For pod machine owners
You’re looking to order coffee online and need to tell an ESE pod apart from one designed for a Senseo machine.
Who is this guide for?
For capsule machine owners
Your machine uses the Nespresso® Original, Iperespresso or A Modo Mio system. Look for that exact name on the capsule product page.
For anyone looking for a pyramid tea bag
You want to check whether you’re looking for a tea bag infusion or single-serve coffee for making espresso.
What should you check before ordering?
When buying espresso online, first check what the product is and whether it’s compatible with your machine. Then compare the flavour profiles of products that work with your system.
| Factor | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Check your machine’s system and look for the same name on the product page: ESE, Senseo, Nespresso® Original, Iperespresso or A Modo Mio. | I want to use the machine I own without ordering the wrong format; around 40% of consumers would prioritise compatibility. |
| Flavour profile | Read the tasting notes and check the stated intensity. Intensity isn’t measured on a scale that can be directly compared across brands. | Once I’ve chosen the right format, I want an espresso that suits my taste; almost 30% of consumers would put this first. |
| Product type | Read the product name and ingredients to distinguish single-serve coffee from tea or an infusion in a pyramid tea bag. | I’m looking for espresso, but the term ‘pyramid tea bag’ could lead me to an infusion; around 30% of consumers would want to clarify what they’re ordering first. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Confusing pyramid tea bags with single-serve coffee
Carrefour France sells pyramid tea bags containing infusions, so the term on its own doesn’t mean a product is suitable for making espresso.
Before adding an item to your basket, check that it’s coffee and note its format.
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Choosing the intensity before checking your machine’s system
Nespresso® Original, Iperespresso and A Modo Mio are distinct systems, as shown by Carte Noire, illy and Lavazza. A flavour profile you like doesn’t make a capsule compatible with your machine.
Filter products by system first, then look at the flavour and quantity on offer.
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Assuming ESE pods are the same as Senseo pods
Lavazza and Carte Noire sell pods to the ESE standard, while the Senseo product listed by Auchan France is designed for Senseo machines. The word ‘pod’ alone isn’t enough to tell them apart.
Choose only the format stated as compatible with your machine.
Brands to consider by format
Lavazza
Lavazza sells ESE pods and A Modo Mio capsules for two different types of machine.
- The system name helps you find the right format.
- ESE pods and A Modo Mio capsules aren’t interchangeable.
illy
illy offers Iperespresso capsules and ESE pods, among other products.
- These two names make it easier to find the right product for your machine.
- illy says its Iperespresso capsules are suitable only for Iperespresso machines.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire sells capsules compatible with Nespresso® Original machines, as well as ESE pods.
- The distinction between capsules and pods helps you narrow down the system you need.
- The intensity ratings and tasting notes in its range can’t be directly compared with those of other brands.
Single-serve coffees available on Joybuy
These products include capsules for the systems listed and Senseo pods. Choose one only after checking which format your machine takes. They aren’t pyramid tea bags for infusions.
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L'OR Espresso Ristretto n.11 x50
Worth considering for a Nespresso® Original or L'OR BARISTA machine, once you’ve confirmed compatibility with your model. The product name indicates a ristretto n.11, in a pack of x50.
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Lavazza A Modo Mio Intenso, 16 capsules
Worth considering if your machine uses the A Modo Mio system. The product name specifies the Intenso variety and a pack of 16 capsules. Check the exact system before ordering.
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STARBUCKS Espresso Roast, 10 capsules Nespresso
For a Nespresso® Original machine, check that this product is compatible with your model. The product name specifies Espresso Roast and 10 capsules.
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L'OR Coffee Nespresso Supremo x10
Worth considering if you use a Nespresso® Original machine, subject to confirming that this product is compatible. The product name specifies the Supremo variety and a pack of x10.
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CARTE NOIRE Senseo Espresso n°8, 36 pods
Worth considering for a machine that takes Senseo pods, rather than relying on the word ‘pods’ alone. The product name specifies Espresso n°8 and a pack of 36 pods.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make espresso with a pyramid tea bag?
A pyramid tea bag sold as an infusion isn’t a substitute for a coffee pod or capsule. Carrefour France uses this term for infusions. To make espresso, check that the product is coffee and comes in a format your machine accepts.
How can you check capsule compatibility before ordering?
Look for your machine’s exact system on the product page. Carte Noire describes its capsules as compatible with Nespresso® Original, while illy reserves its Iperespresso capsules for Iperespresso machines and Lavazza’s A Modo Mio capsules are designed for machines in that range.
Will an ESE pod work in a Senseo machine?
Don’t assume an ESE pod will work in a Senseo machine. Lavazza and Carte Noire identify their ESE pods by this standard, while the Senseo product listed by Auchan France is stated to be compatible with Senseo machines. Always follow the format specified for your machine.
What should you check on a single-serve coffee product page?
Check the coffee name, ingredients, machine system listed and quantity. This information helps you distinguish single-serve espresso from an infusion and choose a product that suits your machine.