For your morning coffee, start by choosing according to your machine and the size of cup you want. Ground coffee lets you control the amount, provided you have suitable equipment, while a capsule or pod must be compatible with your exact machine system. Pre-measured portions save you from weighing out the coffee, but it’s worth checking their format and packaging instructions before you shop.
When you’re making one serving in the morning, the first thing to check is the system shown on your machine. Carte Noire, Lavazza and Malongo offer different formats for Nespresso® Original, A Modo Mio and 1,2,3 Spresso®.
If you want to adjust the amount of coffee or make several cups, ground coffee is worth considering, provided you have a coffee maker that accepts this format. A capsule designed for a short espresso may not suit your needs.
The number of portions, the amount of coffee used and sorting instructions can matter just as much as the flavour profile described on the pack. Compare these details across products that work with your machine.
First, check what your machine accepts. Then choose between coffee you measure yourself and a pre-measured portion suited to your cup.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Check the system used by your machine and look for the same wording on the pack: Nespresso® Original, A Modo Mio, 1,2,3 Spresso® or another format. | If I already own a machine, I want to avoid bringing home a pack I can’t use. Around 36% of consumers would put compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Preparation and cup size | Check whether the product is designed for espresso, lungo or another preparation method, and look at the stated volume if one is given on the pack. | Before I head out in the morning, I’d rather make a serving without measuring the coffee, as long as it suits my usual cup. Around 29% of consumers would say this convenience is their priority. |
| Amount prepared | Check the number of portions or the net weight. For ground coffee, make sure your machine accepts this format. | When I’m making several cups, I want to adjust the amount rather than use multiple pre-measured portions. Around 21% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Packaging or decaffeinated coffee | Look for the word “decaffeinated” on the specific product and read its sorting instructions. Don’t assume how to dispose of it based on the material alone. | I’m looking for a decaffeinated option, or I want to know what to do with its packaging after use. Around 14% of consumers would put one of these points ahead of the other criteria. |
The same brand may offer several systems. Nespresso® Original, Lavazza A Modo Mio and Malongo 1,2,3 Spresso® are different formats and are not interchangeable.
Make a note of the system shown on your machine before you shop, then look for the exact same wording on the pack.
“Recyclable” and “compostable” don’t necessarily mean the same thing when it comes to collection or processing.
Read the sorting information for the product you choose, along with the guidance that applies in your area.
A coffee’s stated intensity isn’t a measure of its caffeine content.
If you’re looking for decaffeinated coffee, check the specific product rather than relying on its intensity rating.
Carte Noire’s range includes roasted and ground coffee capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original, with different options for espresso or lungo.
Lavazza offers A Modo Mio capsules as well as products compatible with Nespresso® Original, so the brand name alone won’t tell you which format you need.
Malongo offers coffee pods for its 1,2,3 Spresso® system.
Carrefour offers ground coffee to measure out for filter brewing, as well as capsules from a range of brands.
E.Leclerc offers capsule and pod coffee products under this brand.
This selection includes capsules for A Modo Mio or Nespresso® Original machines, as well as ground coffee to use with suitable equipment. Check your system or brewing method before comparing the options.
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A decaffeinated option to consider if your machine uses the A Modo Mio system.
Box of 36 capsules. Check the system shown on your machine before choosing this format.
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A pre-portioned option to consider for a Nespresso Original machine, not for another system.
The product name specifies 100% Arabica, 30 capsules and 165 g. If cup size matters to you, check the preparation instructions for this product.
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This lungo option is for people with an A Modo Mio machine who prefer this style of coffee.
Box of 16 capsules. The name “Lungo Dolce” doesn’t mean you can skip checking your machine’s system.
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Worth considering if you want to measure out decaffeinated ground coffee for a suitable brewing method.
250 g pack. Check the grind your machine requires, especially if you use a filter coffee maker.
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An option for measuring out your own morning coffee if your equipment accepts ground coffee.
250 g pack. Before buying, check that the grind is right for your brewing method.
No. Check that the exact system used by your machine is listed on the pack. Carte Noire says that capsules in its range compatible with Nespresso® Original are designed for this system; this doesn’t confirm that they’ll work in other machines.
No, these are two different systems. Lavazza says its A Modo Mio capsules are designed for machines in this range, so choose a product that states it’s compatible with your exact machine.
Don’t assume that this label means it’s suitable for home composting. Lavazza describes the technology as intended for industrial composting facilities. Check the instructions for the specific product and the guidance for your area.
No, the stated intensity is no substitute for the word “decaffeinated”. If caffeine matters to your choice, look for this wording on the specific product. If you have a health-related question, speak to a healthcare professional.