Evening espresso drinkers
You want to enjoy a little espresso with toast after dinner while reducing your caffeine intake. A decaf product may still contain some caffeine, so check the stated content if you want to limit it precisely.
Who is this choice for?
Capsule machine users
You want to make a cup of coffee without grinding or measuring it yourself. The first thing to check is which capsule system your machine accepts: formats aren’t interchangeable.
Users of grinders or manual espresso machines
You want to grind beans as you need them or use ground coffee made for espresso. Your equipment determines which format to buy and which preparation settings are available.
What should you look for?
For evening coffee, the format must suit your machine before tasting notes can help you choose between products.
Decaf coffee beans
Worth considering: if you have a grinder or a machine with a built-in grinder and want to grind the coffee before brewing.
Bear in mind: grinding and adjusting the extraction settings require more effort than using a capsule.
Ground coffee for espresso
Worth considering: if your espresso machine uses ground coffee and you don’t want to grind it yourself.
Check: ‘decaf ground coffee’ isn’t enough to go on: Carte Noire, for example, makes its decaf ground coffee for filter machines.
Decaf espresso capsules
Worth considering: if you prefer a fuss-free preparation method and have a machine that accepts your chosen capsule.
Check: a Nespresso Original capsule won’t automatically fit a Dolce Gusto or A Modo Mio machine.
Decaf coffee pods
Worth considering: if your machine specifically accepts E.S.E. pods or soft pods.
Check: these two formats aren’t interchangeable.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine in the evening | The ‘decaffeinated’ label and, if provided, the caffeine content of the product you’re considering. | I want a cup after dinner while keeping an eye on how much caffeine it contains. Around 40% of consumers put reducing caffeine at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Compatibility | Your machine type and the exact format it accepts, particularly for capsules and pods. | I want to use the machine I already own, without buying a format that won’t fit. For around 30% of consumers, compatibility is their main concern. |
| Taste profile | The strength and tasting notes stated for the product, bearing in mind that they describe the coffee but don’t guarantee it will pair well with your jam. | With sweet toast, I’m mainly looking for a coffee I’ll enjoy alongside the jam. This preference is the main guide for around 30% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘decaffeinated’ means ‘caffeine-free’
For its 250 g decaf ground espresso coffee, illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%. So ‘decaffeinated’ on its own doesn’t mean there’s no caffeine at all.
If you need to stay within a specific limit, check the stated content for the product you’ve chosen. If you’ve been given medical advice, consult a healthcare professional.
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Buying capsules without checking which machine you have
Carte Noire Espresso Décaféiné N°5 capsules are stated to be compatible with Nespresso Original, not every capsule system.
Check the exact system used by your machine and compare it with the compatibility information on the box or product page.
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Confusing decaf ground coffee with espresso grind
Carte Noire markets its decaf ground coffee for filter machines, while illy makes its decaf ground espresso coffee for Italian-style espresso.
If your espresso machine uses ground coffee, look for a product that explicitly states it’s suitable for this use.
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Assuming ‘compostable’ means ‘suitable for home composting’
Carte Noire states that its decaf soft pods shouldn’t be put in a home compost bin, in the garden or in the countryside.
If pod disposal matters to you, check the sorting guidance and collection options available from your local council.
Brands to know for decaf formats
Lavazza
Lavazza offers its 500 g Decaf beans for preparing espresso or moka coffee. It’s a format to consider if you have a grinder or a machine with a built-in grinder.
- The brand describes this product as an Arabica/Robusta blend, with a medium roast, an intensity of 3/10 and fruity notes.
- The beans need to be ground before brewing, so this format isn’t a substitute for capsules.
illy
illy offers decaf coffee in several formats, including beans, ground coffee for espresso, capsules and E.S.E. pods. The right option depends on the machine you use.
- For its 250 g decaf ground espresso coffee, illy states an intensity of 5/9, with notes of caramel, chocolate and toast.
- The caffeine content of no more than 0.1% is illy’s stated figure for this product; it may not apply to the brand’s other formats.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers, among other products, Espresso Décaféiné N°5 capsules compatible with Nespresso Original, as well as decaf ground coffee and soft pods.
- The brand describes its Espresso Décaféiné N°5 capsules as 100% Arabica coffee with notes of caramel and toasted cereal.
- Its decaf ground coffee is intended for filter machines, so don’t automatically choose it for an espresso machine.
Decaf espresso capsules on Joybuy
These products are for making decaf espresso with capsules. Before comparing their tasting notes or pack sizes, only consider options that work with your machine’s system.
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GIMOKA Espresso Decaffeinated Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g — ref. 100013170165191
Worth considering for a decaf espresso if your machine accepts Dolce Gusto capsules.
The box contains 16 capsules, with a stated weight of 112 g. If you’re looking for a specific caffeine content, check the details for this product before buying.
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Lavazza A Modo Mio Decaf, 36 capsules
A format to consider for decaf espresso if your machine uses the Lavazza A Modo Mio system.
The box contains 36 capsules. If caffeine content is an important factor for you, check the information for this specific product.
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Carte Noire Espresso Décaféiné N°5, 10 aluminium capsules
Worth considering if your machine accepts Nespresso Original capsules and you’re looking for a decaf espresso to enjoy with toast.
The box contains 10 aluminium capsules. Carte Noire lists caramel and toasted cereal notes for this product; check its caffeine content separately if you need to stay within a specific limit.
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Carte Noire Nespresso Demi decaf, 30 capsules
An option to consider for decaf espresso if your machine accepts Nespresso Original capsules.
The pack contains 30 capsules. If you want to keep your caffeine intake below a specific level, check the stated content for this product.
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GIMOKA Espresso Decaffeinated Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g — ref. 100013180208174
Worth considering for a decaf espresso if your machine accepts Dolce Gusto capsules. This product has a different product ID from the other GIMOKA box with the same name.
The box contains 16 capsules, with a stated weight of 112 g. Check the caffeine content for this product if it affects your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaf espresso completely caffeine-free?
No. The term ‘decaffeinated’ doesn’t automatically mean there’s no caffeine. For its 250 g decaf ground espresso coffee, illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%. If you need to limit your intake precisely, check the information for the product you plan to use.
Will Carte Noire Espresso Décaféiné N°5 capsules work in every capsule machine?
No. Carte Noire states that they’re compatible with Nespresso Original machines. Check the system shown on your machine before buying, and don’t assume they’ll work with other systems.
How should you store decaf coffee after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging for your chosen format. For its decaf ground espresso coffee, illy recommends protecting it from light and heat and, ideally, keeping it in the fridge after opening. For capsules, check the guidance on the specific box you’ve chosen.