Iced latte cost $9.53: Could Keurig’s plastic-free Alta make better financial sense at $500?

A machine for several drinks

The Alta brews coffee and espresso from AltaRounds, portions of ground coffee covered with a plant-based coating. Keurig told NBC News the coating ingredient is seaweed. The machine also works with regular K-Cup pods and has a built-in milk frother.

The tester liked its appearance and the option to make coffee, espresso and milk drinks in one appliance. Used AltaRounds sat in the waste bin for several days without visible mold; the bin separates the rounds from draining water. The test lasted three weeks and included comparisons with other coffee makers.

Estimating each latte’s cost

After a year of daily use, the estimated price per latte—including the machine, coffee and milk—is about $4.50, or $4.14 with a subscription. The estimate assumes both shot sizes are available and can be selected for the four-box starter offer.

Space and price trade-offs

At $499.99, the machine may suit people who already enjoy Keurig coffee, will regularly use its espresso and frother, and expect it to replace coffee-shop purchases. The tester was less convinced it was worth the price for someone seeking only a better-tasting basic Keurig cup.

Lavazza’s Tablì Espresso Machine is listed at $129.99 and makes espresso, lungo and double espresso with compressed coffee tabs. It requires a separate frother for milk drinks and accepts only Tablì Tabs; with both tanks attached, it measured about four inches shallower than the Alta.