Fans of very bold coffee
You’re looking for a cup with pronounced notes for your afternoon treat, such as roasted, cocoa or spicy flavours. Some guests may love this taste, but it won’t suit everyone.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts mindful of caffeine
Your guests have different habits, and you’d like to give them a choice of coffee or another drink. Anses points out that caffeine can disrupt sleep, and its effects vary from person to person.
Shoppers limited by the machine they have
You need to find a format that works with the machine: Nespresso® Original capsules, A Modo Mio capsules, soft coffee pods and ground coffee aren’t interchangeable.
What should you look for?
Check the machine system before comparing flavour profiles. If you’re serving several guests, make sure you offer a choice that isn’t limited to bold espresso.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Bold flavour | Check the stated tasting notes and roast level. Compare intensity ratings within the same range rather than across different brands. | If my guests enjoy a full-flavoured cup, I want to choose its aromas without imposing it on everyone; around 40% of consumers prioritise this flavour profile. |
| Caffeine sensitivity | Ask whether anyone would rather avoid coffee and have a decaffeinated or caffeine-free option ready. Don’t infer caffeine content from the intensity rating. | If the afternoon treat is late or a guest is limiting their caffeine, I want them to have another drink to choose from; around 40% of consumers prioritise this precaution over a bold flavour. |
| Compatible format | Check the machine system and make sure you know which type of capsule, pod or coffee it accepts. | With a machine already available, I need to be able to make the drinks without buying the wrong format; around 20% of consumers prioritise compatibility first. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing extra-strong espresso for every guest
A very bold cup suits a particular taste preference, not everyone’s habits. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the length or quality of sleep. Its effects vary, including according to a person’s health and consumption habits.
Offer intense espresso to guests who want it, and keep a decaffeinated or caffeine-free drink available.
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Comparing intensity ratings directly
Carte Noire gives Espresso Intense No.9 a rating of 9/13, Lavazza rates A Modo Mio Intenso 13/13 and illy gives its ground Espresso Intenso a rating of 7/9. These brand-specific scales don’t let you compare caffeine content.
When choosing a flavour, also check the tasting notes and product type, and use the intensity rating as a guide within the relevant range.
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Buying capsules before checking the machine
Carte Noire Espresso Intense No.9 capsules are stated to be compatible with Nespresso® Original; Lavazza A Modo Mio Intenso uses a different system. A soft coffee pod won’t work in either of these systems.
Check the system name on the machine before you shop, then choose a bold profile from the products that are compatible.
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Leaving a packet open for too long
Storage instructions vary by product and packaging. Auchan advises sealing its intense espresso pods tightly and storing them in a cool, dry place after opening.
Choose a pack size that suits the number of afternoon treats you’re planning, and follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
Brands to consider for bold espresso
Lavazza
The range includes A Modo Mio Intenso capsules, designed for A Modo Mio machines.
- Lavazza gives this product an intensity rating of 13/13, with cocoa and spice notes, and recommends an espresso serving of 25 to 35 ml.
- It requires an A Modo Mio machine, and its 13/13 rating can’t be directly compared with another brand’s scale.
illy
illy Espresso Intenso is ground coffee to prepare using a machine that accepts this format.
- illy describes this product as having an intensity of 7/9, with notes of cocoa and dried fruit.
- You’ll need equipment suitable for ground coffee. Once opened, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers Espresso Intense No.9 capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original.
- The brand gives this product an intensity rating of 9/13, with a dark roast and roasted notes.
- Compatibility is for Nespresso® Original; the 9/13 rating doesn’t indicate caffeine content.
Bold espressos available on Joybuy
These products offer several ways to make coffee described as intense: capsules for specific systems, Senseo pods and ground coffee. Choose according to your machine first, then consider the profile your guests are looking for.
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STARBUCKS Espresso Roast Nespresso, 10 capsules
Worth considering if you’re looking for capsules with a bold espresso profile for a Nespresso® Original machine. Check your machine system before buying.
Stated format: 10 capsules. The product name doesn’t tell you its caffeine content.
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Lavazza A Modo Mio Intenso, 16 capsules
For an A Modo Mio machine and guests who enjoy a very bold espresso. This format won’t automatically work with other systems.
Lavazza gives A Modo Mio Intenso an intensity rating of 13/13. The pack contains 16 capsules; the intensity rating doesn’t indicate caffeine content.
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Carte Noire Espresso Intense No.9, 10 aluminium capsules
An option for those who enjoy roasted notes, provided you have a machine compatible with Nespresso® Original.
Carte Noire gives Espresso Intense No.9 an intensity rating of 9/13. The box contains 10 aluminium capsules; the rating doesn’t indicate caffeine content.
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Carte Noire Senseo Espresso No.8, 36 pods
Consider this if your machine accepts Senseo pods and your guests would like a full-flavoured espresso.
The pack contains 36 pods. Check which format your machine accepts: these pods won’t work as Nespresso® Original or A Modo Mio capsules.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso ground coffee, 2 × 250 g
For making coffee with a stated intense profile using a machine that accepts ground coffee. Check that your machine is suitable before choosing this format.
Stated pack size: two 250 g packs. Buy an amount that suits the afternoon treats you have planned, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging once opened.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high intensity rating mean more caffeine?
No, the rating alone isn’t enough to establish caffeine content. Carte Noire, Lavazza and illy use different scales here, giving the products described ratings of 9/13, 13/13 and 7/9 respectively. Check the caffeine information separately if it matters to your guests.
Why offer a caffeine-free drink with an afternoon treat?
It gives guests who prefer to avoid caffeine another option, particularly if you’re serving your afternoon treat late in the day. According to Anses, caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the length or quality of sleep; individual reactions vary.
How can you avoid choosing the wrong espresso format?
Check which system your machine accepts before you buy. Carte Noire Espresso Intense No.9 comes in capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original, while Lavazza A Modo Mio Intenso uses the A Modo Mio system. Soft coffee pods and ground coffee each require equipment suited to their respective formats.
How should you store coffee or pods after opening?
Follow the instructions on the relevant pack and seal it carefully. Auchan recommends storing its intense espresso pods in a cool, dry place after opening; illy advises protecting its ground Espresso Intenso coffee from light and heat.