People with a Nespresso Original machine
You’re looking for capsules to make a bold espresso without changing machines. Check that each box is marked Nespresso Original: Lavazza and Carte Noire specify this for the relevant Intenso products.
Who are these formats for?
People keeping an eye on how much they buy
You want to choose a pack that suits your usual consumption. The capsule count and net weight help you tell apart two packs that look similar.
People set up to make coffee from beans
You have a bean-to-cup machine or a grinder and are happy to adjust the way you prepare your coffee. Lavazza offers its Espresso Barista Intenso beans for espresso or moka, for example.
What should you check before buying?
Identify your brewing system before choosing a bold coffee. If you buy regularly, choose a pack size you can store properly and use in good time.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Machine and format | Check the exact system specified for the capsules: Nespresso Original, illy Iperespresso or Dolce Gusto. For beans, make sure you have suitable equipment. | If my machine only takes one capsule system, I want to avoid buying a box I can’t use. Around 40% of consumers put compatibility at the top of their list of needs. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and, for capsules, the number of units. Choose a pack size that suits how often you drink coffee. | For my usual shop, I prefer a pack I can use without building up a stockpile. This would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Flavour profile | Compare the tasting notes and roast descriptions. Check the intensity rating on each brand’s own scale, without treating it as a measure of caffeine content. | Above all, I’m looking for an espresso with bold notes that suit my taste. Around 30% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing capsules based on the word ‘espresso’ alone
illy Intenso capsules are designed for illy Iperespresso machines, while Lavazza Espresso Maestro Intenso and Carte Noire Espresso Intense N°9 are marked as compatible with Nespresso Original.
Make a note of your machine’s exact system before you shop, then look for that wording on the box.
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Confusing intensity with caffeine content
Brands use different intensity scales to describe their coffees. A higher number on one scale doesn’t tell you the caffeine content or allow you to compare two brands directly.
To choose a flavour, look at the roast and tasting notes rather than relying on the intensity rating alone.
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Buying a large pack without planning how much you’ll use
A large pack is only useful if you can use it and store it according to the instructions on the packaging. ADEME recommends choosing a quantity that suits your household’s consumption to avoid waste.
If you’re trying a product for the first time, start with a small pack before buying more.
Brands to know
These products illustrate different formats and flavour profiles. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that every product from each brand will work with your machine.
Lavazza
The brand offers Espresso Maestro Intenso capsules for Nespresso Original, as well as Espresso Barista Intenso beans.
- Lavazza rates Espresso Maestro Intenso 11/13 and describes it as having woody and cocoa notes. Its Espresso Barista Intenso beans are rated 9/10 and are intended for espresso or moka.
- Espresso Maestro Intenso capsules are designed for Nespresso Original, not other capsule systems.
illy
Intenso capsules are for people who already have an illy Iperespresso machine.
- illy describes its Intenso as a 100% Arabica coffee, rated 7/9 on its own scale, with notes of cocoa and dried fruit.
- These capsules are specified for illy Iperespresso machines only.
Carte Noire
Espresso Intense N°9 is a capsule product compatible with Nespresso Original.
- Carte Noire describes it as a pure Arabica with a dark roast and smoky notes, rated 9/13 on its intensity scale.
- The stated compatibility is with Nespresso Original; its 9/13 rating cannot be directly compared with other brands’ scales.
Carrefour Selection
Espresso Forte Intensité 9 comes in a box of 40 capsules, with a net weight of 208 g.
- Carrefour gives it an intensity rating of 9 and states that it is compatible with the Nespresso machines listed on its product page.
- Check your machine’s exact system before choosing this larger pack.
Auchan
The retailer offers Nespresso-compatible Espresso Intense capsules in a box of 20, weighing 104 g.
- Auchan gives these capsules an intensity rating of 10/12 and recommends storing them away from heat and moisture.
- The 10/12 rating applies to this product; it isn’t a scale shared by all brands.
Plantation / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
The range includes Intense x30 aluminium capsules and Espresso Forte x16 capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto.
- These pack sizes let you choose according to the quantity you need and the brewing system specified.
- Intense x30 capsules and Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules should not be treated as interchangeable.
Bold espressos available on Joybuy
This selection includes capsules for different systems and whole-bean coffees. First choose a format that works with your equipment, then compare pack sizes and flavour descriptions.
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STARBUCKS Espresso Roast Nespresso, 10 capsules
A capsule format for anyone looking for a roasted espresso. Check that it’s compatible with your exact machine before buying.
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NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Espresso Napoli, 16 capsules
Worth considering if you use a Dolce Gusto machine and want espresso capsules. This format won’t work in machines that take a different capsule system.
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Lavazza Intenso, 10 capsules compatible with Nespresso Original
For Nespresso Original machines and anyone who prefers Intenso espresso in capsules. Joybuy’s description for this product specifies compatibility; check your machine’s system.
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KIMBO INTENSO whole-bean coffee, 12/13, 1 kg
Make espresso from whole beans using a suitable machine or grinder. The 12/13 intensity rating is the one given for this product, which comes in a 1 kg bag.
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KIMBO BARISTA INTENSO whole-bean coffee, 12/13, 1 kg
Another whole-bean option for use with suitable equipment. It has a stated intensity rating of 12/13 and comes in a 1 kg bag; make sure this pack size suits your consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high intensity rating mean more caffeine?
No. The intensity rating alone doesn’t tell you the caffeine content. illy, Carte Noire and Auchan use different scales; check the product information if caffeine content matters to you.
How can I avoid buying capsules that won’t fit my machine?
Look for the exact name of your machine’s system on the box. illy states that its Intenso capsules are for Iperespresso machines only, while Carte Noire Espresso Intense N°9 and Lavazza Espresso Maestro Intenso are specified for Nespresso Original.
Is a large pack of capsules suitable for your regular shop?
Yes, if the quantity suits your consumption and you can follow the storage instructions on the packaging. ADEME recommends buying larger packs only when the quantity is right for your consumption, to avoid waste.
Where should you dispose of used capsules in France?
According to ADEME, aluminium or plastic capsules should go in the recycling bin, bag or container for packaging. Check what your capsules are made of before sorting them.