Stretchable beverage cartridges and methods

A method of preparing a single serving of a beverage, the method comprising:

• providing a cartridge for insertion into a single-serve beverage machine, the cartridge comprising:
• a body portion having a sidewall;
• a first filter element coupled with a first end of the body portion, the first filter element being generally planar;
• a second filter element coupled with a second end of the body portion, the second filter element being generally planar;
• a chamber defined by the body portion, the first filter element, and the second filter element;
• and
• a beverage component or precursor positioned in the chamber;
• extending a tamping head of the machine into the chamber of the cartridge, thereby deforming the first filter element into a non-planar configuration;
• compressing the beverage component or precursor in the cartridge;
• introducing liquid through the first filter element and into communication with the beverage component or precursor to form a beverage;
• and
• dispensing the beverage through the second filter element.

A single-serve beverage cartridge comprising:

• a generally hollow body portion comprising a chamber, a sidewall, a first end, and a second end, the first end having a radially outwardly extending lip, the second end having a radially inwardly extending flange;
• a beverage component or precursor positioned in the chamber;
• a first filter element joined with the first end of the hollow body portion, the first filter element configured to allow passage of liquid therethrough;
• and
• a second filter element joined with the second end of the hollow body portion, the second filter element configured to allow passage of liquid therethrough.