Methods are described for creating shapes for the frozen liquid contents stored within single- serve pods used in dispensing machines for products such as coffee. Shapes may include freezing a liquid held statically in the pod in various orientations. Methods may include freeze/thaw/refreeze strategies, freezing the liquid while the pod is spinning or tumbling, use of preforms from molds, preforms made with probes, and/or use of preforms that have been formed by extrusion or pressing. In some embodiments, a shape is produced that does not interfere with the entrance of entrance or exit needles projected into the pod by the dispenser and shapes that do not interfere with the flow of a melting/diluting liquid during its transit from entrance to exit needle.
