Campers bringing a coffee machine
You want to make a full-bodied espresso using your capsule or pod machine. Check its exact system before buying coffee, then make sure you’ll be able to use the machine at the campsite.
Who is this guide for?
Campers who make coffee by hand
You’re bringing a grinder and a suitable coffee maker, such as a moka pot. Whole beans let you choose the grind to suit your equipment, but you’ll need to carry and use the kit too.
People keeping an eye on their caffeine intake
You’re looking for a full-bodied taste and don’t want to choose your coffee based on the word ‘intense’ alone. This describes a flavour profile, but it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup.
What should you check before setting off?
Start with the equipment you’re actually taking: a coffee’s flavour won’t make up for a format you can’t use. Once you’ve identified the system, choose the taste profile you want and plan how to store the coffee and dispose of waste during your stay.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment and pitch | Identify your machine’s system, or the equipment you’ll need for beans. Check the campsite rules on using your kit. | If I’m bringing a machine, I want to avoid arriving with portions that don’t fit or equipment I can’t use on my pitch; around 42% of consumers would put this practical consideration first. |
| Flavour and cup size | Compare intensity ratings within the same range and check the recommended cup volume. For its compatible Intenso capsules, illy recommends 25 to 40 ml. | For a small cup with a pronounced flavour, I’d focus on the taste profile rather than comparing ratings between brands; around 33% of consumers would make a full-bodied taste their top priority. |
| Storage and waste | Follow the storage instructions on the pack and check where to dispose of used portions. Compostable doesn’t necessarily mean suitable for home composting. | For a stay of several days, I want to keep my coffee in good condition and know what to do with used pods; around 17% of consumers would put this practical aspect first. |
| Caffeine | Don’t infer caffeine content from flavour intensity. If caffeine content matters to your choice, look for information specific to the product you’re considering. | If I’m mindful of caffeine’s effects, a strong taste doesn’t tell me enough about what’s in my cup; around 8% of consumers would put this consideration first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘intense’ means more caffeine
An intensity rating can help you choose a flavour profile, but it won’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup. ANSES notes that caffeine can affect sleep, among other things.
If caffeine matters to your decision, look for information specific to the coffee you’re buying rather than relying on its intensity rating.
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Buying capsules before checking your machine
Nespresso Original, illy Iperespresso and Lavazza A Modo Mio are different systems; an ESE pod isn’t a substitute for a capsule either. A coffee’s full-bodied taste tells you nothing about whether it’s compatible.
Make a note of your machine’s model or system, then check what’s stated on each pack.
Portions in the wrong format won’t work with the machine you’ve brought.
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Assuming ‘compostable’ means ‘safe to leave in nature’
Lavazza says its Espresso Italiano Intenso pods must not be put in home compost, a garden or the natural environment: they need to be composted through a suitable industrial facility.
Check the instructions for the product you buy and keep used portions until you can dispose of them through the appropriate facility.
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Relying on a coffee machine or camping stove without checking with the campsite
The campsite rules and any restrictions on heat sources may affect how you make your coffee. CampingFrance says some restrictions vary depending on the location, season and conditions.
Ask the campsite what you’re allowed to use on your pitch before choosing which format to bring.
Without checking first, you could end up carrying an appliance you’re not allowed to use on your pitch.
Brands to consider by format
These ranges give you a guide to format and flavour. Check compatibility for the specific product, rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Lavazza
Beans, pods and capsules for different systems: choose a format to suit the equipment you’re taking.
- Lavazza rates its Espresso Barista Intenso whole beans 9/10 on its intensity scale, and recommends them for espresso or moka pot preparation.
- A Modo Mio Intenso capsules are made for the A Modo Mio system. For its Espresso Italiano Intenso pods, the brand rules out home composting and disposal in nature.
illy
Intenso products are available in several capsule systems, but sharing a name doesn’t make them interchangeable.
- illy recommends a cup size of 25 to 40 ml for its compatible Intenso capsules.
- illy Iperespresso Intenso capsules are only for illy Iperespresso machines, so check the system shown on the box.
Carte Noire
The brand offers, among other products, capsules for Nespresso Original machines and pods to the ESE standard.
- Carte Noire describes Espresso Intense N°9 as a capsule compatible with Nespresso Original, with an intensity rating of 9/13 on its scale.
- ESE pods and Nespresso Original capsules require different equipment.
Carrefour
A range of Nespresso-compatible capsules to check product by product before you set off.
- Carrefour classifies its Nespresso-compatible capsules according to criteria such as intensity and origin.
- Check the system shown on the product you choose rather than assuming all the retailer’s capsules will work with your machine.
E.Leclerc / Plantation
The Plantation range includes coffee in both capsule and pod formats.
- E.Leclerc offers Plantation capsules labelled ‘espresso forte’, among other products.
- For a Plantation product, E.Leclerc recommends checking availability with the relevant store, so confirm before relying on it for your trip.
Auchan
A range of intense espresso capsules for people with a compatible machine.
- Auchan gives its intense espresso capsules, which are listed as Nespresso-compatible, an intensity rating of 10/12.
- This rating doesn’t apply to other capsule systems, so check which one your machine uses.
Coffee available on Joybuy
These products cover two ways to enjoy a full-bodied coffee during your stay: whole beans to grind with your own equipment, and capsules to match to the machine you’re bringing. For every capsule, check the system on the packaging before you buy.
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STARBUCKS Espresso Roast, 10 Nespresso capsules
Consider these if you’re bringing a machine that uses this capsule system and can use it at the campsite.
- Box of 10 capsules, according to the product name.
- Check your machine’s exact system before setting off.
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KIMBO Barista Espresso Napoli, whole beans, 1 kg
These whole beans are a good choice if you’re planning to bring a grinder and suitable coffee-making equipment.
- Intensity shown in the product name: 10/13.
- 1 kg pack; bring something to keep the beans dry.
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GIMOKA Espresso Deciso, 16 Dolce Gusto capsules
Choose these if you have a compatible Dolce Gusto machine that you’ll be able to use on your pitch.
- 16 capsules, 112 g, according to the product name.
- Not a substitute for capsules designed for another system.
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CARTE NOIRE Espresso Intenso N°9, 60 capsules
If you’re considering these capsules for your camping trip, take particular care to check the system shown on the packaging before choosing them.
- Pack of 60 capsules, according to the product name.
- The product name also includes the word ‘Dolce’: don’t assume they’re compatible with your machine without checking the box.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso, whole beans, 1 kg
This format is for people bringing a grinder and a suitable coffee maker rather than a capsule machine.
- 1 kg pack of whole coffee beans.
- Bring the equipment you need to grind the beans and make coffee during your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ‘intense’ espresso necessarily contain more caffeine?
No. Intensity describes the flavour, not the amount of caffeine in a cup. If this matters to you, look for information specific to the product; ANSES notes that caffeine’s effects, including on sleep, vary from person to person.
Can you take any intense capsule camping?
No. The capsule must match the system used by the machine you’re bringing. illy Iperespresso capsules are only for Iperespresso machines, while Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules use a different system. Also check that you’ll be able to use the machine at the campsite.
How should you store coffee during your stay?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the product you’ve chosen. For its Iperespresso Intenso capsules, illy recommends keeping them in a dry, clean, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Can you use a coffee machine or camping stove on your pitch?
Check the campsite rules and ask which equipment you’re allowed to use on your pitch. For preparations involving a heat source, CampingFrance notes that restrictions may vary depending on the location, season and conditions; don’t assume the rules are the same everywhere.
Can a compostable pod go in the campsite’s compost?
Not necessarily: it depends on the pod and the facilities available. Lavazza says its Espresso Italiano Intenso pods require industrial composting and must not be put in home compost, a garden or the natural environment.