In the world of single-cup coffee, the standard rectangular drip coffee bag has dominated for years. It’s convenient, familiar, and effective.

But as the specialty coffee market matures, roasters are beginning to think: How can we stand out? Perhaps more importantly: How can we make the single-cup coffee experience feel less like a quick fix and more like a high-end ritual?

Introducing the UFO drip coffee filter.

If you’ve noticed upscale cafes and specialty coffee roasters across Asia and Europe starting to use this unique disc-shaped filter paper, you’re not alone. This article will detail this innovative packaging format and why it could be the perfect upgrade for your next product launch.

So, what exactly is it?
UFO filters (sometimes also called “circular drip bags” or “disc filters”) get their name from their shape. Unlike standard square filter bags that hang inside a cup, UFO filters have a circular design, with their rigid paper structure fixed above the rim of the cup.

It looks a bit like a flying saucer landing on your cup—hence the name.

But this shape is not just for aesthetics. It solves a specific functional problem inherent in traditional drip bags.

“Immersion” Problem and UFO Solution
We like standard hooded earmuffs, but they have one limitation: depth.

When customers brew standard drip coffee bags in a shallow cup, the bottom of the bag is often submerged in the coffee. This changes the brewing method from “pour-over” to “immersion” (soaking). While this isn’t inherently bad, if the bag is soaked in the liquid for too long, it can sometimes lead to over-extraction or a cloudy taste.

The UFO filter solves this problem. Because it sits flat on the rim of the cup, the coffee grounds are suspended above the liquid. Water flows through the coffee grounds and drips down, ensuring a true pour-over extraction. The filter never comes into contact with the brewed coffee.

This separation preserves the pure, bright flavor and perfectly matches your expectations for the baked flavor.

Why are bakeries switching to UFO filters?
1. Fits virtually all containers. One of the biggest drawbacks of standard drip bags is that the paper tabs are difficult to secure to wide-mouthed mugs or thick ceramic cups. The UFO water filter uses larger, unfolded cardboard supports that can be securely attached to cups of various sizes, from narrow-mouthed insulated mugs to wide-mouthed camping cups.

2. High-end “Gift” Aesthetics: Frankly, appearance is crucial. The UFO shape is visually striking, exuding a high-tech and modern feel, a stark contrast to the ordinary square packaging commonly found in supermarkets. For brands creating holiday gift boxes or high-end tasting sets, this packaging format immediately conveys a higher sense of value to consumers.

3. Enhanced Aroma: Because the filter is located at the rim of the cup rather than inside, steam and aroma are released more effectively upwards during brewing. Customers can smell the rich aroma while pouring the coffee, enjoying sensory pleasure even before sipping it.

Manufacturing and Materials
Tonchant’s UFO filters are manufactured using food-grade ultrasonic sealing technology—without the use of any glue or adhesive.

Filter screen: Made of non-woven fabric or biodegradable material to ensure stable water flow.

Support structure: Sturdy food-grade cardboard, designed to withstand the weight of water and coffee grounds without collapsing.

Is a UFO filter suitable for your brand?
If you’re positioning your brand as an affordable everyday option, then the standard rectangular drip bag remains the most cost-effective choice.

However, if you’re a specialty coffee roaster selling high-scoring Geisha coffee, micro-lots, or targeting a consumer group that values ​​design and ritual, then the UFO filter cup is a powerful differentiator. It conveys the message to your customers: “This is more than just instant coffee; it’s a brewing extravaganza.”

How to get started
You don’t need to completely overhaul the entire facility to try this model.

At Tonchant, we offer full support to bakers. Whether you’re using manual packaging or have compatible machinery, we can provide empty UFO filter bags. If you’re looking to scale up production, we also offer fully automated packaging machines specifically designed to meet the unique shape and sealing requirements of UFO bags.

Want to elevate your single-cup coffee experience? Contact the Tonchant team today to request samples of our UFO drip filters and see how they perform on your favorite cup.