Beverage cartridge

A capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient. The capsule comprising a first section (55) and a second section (56) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprises a pre-formed inlet for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. The capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.