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Tassimo
Tassimo
from Wikipedia
Tassimo
A 2013 Tassimo Joy machine
Product typeBeverages
OwnerJDE Peet's (except North America)
Kraft Heinz (North America)
CountryFrance
Introduced2004; 21 years ago (2004)
MarketsWorldwide
Previous ownersMondelez International
Websitetassimo.com

The Tassimo Hot Beverage System is a consumer single-serve coffee system that prepares one-cup servings of espresso, regular coffee, tea, hot chocolate and various other coffee drinks, notably those including milk such as latte or cappuccino. The brand is owned by JDE Peet's in most of the world and Kraft Heinz in North America.

History

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First introduced in France in 2004, Tassimo is now also available in Andorra, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia and the United Kingdom.

The machines were originally developed by Kraft Foods. The original machines were manufactured by Saeco and distributed by Braun. In early 2008, Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Braun, began phasing out sales of Braun kitchen appliances in North America.[1] In August 2008, it was announced the new generation of Tassimo machines would be manufactured by Bosch. At the same time, Kraft announced double-digit growth for the second quarter in a row for its Tassimo coffee T-Disc sales.

T-Discs

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Tassimo T-Discs

The Tassimo system utilizes proprietary non-reusable plastic beverage pods, called T-Discs, which are produced and distributed by JDE Peet's. A bar code on top of each T-Disc instructs the machine to use the proper brewing settings. It will then change the water temperature, the amount of water, and the brew time and strength. This allows the Tassimo pod maker to brew a variety of hot drinks: filtered style coffee, cappuccino, short espresso, tea, and hot chocolate. The brewing process takes between 30 and 60 seconds. Discs containing milk use UHT milk, not powdered milk, but are no longer available in the United States.

Tassimo T-Discs are currently offered under brands owned by JDE Peet's or Kraft Foods, including Gevalia, Maxwell House, Mastro Lorenzo, Nabob, Carte Noire, Jacobs, and Suchard. Not all brands are available in all markets (for example, Kraft-owned Nabob T-Discs are only available in Canada, while JDE-owned Kenco T-Discs are available in the British Isles). In some markets, Tassimo has entered into partnerships with third parties to market T-Discs from non-Kraft and non-JDE brands. In the United Kingdom, T-Discs with the Costa Coffee brand have been sold since September 2012. In Canada, T-Discs are sold under the coffee shop brands Second Cup, Tim Hortons, McCafé as well as private label supermarket brands like Irresistibles, Our Finest and President's Choice.[2][3][4]

Current machines

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Tassimo offers five models of single-cup coffee maker compatible with the "home-use" T-discs.[5] However the T46 and T65 are no longer offered for sale in the US. These models are the T20, T46, T47, T55 and T65.[6] While varying in price, colour, availability of filter/display they are functionally equivalent in that each maker will produce the same beverage from the same t-disc.

Tassimo machines T12, T47+ and T55+ were formerly sold in Canada.[5][7]

There is also a Tassimo Professional model designed for office and trade use. T DISCs designed for use in this model cannot be used in domestic Tassimo machines.[8]

Recall

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On 9 February 2012 about 900,000 in Canada and 835,000 coffee makers the United States were recalled after reports of the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto people.[9] Reports from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission say that there have been 140 reports on the maker, 37 of those cases involve second degree burns.[10] The commission has also recalled 4 million T-Discs over reports that they can burst while brewing.[11]

Customers who participated in the coffee maker recall were shipped a replacement component which will help prevent the contents of a defective T-Disc from spraying if the T-Disc bursts. The component was shipped free of charge, including instructions to allow customers to insert the new component themselves.[12]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tassimo is a single-serve hot beverage system designed for home use, featuring compact machines that brew , , hot chocolates, and other drinks using proprietary T-Disc pods equipped with barcodes for automated preparation. Developed by and first launched in in 2004, Tassimo quickly expanded across Europe and other markets, with early machines manufactured by partners like and before Bosch took over production in 2008 through a with . As of 2025, the brand is owned by outside and by in ; , a multinational and company formed from the merger of Jacobs and the business in 2020, continues to innovate on the system while emphasizing sustainability, including partnerships for pod recycling. In August 2025, announced its intention to acquire for approximately $18 billion, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2026. At the core of Tassimo's functionality is its Intellibrew™ technology, which scans the unique on each T-Disc to precisely control brewing parameters such as , , and flow rate, ensuring consistent results for over 70 drink varieties from premium brands. The system uses blends of and Robusta beans sourced globally, roasted and ground to specific profiles, and offers options from partners like , Jacobs, , , , and L'OR, catering to preferences from and lattes to iced drinks and herbal teas. Machines are energy-efficient with quick heat-up times, often under 60 seconds, and include features like removable tanks and auto shut-off for user convenience.

Introduction

Overview

Tassimo is a consumer single-serve hot beverage system that enables the preparation of , regular , , , and milk-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos through the use of proprietary T-Disc pods. The system is designed for convenience in home and office environments, delivering customized beverages at the touch of a button by reading barcodes on the T-Discs to adjust parameters automatically. Its basic components include a compact brewing machine, the T-Disc pods containing pre-measured ingredients, and a removable for easy refilling. Launched in 2004 in , Tassimo quickly expanded to markets across , followed by introductions in and the , and is now available in more than 20 countries worldwide. While it has achieved broad adoption in and , availability in the U.S. remains limited compared to dominant competitors. As a barcode-enabled pod system, Tassimo positions itself in the competitive single-serve coffee market alongside brands like and , highlighting its versatility for both hot coffee specialties and non-coffee options. Globally, the brand is owned by , except in where rights are retained by as of 2025.

Key Features

The Tassimo system employs Intellibrew technology, which uses a barcode on each T-Disc to automatically adjust brewing parameters including water temperature, volume, and brew time, ensuring optimal preparation for each drink without manual user input. This innovation allows for precise customization tailored to the specific beverage, enhancing consistency and flavor extraction across various types. Tassimo offers versatility with up to 70 drink varieties, encompassing black coffee, cappuccino, latte, espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and iced options like the Costa Caramel Iced Latte through compatible models and pods. The system supports a range of brands such as Costa, Kenco, and L'OR, providing diverse flavor profiles from robust Arabica-Robusta blends to decaffeinated and specialty drinks. Energy efficiency is integrated via an auto-shutoff feature that minimizes power consumption after inactivity, complemented by a compact design suitable for small kitchens with typical dimensions of approximately 29 cm in height and 23 cm in width. Additionally, eco-friendly practices include recyclable T-Discs in select markets through programs like Podback, which reduce waste compared to traditional brewing methods by using pre-portioned pods that limit excess grounds. The user-friendly interface features one-touch operation, where users simply insert a T-Disc, close the lid, and press the start button for a ready in under a minute, with compatibility for standard cup and mug sizes up to 8-12 ounces. This simplicity makes it accessible for daily use, requiring minimal setup or adjustments.

History

Development and Launch

Kraft Foods began developing the Tassimo single-serve hot beverage system in the early 2000s, aiming to address the increasing consumer demand for convenient, on-demand coffee and other beverages amid the rise of pod-based systems like Senseo's 2001 launch. The company partnered with Italian espresso machine manufacturer International Group for the initial machine design and production, resulting in a system that used proprietary T-Discs with embedded barcodes to control brewing variables such as temperature, volume, and flow rate. Tassimo made its market debut in in 2004 as "Tassimo by Kraft," with test marketing of the brewing machines and initial T-Disc varieties focused on , , , and . The launch strategy positioned Tassimo as a premium offering, highlighting its innovation for precise, automated preparation of multiple beverage types—extending beyond to include frothed options— to distinguish it from simpler pod competitors like . Following the French introduction, Tassimo expanded across Europe, becoming available in the and by 2005. The system reached the with a full rollout in fall 2005 and in 2006, supported by significant investment. By late 2007, over two million Tassimo brewers had been sold in seven countries, underscoring early international momentum.

Ownership Changes

In 2012, Kraft Foods underwent a major corporate restructuring through a spin-off, dividing the company into two independent entities: Mondelez International, focused on global snacks and confectionery, and Kraft Foods Group, centered on North American grocery operations. As part of this separation, the rights to the Tassimo brand were split, with Mondelez retaining international licensing and distribution responsibilities outside North America, while Kraft Foods Group held the rights for the U.S. and Canada. This division persisted until 2015, when Mondelez sold its coffee business, including the international Tassimo rights, to a formed with D.E Master Blenders 1753, creating Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE). The transaction, completed on July 2, 2015, transferred ownership of key coffee brands like Jacobs, Tassimo, and to JDE, positioning it as a leading pure-play coffee company. In , the rights remained with Group, which merged with H.J. Heinz Company later that year to form The Company, leading to distinct T-Disc branding and operations under that entity. Parallel to these ownership shifts, Tassimo's manufacturing evolved significantly. Initially produced by and distributed by from the brand's 2004 launch through 2008, production transitioned to Bosch in early 2008, which has since handled assembly primarily in . Under JDE's stewardship, Tassimo experienced renewed growth, with the company rebranding to in 2020 following its merger with . This facilitated broader market penetration, including expansions into starting around 2016 and further into Asian markets during the 2020s, enhancing product availability beyond traditional European strongholds while maintained focused North American licensing. In August 2025, announced an agreement to acquire for approximately $18 billion in an all-cash transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals and other conditions. Following the acquisition, KDP plans to separate into two independent companies, with the coffee business (including Tassimo outside ) forming a new global coffee entity. As of November 2025, the deal remains pending.

Technology

T-Disc System

The T-Disc system employs proprietary circular pods, sealed with foil lids, that contain precisely measured amounts of ground coffee, , or other ingredients like liquid milk for specialty beverages. These single-use discs are engineered to fit seamlessly into Tassimo machines, where the foil seal is punctured during to release the contents. Each T-Disc bears a unique on its top surface, which the machine scans to identify the pod type and initiate customized preparation parameters. The serves as the intelligent core of the system, encoding operational instructions that direct the to adjust key variables for ideal results. These include water volume, typically ranging from 30 to 250 ml to accommodate everything from shots to larger mugs; brewing temperature, set between 70°C and 95°C to preserve flavor profiles; and brew duration, generally up to 60 seconds for efficient extraction without over-brewing. This eliminates manual settings, allowing consistent replication of branded recipes across diverse drink types. T-Discs are produced by and its authorized partners, with manufacturing processes optimized for quality and convenience. For pods containing milk, ultra-filtration (UF) technology is applied to create a concentrated form that delivers creamy texture and taste without the cooked flavors associated with traditional UHT processing, while ensuring long-term shelf stability at without . This method maintains product integrity for up to several months, supporting the system's emphasis on ease of storage and use. Designed exclusively for Tassimo brewers, T-Discs feature a specialized and format that prevent compatibility with competing systems like or , safeguarding the proprietary Intellibrew technology. Since , the T-Disc system has evolved to address sustainability and inclusivity, with recyclable versions using mono-material plastics launched across to facilitate easier processing in streams, including participation in initiatives like Podback in the . By 2023, the lineup expanded to incorporate non-dairy milk alternatives, such as oat-based options for lattes from partners like , broadening accessibility for vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers while maintaining the barcode-driven customization; as of 2025, Podback has expanded with more drop-off points in UK stores.

Brewing Process

The brewing process in a Tassimo machine commences when the user fills the with fresh, cool and inserts a T-Disc into the designated compartment, ensuring the faces downward. Upon closing the lid, an integrated optical automatically scans the on the T-Disc, which encodes specific parameters including the required volume, , and duration tailored to the beverage type. This ensures precise customization without manual adjustments. The machine then activates its to raise the to the barcode-specified temperature, typically ranging from 70°C to 95°C for hot beverages and using hot for cleaning cycles. A propels the exact volume of heated through the pierced T-Disc under of up to 3.3 bars, facilitating efficient extraction of flavors, aromas, and crema from the pod's contents via a high-pressure method. This step-by-step minimizes user intervention and optimizes extraction for consistent results. For more complex beverages such as lattes or cappuccinos in compatible models, the process employs multi-stage , where the first processes a milk-based T-Disc to dispense frothed , then prompts the user to insert and brew a subsequent or T-Disc, combining the components seamlessly in the . Once extraction concludes, the finished drink dispenses directly into a positioned via the outlet, while the spent T-Disc is automatically ejected into an internal holder for easy disposal. Newer models incorporate an automatic rinse cycle post-, flushing the system with water to minimize residue accumulation, particularly after milk-based drinks. Overall, the process delivers a beverage in approximately 30 to , depending on the drink volume and complexity, with the machine operating at a of around 1300–1400 watts for during the cycle.

Products

Machines

Tassimo machines are single-serve pod coffee brewers manufactured by Bosch, designed to prepare a variety of hot beverages using proprietary T-Discs through the Intellibrew™ system, which reads barcodes on the discs to adjust brewing parameters automatically. These compact appliances cater to home users with features emphasizing ease of use, such as one-button operation and automatic cleaning cycles. As of 2025, the lineup focuses on energy-efficient models with customizable options in premium variants, while maintaining compatibility across all T-Discs for consistent . Current models also include the TAS1002 Happy, a basic entry-level machine with a 0.7 L tank, and the Vivy 2, a compact option with similar specs to the Suny. Current models include the TAS6002, known as the , which uses T-Discs with milk for preparing creamy drinks like lattes; the TAS3102, branded as Suny, a compact entry-level option ideal for small kitchens; and the TAS6507, known as the 2, which features sensor-touch controls for personalizing drink settings like intensity, volume, and temperature. All models are produced by Bosch and share core specifications, including capacities ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 liters, power ratings of 1300 to 1500 watts, and compact dimensions typically between 25-37 cm in height, 17-40 cm in width, and 16-27 cm in depth to fit standard countertops. Key features vary by model: the offers adjustable drip trays for taller cups and an IntensityBoost function for stronger brews, while the 2 allows customization of brewing parameters. These specifications ensure quick heat-up times under 60 seconds and energy-efficient operation with auto shut-off.
ModelWater TankPowerDimensions (H x W x D, cm)Notable Features
0.7 L1400 W36.6 x 26.5 x 15.7Adjustable tray, IntensityBoost
TAS3102 (Suny)0.8 L1300 W25.1 x 16.7 x 30.5Compact design, easy-fill tank
TAS6507 ()1.3 L1500 W31.0 x 40.0 x 26.5Sensor-touch controls for personalization
Discontinued models from the early , such as the T20 and T46, represented initial iterations with basic functionality but lacked modern barcode precision and larger tanks found in later designs. Subsequent models like the T55 and T65, introduced in the , were phased out in by 2020 due to evolving consumer preferences toward more customizable appliances, though they remain functional with legacy T-Discs where available. The professional variant, suited for environments with its 1.3-liter capacity and high-volume brewing, continues to be offered in for commercial settings. Regional availability differs significantly: in , the full lineup is distributed through , providing access to all current models via official channels. In contrast, the U.S. and markets, managed by , offer only basic models with limited stock, reflecting reduced emphasis on expansion in . Entry-level machines typically retail for €50 to €100, making them accessible for budget-conscious consumers.

T-Discs

Tassimo T-Discs are proprietary single-serve pods containing pre-measured ingredients for brewing a variety of hot beverages in compatible machines. They feature partnerships with owned brands such as Jacobs, Carte Noire, L'OR, and , alongside licensed collaborations including in the UK since 2012, in Canada, and in the U.S. The available drink categories encompass coffees like , Americano, and ; teas including green and herbal varieties; hot chocolates such as and options; and milk-based drinks like and . As of 2025, Tassimo offers more than 80 varieties across these categories from over 15 brands, providing options for different intensities, origins, and flavor profiles. T-Discs are packaged in sets of 8 to 16 pods, typically priced between €3 and €6 per pack depending on the variety and region, with larger bundles available for bulk purchases. Subscription services through tassimo.com in allow for recurring deliveries with discounts up to 40% on the and 30% thereafter, enabling customization of and selections. Special editions include seasonal flavors like holiday blends introduced in 2024, decaf versions across coffee lines, and low-calorie variants such as the Costa Skinny . These limited releases often tie into festive themes or health-focused preferences. Ingredients in T-Discs emphasize quality and , with 97% of sourced responsibly in as of 2023 under schemes like the Global Coffee Platform, aiming for 100% by 2025. Milk-containing pods use UHT-processed liquid milk for a fresh taste without powder, available globally except in the U.S. where they were discontinued in 2018.

Issues

Recalls

In February 2012, BSH Home Appliances Corporation recalled approximately 1.7 million Tassimo single-cup brewers, including 835,000 units in the United States and 900,000 in , due to a burn hazard caused by the T Discs bursting and spraying hot liquid, grounds, or leaves onto users. The recall followed 140 reported incidents, including 37 cases of second-degree burns, with one notable injury involving a 10-year-old girl hospitalized for facial and neck burns. Affected models included Bosch-branded Tassimo brewers with model codes starting with FD8806, FD8807, or FD8808, and Tassimo Professional brewers with codes FD9002, FD9003, or FD9004. Consumers were advised to stop using the devices immediately and contact the company for a free replacement T Disc holder to address the faulty mechanism. In the same month, Kraft Foods Global Inc. recalled about 4 million packages of Tassimo T Discs—2.1 million in the United States and 1.9 million in —manufactured in , after reports of the pods clogging, bursting, and ejecting hot liquid and coffee grounds. This action came after 21 incidents, including four second-degree burn injuries, such as a case involving a 2-year-old child in suffering facial burns. The affected products included , , and varieties with specific production codes dated between April 2011 and January 2012. Kraft offered full refunds to consumers who returned the recalled T Discs via mail. These recalls were overseen by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC Recall 12-106) and , with no fatalities reported in any incidents. While the machine recall was limited to and did not extend to where models were deemed safe, the events prompted design modifications in subsequent Tassimo brewers, such as updated T Disc holders to prevent bursting.

Regional Discontinuations

Tassimo's market presence is primarily concentrated in , with strong support in countries such as the and through official channels managed by . In , the brand faces significant challenges, including the absence of an official U.S. website and reliance on third-party sellers like Amazon for machines and T-Discs, with no new machine models introduced since 2020. Milk-based T-Discs, which use UHT milk for frothy beverages, are no longer produced for the U.S. market and are only available as imports, limiting options for and cappuccino-style drinks. In , availability is restricted, with products offered through select retailers like but subject to intermittent stock issues and no dedicated Tassimo support infrastructure. Outside Europe, Tassimo's coverage remains incomplete. The brand withdrew from broader Australian distribution around 2022 amid intense competition from and local pod systems, now limited to imported stock via online platforms. In , penetration is minimal, confined to select markets like where T-Discs and machines are sold through e-commerce sites such as Amazon Japan, without widespread retail presence or localized . Contributing factors to these regional gaps include supply chain disruptions following the from 2020 to 2022, which affected global pod production and logistics for brands, alongside rising costs for single-use T-Discs and growing consumer preference for reusable coffee alternatives. As of November 2025, continues to receive full product support and innovation via , with tassimo.com actively offering machines, T-Discs, and subscriptions. In contrast, North American consumers depend on secondary markets, highlighting ongoing support limitations. In August 2025, announced an $18 billion acquisition of , expected to close in the first half of 2026, which will combine portfolios and create a "Global Coffee Co." potentially addressing North American expansion, though specific plans for Tassimo remain unclear.

References

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