Beverage cartridges and methods for forming multilayered beverages

Abstract

Disclosed here are beverage cartridges adapted for forming layered beverages, and methods of forming layered beverages using such beverage cartridges. According to some aspects, the beverage cartridge includes a main chamber containing a first beverage ingredient, and a secondary chamber containing a secondary beverage ingredient, wherein the secondary chamber is contained in the main chamber. The secondary chamber may include a dissolvable barrier between the secondary chamber and the main chamber. In some embodiments, the secondary chamber may be a flexible pouch with a dissolvable pouch wall serving as the barrier. In some embodiments, at least one of the beverage ingredients comprises a fruit flavoring.

Description

K0502.70265WQ00- 1 -BEVERAGE CARTRIDGES AND METHODS FOR FORMING MULTILAYERED BEVERAGESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 725,481, filed November 26, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The field relates to beverage cartridges for forming multilayered beverages.BACKGROUND

[0003] Beverage cartridges for forming beverages in beverage machines are well known in the art. Such cartridges typically contain a beverage ingredient. A beverage machine may introduce a precursor liquid, such as water, into the beverage cartridge to form a beverage.SUMMARY

[0004] According to some embodiments, a beverage cartridge is disclosed. The beverage cartridge comprises a chamber containing a first beverage ingredient, the chamber configured to receive a precursor ingredient to form a first beverage component with the first beverage ingredient. The beverage cartridge also comprises a flexible pouch disposed in the chamber containing a second beverage ingredient, the flexible pouch comprising a pouch wall configured to delay exposure of the second beverage ingredient to the precursor ingredient. The pouch wall is configured to at least partially dissolve after exposure to the precursor ingredient and / or the first beverage component to allow for exposure of the second beverage ingredient to the precursor ingredient to form a second beverage component only after at least a portion of the first beverage component has been dispensed from the chamber.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a method of forming a beverage is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a precursor ingredient into a chamber of a beverage cartridge, the chamber containing a first beverage ingredient and a flexible pouch, the flexible pouch containing a second beverage ingredient, forming a first beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the first beverage ingredient, dispensing the first#14601375vlbeverage component into a beverage receptacle, dissolving at least a portion of a pouch wall of the flexible pouch, forming a second beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the second beverage ingredient after dispensing at least a portion of the first beverage component into the beverage receptacle, and dispensing the second beverage component into the beverage receptacle.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a method of forming a layered beverage is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a precursor ingredient into a main chamber of a beverage cartridge, the main chamber containing a first beverage ingredient, forming a first beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the first beverage ingredient, dispensing the first beverage component into a beverage receptacle to form a first layered region, dissolving a barrier between the main chamber and a secondary chamber of the beverage cartridge, the secondary chamber containing a second beverage ingredient, forming a second beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the second beverage ingredient after dispensing at least a portion of the first beverage component into the beverage receptacle, and dispensing the second beverage component into the beverage receptacle to form a second layered region, wherein at least one of the first beverage component or the second beverage component comprises a fruit flavoring.

[0007] 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 nonlimiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] 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:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a beverage cartridge configured to form a layered beverage according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the beverage cartridge of FIG. 1 loaded into a beverage forming chamber of a beverage machine;K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first beverage component being formed from the beverage cartridge of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a second beverage component being formed from the beverage cartridge of FIG. 1 ; and

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a beverage cartridge having a guard according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As mentioned above, beverage cartridges for forming beverages using beverage machines are well known in the art. Conventional beverage cartridges generally include a main chamber which contains a beverage ingredient (e.g. coffee grinds, chocolate drink mix, etc.). Such conventional beverage cartridges are configured to be inserted into a beverage forming chamber of a beverage machine. When the beverage forming chamber is closed, the beverage cartridge may be pierced by inlet and outlet piercing mechanisms to form an inlet and an outlet. A beverage forming cycle is then initiated, in which a precursor ingredient (e.g. water) is introduced into the beverage cartridge via the inlet and forms a beverage with the beverage ingredient. The formed beverage then exits the main chamber of the beverage cartridge via the outlet and is dispensed into a beverage receptacle such as a cup, carafe, or other suitable beverage receptacle.

[0015] The inventors have recognized that many users of such beverage machines may also enjoy layered beverages. Such layered beverages may include two or more beverage components having different beverage properties (e.g. color, flavor, texture, viscosity, etc.) arranged in different layers in a cup. Conventionally, layered beverages are formed by manually and carefully combining beverage ingredients to form the layers, which requires skill, concentration, and additional preparation by the person making the beverage.

[0016] The inventors have recognized that it may be desirable to automatically form such layered beverages using a cartridge-based beverage machine without requiring manual intervention on the part of the user to form the layers. Additionally, the inventors have recognized that it may be desirable to form such layered beverages with already existing cartridge-based beverage machines, rather than requiring a new specialized beverage machine. Finally, the inventors have recognized an advantage to forming such a layered beverage without requiring additional steps from a user than would otherwise be required forK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vla non-layered beverage. For instance, it may be desirable to avoid requiring the user to use two different beverage cartridges in two different beverage forming cycles to form the layered beverage.

[0017] The inventors have therefore recognized an advantage to a multi-chamber beverage cartridge configured to form a layered beverage which is compatible with already existing cartridge-based beverage machines.

[0018] Such a beverage cartridge may include a main chamber similar to conventional beverage cartridges, the main chamber containing a first beverage ingredient. The beverage cartridge may also include a second beverage ingredient contained in a secondary chamber inside the main chamber with a dissolvable barrier between the secondary chamber and the main chamber. In some embodiments, the secondary chamber is a flexible pouch formed of a dissolvable material, where the dissolvable material serves as the barrier. In some embodiments, the dissolvable material comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a biobased material, or some other food-safe dissolvable material.

[0019] The beverage cartridge may be placed in a beverage forming chamber of a beverage machine, and may be pierced by inlet and outlet piercing mechanisms to form a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, similar to a conventional beverage cartridge.

[0020] A beverage forming cycle on the beverage machine may then be initiated, and a precursor ingredient (e.g. water) may be delivered into the main chamber. The precursor ingredient may mix or otherwise combine with the first beverage ingredient to form a first beverage component. This first beverage component may then flow out of the main chamber via the cartridge outlet, and be dispensed into a receptacle (e.g. a cup) to form a first beverage layer.

[0021] While the first beverage component is being formed and dispensed, the barrier is dissolved by the precursor ingredient and / or the first beverage component. Material properties of the barrier (composition, thickness, etc.) may be selected to delay exposure of the second beverage ingredient to the precursor ingredient until the first beverage component has at least partially exited the beverage cartridge via the cartridge outlet. As a result, the second beverage component is dispensed from the beverage machine after the first layer has already been formed, forming a second layer.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl

[0022] The first and second layers may be differentiated by any suitable beverage property. Non-limiting examples of such beverage properties include flavor, color, viscosity, and texture.

[0023] 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.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic representation of a beverage cartridge 100 configured to form a layered beverage according to an embodiment. The beverage cartridge 100 includes a cartridge bottom 102, a cartridge lid 104, and cartridge sidewalls 106, which together define a main chamber 108. The beverage cartridge 100 may include a first beverage ingredient 110 disposed in the main chamber 108. As discussed above, the beverage cartridge may also include a secondary chamber containing a second beverage ingredient 114 disposed in the main chamber 108 with the first beverage ingredient, the secondary chamber having a dissolvable barrier. In some embodiments, this secondary chamber is a flexible pouch 112, which may be formed of a material which is dissolvable when exposed to liquid. In this manner, the flexible pouch 112 may be configured to delay exposure of the second beverage ingredient 114 to the precursor ingredient, and therefore delay the formation of the second beverage component until after the first beverage component has at least partially exited the beverage cartridge during a beverage forming cycle.

[0025] The inventors have appreciated several advantages to using a flexible pouch to contain the second beverage ingredient 114, as opposed to, for instance, a secondary chamber with a hard shell. Generally, the flexible pouch 112 and first beverage ingredient 110 may be loosely disposed in the main chamber 108 in order to simplify production and reduce costs. However, such a configuration may allow the flexible pouch 112 to be repositioned within the main chamber 108 when handling and / or transporting the beverage cartridge 100. As a result, when the beverage cartridge 100 is pierced by the outlet piercing element of the beverage machine, it is possible that the outlet piercing element may contact the flexible pouch 112. Forming the pouch from a flexible material may avoid damage to the outlet piercing element from this contact. In some cases, forming the pouch from a flexible materialK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vlmay allow the pouch to avoid being damaged by the outlet piercing element (e.g. due to the flexible material being able to move out of the way when contacted by an outlet piercing element). While it is possible that the flexible pouch 112 may be pierced by the outlet piercing element, potentially negating the layered beverage effect, the inventors have recognized that such an occurrence may still be preferable to potentially damaging the beverage machine.

[0026] A flexible pouch may also be resilient to damage due to jostling of the cartridge during movement and transport of the beverage cartridge. The flexible pouch may be able to absorb forces from such contact via flexing, whereas a hard shell may break apart in such a scenario, thus mixing the beverage ingredients and ruining the layering effect. Of course, a hard shell could be made thicker to lessen the likelihood of breakage, but such a configuration may increase the amount of time it takes for the hard shell to dissolve to an unacceptable amount of time. Many cartridge-based beverage machines have relatively short beverage forming cycles (e.g. no more than 60 seconds), and thus require both the first and second beverage components to be formed within this time period. A hard shell thick enough to resist breakage during transport may be too thick to dissolve within enough time for the second beverage component to be formed within such a relatively short time period. The inventors have therefore recognized that using a flexible pouch may minimize the risk of secondary chamber breakage during transport while still allowing for barrier dissolution in a sufficient amount of time.

[0027] Although the pouch in the figures is shown to be circular, it should be appreciated that the pouch may be any suitable shape. For example, a pouch may be rectangular, square, spherical, half-spherical, egg-shaped, a spheroid (e.g. prolate spheroid, oblate spheroid, etc.), cube-shaped, pyramidal (e.g. triangular pyramid, square pyramid, rectangular pyramid, pentagonal pyramid, hexagonal pyramid, octagonal pyramid, etc.), prismatic (e.g. triangular prism, rectangular prism, square prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, octagonal prism, trapezoidal prism, pentagrammic prism, etc.), conical (e.g. flat cone, sphere cone, parabolic cone, etc.), toroidal, a polyhedron (e.g. tetrahedron, dodecahedron, octahedron, icosahedron, truncated icosahedron, cuboctahedron, cube-shaped, pyramidal, prismatic, etc.), heart-shaped, star-shaped, or any other suitable shape.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl

[0028] In some embodiments, the inventors have recognized an advantage to ensuring that the total combined volume of the first beverage ingredient 110 and the flexible pouch 112 containing second beverage ingredient 114 is less than a threshold percent of the internal volume of the main chamber 108. Such a configuration may ensure that a sufficient headspace height 109 exists near the cartridge lid 104 to accommodate the inlet piercing element while decreasing the risk of puncture of the flexible pouch 112 by the inlet piercing element. In some embodiments, the headspace height 109 is 5% to 45%, 10% to 40%, 15% to 30%, or 20% to 25% of the total height H of the beverage cartridge. In some embodiments, the headspace height 109 is between 10 mm to 20 mm, 11 mm to 19mm, 12 mm to 18 mm, 13 mm to 17 mm, or 14 mm to 16 mm. In some embodiments, the headspace height 109 is approximately 35% of the height H of the beverage cartridge.

[0029] While the above embodiments disclose the flexible pouch 112 being disposed loosely within the main chamber 108, it is contemplated that the flexible pouch 112 may be attached to a portion of the main chamber 108 in order to limit or prevent pouch movement. For instance, the flexible pouch may be attached to cartridge sidewall(s) 106, cartridge lid 104, and / or cartridge bottom 102 using any suitable fastening means (e.g. adhesive, welding, etc.).

[0030] As used herein, a beverage forming cycle begins when the precursor ingredient is first introduced into the beverage cartridge 100, and ends when the precursor ingredient stops being introduced into the beverage cartridge 100. It may be desirable for the flexible pouch 112 to be configured to dissolve within a sufficient amount of time for all of the layers of the beverage to be formed within the length of time of the beverage forming cycle. In some embodiments, the length of the beverage forming cycle may be no more than 60 seconds.

[0031] The first and second beverage ingredients may be any suitable beverage ingredient used to form beverages, such as powdered drink mixes, soluble coffee, powdered milk, etc. The inventors have also recognized that it may be desirable to form layered beverages where at least one beverage component comprises a fruit flavoring, as opposed to conventional layered beverages from cartridge-based beverage machines, which are generally configured to form layered coffee-based beverages (e.g. layered lattes). It should be understood that fruit flavoring may include any actual fruit ingredients, or any artificial flavorings or other ingredients intended to imitate fruit, as the disclosure is not so limited. InK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vlsome embodiments, a fruit flavoring may not contain any actual fruit or fruit juice content. In some embodiments, the first and / or second beverage components may include citric acid. In some embodiments, the first and / or second beverage components may comprise a pH between 2 pH and 4.6 pH.

[0032] While some embodiments disclose a single pouch used to form a 2-layered beverage, it is contemplated that additional pouches may be used to form additional layers, as the disclosure is not so limited. Material properties of each pouch may be chosen so that pouch walls dissolve at different times, releasing the beverage ingredients therein at different times. Alternatively, or in addition, pouches may be nested inside of each other (also called the Matryoshka principle), so that the pouches are exposed to liquid at different times.

[0033] FIGs. 2-4 show schematic representations of a method of forming a layered beverage using beverage cartridge 100.

[0034] Initially, as shown in FIG. 2, a beverage cartridge 100 is loaded into a beverage forming chamber 202 of a beverage machine 200. Inlet piercing element 204 and outlet piercing element 206 then pierce the beverage cartridge 100 to form cartridge inlet 116 and cartridge outlet 118, respectively.

[0035] A beverage forming cycle may then be initiated, and precursor ingredient 208 may be introduced into the main chamber 108 via cartridge inlet 116, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, inlet piercing element 204 may be a hollow needle, and the precursor ingredient 208 may be introduced through the needle. In some embodiments, the precursor ingredient may be introduced via a separate inlet of the beverage machine 200, as the disclosure is not so limited. The precursor ingredient 208 may be any suitable ingredient for combining with the first and second beverage ingredients to form the beverage components, such as water.

[0036] Because the first beverage ingredient 110 is disposed in the main chamber 108, the first beverage ingredient 110 is exposed to the precursor ingredient 208 once the precursor ingredient is introduced into main chamber 108, and combines with the precursor ingredient to form a first beverage component 120. The first beverage component 120 then exits the main chamber 108 via the cartridge outlet 118, and is dispensed from the beverage machine 200 into a cup 300, forming first layer 122.

[0037] When the precursor ingredient 208 is initially introduced into the main chamber 108, the second beverage ingredient 114 is prevented from being exposed to theK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vlprecursor ingredient by the pouch wall 113 of flexible pouch 112, which serves as a barrier and initially prevents formation of second beverage component 124. However, while the first beverage component 120 is being formed and dispensed, the precursor ingredient 208 and / or the first beverage component 120 begins dissolving the pouch wall 113 of the flexible pouch 112, reducing the pouch wall thickness of the flexible pouch.

[0038] After the first beverage component 120 has at least partially exited the main chamber 108, the pouch wall of flexible pouch 112 dissolves a sufficient amount to expose the second beverage ingredient 114 to the precursor ingredient 208 to form second beverage component 124, as seen in FIG. 4. While the embodiment of FIG. 4 shows the entire pouch being dissolved evenly, it is contemplated that the flexible pouch may dissolve relatively unevenly in some embodiments, such that the second beverage ingredient 114 is exposed before the flexible pouch is fully dissolved. Alternatively, the flexible pouch may not fully dissolve in some embodiments, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0039] In some embodiments, because the second beverage component 124 is only formed after the first beverage component has at least partially exited the main chamber 108, the second beverage component 124 will be dispensed into the cup 300 after the first layer 122 has been formed in the cup 300, and will form second layer 126. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a fluid velocity of the second beverage component 124 may be high enough such that the second beverage component 124 “pierces” through the first layer 122, and the second layer 126 forms below the first layer 122. In some embodiments, the fluid velocity of the second beverage component 124 is not high enough, and the second layer 126 is “floated” on top of the first layer 122, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cup 300 may be at least partially filled with ice, such that the formed layered beverage is an iced layered beverage. The inventors have recognized that forming the layered beverage over ice may allow for more effective layer formation. As the beverage components are dispensed, the components may “cascade” over the ice, reducing the fluid velocity of the beverage components. The inventors have recognized that by slowing the fluid velocity of the beverage components, mixing of the components during dispensing may be reduced, allowing for more separated layers. In some embodiments, the ice may reduce the fluid velocity of the second beverage component enough to “float” the second layer on top of the first layer. In some embodiments, the ice may not reduce the fluid velocity of the second beverage component a sufficient amount, allowingK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vlthe second beverage component to pierce through the first layer, but still slows the fluid velocity of the second beverage component after piercing to still reduce mixing of the layers.

[0041] While FIG. 4 shows the first layer 122 and second layer 126 as fully distinct layers, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the first and second layers 122 and 126 may not be fully distinct. That is, there may be a transition region between the first and second layers 122 and 126 which is a mix of the two beverage components 120 and 124. This transition region may be gradated, such that a concentration of the first beverage component 120 in the transition region may be greater closer to the first layer 122, and a concentration of the second beverage component 124 in the transition region may be greater closer to the second layer 126.

[0042] The inventors have recognized various ways to adjust the distinctiveness of the first and second layers 122 and 126. For instance, if more distinctive layers are desired, the flexible pouch 112 may be configured to dissolve only after the first beverage component 120 fully exits the main chamber 108. As a result, the first and second beverage components 120 and 124 are prevented from mixing in the main chamber 108. Conversely, if a more gradated effect is desired, the flexible pouch 112 may be configured to dissolve before the first beverage component 120 fully exits the main chamber 108, allowing for mixing of the first and second beverage components 120 and 124 in the main chamber. Additionally, material properties of the beverage components, such as density and viscosity, may be selected to increase or decrease the distinctiveness of the first and second layers 122 and 126. In some embodiments, the first and second beverage components 120 and 124 may have substantially similar densities.

[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the inventors have recognized an advantage to placing a guard 150 in the main chamber 108 between cartridge bottom 102 and the flexible pouch 112, similar to the filter guard described in US Patent number US 9,750,370, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Such a guard may act as a blocker to prevent the outlet piercing element from piercing the flexible pouch when the cartridge 100 is pierced. The guard 150 may have one or more openings 151. In some embodiments, the one or more openings may promote flow of formed beverage out of the beverage cartridge. In some embodiments, the guard may be loosely contained within the beverage cartridge without being attached to other components. In other embodiments, theK0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vlguard may be attached to another component, such as to the cartridge bottom 102 and / or the cartridge sidewalls 106.

[0044] While the above embodiments disclose cartridge 100 being adapted for use in already existing beverage machines, it is contemplated that any of the above embodiments may be adapted or modified for use in future beverage machines, as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0045] 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.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx #14601375vl

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A beverage cartridge comprising: a chamber containing a first beverage ingredient, the chamber configured to receive a precursor ingredient to form a first beverage component with the first beverage ingredient; and a flexible pouch disposed in the chamber containing a second beverage ingredient, the flexible pouch comprising a pouch wall configured to delay exposure of the second beverage ingredient to the precursor ingredient, wherein the pouch wall is configured to at least partially dissolve after exposure to the precursor ingredient and / or the first beverage component to allow for exposure of the second beverage ingredient to the precursor ingredient to form a second beverage component only after at least a portion of the first beverage component has been dispensed from the chamber.

2. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, wherein the flexible pouch is attached to a portion of the chamber.

3. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, wherein both the first beverage component and the second beverage component are configured to be formed within a 60 second beverage forming cycle.

4. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first beverage ingredient is a first powdered drink mix, and wherein the second beverage ingredient is a second powdered drink mix.

5. The beverage cartridge of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first powdered drink mix and the second powdered drink mix comprises a fruit flavoring.

6. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a guard disposed between the flexible pouch and a bottom of the beverage cartridge.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl7. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, wherein the beverage cartridge comprises a headspace height adjacent to the lid, wherein the headspace height is between 5% and 45% of a height of the beverage cartridge.

8. The beverage cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first beverage ingredient or second beverage ingredient comprises a pH between 2 pH and 4.6 pH.

9. A method of forming a beverage, the method comprising: introducing a precursor ingredient into a chamber of a beverage cartridge, the chamber containing a first beverage ingredient and a flexible pouch, the flexible pouch containing a second beverage ingredient; forming a first beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the first beverage ingredient; dispensing the first beverage component into a beverage receptacle; dissolving at least a portion of a pouch wall of the flexible pouch; forming a second beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the second beverage ingredient after dispensing at least a portion of the first beverage component into the beverage receptacle; and dispensing the second beverage component into the beverage receptacle.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of dispensing the first beverage component into the beverage receptacle forms a first layered region, and wherein the step of dispensing the second beverage component into the beverage receptacle forms a second layered region.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising dispensing the first beverage component and the second beverage component over ice.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein forming the beverage occurs in no more than 60 seconds.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first beverage component and second beverage component comprises a fruit flavoring.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl14. The method of claim 13, wherein both the first beverage component and the second beverage component comprises a fruit flavoring.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first beverage component and the second beverage component comprise substantially similar densities.

16. A method of forming a layered beverage, the method comprising: introducing a precursor ingredient into a main chamber of a beverage cartridge, the main chamber containing a first beverage ingredient; forming a first beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the first beverage ingredient; dispensing the first beverage component into a beverage receptacle to form a first layered region; dissolving a barrier between the main chamber and a secondary chamber of the beverage cartridge, the secondary chamber containing a second beverage ingredient; forming a second beverage component with the precursor ingredient and the second beverage ingredient after dispensing at least a portion of the first beverage component into the beverage receptacle; and dispensing the second beverage component into the beverage receptacle to form a second layered region; wherein at least one of the first beverage component or the second beverage component comprises a fruit flavoring.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising dispensing the first beverage component and the second beverage component over ice.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the layered beverage occurs in no more than 60 seconds.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx#14601375vl19. The method of claim 16, wherein the secondary chamber comprises a flexible pouch, and wherein dissolving the barrier between the main chamber and the secondary chamber comprises at least partially dissolving a pouch wall of the flexible pouch.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein both the first beverage component and the second beverage component comprise a fruit flavoring.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first beverage component and the second beverage component comprise substantially similar densities.K0502.70265WO00 Application(14601375.1).docx #14601375vl

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