Capsule machine owners
For a quick break, start by checking which system your machine uses: a capsule compatible with Nespresso® Original and a Lavazza A Modo Mio capsule are not interchangeable.
Who is this guide for?
Espresso lovers
If flavour matters as much as choosing a decaf, compare the tasting notes advertised by each brand once you’ve found the right format. These descriptions can help guide your choice, but your own tasting experience may differ.
People keeping an eye on their caffeine intake
If you want to reduce your caffeine intake, remember that decaf doesn’t mean completely caffeine-free. Anses advises people who are sensitive to its effects, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, to pay particular attention to their intake.
What should you look for?
Start with the brewing system: capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original, A Modo Mio capsules, Dolce Gusto capsules, soft coffee pods, ground coffee and beans are all designed for different equipment. Then check the “decaffeinated” label and the advertised flavour, without treating intensity as a measure of caffeine.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Format and convenience | Check the exact system your machine uses and the format shown on the pack. | If I want to make coffee quickly during a short break, the most important thing is that I can use the product in my machine. For around 40% of consumers, compatibility is said to be the top priority. |
| Caffeine | Look for the “decaffeinated” label and, if stated for the product, its declared caffeine content. | When my main aim is to limit caffeine, I also take my other drinks throughout the day into account. This is said to be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Flavour and ritual | Once you’ve confirmed the format, compare the advertised tasting notes and intensity. | I want to enjoy the taste of my espresso, even when I choose decaf. Around 30% of consumers are said to put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Taking intensity as a measure of caffeine
A high intensity rating may describe a full-bodied flavour without indicating that the coffee contains more caffeine. They are two separate things.
Look for the “decaffeinated” label first, then use the intensity and tasting notes to help you choose a flavour you’ll enjoy.
-
Buying a format that doesn’t fit your machine
Capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original, A Modo Mio capsules and soft coffee pods are designed for different systems.
Check which system your machine uses and compare it with the compatibility information for the exact product before you order.
An incompatible pack won’t work in the machine you planned to use.
-
Assuming decaf means no caffeine
Choosing decaf doesn’t tell you how much caffeine you consume over the course of the day. Anses notes that caffeine can affect sleep, among other things.
Check any declared caffeine content for the product you choose, and remember to take your other sources of caffeine into account too.
Brands and retailers to know
Lavazza
Lavazza’s range includes Dek Cremoso, a decaf capsule blend for A Modo Mio machines.
- The brand gives Dek Cremoso an intensity rating of 7/13.
- These capsules are designed for A Modo Mio machines, not the Nespresso® Original system.
illy
illy offers decaf espresso ground coffee and decaf capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original.
- The brand describes its decaf ground coffee as having notes of caramel, chocolate and toast.
- Ground coffee and capsules require different equipment, so choose the product that works with your machine.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire’s Décaféiné N°5 comes in capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original and in soft coffee pods.
- The brand describes its Décaféiné N°5 soft coffee pods as 100% Arabica, with notes of bean and chocolate.
- Soft coffee pods and rigid capsules are not interchangeable.
Carrefour
Carrefour’s range includes Carrefour Selection decaf capsules compatible with Nespresso.
- The Décaféiné Intensité 4 product gives you a retailer own-brand option to consider in this format.
- Check that the product you choose is compatible with the exact system your machine uses.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc’s range includes Plantation decaf ground coffees, including a pure Arabica option.
- Ground coffee is worth considering if your machine supports this brewing method.
- Check the required grind and your machine’s instructions before choosing a ground coffee.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes decaf capsules from other brands, such as L’OR Ristretto Decaffeinato.
- The product listing describes this coffee as compatible with Nespresso, with a rich, full-bodied profile.
- This listing is for a specific L’OR product; check the compatibility details for the product you’re considering.
Joybuy products for your machine
These decaf capsules are designed for several machine systems. The final product is a soft coffee pod for Senseo, with no indication that it makes espresso. Start by choosing the right format for your machine.
Image unavailable
Lavazza A Modo Mio, decaf, 36 capsules
Worth considering if your machine uses Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules; this format won’t work with a Nespresso® Original machine.
Pack of 36 capsules. If the residual caffeine content matters to you, check the labelling for this product.
Image unavailable
Carte Noire Nespresso Demi, decaf, 30 capsules
Worth considering for a Nespresso® Original machine; check the system shown on your machine to make sure.
Pack of 30 capsules. If you want to know the residual caffeine content, check the labelling for this product.
Image unavailable
Carte Noire Espresso Décaféiné N°5, 10 aluminium capsules
A capsule option for an espresso break; check that it’s compatible with your exact Nespresso machine before buying.
Pack of 10 aluminium capsules. “Decaffeinated” doesn’t guarantee zero caffeine, so check the labelling for this product.
Image unavailable
GIMOKA Espresso decaf for Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g
Choose these for a machine that uses capsules compatible with Nescafé Dolce Gusto, not another capsule system.
Pack of 16 capsules, 112 g. Check the labelling if the residual caffeine content is important to you.
Image unavailable
GIMOKA Senseo, decaf, 36 pods, 252 g
These soft coffee pods are designed for compatible Senseo machines, not machines that use rigid capsules. If you’re specifically looking for espresso, check that the coffee this product makes meets your expectations.
Pack of 36 pods, 252 g. Check the product labelling for any declared caffeine content.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaf espresso completely caffeine-free?
No. “Decaffeinated” doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no caffeine at all. If this distinction matters to you, check the caffeine content, if declared, for the exact product rather than trying to infer it from the flavour intensity.
Which decaf capsule should I choose for a Nespresso® Original machine?
Choose a capsule explicitly labelled as compatible with Nespresso® Original. Carte Noire offers its Espresso Décaféiné N°5 for this system, and illy also offers compatible decaf capsules. This compatibility doesn’t apply to A Modo Mio machines or machines that use soft coffee pods.
Will a Lavazza A Modo Mio Dek Cremoso capsule work in a Nespresso® Original machine?
No. Lavazza identifies Dek Cremoso as part of the A Modo Mio system and says that capsules in this range are designed for A Modo Mio machines. Check the system name on your machine before you order.
What should I consider if I want to limit my caffeine intake?
Take all the sources of caffeine you consume throughout the day into account, not just the espresso you have during your break. Anses advises people who are sensitive to caffeine, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, to limit their intake. If you have a specific concern because of your circumstances or medication, seek appropriate medical advice.