People rushing between meetings
If you have a capsule or pod machine, a compatible format can mean fewer steps during your lunch break. Check the exact system your machine uses before choosing a box.
Who are these formats for?
People who want to grind their own coffee
With a machine that has a built-in grinder, or a separate coffee mill, you can choose your beans and grind them before brewing. Just bear in mind that grinding will become part of your lunchtime routine.
People mindful of packaging and recycling
Choose an amount of beans that suits how much coffee you drink. For capsules, check what they’re made from and how to sort them for recycling. A refillable capsule involves extra filling and cleaning.
What should you look for when shopping?
Coffee beans
Worth considering: if you have a grinder or coffee mill and want to choose the beans to grind before brewing.
Bear in mind: grinding adds an extra step to your lunch break.
Disposable capsules or pods
Worth considering: if you’d like to keep preparation simple and have a machine that takes the format you choose.
Bear in mind: each brew leaves you with a capsule or pod to put in the appropriate recycling stream.
Refillable capsules
Worth considering: if your machine is explicitly compatible with the capsule you choose and you want to fill it with ground coffee.
Bear in mind: filling and cleaning take time; Malongo’s Caps’me capsule also requires separate lids.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and compatibility | Check the exact system your machine uses, and look for capsules or pods that are explicitly stated to be compatible. | Between meetings, I want to make my coffee with minimal fuss, without buying a format my machine can’t use. Around 33 % of consumers concerned put compatible preparation first. |
| Choosing beans and grinding | Make sure you have a grinder or coffee mill, then choose a coffee profile that suits your taste. | I’d rather choose my beans and grind them before brewing, even if it makes my break a little longer. Around 27 % of consumers concerned put this first. |
| Packaging for your shopping needs | Compare pack sizes with how much coffee you usually drink before choosing a larger format. | If I don’t drink much coffee at home, I want a pack I can finish at my own pace. A quantity that suits consumption habits is a priority for around 20 % of consumers concerned. |
| Waste and reuse | Check what the capsules are made from and your local recycling guidance. If you’re choosing a refillable capsule, also check which accessories you’ll need. | I want to sort my waste after every cup, or refill a capsule if I’m happy with the extra steps. Around 20 % of consumers concerned prioritise waste management. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘Nespresso compatible’ means it works with every Nespresso system
Formats aren’t interchangeable: Lavazza distinguishes A Modo Mio from capsules compatible with Nespresso Original. Malongo does not list Vertuo as compatible with its Caps’me refillable capsule.
Check which system your machine uses, then look for a compatibility statement on the specific product you’re considering.
For Caps’me, you’ll also need to allow for the separate lids required for use.
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Choosing a large pack of beans without considering how much you drink
A large pack could remain open for a long time if you only make coffee occasionally while working from home.
Estimate how much you usually drink and choose a quantity you can finish at your own pace.
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Confusing recyclable materials with having actually recycled them
Where a capsule should go depends partly on what it’s made from. In France, ADEME advises putting aluminium or plastic capsules in the paper and packaging recycling collection.
Check what the capsule is made from and consult your local council’s guidance before throwing it away.
Brands and retailers to know
Carte Noire
Carrefour’s selection includes a 1 kg pack of Carte Noire Classique 100 % Arabica whole beans, with an intensity rating of 7.
- This product gives you a specific coffee profile and pack size to compare with your usual choices.
- Its features don’t describe every Carte Noire coffee.
Lavazza
Lavazza offers whole-bean coffee and several capsule formats, including A Modo Mio and capsules stated to be compatible with Nespresso Original.
- You can explore both formats from the same brand if you have the corresponding equipment.
- A shared brand doesn’t make capsule systems interchangeable: check the compatibility of each product.
Malongo
Malongo offers whole-bean coffee, 1,2,3 Spresso pods and the Caps’me refillable capsule.
- These formats let you explore different coffee-making routines.
- Malongo’s 1,2,3 Spresso pods are designed for its machines. The stated compatibility for Caps’me excludes Vertuo, and using it requires separate lids.
Carrefour
The retailer lists, among other products, Carte Noire Classique 100 % Arabica whole beans in a 1 kg pack.
- The product listing helps you identify the format and features of this product when shopping.
- Check the options available at your store before placing your order.
E.Leclerc
The retailer’s website lists ground and whole-bean coffees, including Plantation and Bio Village products.
- The distinction between ground and whole-bean coffee makes it easier to choose a format to suit your equipment.
- Check which product and pack size your store has available.
Coffee beans and capsules on Joybuy
These products cover two ways to make coffee at lunchtime: capsules chosen to suit your machine’s system, and beans for a machine with a built-in grinder or a separate coffee mill. They don’t represent every pod format or refillable capsule mentioned above.
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Lavazza Classico, 30 capsules compatible with Nespresso
Worth considering for a break with a Nespresso Original machine, once you’ve checked compatibility with your model.
Box of 30 capsules.
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GIMOKA Americano, 16 capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto, 112 g
An Americano capsule option if your machine takes the Dolce Gusto system. Check your model before buying.
Box of 16 capsules, 112 g.
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Naturela Organic Arabica, whole-bean coffee
Worth considering if you want to grind your beans before your lunchtime coffee and already have a coffee mill or a machine with a built-in grinder.
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GIMOKA Vellutato Rainforest, 100 % Arabica whole-bean coffee, 1 kg
This whole-bean coffee requires a coffee mill or a machine with a built-in grinder. Choose the 1 kg pack if it suits how much coffee you drink.
100 % Arabica, 1 kg pack.
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KIMBO Espresso Barista, 100 % Arabica whole-bean coffee, medium roast, intensity 9/13, 1 kg
Worth considering if you have a coffee mill or grinder and a 1 kg pack suits how much coffee you drink.
100 % Arabica, medium roast, intensity rated 9/13.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same capsules in every machine?
No. Choose a format that’s stated to be compatible with the exact system your machine uses. Lavazza distinguishes A Modo Mio from capsules compatible with Nespresso Original, while Malongo’s 1,2,3 Spresso pods are designed for its machines.
Where should I dispose of coffee capsules in France?
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises using the recycling bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Check the material and your local council’s guidance. Paper capsules may be suitable for composting or food-waste collection where this is available in your area.
Does the Caps’me refillable capsule work with Nespresso Vertuo?
No. Malongo’s stated compatibility for Caps’me excludes Vertuo. This applies to this specific capsule; for any other refillable model, check the list of compatible machines and the accessories you’ll need.