Busy people using a capsule machine
You want to make a cup before heading out, without grinding coffee. First, identify your machine’s system: capsules or pods must be made for it.
Who are these formats for?
Daily whole-bean coffee drinkers
You have a bean-to-cup machine or a grinder and prefer to grind your beans as you brew. The right pack size also depends on how often you drink coffee.
People who pay attention to packaging and recycling
You’re looking for a quantity that suits the number of cups you make at home. If you use capsules, you also want to know how to sort their packaging according to its material.
What should you check before choosing?
Whole-bean coffee
Choose this if: you have a bean-to-cup machine or a grinder and want to grind your beans for each brew.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to grind the beans, adjust your machine if necessary and store the bag properly once opened.
Capsules and pods
Choose these if: your machine takes a specific single-serve format and you’d rather not grind coffee in the morning.
Bear in mind: Nespresso Original, Tassimo, A Modo Mio and ESE formats are not interchangeable.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and compatibility | Check your machine’s model and the exact system name on the box. A Nespresso Original capsule will not necessarily work in a Vertuo machine. | I want to make a cup before heading out without finding that the pods don’t fit my machine; around 36% of consumers prioritise compatible, convenient preparation. |
| Grinding coffee beans | Check that you have a grinder or a bean-to-cup machine, and choose beans suited to your brewing method. | With a grinder or bean-to-cup machine, I prefer to grind coffee for each cup; around 29% of consumers share this priority. |
| Pack size | Check the bag’s weight or the number of servings, then compare it with how often you drink coffee. | If I only make a few cups during the week, I don’t want to open an oversized bag; around 21% of consumers prioritise the quantity they buy. |
| Decaffeinated coffee and recycling | Look for the decaffeinated option you want. For capsules, check what they’re made from so you can follow the right recycling instructions. | I want to find decaffeinated coffee or know where to dispose of my used capsules; around 14% of consumers prioritise these preferences. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every product labelled “capsule” will fit
Nespresso Original, Nespresso Vertuo, Tassimo, A Modo Mio and ESE are different systems. Compatibility with one does not mean a product will work with the others.
Make a note of your machine’s model, then check the compatibility information on the box before choosing a multipack.
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Buying a large bag of beans without considering how to store it
The pack size should be right for the number of cups you’ll make after opening it.
Check the packaging and reseal the bag according to the product instructions.
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Following the same recycling instructions for every capsule
How you recycle a capsule depends on its material. ADEME distinguishes, in particular, between aluminium or plastic capsules and paper capsules.
Check what the capsule is made from and follow ADEME’s guidance, as well as the collection options available in your area.
Brands and retailers to know
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers whole-bean coffee and capsules advertised as compatible with Nespresso Original.
- For whole beans, check the intensity and pack size of the product you choose.
- Carte Noire says its capsules compatible with Nespresso Original do not work with Vertuo machines.
Lavazza
Lavazza’s range includes whole-bean coffee, capsules compatible with Nespresso Original, A Modo Mio capsules and ESE pods.
- This makes it easier to look for a product suited to the system you use.
- Check the format on each box: these single-serve products are not interchangeable.
Malongo
Malongo offers whole-bean coffees from different origins, as well as blends.
- The range includes different products and pack sizes to consider based on how much coffee you drink.
- Origin, format and other features vary by product. Check the packaging rather than assuming they apply to the entire range.
Jacobs
Jacobs is among the coffee brands available in T DISCs for Tassimo; a whole-bean product is also listed by Carrefour.
- Tassimo offers Jacobs T DISCs for different types of drinks.
- T DISCs require a Tassimo machine; they are not a substitute for whole beans or Nespresso Original capsules.
Carrefour et E.Leclerc
These retailers offer a range of whole-bean coffee pack sizes, including their own-brand products.
- Their ranges give you options to compare bag weights and available products.
- The selection may vary by store and ordering method. A product listed online may not be available locally.
Coffee beans and capsules available at Joybuy
These products suit two weekday breakfast routines: capsules for a Nespresso Original machine and beans to grind using suitable equipment. Start by checking which format your machine takes.
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Lavazza Classico, 30 capsules compatible with Nespresso
For making a cup with a Nespresso Original machine, once you’ve checked your machine’s model.
Box of 30 capsules.
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Lavazza Oro whole-bean coffee, 1 kg
Worth considering if you have a bean-to-cup machine or grinder to brew coffee from whole beans.
1 kg bag; choose this size based on how much coffee you’ll drink after opening.
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Carte Noire, 30 capsules compatible with Nespresso
For a Nespresso Original machine. Check your system before choosing these capsules, which Carte Noire says are not suitable for Vertuo.
Box of 30 capsules.
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Lavazza Maestro Organic whole-bean coffee, 1 kg
For brewing with a bean-to-cup machine or a grinder suitable for whole beans.
1 kg bag; store it after opening according to the instructions on the packaging.
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Kimbo Barista Espresso Napoli whole beans, intensity 10/13, 1 kg
For anyone with a bean-to-cup machine or grinder who wants to brew coffee from whole beans.
Advertised intensity of 10/13 and a 1 kg bag; the intensity rating is not a complete description of the flavour.
Frequently asked questions
Do capsules compatible with Nespresso also work in a Vertuo machine?
No. Nespresso Original does not mean the capsules are compatible with Vertuo. Carte Noire says its capsules compatible with Nespresso Original do not work with Vertuo machines. Always check the system shown on the box.
Can I use a T DISC or an ESE pod instead of a Nespresso Original capsule?
No, these formats are designed for different systems. Jacobs T DISCs are made for Tassimo, while Lavazza lists its ESE pods separately from its capsules compatible with Nespresso Original.
Can you put whole coffee beans in a capsule machine?
Not in a machine designed exclusively for capsules. Beans need to be ground with a grinder or by a bean-to-cup machine before brewing. Check your machine’s manual before putting beans into it.
Where should I dispose of used coffee capsules?
It depends on what they’re made from. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the recycling collection for paper and packaging. For paper capsules, check local options for composting or food-waste collection.
How do I choose the right size bag of whole-bean coffee?
Choose a weight that suits the number of cups you’ll make after opening the bag and the storage options available to you. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you buy.