For a decaf espresso after dinner, first choose a coffee your machine can use: capsules for the right system, ground coffee, beans or E.S.E. pods. Then narrow down your choice based on the flavours you enjoy. Don’t assume “decaffeinated” means “caffeine-free”: residual caffeine levels vary by product, and people’s sensitivity to caffeine differs.
You’d like to keep enjoying a cup of coffee in the evening while being mindful of caffeine. The word “decaffeinated” alone won’t tell you the residual caffeine level in each product. Anses notes that caffeine’s effects on sleep vary from person to person.
You want a simple way to make coffee, but need to identify your machine’s exact system. Capsules compatible with Nespresso, Iperespresso, X-CAPS and Firma systems are not interchangeable.
You prefer to make your espresso with ground coffee, or adjust the grind of decaf beans yourself. Your choice depends first on the format your machine accepts and, for whole beans, whether it has a grinder.
Check which formats your machine accepts before comparing flavours, pack sizes and the information provided for each decaf coffee.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine in the evening | Look for the residual caffeine level of the exact product, if stated, and take your personal sensitivity into account. | If I have an espresso after dinner, I want to limit my caffeine intake without assuming decaf contains none. Around 36% of consumers put this concern first. |
| Compatibility | Check the capsule or pod system, or make sure your machine accepts ground coffee or beans. | A box of capsules is no use to me if it doesn’t work with my machine. Compatibility is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flavour profile | Read the flavour notes given for the specific product. Compare intensity ratings with care, as scales vary between ranges. | For my evening cup, I’m mainly looking for flavours I enjoy, rather than treating the intensity rating as a measure of caffeine. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Pack size and availability | Compare pack sizes on a like-for-like basis and check the options available from the shop, click and collect or delivery service. | I want to choose a quantity that suits how I drink coffee and find the product through my usual way of shopping. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Decaf can still contain residual caffeine. For its decaffeinated ground espresso, illy states a caffeine content of no more than 0.1%. This figure applies to that specific product, not to all decaf coffee.
Check the information for the product you choose, if available, especially if your sensitivity to caffeine affects when you drink coffee.
A capsule made for Lavazza Firma, Iperespresso or X-CAPS may not work in a machine that accepts Nespresso-compatible capsules.
Check which system your machine uses, then compare it with the compatibility information on the coffee’s product page and packaging.
Choosing the wrong system could leave you with a box of capsules you can’t use in your machine.
The products reviewed display ratings on scales specific to their ranges, including 5 for the Carte Noire capsules featured by Carrefour and 6/13 for Lavazza Firma Espresso Decaffeinato. These ratings are not a common measure of caffeine content.
To choose a flavour, read the tasting notes too. For caffeine content, look for information specific to the product.
A range of decaf options to consider if you want to stick with the format your machine uses, from ground coffee to several capsule systems and E.S.E. pods.
An option for owners of machines that accept Nespresso-compatible capsules and are looking for a decaf espresso.
A brand to consider if your machine uses the Lavazza Firma system specifically.
Another decaf capsule option to consider for a machine that accepts Nespresso-compatible capsules.
A decaffeinated ground coffee option to consider if your machine accepts ground coffee.
A retailer where you can explore different decaf coffee formats to suit your machine.
These capsules are designed for three different types of machine: Lavazza A Modo Mio, machines that accept Nespresso-compatible capsules and machines that accept Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules. Choose only products stated to work with your machine’s system.
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Worth considering if your machine uses the Lavazza A Modo Mio system. Check that your machine uses this system before choosing this box of 36 decaf capsules.
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For anyone looking for decaf espresso capsules stated to be compatible with Nespresso machines. The pack contains 30 capsules; check that they’re compatible with your machine model.
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An option for a machine that accepts the Nespresso-compatible capsules stated for this product. The box contains 10 aluminium capsules. The rating of 5 is part of the product name, not a measure of caffeine content.
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Worth considering if your machine accepts Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules. This pack contains 16 capsules weighing 112 g; check your machine’s system before buying.
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This other Gimoka product is also for owners of machines that accept Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules. The pack contains 16 capsules weighing 112 g. Use the product reference to distinguish it from the other Gimoka pack featured here.
No. “Decaffeinated” doesn’t necessarily mean completely caffeine-free. illy states that its decaffeinated ground espresso contains no more than 0.1% caffeine. Check the details for the product you’re planning to buy rather than assuming this figure applies to all decaf coffee.
Choose a product explicitly stated to be compatible with Nespresso machines, and check that it works with your machine model. Capsules for Iperespresso, X-CAPS or Lavazza Firma systems are not alternatives just because they’re labelled “espresso”.
No. Being decaffeinated doesn’t mean everyone will react to it in the same way. Anses says that caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the duration and quality of sleep. If this is a deciding factor for you, check the stated caffeine content of the specific product and consider your own sensitivity.
Follow the storage instructions on your pack. For its decaffeinated ground espresso, illy recommends keeping it away from light and heat, preferably in the fridge once opened.