A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.