I've experimented with making my own coffee pods using large tea bags and fresh ground coffee. No matter what grind I use the infusion takes too long and the oils don't make it out of the bag. Then again, I use a french press so everything else tastes like brown water anyway. As I understand it, Via has 1/2 ground coffee 1/2 instant, so you get some direct mixing of grounds/water. Trust me, I'm no fan of instant coffee. Even starbucks Via is a barely tolerable replacement.