People working from home with a capsule machine
If you want to make a decaf espresso between meetings, the key thing is whether the capsules work with the machine you already have.
Who is this guide for?
Espresso lovers looking to cut down on caffeine
They want to enjoy a short espresso while keeping an eye on residual caffeine: ‘decaffeinated’ does not mean ‘caffeine-free’.
Ground coffee and whole-bean drinkers
With an espresso machine that accepts ground coffee, or a grinder, they can choose their coffee and adjust how they prepare it, although this involves more handling than using a capsule.
What should you look for first?
For a working-from-home lunch break, first check which formats your machine accepts. Then choose your preferred flavour profile and a quantity to suit how much you drink.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Residual caffeine | Look for the word ‘decaffeinated’ and check the caffeine content if it’s listed. The stated intensity won’t tell you how much caffeine it contains. | If I’m cutting down on caffeine, I also want to consider the other drinks I have throughout the day; around 36% of consumers are said to make this their priority. |
| Format and compatibility | Identify your machine’s exact system: Nespresso® Original, A Modo Mio, E.S.E., ground coffee or beans with a grinder. Check the product for a matching compatibility statement. | Between meetings, I want to use the machine I already own without adding extra steps; around 29% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Flavour profile | Compare the tasting notes and the intensity on the scale used for each product, but don’t treat it as a measure of caffeine. | For my lunchtime coffee, flavour matters more than maximum convenience; this is said to be the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Check the number of capsules or the amount of coffee, then read the storage instructions for ground coffee once opened. | If I only drink decaf occasionally, I prefer a quantity I can use while it’s still in good condition; around 14% of consumers are said to put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a capsule based on the word ‘decaffeinated’ alone
A capsule compatible with Nespresso® Original won’t necessarily work with A Modo Mio or E.S.E. systems. The wrong format could leave you with a box you can’t use in your machine.
Check the exact system name on the machine or in its manual, then look for that compatibility on the product you choose.
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Mistaking intensity for a measure of caffeine
The intensity ratings describe each product’s profile using the brand’s own scale; they don’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup.
Use the tasting notes to choose a flavour you like, and check the available information on residual caffeine separately.
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Assuming decaf contains no caffeine at all
‘Decaffeinated’ doesn’t guarantee zero caffeine. For example, the product information for illy decaffeinated espresso ground coffee states that its caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%.
If you need to know exactly how much caffeine you’re consuming, check the information for the specific product rather than assuming the name means it contains none.
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Stocking up on ground coffee before you know what it’s like
A large quantity may not be the best choice if you’re still getting to know its flavour profile or only make decaf occasionally.
Choose an amount that suits how often you drink it, and follow the storage instructions once the pack is open.
Brands to consider for these formats
Lavazza
Worth considering if you use the capsule system specified for your chosen decaf product.
- Lavazza offers Decaf capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original, with a stated intensity of 7/13 and notes of chocolate and dried fruit.
- This compatibility doesn’t extend to every capsule machine, so check the exact system before ordering.
illy
illy’s decaf range includes espresso ground coffee, whole beans, capsules and E.S.E. pods.
- illy describes its decaffeinated espresso ground coffee as 100% Arabica, with notes of caramel, chocolate and toast.
- Ground coffee needs a machine that accepts this format, and should be stored according to the product’s instructions once opened.
Carte Noire
Worth considering for decaf espresso capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original.
- Carte Noire describes its Espresso Décaféiné N°5 as a 100% Arabica coffee with notes of caramel and toasted cereal.
- The stated intensity gives you an idea of the product’s profile, not its residual caffeine content.
CARREFOUR SELECTION
A supermarket own brand worth considering for decaf capsules compatible with Nespresso.
- Carrefour offers a ‘Decaffeinated Intensity 4 Compatible with Nespresso’ product in a box of 10 capsules.
- Check the compatibility details on the box against your machine’s exact system.
AUCHAN
Another supermarket own brand to consider if you’re looking for decaf espresso capsules.
- Auchan’s product contains 20 capsules of 100% Arabica decaf coffee, with a stated intensity of 6/12, compatible with Nespresso.
- Check your machine’s system before choosing this product.
Decaf capsules on Joybuy
These capsules are designed for making a decaf espresso during your lunch break. They work with different machine systems, so only choose a product after checking that it’s compatible with your machine.
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Lavazza A Modo Mio Decaf Compatible, 36 capsules
Worth considering for a lunchtime coffee if you have a Lavazza A Modo Mio machine. This box contains 36 decaf capsules; check that your machine uses this system.
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CARTE NOIRE Nespresso Demi Compatible, 30 decaf capsules
Worth considering if you make espresso with a Nespresso® Original machine. The box contains 30 capsules; check the exact compatibility details for your machine.
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CARTE NOIRE Decaffeinated Espresso No. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
This pack of 10 capsules could be a good choice if you’d like to try this decaf product before buying a larger quantity. Check your machine’s system: don’t assume it’s compatible with Nespresso® Original based on the product name alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaf coffee always caffeine-free?
No, ‘decaffeinated’ doesn’t guarantee that a coffee contains no caffeine at all. For example, illy’s decaffeinated espresso ground coffee is listed as containing no more than 0.1%; check the product information for the caffeine content of any other coffee.
Will all decaf capsules work in the same machine?
No, decaf coffee comes in formats that aren’t interchangeable. Lavazza, for example, distinguishes between Nespresso® Original and A Modo Mio; check the system shown on your machine, then confirm that the capsule is compatible.
Does the intensity tell you how much caffeine a coffee contains?
No, the stated intensity doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in an espresso. Use it as a guide to the flavour profile of that product, and check the caffeine content separately if you need to know it.
How should you store decaf ground coffee once it’s opened?
Follow the storage instructions on your coffee’s packaging. For its decaffeinated espresso ground coffee, illy recommends keeping it away from light and heat and, ideally, storing it in the fridge once opened.