If you’ve been following me on Twitter, then you’ll know that I recently received a Bosch T45 Suprema brewbot from the kind folks at Tassimo Canada. A new coffeemaker wasn’t exactly on my Christmas wish list this year, but who am I to turn down a free brewer?
The idea behind these Tassimo machines
Whether you choose to drink coffee to control your snacking, stay awake through the working day, or even to fight dementia, it certainly helps when you can conveniently brew up a fresh cup in a matter of minutes. That’s the main appeal of the Tassimo system, after all: convenience and simplicity.
Based on my early experience with the machine, I find that the “shelf stable milk products” end up tasting somewhat buttery and rather salty. It’s almost like you’re making a cappuccino with buttermilk rather than, well, regular milk. I’m not completely sold on this system just yet and I still prefer the old-fashioned way of making a cup of coffee, but you can’t beat the convenience.
In any case, I’ve put up a couple of videos on YouTube: one is an unboxing and the other shows me making a cup of the Nabob cappuccino, the latter of which actually needs two separate t-discs used in tandem. If you’re reading this blog post in an RSS aggregator or via e-mail subscription, you will likely need to come to the original blog post to view the videos. Cheers.
In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that while I was provided with both the Brewbot and the starter t-disc packages by Tassimo Canada free of charge, I was not paid for this blog post (or the videos) and was not obligated to provide them with any coverage whatsoever.
I had been following you and Stephen going back and forth about the buttery taste. That just isn’t a selling point. Is it shelf stable dairy or is it a non-dairy product? If they are using a new shelf stable dairy then the chemical makeup is not right for using in a heated product. Non-dairy products have been around for a long time and they are much more true to taste.
No, it’s not a selling point. It just doesn’t taste right. I’m curious to try the hot chocolate to see if the “buttery” taste happens there too. I’ll have to check the label, but I think it’s shelf-stable dairy (Tassimo keeps saying they’re the only system that can handle milk products). That could probably explain the odd taste.
Here is the Borden Site’s info on their Shelf Stable milk.
Borden Shelpf Stable Milk FAQ’s
A few other sites that I checked mention that “Those high temperatures kill more than bad germs. A bunch of chemical reactions occur that change the flavor of the milk and occasionally impart off flavors.”
It’s because those high temperatures are 250-285 degrees F. Which is 90 to 125 degrees above normal pasteurization processes. I’m thinking that they are not using a name brand UHT shelf stable milk.
I second the salty milk, but I kinda like it. I must be weird.
I haven’t really noticed the salty taste, although I’ve yet to try one straight up – I’ve added sugar or vanilla syrup to every one of my latte and cappucino.
I agree the real meal deal is superior, but for the basis of convenience, the Tassimo pulls it off fine.
I haven’t tried that maker but have had this conversation recently. The only coffee maker I think is good at making a cappuccino is the Senseo, and for the money you really can not beat it.