For afternoon tea, start by considering the flavour you’re looking for and how sensitive each guest is to caffeine. An espresso described as balanced, a fuller-bodied option or a clearly labelled decaffeinated coffee will suit different preferences. Next, check that the format works with your machine; the intensity number on a pack doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much caffeine you’ll consume. If you have a medical condition or take medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice tailored to you rather than assuming a particular blend will be suitable.
If you’d like a coffee to enjoy with a pastry or conversation without choosing something very strong, look for coffees described as balanced. Carrefour, for example, describes its 100% Arabica coffees from Lavazza and Carrefour Extra in these terms.
If caffeine is a concern, look for the word “decaffeinated” on the exact product you’re considering. The Anses notes that its effects vary from person to person; if you have a medical condition or take medication, seek individual advice.
An Arabica–Robusta blend or a coffee described as dark-roasted may suit those who prefer a bolder flavour. Auchan, for example, describes its Méo Espresso whole beans as a strong coffee for espresso and ristretto.
Choose a flavour profile or decaffeinated option to suit each guest’s priorities, then check which format your machine needs. A coffee you enjoy won’t be much use if its capsules, beans or grind aren’t compatible with your equipment.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Balance in the cup | The blend and flavour profile described on the pack; intensity alone doesn’t tell you what it will taste like. | To enjoy with afternoon tea, I prefer a cup described as balanced rather than a very strong espresso. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this profile. |
| Reducing caffeine | The “decaffeinated” label on the exact product, and any other sources of caffeine consumed throughout the day. | If I’m concerned about having coffee in the afternoon, I want to enjoy the occasion without choosing based solely on the intensity shown on the pack. Around 25% of consumers would put reducing caffeine first. |
| A full-bodied flavour | The blend and roast description, as well as whether it’s intended for espresso. | I’m looking for a bolder-tasting cup, even if other guests would prefer a balanced profile. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Preparation | The capsule system or, for whole beans and ground coffee, the equipment and grind required. | I want to serve coffee using the machine I already have, without adding extra steps. Around 17% of consumers would put compatibility and simplicity first. |
Carrefour describes Lavazza Espresso Italiano Classico, with an intensity rating of 5, as balanced, and Carte Noire Espresso 100% Arabica, with an intensity rating of 10, as intense. These descriptions of flavour aren’t a like-for-like measure of caffeine content.
If reducing caffeine is important to you, look for the “decaffeinated” label and take account of any other caffeinated drinks or products you consume during the day.
The blend describes the coffee, not an individual’s tolerance to caffeine. The Anses says its effects can vary, while the European Food Safety Authority’s general assessment doesn’t cover people with medical conditions or those taking medication.
If you have a medical condition, sleep problems or take medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before making coffee a regular part of your routine.
Whole beans need a built-in grinder or a separate coffee grinder, and ground coffee for a moka pot shouldn’t be mistaken for espresso grind. Lavazza describes espresso extraction as hot water passing through compacted coffee grounds.
Check which equipment you’ll use for afternoon tea, then choose the beans, grind or capsule system that works with it.
The brand offers whole-bean and ground coffee for espresso. Carrefour describes its ground Espresso Italiano Classico, made from 100% Arabica and with an intensity rating of 5, as balanced.
illy offers its coffees in several formats, including ground decaffeinated espresso coffee in its French range.
Products listed by Carrefour and Auchan include a 100% Arabica espresso in whole-bean form and an Arabica–Robusta ground coffee, each with a distinct flavour description.
Carrefour lists a 1 kg pack of 100% Arabica whole beans with an intensity rating of 6, described as balanced.
This selection includes decaffeinated espresso capsules for different systems, as well as whole beans described as intense. For capsules, first check which machine you have; for whole beans, make sure you have equipment that can grind them.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for decaffeinated espresso capsules to enjoy with afternoon tea.
The pack contains 30 capsules; check that the stated compatibility matches your machine exactly.
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If you’d like to serve decaffeinated coffee in capsules, check that your afternoon tea machine uses the A Modo Mio system.
This pack contains 36 capsules. If your caffeine intake needs to be managed, the “decaffeinated” label isn’t a substitute for individual advice.
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A decaffeinated option to consider for making espresso with a Dolce Gusto-compatible machine.
The pack contains 16 capsules, weighing 112 g; check your machine’s system before buying.
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This other GIMOKA option is designed for decaffeinated espresso made with a Dolce Gusto-compatible machine.
It contains 16 capsules, weighing 112 g. Check the product code when choosing between the two GIMOKA packs featured here.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an espresso described as intense to enjoy with afternoon tea and have a coffee grinder or a machine with a built-in grinder.
The pack contains 500 g of whole-bean coffee. Don’t assume its caffeine content from the word “Intense” alone.
No. Age alone doesn’t determine how sensitive someone is to caffeine. The Anses says its effects vary from person to person, while the European Food Safety Authority’s general assessment doesn’t cover people with medical conditions or those taking medication. If either applies to you, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
No. These numbers alone can’t be used to compare the caffeine content of two coffees. Carrefour describes Lavazza Espresso Italiano Classico, with an intensity rating of 5, as balanced, and Carte Noire Espresso 100% Arabica, rated 10, as intense. If caffeine is guiding your choice, look for a product clearly labelled as decaffeinated instead.
Choose according to your machine: whole beans need a built-in grinder or a separate coffee grinder, while a machine that takes ground coffee needs a grind suitable for espresso. Check the recommended use on the pack, as illy, for example, distinguishes its ground espresso coffees from those intended for a moka pot.
First, check the details that matter to your choice, including whether the coffee is “decaffeinated”, its format and whether it’s compatible with your machine. For pre-packed food sold in France, the DGCCRF notes that labelling information must be visible, legible and written at least in French.