Meeting organisers who need to serve quickly
When the break is short and you need to serve several cups, instant coffee or an instant coffee solution for the office reduces the steps involved in brewing. You’ll still need to measure out each cup.
Who is this guide for?
Teams looking for a flavour everyone can enjoy
If the group has different preferences, descriptions such as smooth, rounded or balanced can help guide your choice. The amount of coffee you use and the preparation method also affect the flavour in the cup.
People who want to limit their caffeine
A decaffeinated option may suit this preference, but it shouldn’t be treated as a caffeine-free drink. The European Food Safety Authority considers caffeine intake from all food sources.
What should you look for?
For a coffee break during a meeting, the equipment available will determine the format you need. The other criteria depend on what matters most to those drinking it.
Decaffeinated ground coffee
Choose this if: you have a filter coffee machine and want to prepare several cups using the same coffee.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a filter, the right measure of coffee and time to prepare it. JDE Professional says the preparation method affects the final taste.
Decaffeinated instant coffee
Choose this if: you need to make cups with hot water and don’t have a coffee machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure out each cup and follow the water quantity given for your chosen product.
Decaffeinated soft coffee pods
Choose these if: you already have a compatible machine and individual portions suit your meeting.
Bear in mind: check which pod system you need. Soft pods won’t work in a machine designed for a different type of capsule.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quick service | Format and available equipment; measure or instructions for each cup. | When the break is short, I want to serve several people without interrupting the meeting. Around 38% of consumers would make quick service their priority. |
| A flavour everyone can enjoy | Stated flavour profile and intensity; how it tastes using the intended preparation method. | For a group with varied tastes, I’d rather not choose based only on the coffee beans. Around 37% of consumers would put a flavour the group enjoys first. |
| Limiting caffeine | The “decaffeinated” label and any information available about caffeine per serving. | If I’m keeping an eye on my caffeine intake, flavour and speed of service aren’t enough to guide my choice. This would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Things to bear in mind
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Mixing up soft pods and capsules
Senseo pods and capsules advertised as compatible with Nespresso are designed for different systems. Having a machine in the room doesn’t guarantee that it will work with the product you choose.
Check the machine’s system, then make sure the exact product you’re considering is listed as compatible.
Without compatible equipment, you’ll need another machine to serve the coffee.
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Judging the flavour by “100% Arabica” alone
The blend and stated intensity don’t tell you exactly how the coffee will taste. JDE Professional notes, for example, that the preparation method affects the flavour in the cup.
Compare the flavour descriptions, then try making the coffee with the machine you’ll use for the meeting before opting for a larger pack.
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Assuming “decaffeinated” means “caffeine-free”
The “decaffeinated” label doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup. The European Food Safety Authority considers intake from all food sources, not just one coffee.
If you need to stick to a personal caffeine limit, look for product-specific information and take your other sources of caffeine into account. If you’re following medical advice, ask a healthcare professional for guidance.
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Putting every compostable pod in your home compost
Carte Noire says that its Décaféiné N°5 pod, which was reviewed, needs industrial processing to be composted. This doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a home compost bin.
Check the disposal instructions for the product you buy and see what local collection options are available.
Brands to consider by format
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers 100% Arabica decaffeinated ground coffee with an intensity of 7/10 for filter coffee machines, as well as Décaféiné N°5 soft pods, also 100% Arabica, with an intensity of 5/10.
- Depending on the product, the brand describes its coffees as rounded or balanced. Use these as a guide and consider your group’s tastes.
- The pods need a compatible machine. The compostable product reviewed needs industrial processing at the end of its life.
NESCAFÉ
NESCAFÉ describes its 100 g Spécial Filtre Décaféiné as instant coffee made from an Arabica/Robusta blend.
- The brand’s instructions call for a teaspoon of coffee and 100 ml of hot water, with no coffee machine required.
- Try the coffee using the amount of water and cup size you’ll actually use to see if the measure and taste work for you.
Jacobs / JDE Professional
JDE Professional offers, among other products, Senseo Décaféiné Arabica/Robusta pods in packs of 10 × 40 pods, as well as instant coffee solutions for offices.
- These formats let you serve individual portions or consider an instant coffee setup for a meeting room.
- Your choice will depend on machine compatibility and, for a professional setup, how it’s organised and maintained.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Extra product reviewed is 250 g of vacuum-packed, decaffeinated ground coffee made from 100% Arabica beans.
- Its blend and format make it easy to compare with other ground coffees intended for preparing several cups.
- The product’s description of its aroma as subtle is Carrefour’s own wording, not a guarantee that everyone will like it.
E.Leclerc / Plantation
E.Leclerc’s Plantation range includes Tradition decaffeinated ground coffee and Pur Arabica decaffeinated ground coffee, both in 250 g packs.
- These two product names make it easy to spot different blends within a range of ground coffees.
- To choose between them, check the exact product packaging and the preparation instructions on it.
Auchan
Auchan offers 250 g of 100% Arabica decaffeinated ground coffee with an intensity of 5/10, as well as an organic version in the same size and intensity.
- The product details for the standard ground coffee recommend one tablespoon per cup, which is useful when preparing several servings.
- The “solvent-free” decaffeination claim applies to the organic version reviewed; it shouldn’t be assumed to apply to the standard ground coffee.
Joybuy products for a meeting break
This selection includes instant coffee to prepare one cup at a time, Senseo-compatible pods and several drinks in individual capsules. Check your machine’s system before comparing portioned formats. Flavoured latte capsules are for a different kind of drink from a plain black coffee.
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GIMOKA DECAF/DECAFFEINE, 36 Senseo-compatible pods, 252 g
For serving individual portions if the room has a compatible Senseo machine.
Decaffeinated Arabica/Robusta blend, described as smooth and light. The pack contains 36 pods and weighs 252 g.
If the amount of caffeine per serving matters, check the information for this product before choosing it.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee instant, 100 g
For making a cup of decaffeinated coffee with hot water, without a coffee machine.
The product details recommend 1 to 2 teaspoons with 150 ml of hot water. Follow the instructions for this product rather than those for a different NESCAFÉ jar.
If you have a personal caffeine limit, check the amount for the serving you’ll be drinking.
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CARTE NOIRE Decaf Espresso Coffee No. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
For serving individual decaffeinated espressos with a compatible Nespresso machine.
100% Arabica coffee with a stated intensity of 5; box of 10 capsules. This intensity alone won’t tell you what the group will prefer.
If you need to keep close track of your caffeine intake, check the information for each serving.
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Nescafé Dolce Gusto Lungo Décafe, 16 capsules
For serving individual decaffeinated lungos when the room has a Dolce Gusto machine.
The product details describe decaffeinated roasted ground coffee, with 16 capsules for 16 servings.
Check compatibility with this machine system; it differs from soft pods and other types of capsules.
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COLUMBUS De-Caffeinated Vanilla Macadamia Latte Coffee Capsules, 12 servings
For anyone who’d prefer a flavoured decaffeinated coffee drink rather than a plain black coffee.
This vanilla macadamia latte includes one capsule of decaffeinated coffee and one capsule of milk preparation containing sugar, among other ingredients. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergen information.
Check which machine system is required before choosing these capsules for the meeting room.
Frequently asked questions
Which format should I choose for a short meeting without a coffee machine?
Decaffeinated instant coffee lets you make cups with hot water, without a coffee machine. Follow the measure given for the product you buy: the recommended water quantity can vary from one product to another.
Will 100% Arabica decaffeinated coffee definitely suit everyone?
No. The blend alone can’t predict everyone’s preferences. The flavour descriptions from Carte Noire and NESCAFÉ offer some guidance, while JDE Professional points out that preparation affects the taste. Try the measure you plan to use for the meeting.
Is the “decaffeinated” label enough if I’m limiting my caffeine?
No. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine you’ll consume in each cup. The European Food Safety Authority considers caffeine from all food sources. If you have a personal limit, look for information about the serving, and seek suitable advice if your limit is based on medical guidance.
How should I store decaffeinated ground coffee after opening?
Follow the instructions on the pack you buy. For the products reviewed, Auchan recommends resealing the bag securely and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, while Carte Noire recommends keeping its coffee in a dry place away from heat.