To add decaf espresso to your click-and-collect shop, start with your machine’s system: capsules, beans, ground coffee and soft coffee pods are not interchangeable. For the evening, look for the words ‘decaffeinated’ rather than relying on the intensity; decaf coffee can still contain caffeine. Finally, check the pack size and collection options at your chosen store.
If you want to make a decaf espresso quickly in the evening, the name of the system matters more than the word ‘capsule’ alone. Carrefour lists Carte Noire decaf capsules as compatible with Nespresso, while illy’s Iperespresso capsules are designed for its own machines.
If you have a bean-to-cup machine, or a grinder and a machine that takes ground coffee, you can choose decaf beans such as Lavazza Decaf. You’ll need to grind the beans before brewing.
If decaf is an extra item in your usual shop, look for a product clearly labelled as decaffeinated and suited to your equipment. Once you’ve chosen your store, check the pack size and the collection options shown for that product.
First rule out formats that won’t work with your machine, then make sure the product is decaffeinated. Your choice from the remaining options will depend on which pack size best suits your shop.
| What to check | Before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Check the exact system used by your machine and the compatibility listed for the capsules or pods. For beans, make sure you have a grinder. | I want to make coffee with the machine I already own, without mixing up Nespresso® Original and illy Iperespresso. Around 39% of consumers say compatibility is their top priority. |
| Decaffeination | Look for the word ‘decaffeinated’. If caffeine content matters to you, check the product information where it is provided. | For my evening espresso, my first priority is reducing caffeine. I don’t assume that a mild intensity means there’s no caffeine. Around 38% of consumers share this priority. |
| Click-and-collect order | At your selected store, check the number of capsules or the pack weight, as well as the collection options. | I’m adding decaf to my regular shop and want a suitable pack size, without finding out too late that it isn’t in my basket. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this straightforward way to shop. |
Two decaf capsules may use different systems: illy states that its Iperespresso capsules are only for illy Iperespresso machines.
Before adding a product to your basket, compare the system shown on your machine with the compatibility details listed for the product.
The intensity rating doesn’t replace the word ‘decaffeinated’. Carrefour, for example, lists Carte Noire Espresso Decaffeinated capsules with an intensity rating of 5.
Look for products labelled as decaffeinated first, then choose the intensity profile that suits your taste.
‘Decaffeinated’ doesn’t necessarily mean completely caffeine-free. For its Iperespresso Decaffeinated capsules, illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%; this figure applies to that product only.
If residual caffeine content matters to you, check the label of the product you’re considering.
Lavazza offers Decaf beans, worth considering if you use a bean-to-cup machine or a grinder.
illy offers Iperespresso Decaffeinated capsules for households that already have a machine using this system.
Depending on the product, Carte Noire offers decaf capsules, soft coffee pods or ground coffee, including in Carrefour and Auchan’s ranges.
These products are for capsule machines: first choose the system your machine takes, then the pack size you want. For a click-and-collect order, check the collection options separately at the store where you shop.
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Worth considering for capsule-based decaf espresso, provided the system listed for your machine matches this product.
Box of 10 aluminium capsules. If residual caffeine content matters to you, check the label.
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Worth considering if your machine takes capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original and you’re looking for a pack of 30.
Check your machine’s system before ordering, and refer to the label if residual caffeine content will influence your choice.
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Worth considering if you make decaf espresso using a machine that takes the Lavazza A Modo Mio system.
Box of 36 capsules. Don’t choose this product based on the Lavazza name alone if your machine uses a different system.
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Worth considering for a machine that takes capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto.
Pack of 16 capsules, weighing 112 g. Check the product reference when ordering so you can distinguish it from the other Gimoka box featured here.
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Worth considering if your machine takes capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto and you’re looking for individually portioned decaf espresso.
Pack of 16 capsules, weighing 112 g. Check the reference before ordering, as another Gimoka box has a very similar name.
No. ‘Decaffeinated’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘caffeine-free’. illy states that its Iperespresso Decaffeinated capsules contain no more than 0.1% caffeine; for other products, check their individual product information.
No, compatibility depends on the system. Carrefour lists Carte Noire decaf capsules as compatible with Nespresso, while illy states that its Iperespresso Decaffeinated capsules are suitable only for illy Iperespresso machines.
No. Choose a product explicitly labelled as decaffeinated rather than trying to work out its caffeine content from the intensity. You can then choose an intensity to suit your taste.
Select your store and collection method, then check the product, format and pack size in your basket. Carrefour lists some Carte Noire decaf capsules as available for click and collect or delivery, but this doesn’t confirm availability at every store.