Choose your decaffeinated espresso based on the machine you can actually use before you leave or at your destination. Nespresso Original, illy Iperespresso and A Modo Mio capsules each use a different system, while ground coffee requires the right equipment. If you want to take a freshly prepared espresso with you for your airport meal, bear security checks in mind too: for liquids in hand luggage in France, the DGAC specifies containers of less than 100 ml, placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
You can make your coffee before you leave or at your destination, and you’ve confirmed which system your machine uses. Lavazza describes its Decaf capsules and Carte Noire its Decaffeinated Espresso capsules as compatible with Nespresso Original.
You’re looking for decaffeinated capsules for this specific machine. illy reserves its Iperespresso capsules for its own system and states that the caffeine content of this product does not exceed 0.1%.
If you’re taking a drink that’s already been made, the container and when you go through security matter more than the format in which you bought the coffee. For liquids in hand luggage in France, check the DGAC guidance that applies at security.
First, decide where the coffee will be made and which machine will be available. You can then choose a decaffeinated option based on the product information and your taste preferences.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Machine compatibility | The exact system name on the machine and capsule box; for ground coffee, the brewing equipment available. | If I’m planning to make my coffee before I leave, capsules that don’t fit my machine are no use to me; around 46% of consumers put compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Decaffeinated labelling | The word “decaffeinated” and, if a specific figure matters to you, the caffeine content stated for the product in question. | For my evening coffee, I want to distinguish caffeine content from flavour intensity; this is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Getting through security | When the drink will be made and, if you’re taking it through security in your hand luggage, the capacity of its container. | If I want to drink my espresso with my meal at the airport, I need to know whether I’ll take it with me already made or get it after security; around 18% of consumers prioritise making these arrangements first. |
An intensity rating describes the flavour profile given for a coffee; on its own, it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine it contains.
When choosing an evening coffee, first look for the word “decaffeinated”. If you need a specific figure, check the information for the exact product, then choose the flavour you prefer.
illy Iperespresso capsules are designed for Iperespresso machines, while the Lavazza Decaf and Carte Noire Decaffeinated Espresso products mentioned by their brands are intended for Nespresso Original. These labels don’t refer to a universal format.
Make a note of the model of the machine you’ll have access to before you shop, then compare it with the compatibility information for the product you choose.
Opening a box won’t solve a compatibility issue with the machine you have available.
For liquids in hand luggage in France, the DGAC specifies containers of less than 100 ml in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. A large cup of prepared espresso doesn’t meet this requirement.
If you’d like to enjoy your coffee after security, consider making or buying it once you’re through. Check the guidance that applies to your journey, especially if you’re changing flights.
You may have to leave behind a drink that doesn’t meet security requirements.
Lavazza offers decaffeinated capsules for several systems, including Nespresso Original and A Modo Mio.
illy offers decaffeinated Iperespresso capsules and decaffeinated espresso ground coffee.
The brand describes its Espresso Decaffeinated No. 5 capsules as compatible with Nespresso Original.
The retailer lists a box of 30 Carte Noire Espresso Decaffeinated capsules compatible with Nespresso.
The retailer lists Plantation decaffeinated coffee capsules, including a box of 30.
These capsules are for several different machine systems and are designed for making coffee before you leave or at your destination, rather than taking a ready-to-drink beverage with you. Choose a product only after identifying which machine you’ll be able to use.
Image unavailable
If you want to make a decaffeinated lungo before you leave or at your destination, check that the available machine accepts this product. The product name indicates a pack of 10 capsules.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’ll be using a Nescafé Dolce Gusto machine: check compatibility with your model before buying. The box contains 16 capsules, weighing 112 g.
Image unavailable
This pack of 36 decaffeinated capsules is for anyone with access to a machine that uses the A Modo Mio system. Don’t confuse this format with the Nespresso Original-compatible capsules offered by Lavazza.
Image unavailable
If you have a Nespresso machine, compare its exact system with the compatibility information for this product before choosing the box of 30 capsules. The word Nespresso alone doesn’t cover every machine model.
Image unavailable
This pack of 10 aluminium capsules could be a good choice if you’re looking for a smaller pack to make your coffee before you leave or at your destination. Check that the product is compatible with your exact machine model.
For liquids in hand luggage at security in France, the container must meet the DGAC requirements: it must hold less than 100 ml and be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. A large cup doesn’t meet these requirements; check the guidance that applies if you’re changing flights too.
No, “decaffeinated” doesn’t necessarily mean “caffeine-free”. illy states that the caffeine content of its relevant decaffeinated Iperespresso capsules and decaffeinated espresso ground coffee does not exceed 0.1%; this information doesn’t apply to products from other brands.
Compare the compatibility information on the product with the exact system used by your machine. Lavazza Decaf and Carte Noire Decaffeinated Espresso are described by their brands as suitable for Nespresso Original, while decaffeinated illy Iperespresso capsules require an Iperespresso machine.
For its decaffeinated espresso ground coffee, illy recommends storing it away from light and heat, preferably in the fridge once opened. Before choosing this format, make sure you’ll have the equipment to prepare it and suitable storage conditions.