According to Nestlé, capsules have been produced since 1970 and were patented in 1976. Today, there are many different capsule systems, some more common than others, and they are mostly limited to specific brands of coffee machines. They typically contain the amount of coffee grounds needed for one cup and are therefore considered single-use products. To use capsules, you need a special machine. Aside from the additional waste and packaging material, capsules offer many advantages, especially for occasional coffee drinkers. You can store your capsules for a long time and prepare your coffee quickly and easily.