K-Cup Soup Packets Make Campbell's Soup in Keurig Coffee Pots
Campbell Soup Co. will soon offer K-cup soup packs so that hungry consumers can use their Keurig coffee machines to make soup.
Keurig machines were originally designed to make single-serve cups of coffee, which are brewed from packets called K-cups. According to Campbell's, they will soon sell K-cup soup packs which will be compatible with Green Mountain's Keurig machines. The K-cups will include a pack of broth. Users will use the Keurig to brew the broth over a serving of dry pasta and vegetables, also provided by Campbell.
"It's delicious soup at the touch of a button," Denise Morrison, Campbell Soup Co. CEO, said in an interview with the Associated Press.
Three different Campbell's flavors will be available, including Chicken Broth & Noodle.
According to Green Mountain, their machines will not be contaminated by the soup broth. Keurig machines are cleansed through brewing. Therefore, users will not have to worry about their coffee tasting like soup and vice versa.
Morrison introduced the idea to Green Mountain less than a year ago. Both Morrison and Kelley said that extensive consumer research was done on the K-Cup soups.
"Consumers told us we should put Campbell soup in these machines," Brian Kelley, Green Mountain CEO, said.
It has yet to be announced whether or not Green Mountain will be selling other brands of soup, such as General Mills' Progresso.
Nutritional facts for K-Cup soups are not yet available. According to a Campbell's representative, however, the soups will be considered snacks.
Lately, Campbell's, which is based in Camden, New Jersey, has been trying to appeal to people in their 20s and 30s in an effort to boost sales. For example, Campbell's started making portable "Go" soups that are microwavable and come in flavors like Moroccan Style Chicken.
Campbell's is trying to makes its way into higher-growth areas by adding variety to its packaged foods. In attempt to keep up with consumer desire for fresh and healthy foods, the soup company bought Bolthouse Farms, a juice company, and Plum Organics, a baby food company.
The soup makers also owns Prego, a pasta sauce company, and Pepperidge Farm, a cookie company.
In addition to coffee, Green Mountain also makes K-cups for hot chocolate and fruit drinks.