What are vending powders for coffee machines?
Lily Hedley | January 5, 2026
If you’ve ever used a coffee machine in an office, you might have seen that some models have a hopper for powdered milk or hot chocolate.
Some coffee machines are designed to make steamed milk from fresh, liquid milk which has to be refrigerated. However, some machines are designed to make drinks from dry powders, which are stored in a hopper in the top of the machine.
The machine automatically measures out the right amount of powder per drink and mixes them with hot water. Most commonly, the powder hoppers are used for milk. Offices choose powdered milk because it’s low risk and low maintenance. It doesn’t make an ideal home for mould in the same way fresh milk does if the containers and tubes are not properly emptied out and cleaned each day. It also doesn’t need constant topping up throughout the day.
The hoppers can be filled with any kind of vending powder, and in this way you can expand and rotate your hot drinks menu.
What are vending powders?
Vending powders are specially formulated ingredients designed for use in instant or vending coffee machines. These powders are hydrolysed – meaning they dissolve easily in hot water.
The most common types of vending powders include:
- Milk powder
- Chocolate powder
- Specialty powders (e.g. chai)
What are specialty vending powders?
Outside of simply using a powder milk coffee machine to serve coffees, you can opt for something more exciting.
Many modern businesses choose to vary their offering, either by rotating the options on offer, or using multiple machines in an area to offer different options at the same time. With many popular trending drinks capturing people’s hearts, the sorts of drinks you can offer align with what’s trending.
For example, the familiar green matcha has made its way into offices across the country. Beverage companies have started to offer a fine, hydrolysed matcha that can be dispensed by powdered milk coffee machines.
The most popular use is to provide an option that mixes with espresso to create tasty drinks. For instance, offering hot chocolate powder allows users to create mochas. Or, offering chai allows users to create ‘dirty chais’.
Why do machines use vending powders?
There are a few reasons why vending powders are popular in certain settings:
Convenience
They’re easy to store and handle, with no need for refrigeration.
Consistency
Every cup tastes the same, which is ideal for high-volume environments.
Cost-effectiveness
They’re often more economical than fresh milk systems.
Low maintenance
Machines using powders are simpler to clean and maintain.
Are vending powders right for you?
If you’re looking for speed and simplicity, vending powders can be a great choice. They’re perfect for workplaces where drinks need to be served quickly and where space or cleaning time is limited.
Furthermore, if you value having a variety of options available for your staff, vending powders are the easiest way to shake up your menu with minimal effort.
However, if you want the authentic taste of fresh milk and whole bean coffee, a fresh milk coffee machine might be better suited. You can read more about the difference between fresh and powdered milk, and their performance in coffee here.
At FreshGround, we offer a range of machines to suit every need, whether you prefer the convenience of vending powders or the quality of fresh milk. If you’re not sure which option is right for your team, we’re here to help.