People who enjoy an evening espresso
If you’d like to keep this ritual while limiting your caffeine intake, check the exact product and consider what else you drink throughout the day. Anses notes that caffeine can affect sleep.
Who is it suitable for?
Older people who already use a coffee machine
Your choice depends first on your equipment: a grinder for beans, a suitable brewing method for ground coffee, or the right system for capsules. For example, a claim that capsules are compatible with Nespresso does not mean they work with every machine.
Family and friends who keep an eye on drinks and meals
Decaffeinated espresso can remain part of a much-loved routine. For an older person who eats or drinks very little, Manger Bouger highlights the importance of hydration and adequate food intake: a cup of coffee is no substitute.
What should you check before buying?
For an evening espresso, first check that the coffee is labelled ‘decaffeinated’ and that it comes in a format your machine accepts. It’s also worth considering how it fits into the day, particularly if sleep, hydration or meals need attention.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine and sleep | The ‘decaffeinated’ label, the residual caffeine content if stated, and any other sources of caffeine consumed during the day. | If caffeine affects my sleep, I want to know the content of the product I choose rather than assume it’s zero; around 31% of consumers are said to put this consideration first. |
| Drinks and meals | How the cup fits in with the day’s drinks, without replacing water or a meal. | When I’m organising drinks for someone who eats very little, I want to preserve an enjoyable break without compromising their meals or water intake; around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise this. |
| Compatibility | The type of machine, the coffee format and, for capsules, the exact system stated on the box. | If I already have a machine, I’m mainly looking for a format I can use without changing my equipment; around 25% of consumers are said to make compatibility their main consideration. |
| Taste and packaging | The flavour profile described for the product, the number of servings and storage instructions after opening. | If I only make an espresso now and then, I’d rather choose a flavour I enjoy and packaging that suits how I use it; around 19% of consumers are said to put this expectation first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing ‘decaffeinated’ with ‘caffeine-free’
Decaffeinated coffee can still contain caffeine. For the ground decaffeinated espresso product mentioned here, Illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%; this figure does not apply to all decaffeinated coffees.
Check the packaging for the exact product if you want to know its stated caffeine content, and take into account other sources of caffeine throughout the day.
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Choosing capsules based only on the machine’s name
Capsule systems are not interchangeable. A claim that capsules are compatible with Nespresso does not mean they work with every machine from the brand.
Before choosing a pack, compare the system listed on the box with the one used by your machine.
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Relying on espresso to make up for a low intake
Manger Bouger says that nutritional needs do not decrease for people over 75 and highlights the importance of hydration. A small cup of coffee is no substitute for water or a meal.
Make sure the person has suitable drinks and meals. If they experience ongoing weight loss or a reduced appetite, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Brands and retailers to consider by format
illy
Ground and whole-bean decaffeinated coffees to consider, depending on your brewing method.
- For the ground decaffeinated espresso product mentioned here, Illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%.
- Check the caffeine content and grind on the packaging you choose: information for one product does not apply to the entire range.
Lavazza
Lavazza describes Dek as a decaffeinated whole-bean coffee for espresso or moka.
- Lavazza states that this product is decaffeinated using CO2.
- Whole beans require suitable equipment. Also check the packaging and where the product you choose is sold.
Carte Noire
A decaffeinated espresso capsule option for machines that accept the system stated on the box.
- Carrefour lists a box of 30 Carte Noire Espresso Decaffeinated Intensity 5 capsules, stated as compatible with Nespresso.
- Check the exact system used by your machine; the stated intensity does not indicate the residual caffeine content.
Carrefour
Decaffeinated own-brand ground coffee and capsules to consider, depending on your equipment.
- Carrefour lists decaffeinated Classic and Extra ground coffees, as well as Selection decaffeinated capsules.
- Check the brewing method or capsule system stated for each product.
Auchan
An Auchan Bio decaffeinated ground coffee with the decaffeination process stated.
- Auchan describes this product as 100% Arabica, intensity 5, and labelled ‘decaffeinated without solvents’.
- It’s intended for filter coffee, so check the grind before considering it for espresso. The process label does not mean ‘caffeine-free’.
Decaffeinated espresso capsules on Joybuy
These products are for making decaffeinated espresso with capsules. Choose according to your machine’s system: Dolce Gusto, Lavazza A Modo Mio or the Nespresso system stated for the product. For each one, check the residual caffeine content if this is particularly important for your evening drink.
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GIMOKA Decaffeinated Espresso for Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g — ref. 100013170165191
Worth considering if your machine accepts Dolce Gusto capsules and you want to make single-serve decaffeinated espresso. Check the exact product for its residual caffeine content if you need this information.
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GIMOKA Decaffeinated Espresso for Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g — ref. 100013180208174
Another capsule product to consider for a machine that accepts Dolce Gusto. Check your machine’s system and read the packaging if you want to know the residual caffeine content of this specific product.
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Lavazza A Modo Mio Decaf, 36 capsules
For making single-serve decaffeinated espresso with a machine that accepts the A Modo Mio system. If it matters to your choice, check the residual caffeine content for the exact product.
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Carte Noire Nespresso Demi Decaf, 30 capsules
Worth considering for decaffeinated espresso capsules if your machine accepts the Nespresso system stated for this product. Check that it’s compatible with your exact machine before buying, then read the packaging for the residual caffeine content.
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Carte Noire Decaf Espresso Coffee No. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
A pack of 10 capsules for making decaffeinated espresso. Check that the capsule system is compatible with your exact Nespresso machine, and consult the product information for the residual caffeine content.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaffeinated espresso completely caffeine-free?
No: ‘decaffeinated’ does not mean ‘caffeine-free’. For the ground decaffeinated espresso product mentioned here, Illy states that the caffeine content does not exceed 0.1%. Check the information for the specific product you choose rather than applying this figure to other products.
Can an older person drink decaffeinated espresso in the evening?
The choice depends in part on how sensitive they are to caffeine and what else they consume during the day. Anses says that caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration or quality. If they have sleep problems, a medical condition or are taking medication, seek medical advice suited to their needs.
Should you choose beans, ground coffee or capsules?
Start by choosing a format that works with the machine you already have. Beans require a grinder, ground coffee must suit your brewing method, and capsules must match the machine’s exact system. Don’t assume a product intended for filter coffee is suitable for espresso.
Can coffee be part of an older person’s daily drinks?
Yes, coffee can be part of the day’s drinks, as Manger Bouger notes. It’s still important to offer water regularly, particularly to people over 75, whose sense of thirst may decrease.
Can decaffeinated espresso replace a snack or a meal?
No, a cup of espresso cannot provide the nourishment of a snack or a meal. Manger Bouger notes that nutritional needs do not decrease with age; ongoing loss of appetite or weight loss should be discussed with a healthcare professional.