You’re new to using a bean-to-cup machine
With a built-in grinder or a separate one, you can choose beans and adjust the grind to suit your equipment. For your first pack, also check the quantity and storage instructions for after opening.
Who is this guide for?
You use a capsule machine
The system matters just as much as the coffee you choose: Nespresso Original-compatible capsules, Iperespresso capsules and the E.S.E. pods listed by illy are designed for different systems.
You’re looking for an everyday espresso
To compare mild, balanced or full-bodied profiles, consider the blend, roast and tasting notes together. The intensity rating alone isn’t enough to predict how the coffee will taste in the cup.
What should you check when shopping?
First rule out any formats that aren’t compatible with your machine, then choose a profile and quantity you’d like to try.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Check whether your machine uses beans, ground coffee, capsules or pods. For capsules and pods, check the exact system stated on the pack. | If my machine only accepts a specific system, I want to avoid buying a pack I can’t use. Around 31% of consumers would put compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Taste profile | Read the blend, roast and tasting notes, and interpret the intensity rating in the context of that product range. | For an everyday espresso, I’m looking for a taste I enjoy rather than relying on a single number. Around 31% of consumers would make taste profile their priority. |
| Size for your first try | Compare the pack sizes available and choose an amount that suits your coffee-drinking habits before buying a large pack. | I’d rather try a new blend before committing to a large quantity; around 23% of consumers would make the size of their first pack their main consideration. |
| Storage | Check the instructions for after opening and whether the pack can be resealed securely. | If a pack needs to last, I want to be able to store it according to the instructions on the label. Around 8% of consumers would put this first. |
| Choosing decaffeinated coffee | If you’re looking for a decaf option, check that it’s available in a format your machine accepts. | If I want to limit my caffeine intake, I’ll first look for decaf that’s compatible with my machine. Around 7% of consumers would make this their top priority when buying. |
Mistakes to avoid when buying for the first time
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Comparing two coffees by their intensity rating alone
Brands may use different scales, so a number on its own can’t tell you which of two blends will taste stronger in the cup.
To compare profiles, also look at the blend, roast and tasting notes listed on each pack.
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Mixing up coffee formats and capsule systems
Beans need to be ground before brewing, while capsules and pods must match your machine’s system. The Iperespresso, Nespresso Original and E.S.E. formats listed by illy aren’t interchangeable.
Make a note of your machine’s model and check the compatibility information before choosing your coffee.
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Starting with a large pack before you know what you like
Coffee is available in sizes including 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg. A larger pack means you’ll need to store a blend for longer, even if it turns out not to be to your taste.
Start with an amount that suits your coffee-drinking habits and follow the storage instructions after opening.
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Confusing the place of roasting with the origin of the beans
A reference to France or Italy doesn’t necessarily tell you where the coffee beans come from. The DGCCRF notes that there is no general requirement to label the origin of products sold in France and the European Union.
If the origin of the beans matters to you, look for a specific statement on the packaging and check exactly what it refers to.
Brands and retailers to know
Lavazza
Lavazza France offers whole-bean, ground, capsule and pod coffee for a range of at-home brewing methods.
- Its ranges give you options if you’re looking for a particular format, roast or decaffeinated coffee.
- Its tasting notes are the brand’s own descriptions, not a guarantee of how the coffee will turn out in your machine.
illy
illy France offers 100% Arabica coffee in several formats, including whole beans, ground coffee, capsules and pods.
- Its formats include Nespresso Original-compatible capsules and E.S.E. pods.
- Iperespresso capsules aren’t compatible with these other systems, so check which one your machine uses.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers whole-bean, ground, capsule and pod coffee, with blends that vary by product.
- The Espresso Puissant and Espresso Ultime product descriptions list Arabica-Robusta blends with a dark roast.
- The full-bodied profiles described for these products don’t apply to every Carte Noire coffee.
Carrefour
Carrefour stocks whole-bean coffee across several of its own ranges, as well as national brands.
- The products listed include espresso, decaffeinated and coffees with a stated origin.
- Check the products available at the store, on the click-and-collect service or through the delivery service you use.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc offers Plantation and Bio Village coffee, including whole-bean and ground options, in its Marque Repère range.
- The products listed cover a range of profiles, including pure Arabica, intense and decaffeinated.
- Customer reviews on product pages aren’t an independent comparison of coffee quality.
Auchan
Auchan sells coffee under its own name, including a 100% Arabica espresso in a 500 g pack.
- The product listing gives an intensity rating of 8/10 and includes storage instructions.
- The seller’s compatibility information applies to this product; always check what your own machine requires.
Espresso and coffee to discover on Joybuy
These products let you explore three formats for your first shop: ground coffee, capsules and beans. Start with your machine, then compare the pack sizes and details on each pack.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso, ground coffee, 2 × 250 g
Worth considering if your machine takes ground coffee and you’d like to split your first try across two 250 g packs. Check the grind your equipment requires before buying.
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GIMOKA BRASILE, 10 Nespresso-compatible capsules, 55 g
The 10-capsule pack lets you try this coffee if your machine accepts the stated capsule system. Check the exact compatibility information on the packaging: capsule systems aren’t interchangeable.
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Lavazza Classico, 30 Nespresso-compatible capsules
Worth considering if you use a compatible capsule system and expect to get through a pack of 30. Confirm the exact compatibility information for your machine before choosing this format.
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Lavazza Italiano, 500 g
If you’re looking for coffee to grind for your first espresso, check the format and brewing instructions for this product before buying. The stated pack size is 500 g.
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GIMOKA Vellutato 100% Arabica Rainforest, whole beans, 500 g
This 500 g pack of beans is for anyone with a grinder who’d like to try this 100% Arabica blend. For espresso, check the brewing instructions and adjust the grind to suit your machine.
Frequently asked questions
Beans or ground coffee: which should I choose for my first espresso machine?
Choose beans if you have a grinder; go for ground coffee if your machine accepts it and you’d rather not grind it yourself. In either case, check the format and brewing instructions on the pack.
Will a Nespresso Original-compatible capsule work in any capsule machine?
No. Nespresso Original compatibility doesn’t apply to every system. illy lists Nespresso Original-compatible capsules, Iperespresso capsules and E.S.E. pods as distinct formats. Check which system your machine uses and what’s stated on the pack.
How should I store an opened pack of whole-bean coffee?
Follow the instructions on the packaging. For its 100% Arabica whole-bean espresso, Auchan advises resealing the pack securely and storing it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Do all packs of coffee sold in France have to state where the beans come from?
No. The DGCCRF says there is no general requirement to label the origin of products sold in France and the European Union. If the origin of the beans guides your choice, read the specific information on the pack rather than trying to infer it from the brand name or place of roasting.
Could decaffeinated coffee be an option if coffee affects my sleep?
You can look for decaffeinated coffee in a format compatible with your machine; Lavazza and illy both offer such options. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration and quality. If your question relates to your health or medication, ask a medical professional for advice tailored to you.