favorably for creating these changes in coating properties at least in part because, when mixed, the fatty acid and the steroid produce a two-phase eutectic microstructure.

[0028] Any of a variety of suitable fatty acids may be used in the coating. For example, the fatty acid may be a saturated or an unsaturated fatty acid. Generally, a fatty acid comprises a carboxylic acid head and an aliphatic tail. The fatty acid may have an unbranched aliphatic tail. According to some embodiments, the steroid is mixed with an unbranched, saturated fatty acid. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet coating comprises a fatty acid comprising greater than or equal to 8 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 10 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 12 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 14 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 16 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 18 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 20 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 22 carbon atoms, or greater than or equal to 24 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet coating comprisesa fatty acid comprising less than or equal to 26 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 24 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 22 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 20 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 18 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 16 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 14 carbon atoms, less than or equal to 12 carbon atoms, or less than or equal to 10 carbon atoms. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 8 carbon atoms and less than or equal to 26 carbon atoms, greater than or equal to 10 carbon atoms and less than or equal to 24 carbon atoms, or greater than or equal to 12 carbon atoms and less than or equal to 22 carbon atoms). Other ranges are also possible.

[0029] Examples of suitable unbranched, saturated fatty acids that may be used in a coating of a beverage tablet include, but are not limited to, caprylic acid (8:0), capric acid (10:0), lauric acid (12:0), myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), lignoceric acid (24:0), or cerotic acid (26:0).

[0030] A coating provided herein may comprise any of a variety of suitable additives. A coating additive may be a filler (e.g., that provides a cost advantage or structural support), a plasticizer, or a functional additive such as a colorant or a stabilizing agent. One or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) additives may be included in a coating, according to some embodiments. It should, of course, be understood that while the following paragraphs discuss a number of additives (any or all of which may be used), additives not discussed herein may also be included in the coatings provided herein, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0031] A filler may be included in the coating in any of a variety of suitable weight percentages versus the total weight of the coating. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet has a coating comprising a filler in an amount of greater than or equal to 0 wt%, greater than or equal to 5 wt%, greater than or equal to 10 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt%, or greater than or equal to 20 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet has a coating comprising a filler in an amount of less than or equal to 25 wt%, less than or equal to 20 wt%, less than or equal to 15 wt%, less than or equal to 10 wt%, or less than or equal to 5 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 0 wt% and less than or equal to 25 wt%, or greater than or equal to 5 wt% and less than or equal to 25 wt%). Other ranges are also possible.

[0032] Colorants may be used, in some embodiments, to color a coating of a beverage tablet. A coating of a beverage tablet may be coated for aesthetic or functional reasons. For example, colorants may be added to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the coating. As another example, colorants may be used to label or mark the coating (e.g., using a barcode, a QR code, or written text). A colorant may be added to a specific portion of a coating to mark the coating. According to some embodiments, a colorant may be used as a contrast agent. For example, the colorant may be uniformly distributed throughout the coating, but may be chosen to enhance the visual contrast that arises from topographic non-uniformity of a coating. Suitable contrast agents may be used, for example, to increase the opacity of a coating and / or to recolor the coating for improved visibility. The use of a colorant as a contrast agent may be beneficial, for example, if a coating is marked by shaping a topographically non-uniform mark. For example, a contrast agent may be used to improve the visibility of a mark formed by stamping, carving, etching, or molding the surface of the coating of the beverage tablet, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Any of a variety of colorants may be used. In some embodiments, a colorant used in a coating of a beverage tablet is a pigment. Non-limiting examples of suitable pigments that may be used include, but are not limited to, titanium oxide or calcium carbonate. According to some embodiments, a colorant used in a coating of a beverage tablet is a dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, turmeric, saffron, paprika, carrot oil, dried fruit juices, caramel, beta-carotene, cochineal extract, beet powder, and annatto extract. In some embodiments, a beverage ingredient itself may be used as a colorant. For example, micro coffee or cocoa powder could be used to color a coating of a beverage tablet, depending on the embodiment. Colorants may be chosen to have any of a variety of properties suitable for use in beverage tablets. For example, colorants may be chosen to be flavorless, odorless, food-safe, water-insoluble, and / or edible, depending on the embodiment.

[0034] According to some embodiments, a coating comprises a stabilizing agent. For example, the coating may comprise an additive configured to reduce or prevent chemical reaction of a beverage ingredient prior to its use in a beverage. Generally, the stabilizing agent may serve any of a variety of suitable purposes, including stabilizing the beverage ingredient and / or reducing exposure of the beverage ingredient to one or more externalcompounds such as water or oxygen. In particular, the present disclosure recognizes the value of introducing oxygen scavengers as stabilizing agents, as discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0035] Generally, a beverage tablet provided herein comprises a beverage ingredient. Any of a variety of beverage ingredients may be used. In some embodiments, a beverage ingredient is water insoluble. For example, a beverage ingredient may be water-infusible, such that upon contact with water one or more components of the beverage ingredient is extracted into the water from the beverage ingredient, leaving a residual beverage ingredient. As a few, non-limiting examples of water-infusible beverage ingredients, in some embodiments a beverage ingredient comprises coffee, tea (e.g., green tea, black tea, and / or any of a variety of other types of vegetation commonly referred to as teas or used as ingredients of teas, such as mint leaves, jasmine flowers, or dried fruit such as dried apples or citrus zest), cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, or chicory. According to some embodiments, a beverage ingredient is water soluble. A few, non-limiting examples of water-soluble beverage ingredients include, but are not limited to: instant coffee, sweeteners (e.g., sugar, honey, fructose, caramel), real or synthetic plant extracts (e.g., vanilla, hazelnut extract, mint extract). According to some embodiments, a beverage ingredient is partially water-insoluble but not water-infusible. For example, a beverage ingredient may be configured to form a suspension in a beverage without leaving a residual beverage ingredient. A few, non-limiting examples of beverage ingredients that are configured to form suspensions include, but are not limited to, creamers such as dairy creamers and non-dairy creamers.

[0036] A beverage tablet may generally comprise any of a variety of suitable beverage ingredients, e.g., depending on the beverage desired from the beverage tablet. In some embodiments a beverage tablet only includes a single beverage ingredient. For example, a beverage tablet containing only coffee could be used to prepare black coffee, or a beverage tablet containing only tea could be used to prepare unsweetened tea. However, according to some embodiments, the beverage tablet comprises a plurality of ingredients such as the ingredients discussed above. By combining beverage ingredients within a single tablet, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet may be used to make multi-ingredient beverages.

[0037] A beverage tablet may comprise any of a variety of suitable beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet comprises greater than or equal to 1beverage ingredient, greater than or equal to 2 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 3 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 4 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 5 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 6 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 7 beverage ingredients, greater than or equal to 8 beverage ingredients, or greater than or equal to 9 beverage ingredients. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet comprises less than or equal to 10 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 9 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 8 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 7 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 6 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 5 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 4 beverage ingredients, less than or equal to 3 beverage ingredients, or less than or equal to 2 beverage ingredients. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 beverage ingredient and less than or equal to 10 beverage ingredients). Other ranges are also possible.

[0038] As discussed above, the beverage ingredients may be comprised by a body. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, in some embodiments, compressing one or more beverage ingredients into a body may serve to disrupt cellular matrix of the beverage ingredient. The inventors have found that, in some embodiments, disruption of cellular matrix of the beverage ingredient may help to increase extraction yield from the beverage ingredient, thereby improving the flavor of the beverage and / or the potency of the beverage ingredient.

[0039] To realize the benefits of the coatings described above, a beverage tablet provided herein is generally subjected to a coating method. In some embodiments, the coating is applied as a powder coating, a liquid coating, or a vapor-deposited coating. Other coating application methods are also possible, as the disclosure is not so limited. Various coating methods are discussed in greater detail below.

[0040] Any of a variety of suitable techniques may be used to apply a powder coating. In some embodiments, the powder coating is applied electrostatically. For example, the powder coating may be applied by electrostatically charging the surface of the beverage ingredient and (subsequently or concurrently) applying the powder. As another example, in some embodiments the powder may be applied by tumbling the beverage ingredient in a powder bed (e.g., a fluidized powder bed or a cascading powder bed) or in a tumbling drum.

[0041] According to some embodiments, a beverage ingredient is powder coated to produce a powder coating that at least partially surrounds a beverage ingredient of a beverage tablet. The powder coating may subsequently be formed into a coating of the beverage tablet. The use of powder coatings may be particularly well-suited to the preparation of beverage tablets that comprise a body containing the beverage ingredient, since the body may support the powder coating before the powder coating has been formed into a coating of the beverage tablet.

[0042] A powder coating generally comprises one or more powders. The powder coating may include one or more of the coating ingredients described above. The various coating ingredients described above may be included in the powder coating in the form of separate, mixed powders or may be present in the same powder (e.g., a homogeneous powder may be formed wherein the grains of the powder individually contain both coating ingredients).

[0043] The one or more powders of the powder coating may comprise particles sized appropriately for a powder coating process. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for grains of a powder to have a size suitable for electrostatically coating the beverage ingredient. In particular, in some embodiments, one or more powders has an average size that is small enough for electrostatic forces to secure the powder to the beverage tablet. For example, a first powder, a second powder, a third powder, and / or any other powder present in the powder coating may each independently have a grain size selected from within one of the following ranges. In some embodiments, a powder coating comprises particles of a powder having an average diameter of less than or equal to 300 microns, less than or equal to 250 microns, less than or equal to 200 microns, less than or equal 150 microns, less than or equal to 140 microns, less than or equal to 130 microns, less than or equal to 120 microns, less than or equal to 110 microns, less than or equal to 100 microns, less than or equal to 90 microns, less than or equal to 80 microns, less than or equal to 70 microns, less than or equal to 60 microns, less than or equal to 50 microns, less than or equal to 40 microns, less than or equal to 30 microns, less than or equal to 20 microns, less than or equal to 10 microns, less than or equal to 5 microns, less than or equal to 2 microns, or less. In some embodiments, a powder coating comprises particles of a powder having an average diameter of greater than or equal to 1 micron, greater than or equal to 2 microns, greater than or equal to 5 microns, greaterthan or equal to 10 microns, greater than or equal to 20 microns, greater than or equal to 30 microns, greater than or equal to 40 microns, greater than or equal to 50 microns, greater than or equal to 60 microns, greater than or equal to 70 microns, greater than or equal to 80 microns, greater than or equal to 90 microns, greater than or equal to 100 microns, greater than or equal to 110 microns, greater than or equal to 120 microns, greater than or equal to 130 microns, greater than or equal to 140 microns, greater than or equal to 150 microns, greater than or equal to 200 microns, or greater than or equal to 250 microns. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 micron and less than or equal to 300 microns, greater than or equal to 1 micron and less than or equal to 150 microns, or greater than or equal to 1 micron and less than or equal to 100 microns). Other ranges are also possible.

[0044] Non-powder-coating techniques may also be suitable for forming a coating of a beverage tablet. For example, the coating may be formed by liquid-processing and / or vapor processing of one or more coating materials. For example, one or more coating materials provided herein may, in some embodiments, be melted prior to its application to the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the coating is formed using a hot melt spray, for example. In the context of the present disclosure, it has been recognized that a hot melt spray process may provide certain advantages for defect free coating formation. In particular, in some embodiments, the hot melt spray process may comprise atomizing a molten coating ingredient or a molten mixture of coating ingredients and applying it to the beverage ingredient such that solidification of the coating ingredient(s) can be controlled to prevent defect formation in the coating. The hot spray melting process may be used to control coating material solidification in any of a variety of suitable ways. For example, in some embodiments, the hot spray melting process may be performed using a two-fluid nozzle. In some embodiments, solidification may be controlled, at least in part, by the inclusion of a chosen proportion of a fatty acid, as discussed in detail above. According to some embodiments, solidification is controlled, at least in part, by controlling a temperature of a nozzle used to atomize the liquid coating material. In some embodiments, solidification is controlled by using a cooling tunnel to temper solidifying coating materials. Other embodiments are also possible, as solidification can be controlled in other ways, and the disclosure is not so limited.

[0045] In some embodiments, the use of relatively small droplets of a coating material has been recognized to be associated with the formation of low-defect coatings of beverage tablets. In some embodiments, a coating material is applied with a droplet size of less than or equal to 600 microns, less than or equal to 550 microns, less than or equal to 500 microns, less than or equal to 450 microns, less than or equal to 400 microns, less than or equal to 350 microns, less than or equal to 300 microns, less than or equal to 250 microns, or less than or equal to 200 microns. In some embodiments, a coating material is applied with a droplet size of greater than or equal to 150 microns, greater than or equal to 200 microns, greater than or equal to 250 microns, greater than or equal to 300 microns, greater than or equal to 350 microns, greater than or equal to 400 microns, greater than or equal to 450 microns, greater than or equal to 500 microns, or greater than or equal to 550 microns. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 150 microns and less than or equal to 600 microns, or greater than or equal to 200 microns and less than or equal to 600 microns). Other ranges are also possible.

[0046] The coating material may be solidified at any of a variety of suitable temperatures. In some embodiments, a coating material is solidified at a temperature of greater than or equal to 50 ºC, greater than or equal to 60 ºC, greater than or equal to 70 ºC, greater than or equal to 80 ºC, greater than or equal to 90 ºC, greater than or equal to 100 ºC, or greater than or equal to 110 ºC. In some embodiments, a coating material is solidified at a temperature of less than or equal to 120 ºC, less than or equal to 110 ºC, less than or equal to 100 ºC, less than or equal to 90 ºC, less than or equal to 80 ºC, less than or equal to 70 ºC, or less than or equal to 60 ºC. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 50 ºC and less than or equal to 120 ºC, or greater than or equal to 60 ºC and less than or equal to 120 ºC). Other ranges are also possible.

[0047] As discussed above, in some embodiments, solidification of the coating may be controlled to control crystallization (e.g., including crystallization onset). In some embodiments, crystallization onset occurs greater than or equal to 3 seconds (s), greater than or equal to 5 s, greater than or equal to 10 s, greater than or equal to 20 s, greater than or equal to 30 s, greater than or equal to 40 s, greater than or equal to 50 s, greater than or equal to 60 s, greater than or equal to 70 s, greater than or equal to 80 s, greater than or equal to 90 s, greater than or equal to 100 s, greater than or equal to 110 s, greater than or equal to 120 s,greater than or equal to 130 s, greater than or equal to 140 s, greater than or equal to 150 s, greater than or equal to 160 s, or greater than or equal to 170 s after the application of the droplets to the beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, crystallization onset occurs less than or equal to 180 s, less than or equal to 170 s, less than or equal to 160 s, less than or equal to 150 s, less than or equal to 140 s, less than or equal to 130 s, less than or equal to 120 s, less than or equal to 110 s, less than or equal to 100 s, less than or equal to 90 s, less than or equal to 80 s, less than or equal to 70 s, less than or equal to 60 s, less than or equal to 50 s, less than or equal to 40 s, less than or equal to 30 s, or less than or equal to 20 s after the application of the droplets to the beverage ingredient. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 3 s and less than or equal to 180 s, greater than or equal to 5 s and less than or equal to 180 s, or greater than or equal to 10 s and less than or equal to 180 s). Other ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, crystallization is controlled to ensure that the coating forms a glassy, rather than a crystalline, solid, meaning that crystallization onset is never observed.

[0048] Other techniques, such as vapor deposition, may be used to deposit various coating materials, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the coating is applied using multiple of the above-mentioned coating steps. Other coating processes are also possible, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0049] As discussed above, the coating at least partially surrounds the beverage ingredient. While in some embodiments, the coating completely surrounds the beverage ingredient, this is not strictly necessary, and there may be advantages associated with a coating that only partially surrounds the beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, a coating surrounds greater than or equal to 0%, greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, or greater than or equal to 90% of the boundary of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, a coating surrounds less than or equal to 100%, less than or equal to 90%, less than or equal to 80%, less than or equal to 70%, less than or equal to 60%, less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equal to 20%, or less than or equal to 10% of the boundary of the beverage tablet. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 0% and less than or equal to100%, greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 90%, or greater than or equal to 22% and less than or equal to 50%). Other ranges are also possible.

[0050] The amount of the boundary of the beverage ingredient which is surrounded by the coating may differ for different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the coating is designed to completely surround and contain the beverage ingredient. As another example, in some embodiments, the beverage tablet may comprise a coating that partially surrounds the beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, a coating partially surrounding the beverage ingredients could be used, for example, for the purpose of marking the beverage tablet.

[0051] A coating of the beverage tablet generally comprises at least one layer. The term “layer” generally refers to an arrangement of material that, when the material is laid flat, has a thickness dimension, a depth dimension that is perpendicular to the thickness dimension, and a width dimension that is perpendicular to both the thickness dimension and the depth dimension, where the lengths of each of the depth dimension and the width dimension are at least 3 times the length of the thickness dimension. In some embodiments, the length of the depth dimension of the layer is at least 5 times, at least 10 times, at least 25 times, at least 50 times, at least 100 times, at least 500 times, or at least 1000 times the length of the thickness dimension of the layer. In some embodiments, the length of the width dimension of the layer is at least 5 times, at least 10 times, at least 25 times, at least 50 times, at least 100 times, at least 500 times, or at least 1000 times the length of the thickness dimension of the layer. The width and depth dimensions of a layer define its major surfaces.

[0052] A beverage tablet coating may comprise a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) layers, depending on the embodiments. Layers of the beverage tablet may be prepared by any of a variety of suitable methods, including the iterative making and treatment of powder coatings by methods provided herein. Each layer of the beverage tablet coating may independently have a composition as described herein. For example, every layer of the coating may have the same composition. It should, however, be understood that different layers of the coating may have different compositions as described herein, and that the person of ordinary skill could design single- or multi-layered coatings in order to achieve desired coating properties, depending on the embodiment.

[0053] A beverage tablet coating may have any of a variety of suitable thicknesses. In some embodiments, a coating of a coffee tablet has a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 microns, greater than or equal to 100 microns, greater than or equal to 150 microns, greater than or equal to 200 microns, greater than or equal to 250 microns, greater than or equal to 300 microns, or greater than or equal to 350 microns. In some embodiments, a coating of a coffee tablet has a thickness of less than or equal to 400 microns, less than or equal to 350 microns, less than or equal to 300 microns, less than or equal to 250 microns, less than or equal to 200 microns, less than or equal to 150 microns, or less than or equal to 100 microns. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 50 microns and less than or equal to 400 microns, greater than or equal to 100 microns and less than or equal to 250 microns, or greater than or equal to 150 microns and less than or equal to 200 microns). Other ranges are also possible.

[0054] As discussed above, in some embodiments a coating of a beverage tablet comprises a stabilizing agent. In the context of the present disclosure, certain advantages have been recognized for the use of oxygen scavengers in coatings of beverage tablets. Many beverage ingredients (e.g., coffee) are known to oxidize when exposed to ambient oxygen. Oxidation of beverage ingredients poses a particular problem in the context of beverage tablets, since coatings thick enough to totally prevent beverage ingredient oxidation can, in some cases, make it difficult to form a beverage from the beverage tablets. (It should be noted that thinner coatings may still be advantageous for the reduction, if not the outright prevention, of oxidation in beverage tablets—even if the coating does not comprise a stabilizing agent such as an oxygen scavenger.)

[0055] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to using an oxygen scavenger in a coating of a beverage tablet. An oxygen scavenger is generally a species configured to capture oxygen. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inclusion of an oxygen scavenger in a coating provided herein may result in the coating’s collection of oxygen that would otherwise reach the beverage ingredient. Thus, a coating ingredient comprising an oxygen scavenger may, in some cases, work as a more effective oxygen barrier than a coating without an oxygen scavenger.

[0056] Any of a variety of appropriate oxygen scavengers may be used, and the oxygen scavengers may function by any of a variety of suitable mechanisms. According tosome embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a particulate oxygen scavenger embedded in the coating. The oxygen scavenger may, in some embodiments, be a non-particulate species (e.g., a species dissolved in or chemically bonded to another coating material). In some embodiments the oxygen scavenger is configured to chemically react with oxygen, e.g., by acting as a sacrificial reagent. According to some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is configured to physically capture the oxygen without chemical reaction. An oxygen scavenger may be an oxygen adsorbent, configured to trap oxygen on its surface via a physical adsorption mechanism, for example.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a metal configured to chemically react with oxygen. The metal may be an elemental metal or an alloy, depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments the oxygen scavenger comprises iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, aluminum, palladium, and / or titanium. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is elemental iron.

[0058] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a high surface area material configured to physically adsorb oxygen. For example, in some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a zeolite. Other examples of suitable oxygen scavengers that may be used include, but are not limited to, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, and silica.

[0059] The oxygen scavenger may generally be added in any of a variety of suitable proportions. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet has a coating comprising an oxygen scavenger in an amount of greater than or equal to 0.50 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.75 wt%, greater than or equal to 1.00 wt%, greater than or equal to 1.25 wt%, greater than or equal to 1.50 wt%, or greater than or equal to 1.75 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet has a coating comprising an oxygen scavenger in an amount of less than or equal to 2.00 wt%, less than or equal to 1.75 wt%, less than or equal to 1.50 wt%, less than or equal to 1.25 wt%, less than or equal to 1.00 wt%, or less than or equal to 0.75 wt% versus the total weight of the coating. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 0.50 wt% and less than or equal to 2.00 wt%, or greater than or equal to 1.00 wt% and less than or equal to 2.00 wt%). Other ranges are also possible.

[0060] The oxygen scavenger may be chosen to have any of a variety of suitable properties. For example, the oxygen scavenger may be chosen to be flavorless, odorless,food-safe, water-insoluble, and / or edible, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is designed to remain embedded in the coating during preparation of a beverage. For example, the oxygen scavenger may be chosen to remain insoluble and embedded within the coating during brewing of a beverage. After the beverage is formed, the coating with embedded oxygen scavenger may remain behind, and may be discarded. According to some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is configured to dissolve during brewing of a beverage (e.g., to dissolve into the beverage).

[0061] An oxygen scavenger may be particularly useful when incorporated into a coating that completely surrounds the beverage ingredient, e.g., because oxygen that contacts the beverage ingredient must first penetrate the coating comprising the oxygen scavenger. However, use of an oxygen scavenger in a coating that only partially surrounds the beverage ingredient may still offer advantages. For example, beverage tablets may be packaged and, in some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger in a coating partly surrounding the beverage tablet may remove ambient oxygen from the container, thereby reducing a rate of oxidation of the beverage ingredient.

[0062] Any of a variety of other stabilizing agents may also be used in a beverage tablet coating, as the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments the beverage tablet coating comprises a water scavenger configured to capture ambient humidity that might otherwise contact the beverage ingredient. In some embodiments, an above- mentioned oxygen scavenger is also a water scavenger. It should, of course, be understood that inclusion of a water scavenger in a coating of a beverage ingredient does not generally prevent liquid water from contacting the beverage ingredient.

[0063] A beverage tablet may be designed to withstand a variety of ambient conditions associated, for instance, with preparing a beverage. For example, in some embodiments a beverage tablet comprises coffee, and is configured to withstand temperatures, pressures, and water flow-rates suitable for the brewing of coffee. The coatings and coating ingredients described herein may be configured to withstand these sorts of challenging ambient conditions (e.g., by choosing appropriate materials, thicknesses, and cross-linking conditions).

[0064] A beverage tablet provided herein may be configured for use at any of a variety of suitable pressures for preparing a beverage. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured

[0065] During beverage formation, a beverage tablet provided herein may be configured to remain intact (e.g., avoid rupture and / or bursting) when subjected to any of a variety of suitable pressures for preparing a beverage. In some embodiments, during beverage formation, a beverage tablet is configured to remain intact when subjected to a pressure of greater than or equal to 10 PSI, greater than or equal to 20 PSI, greater than or equal to 30 PSI, greater than or equal to 40 PSI, greater than or equal to 50 PSI, greater than or equal to 60 PSI, greater than or equal to 70 PSI, greater than or equal to 80 PSI, greater than or equal to 90 PSI, greater than or equal to 100 PSI, greater than or equal to 110 PSI, greater than or equal to 120 PSI, greater than or equal to 130 PSI, or greater than or equal to 140 PSI. In some embodiments, during beverage formation, a beverage tablet is configured to remain intact when subjected to a pressure of less than or equal to 150 PSI, less than or equal to 140 PSI, less than or equal to 130 PSI, less than or equal to 120 PSI, less than or equal to 110 PSI, less than or equal to 100 PSI, less than or equal to 90 PSI, less than or equal to 80 PSI, less than or equal to 70 PSI, less than or equal to 60 PSI, less than or equal to 50 PSI, less than or equal to 40 PSI, less than or equal to 30 PSI, or less than or equal to 20 PSI. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 PSI and less than or equal to 150 PSI or greater than or equal to 140 PSI and less than or equal to 150 PSI). Other ranges are also possible.

[0066] During beverage formation, a beverage tablet provided herein may be configured to remain intact when subjected to any of a variety of suitable temperatures for preparing a beverage. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured to remain intact when subjected to a temperature of greater than or equal to 0 ºC, greater than or equal to 10 ºC, greater than or equal to 20 ºC, greater than or equal to 30 ºC, greater than or equal to 40 ºC, greater than or equal to 50 ºC, greater than or equal to 60 ºC, greater than or equal to 70 ºC, greater than or equal to 80 ºC, greater than or equal to 90 ºC, or greater than or equal to 100 ºC. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured to be remain intact when subjected to a temperature of less than or equal to 110 ºC, less than or equal to 100 ºC, less than or equal to 90 ºC, less than or equal to 80 ºC, less than or equal to 70 ºC, less than orequal to 60 ºC, less than or equal to 50 ºC, less than or equal to 40 ºC, less than or equal to 30 ºC, less than or equal to 20 ºC, or less than or equal to 10 ºC. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 0 ºC and less than or equal to 110 ºC, greater than or equal to 100 ºC and less than or equal to 110 ºC, or greater than or equal to 20 ºC and less than or equal to 100 ºC). Other ranges are also possible.

[0067] A beverage tablet provided herein may be configured to undergo a beverage formation process (e.g., at a foregoing temperature or pressure) for any of a variety of suitable periods of time. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured to undergo a beverage formation process for greater than or equal to 0.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 1 minute, greater than or equal to 1.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 2 minutes, greater than or equal to 2.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 3 minutes, greater than or equal to 3.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 4 minutes, greater than or equal to 4.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 5 minutes, greater than or equal to 5.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 6 minutes, greater than or equal to 6.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 7 minutes, greater than or equal to 7.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 8 minutes, greater than or equal to 8.5 minutes, greater than or equal to 9 minutes, or greater than or equal to 9.5 minutes. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured to undergo a beverage formation process for less than or equal to 10 minutes, less than or equal to 9.5 minutes, less than or equal to 9 minutes, less than or equal to 8.5 minutes, less than or equal to 8 minutes, less than or equal to 7.5 minutes, less than or equal to 7 minutes, less than or equal to 6.5 minutes, less than or equal to 6 minutes, less than or equal to 5.5 minutes, less than or equal to 5 minutes, less than or equal to 4.5 minutes, less than or equal to 4 minutes, less than or equal to 3.5 minutes, less than or equal to 3 minutes, less than or equal to 2.5 minutes, less than or equal to 2 minutes, less than or equal to 1.5 minutes, or less than or equal to 1 minute. Combinations of these ranges are also possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 0.5 minutes and less than or equal to 10 minutes, greater than or equal to 1 minute and less than or equal to 5 minutes, or greater than or equal to 2 minutes and less than or equal to 4 minutes). Other ranges are also possible.

[0068] As discussed above, in some embodiments the coating of a beverage tablet is marked. Accordingly, in some aspects, a beverage tablet provided herein comprises a label. The label may label the beverage tablet using any of a variety of suitable contrast mechanisms. For example, according to some embodiments, the label of the beverage tabletis a color-contrast label. A color-contrast label may be prepared, according to some embodiments, by using a non-uniform distribution of a colorant as discussed above to mark the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the label of the beverage tablet is a depth-contrast label. A depth-contrast label may be prepared, for example, by adding, shaping, or removing coating material non-uniformly in order to produce a mark. Other labels of the beverage tablet are also possible as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0069] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet is configured to be broken during a beverage formation process. The inventors have recognized that, in some embodiments, providing breakage of a beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces may be useful in yielding efficient extraction, brewing, and dispensing of the beverage product. The inventors have also recognized that the existence of at least one void in the beverage tablet may be useful in providing an engagement point for interfacing with a beverage machine to assist in the breakage of the tablet.

[0070] In view of the above, in some embodiments, the inventors have found that it may be beneficial to provide breakage of a beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces to allow for increased water diffusion through the beverage ingredient of the tablet. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet may be broken into 4 pieces, 8 pieces, 12 pieces, or 24 pieces. While these specified amounts of tablet pieces are disclosed, the beverage tablet may be broken into any suitable number of pieces to provide different extraction yields of the beverage product as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0071] The inventors have also appreciated that extraction yields can be varied to provide different beverage experiences to the end user. For example, a desired “strength” of coffee may be achieved by breaking the tablet into more or less pieces during a beverage formation process. In some embodiments, a beverage tablet may be broken into a specified number of pieces to provide a beverage product with a set of desired sensory attributes such as espresso, drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, or other suitable beverage types. Such beverage tablets may comprise a single ingredient or a plurality of ingredients to provide varying beverage results following forming of the beverage.

[0072] The inventors have also found that providing breakage of a beverage tablet into a plurality of pieces may be beneficial to expedite the beverage forming process so that a beverage may be formed in a decreased amount of time. In some embodiments, a beveragemay be formed in 5 minutes or less, 4 minutes or less, 3 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less, 90 seconds or less, 60 seconds or less, or any other suitable beverage forming time.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the inventors have recognized that providing a beverage tablet with at least one void having a finite order of rotational symmetry may be beneficial to provide a point of engagement for use in breakage of the tablet. For example, the void may be non-circular.

[0074] In some embodiments, at least one void in a beverage tablet can be configured to be interfaced with a beverage machine to provide breakage of the tablet. For example, the beverage machine may have one or more posts sized to be received in the void(s) of the beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet may have only one void. The void may be of a shape having a finite order of rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular), which can be beneficial to provide traction between the post of the beverage machine and the void of the tablet.

[0075] In some embodiments, void shapes may include, but are not limited to: squares, rectangles, ovals, triangles, trapezoids, rhombuses, crescents, ellipses, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, regular polygons, irregular polygons, serpentine shapes, or any other suitable shape having a finite order of rotational symmetry. In some embodiments, the void may be of a concave or convex shape as the disclosure is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, the post may be actuated as it is interfaced with the void having a finite order of rotational symmetry, resulting in breakage of the tablet. In some embodiments, the at least one void may have a shape with rotational symmetry of order one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number. As an example, a shape having a rotational symmetry of order two means that the shape looks like its original orientation twice after a full 360 degree rotation. A shape having a rotational symmetry of order three means that the shape looks like its original orientation three times after a full 360 degree rotation. A shape having a rotational symmetry of order one means that the shape looks like its original orientation only once after a full 360 degree rotation.

[0076] In some embodiments where only a single void is used, providing the single void with a shape that is of a non-finite order of rotational symmetry (e.g. a non-circular shape) may allow for a post to avoid spinning freely within the void when the post is rotatedto break the tablet. However, it should be appreciated that the voids of the tablet need not be non-circular in all embodiments.

[0077] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the tablet may have a shape that has a finite order of rotational symmetry (e.g., non-circular). In some embodiments, outer wall shapes may include, but are not limited to: squares, rectangles, ovals, triangles, trapezoids, rhombuses, crescents, ellipses, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, regular polygons, irregular polygons, serpentine shapes, or any other suitable shape having a finite order of rotational symmetry. In other embodiments, however, the outer wall of the tablet may have a circular shape.

[0078] In some embodiments, the beverage tablet is configured to be pierced and injected with a beverage precursor liquid during a beverage formation process. The beverage tablet may be configured to remain intact during piercing and infusion. Under some such embodiments, the beverage precursor liquid (e.g., water) is flowed through the beverage tablet and is infused with the beverage ingredient(s) of the beverage tablet, exiting the beverage tablet as a prepared beverage. As discussed in greater detail below, the beverage tablet may be configured to be retained in a beverage machine such that a majority of the beverage precursor liquid cannot bypass the beverage tablet and must instead flow through the tablet to produce the beverage. For example, the beverage machine may form a seal against the beverage tablet during beverage formation. In some embodiments, a beverage precursor liquid may percolate through a beverage tablet without piercing the tablet. For example, in some embodiments, a beverage tablet is configured to permit passage of the aqueous liquid through a gelled and / or porous coating of the beverage tablet.

[0079] The beverage tablet may have various physical properties amenable to its use in directing the flow of aqueous liquid through the beverage ingredient. For example, in some embodiments the beverage tablet is configured to deform, elastically or plastically, in the beverage machine in order to form a seal against the beverage machine. Depending on the embodiment, a coating of a beverage tablet may be formed from one or more materials capable of deforming with the beverage tablet without rupturing. Of course, the beverage tablet could also be appropriately shaped to form a seal without need for substantial deformation, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0080] In some embodiments, a beverage machine may include a brew chamber configured to receive a beverage tablet. The brew chamber may have a tablet-receiving receptacle. The brew chamber receptacle may have a defined interior volume and may include a wall. The brew chamber may be of any suitable shape, size, or other characteristic for use in receiving a corresponding beverage tablet disclosed herein. The brew chamber receptacle may also include an open end and a base.

[0081] In some embodiments, the brew chamber may include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet. In some embodiments, the at least one post may be actuated to provide breakage of the tablet into a number of pieces. In some embodiments, the beverage tablet may rest on the at least one post as the tablet is broken.

[0082] In some embodiments, a brew chamber may include a brew chamber lid. The lid may be moveable between an open position and closed position. In the closed position, the brew chamber lid may enclose a beverage tablet within the brew chamber. The brew chamber lid may be configured to be interfaced with an open end of the brew chamber receptacle during the beverage forming process. The brew chamber lid may further include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet. In such a configuration, the at least one post may be actuated to provide breakage of the tablet into a plurality of pieces.

[0083] In some embodiments, both the brew chamber receptacle and the brew chamber lid may each include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet. In other embodiments, however, only one of the brew chamber receptacle or the brew chamber lid may include at least one post configured to receive at least one void of a beverage tablet.

[0084] Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and / or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein.

[0085] FIG.1 presents a schematic, cross-sectional illustration of a beverage tablet 101 comprising a beverage ingredient 103 compacted to form a body, as shown. The beverage tablet further comprises coating 105, which completely surrounds beverage ingredient 103, as shown. Coating 105 may have a composition as described above. Forexample, coating 105 may comprise a steroid (e.g., phytosterol), a fatty acid, an oxygen scavenger, and / or a filler, as discussed in greater detail above.

[0086] FIG.2 presents a schematic, cross-sectional illustration of a beverage tablet 201 comprising a beverage ingredient 203 that has not been compacted to form a body. For example, beverage ingredient 203 may comprise a leaf-tea that has not been compacted and that is configured to be retained by a coating 205 of the beverage tablet, as shown. Coating 205, completely surrounds beverage ingredient 203, as shown, and may have a composition as described above.

[0087] FIG.3 presents a schematic, cross-sectional illustration of a beverage tablet 301 comprising a beverage ingredient 303 compacted to form a body, as shown. The beverage tablet further comprises coating 305, which only partially surrounds beverage ingredient 303, as shown. Coating 305 may have a composition as described above.

[0088] The illustrative embodiment of FIG.4 shows one embodiment of a beverage tablet 400 at least partially surrounded by coating 407. Coating 407 may be marked (e.g., with a marking to identify the beverage tablet). Beverage tablet 400 comprises a compacted beverage ingredient 405. Beverage tablet 400 has a body 403 and an outer wall 402. Body 403 and / or outer wall 402 may be made of beverage ingredients. Beverage tablet 400 is depicted with a void 401, however it should be understood that in other embodiments, the tablet may not have a void. As shown in FIG.4, the void may be of a symmetric shape, such as an oval, but other shapes are also possible. As discussed above, the void in the beverage tablet may be useful in providing an engagement point for interfacing with a beverage machine to assist in the breakage of the tablet. Chemical Definitions

[0089] Definitions of specific functional groups and chemical terms are described in more detail below. The chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75thEd., inside cover, and specific functional groups are generally defined as described therein. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry, as well as specific functional moieties and reactivity, are described in Organic Chemistry, Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito, 1999; Smith and March March’s Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5thEdition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2001; Larock, Comprehensive OrganicTransformations, VCH Publishers, Inc., New York, 1989; and Carruthers, Some Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis, 3rdEdition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987.

[0090] When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub–range within the range. For example “C1–6alkyl” is intended to encompass, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C1–6, C1–5, C1–4, C1–3, C1–2, C2–6, C2–5, C2–4, C2–3, C3–6, C3–5, C3–4, C4–6, C4–5, and C5–6 alkyl.

[0091] The term “aliphatic,” as used herein, includes both saturated and unsaturated, nonaromatic, straight chain (i.e., unbranched), branched, acyclic, and cyclic (i.e., carbocyclic) hydrocarbons, which are optionally substituted with one or more functional groups. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, “aliphatic” is intended herein to include, but is not limited to, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and cycloalkynyl moieties. Likewise, the term “heteroaliphatic” refers to heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, and heterocyclic groups. Aliphatic group substituents include, but are not limited to, any of the substituents described herein, that result in the formation of a stable moiety (e.g., aliphatic, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroaliphatic, heterocyclic, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, oxo, imino, thiooxo, cyano, isocyano, amino, azido, nitro, hydroxyl, thiol, halo, aliphaticamino, heteroaliphaticamino, alkylamino, heteroalkylamino, arylamino, heteroarylamino, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aliphaticoxy, heteroaliphaticoxy, alkyloxy, heteroalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aliphaticthioxy, heteroaliphaticthioxy, alkylthioxy, heteroalkylthioxy, arylthioxy, heteroarylthioxy, acyloxy, and the like, each of which may or may not be further substituted).

[0092] As used herein, “alkyl” refers to a straight–chain or branched saturated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms (“C1–50 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 40 carbon atoms (“C1–40 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 30 carbon atoms (“C1–30alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 20 carbon atoms (“C1–20alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms (“C1–10 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 9 carbon atoms (“C1–9 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (“C1–8 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 7 carbon atoms (“C1–7alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 6 carbon atoms (“C1–6 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 5 carbon atoms (“C1–5 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C1–4alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 3carbon atoms (“C1–3alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C1–2 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 carbon atom (“C1 alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C2–6 alkyl”). Examples of C1–6 alkyl groups include methyl (C1), ethyl (C2), n–propyl (C3), isopropyl (C3), n–butyl (C4), tert– butyl (C4), sec–butyl (C4), iso–butyl (C4), n–pentyl (C5), 3–pentanyl (C5), amyl (C5), neopentyl (C5), 3–methyl–2–butanyl (C5), tertiary amyl (C5), and n–hexyl (C6). Additional examples of alkyl groups include n–heptyl (C7), n–octyl (C8) and the like. Unless otherwise specified, each instance of an alkyl group is independently unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkyl”) with one or more substituents. In certain embodiments, the alkyl group is an unsubstituted C1–50 alkyl (e.g., –CH3). In certain embodiments, the alkyl group is a substituted C1–50alkyl.

[0093] As understood from the above, alkyl groups, as defined herein, are, in certain embodiments, optionally substituted. Optionally substituted refers to a group which may be substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkenyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” alkynyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkenyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroalkynyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” carbocyclyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heterocyclyl, “substituted” or “unsubstituted” aryl or “substituted” or “unsubstituted” heteroaryl group). In general, the term “substituted” means that at least one hydrogen present on a group is replaced with a permissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, or other reaction. Unless otherwise indicated, a “substituted” group has a substituent at one or more substitutable positions of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure is substituted, the substituent is either the same or different at each position. For purposes of this invention, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and / or any suitable substituent as described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms and results in the formation of a stable moiety.

[0094] An “acyl group” is used to refer to moieties of the following general formula:

[0095] , also referred to herein as “Moiety AG.”

[0096] In some embodiments, the R group of the acyls described herein can be H, OH, O-alkyl, O-alkenyl, or a salt thereof.

[0097] When R of Moiety AG is O-alkyl, then Moiety AG represents an “ester.”

[0098] When R of Moiety AG is OH, then Moiety AG represents a “carboxylic acid.”

[0099] When R of Moiety AG is alkyl, then Moiety AG represents a “ketone” group.

[0100] When R of Moiety AG is hydrogen, then Moiety AG represents an “aldehyde” group.

[0101] When R of Moiety AG is S-alkyl, then Moiety AG represents a “thioester”.

[0102] When R of Moiety AG is NH2, NH-alkyl, or N-alkyl-alkyl, then Moiety AG represents an “amide” group.

[0103] Exemplary carbon atom substituents include, but are not limited to, halogen, – CN, –NO2, –N3, –SO2H, –SO3H, –OH, –ORaa, –ON(Rbb)2, –N(Rbb)2, –N(Rbb)3+X–, ––OC(=O)SRaa, –SC(=O)ORaa, –SC(=O)Raa, –P(=O)2Raa, –OP(=O)2Raa, –P(=O)(Raa)2, – OP(=O)(Raa)2, –OP(=O)(ORcc)2, –P(=O)2N(Rbb)2, –OP(=O)2N(Rbb)2, –P(=O)(NRbb)2, – OP(=O)(NRbb)2, –NRbbP(=O)(ORcc)2, –NRbbP(=O)(NRbb)2, –P(Rcc)2, –P(Rcc)3, –OP(Rcc)2, – OP(Rcc)3, –B(Raa)2, –B(ORcc)2, –BRaa(ORcc), C1–10 alkyl, C1–10 perhaloalkyl, C2–10 alkenyl, C2–10 alkynyl, heteroC1–10 alkyl, heteroC2–10 alkenyl, heteroC2–10 alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, 3–14 membered heterocyclyl, C6–14aryl, and 5–14 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rddgroups;

[0104] or two geminal hydrogens on a carbon atom are replaced with the group =O, =S, =NN(Rbb)2, =NNRbbC(=O)Raa, =NNRbbC(=O)ORaa, =NNRbbS(=O)2Raa, =NRbb, or =NORcc;

[0105] each instance of Raais, independently, selected from C1–10alkyl, C1–10perhaloalkyl, C2–10alkenyl, C2–10alkynyl, heteroC1–10alkyl, heteroC2–10alkenyl, heteroC2–10alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, 3–14 membered heterocyclyl, C6–14 aryl, and 5–14 membered heteroaryl, or two Raagroups are joined to form a 3–14 membered heterocyclyl or 5–14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rddgroups;

[0106] each instance of Rbbis, independently, selected from hydrogen, –OH, –ORaa, – N(Rcc)2, –CN, –C(=O)Raa, –C(=O)N(Rcc)2, –CO2Raa, –SO2Raa, –C(=NRcc)ORaa, – C(=NRcc)N(Rcc)2, –SO2N(Rcc)2, –SO2Rcc, –SO2ORcc, –SORaa, –C(=S)N(Rcc)2, –C(=O)SRcc, – C(=S)SRcc, –P(=O)2Raa, –P(=O)(Raa)2, –P(=O)2N(Rcc)2, –P(=O)(NRcc)2, C1–10alkyl, C1–10perhaloalkyl, C2–10alkenyl, C2–10alkynyl, heteroC1–10alkyl, heteroC2–10alkenyl, heteroC2–10alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, 3–14 membered heterocyclyl, C6–14 aryl, and 5–14 membered heteroaryl, or two Rbbgroups are joined to form a 3–14 membered heterocyclyl or 5–14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rddgroups;

[0107] each instance of Rccis, independently, selected from hydrogen, C1–10alkyl, C1–10 perhaloalkyl, C2–10 alkenyl, C2–10 alkynyl, heteroC1–10 alkyl, heteroC2–10 alkenyl, heteroC2– 10 alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, 3–14 membered heterocyclyl, C6–14 aryl, and 5–14 membered heteroaryl, or two Rccgroups are joined to form a 3–14 membered heterocyclyl or 5–14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rddgroups;

[0108] each instance of Rddis, independently, selected from halogen, –CN, –NO2, – N3, –SO2H, –SO3H, –OH, –ORee, –ON(Rff)2, –N(Rff)2, –N(Rff)3+X–, –N(ORee)Rff, –SH, –OC(=O)N(Rff)2, –NRffC(=O)Ree, –NRffCO2Ree, –NRffC(=O)N(Rff)2, –C(=NRff)ORee, –P(=O)(Ree)2, –OP(=O)(Ree)2, –OP(=O)(ORee)2, C1–6alkyl, C1–6perhaloalkyl, C2–6alkenyl, C2–6alkynyl, heteroC1–6alkyl, heteroC2–6alkenyl, heteroC2–6alkynyl, C3–10carbocyclyl, 3–10 membered heterocyclyl, C6–10 aryl, 5–10 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rgggroups, or two geminal Rddsubstituents can be joined to form =O or =S;

[0109] each instance of Reeis, independently, selected from C1–6 alkyl, C1–6 perhaloalkyl, C2–6alkenyl, C2–6alkynyl, heteroC1–6alkyl, heteroC2–6alkenyl, heteroC2–6alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, C6–10 aryl, 3–10 membered heterocyclyl, and 3–10 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rgggroups;

[0110] each instance of Rffis, independently, selected from hydrogen, C1–6 alkyl, C1–6 perhaloalkyl, C2–6 alkenyl, C2–6 alkynyl, heteroC1–6alkyl, heteroC2–6alkenyl, heteroC2–6alkynyl, C3–10carbocyclyl, 3–10 membered heterocyclyl, C6–10aryl and 5–10 membered heteroaryl, or two Rffgroups are joined to form a 3–14 membered heterocyclyl or 5–14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rgggroups; and

[0111] each instance of Rggis, independently, halogen, –CN, –NO2, –N3, –SO2H, – SO3H, –OH, –OC1–6alkyl, –ON(C1–6alkyl)2, –N(C1–6alkyl)2, –N(C1–6alkyl)3+X–, –NH(C1–6alkyl)2+X–, –NH2(C1–6alkyl)+X–, –NH3+X–, –N(OC1–6alkyl)(C1–6alkyl), –N(OH)(C1–6alkyl), –NH(OH), –SH, –SC1–6 alkyl, –SS(C1–6 alkyl), –C(=O)(C1–6 alkyl), –CO2H, –CO2(C1–6 alkyl), –OC(=O)(C1–6 alkyl), –OCO2(C1–6 alkyl), –C(=O)NH2, –C(=O)N(C1–6 alkyl)2, – OC(=O)NH(C1–6alkyl), –NHC(=O)( C1–6alkyl), –N(C1–6alkyl)C(=O)( C1–6alkyl), – NHCO2(C1–6 alkyl), –NHC(=O)N(C1–6 alkyl)2, –NHC(=O)NH(C1–6 alkyl), –NHC(=O)NH2, – C(=NH)O(C1–6 alkyl),–OC(=NH)(C1–6 alkyl), –OC(=NH)OC1–6 alkyl, –C(=NH)N(C1–6 alkyl)2, –C(=NH)NH(C1–6alkyl), –C(=NH)NH2, –OC(=NH)N(C1–6alkyl)2, –OC(NH)NH(C1–6alkyl), –OC(NH)NH2, –NHC(NH)N(C1–6alkyl)2, –NHC(=NH)NH2, – NHSO2(C1–6 alkyl), –SO2N(C1–6 alkyl)2, –SO2NH(C1–6 alkyl), –SO2NH2,–SO2C1–6 alkyl, – SO2OC1–6 alkyl, –OSO2C1–6 alkyl, –SOC1–6 alkyl, –Si(C1–6 alkyl)3, –OSi(C1–6 alkyl)3 – C(=S)N(C1–6alkyl)2, C(=S)NH(C1–6alkyl), C(=S)NH2, –C(=O)S(C1–6alkyl), –C(=S)SC1–6alkyl, –SC(=S)SC1–6alkyl, –P(=O)2(C1–6alkyl), –P(=O)(C1–6alkyl)2, –OP(=O)(C1–6alkyl)2, – OP(=O)(OC1–6 alkyl)2, C1–6 alkyl, C1–6 perhaloalkyl, C2–6 alkenyl, C2–6 alkynyl, heteroC1– 6alkyl, heteroC2–6alkenyl, heteroC2–6alkynyl, C3–10 carbocyclyl, C6–10 aryl, 3–10 membered heterocyclyl, 5–10 membered heteroaryl; or two geminal Rggsubstituents can be joined to form =O or =S; wherein X–is a counterion.

[0112] In certain embodiments, a carbon atom substituent is selected from the group consisting of halogen, –CN, –NO2, –N3, –SO2H, –SO3H, –OH, –ORaa, –N(Rbb)2, –SH, –SRaa,OC(=O)N(Rbb)2, –NRbbC(=O)Raa, –NRbbCO2Raa, –NRbbC(=O)N(Rbb)2, –C(=O)NRbbSO2Raa, –NRbbSO2Raa, –SO2N(Rbb)2, –SO2Raa, –S(=O)Raa, –Si(Raa)3, C1–10alkyl, C1–10perhaloalkyl, C2–10alkenyl, C2–10alkynyl, heteroC1–10alkyl, heteroC2–10alkenyl, heteroC2–10alkynyl, C3–10carbocyclyl, 3–14 membered heterocyclyl, C6–14 aryl, and 5–14 membered heteroaryl, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Rddgroups.

[0113] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0114] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions,materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A beverage tablet, comprising: a beverage ingredient; and a coating at least partially surrounding the beverage ingredient, wherein the coating comprises a steroid.

2. A method of making a beverage tablet, the method comprising: applying a steroid to a beverage ingredient to form a coating that at least partially surrounds the beverage ingredient.

3. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating comprises a steroid in an amount of greater than or equal to 20 wt% versus the weight of the coating.

4. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid comprises a sterol.

5. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid comprises a stanol.

6. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid comprises a phytosterol.

7. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid comprises a campesterol, a sitosterol, and / or a stigmasterol.

8. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage ingredient comprises coffee.

9. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage ingredient comprises tea.

10. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is configured to be pierced by an inlet needle of a beverage machine to permit injection of beverage precursor liquid into the beverage tablet.

11. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is configured to retain structural integrity at a pressure of greater than or equal to 140 PSI.

12. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is configured to retain structural integrity at a temperature of greater than or equal to 100 ºC.

13. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid comprises an oxygen scavenger.

14. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger comprises a metal or zeolite.

15. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger comprises a metal.

16. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal is an elemental metal or a metal alloy.

17. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal comprises iron.

18. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal is iron.

19. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen scavenger is also a water scavenger.

20. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealed package containing the beverage tablet.

21. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steroid further comprises a fatty acid.

22. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is stearic acid.

23. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating comprises a label.

24. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises labeling the coating.

25. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the label comprises a colorant.

26. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the colorant is a dye or pigment.

27. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the label is a depth-contrast label.

28. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating at least partially surrounds a body comprising the beverage ingredient.

29. The beverage tablet or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage tablet comprises a body comprising the beverage ingredient.

30. A sealed package containing the beverage tablet of any one of the preceding claims.

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