People with a coffee machine
To make an espresso during your break, you’ll need a format that works with your machine. Lavazza’s ESE pods, the Senseo pods described by Carrefour and capsules for Nespresso Original machines aren’t interchangeable.
Who is this choice for?
Coffee lovers who think about when they take their break
If you take your break close to bedtime, caffeine becomes an important factor. The Anses says it can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration or quality, although sensitivity varies from person to person.
People who prefer pyramid tea bags
If what you really want is to brew a bag in water, the tea and herbal infusion examples featured by Auchan are suited to that ritual. They won’t make an espresso, though.
What should you consider?
First, decide between espresso and a drink you brew. If you choose espresso, start with your machine’s system. For a late-afternoon break, also check whether the drink contains caffeine.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso compatibility | Compare your machine’s instructions with the ESE, Senseo or Nespresso Original label on the product. | I want to make espresso with my machine without buying a format that won’t work with it; around 42% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Caffeine in the afternoon | Check whether the product is caffeinated or decaffeinated, especially if you’ll be drinking it not long before bed. | Late in the afternoon, I want to enjoy my coffee break while taking my sleep into account; managing caffeine is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Pyramid tea bag | Read the product name, ingredients and brewing instructions to tell tea, herbal infusion and coffee apart. | I’m mainly looking for the ritual of brewing a pyramid tea bag and am happy to choose a drink other than espresso; around 25% of consumers prioritise this format. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a ‘pyramid tea bag’ is an espresso format
The pyramid tea and herbal infusion bags featured by Auchan are brewed in water; they aren’t suitable if you’re looking for an espresso made with a machine.
Decide what matters most when you buy: an espresso drink or a format you can brew.
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Choosing a pod based on the word ‘espresso’ alone
Lavazza’s ESE products, the Senseo pods described by Carrefour and capsules for Nespresso Original machines are designed for different systems.
Check your machine’s instructions to find its system, then check that the product you choose is compatible.
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Forgetting about caffeine when taking a late break
According to the Anses, caffeine can disrupt sleep, although its effects vary from person to person.
If this matters to you, check whether the coffee is decaffeinated and read the ingredients of any other drink you’re considering.
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Choosing an infusion based on the bag’s shape alone
A pyramid tea bag may contain tea or an herbal infusion with different ingredients. The shape of the bag doesn’t tell you what’s in it or how to prepare it.
Check the ingredients, any listed allergens and the brewing instructions before you choose.
Brands to know for these formats
Lavazza
Worth considering if you’re looking for ESE pods or capsules for Nespresso Original, rather than a pyramid tea bag.
- Lavazza offers pods in the ESE standard and a range of capsules compatible with Nespresso Original machines.
- Check your machine’s exact system: the fact that both ranges are available doesn’t make their formats interchangeable.
Carte Noire
Worth considering if you’re looking for coffee pods for a compatible Senseo machine.
- Carrefour features a Carte Noire ‘Espresso Intensité 8’ product in a pack of 60 pods compatible with Senseo machines.
- The Senseo label doesn’t guarantee compatibility with ESE or Nespresso Original systems.
Éléphant
Worth considering if you’d rather brew a pyramid tea bag than make an espresso.
- Auchan features an Éléphant herbal infusion in Pyramid tea bags, with hazelnut, roasted rice and a hint of caramel.
- This is an herbal infusion, not espresso coffee; check the ingredients and preparation instructions.
Coffee pods and capsules on Joybuy
These products are for making coffee in a capsule or pod machine that’s compatible with the format. To choose between them, first check your machine’s system, then decide whether you want a decaffeinated option. None is presented as a pyramid tea bag for brewing.
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Carte Noire Decaf Espresso Coffee No. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
If you’d like a decaffeinated espresso for your break, this capsule option is worth considering if your machine accepts the format.
Check the packaging for exact compatibility; this isn’t a pyramid tea bag.
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GIMOKA, 36 decaffeinated pods compatible with Senseo, 252 g
If you have a Senseo machine and prefer decaffeinated coffee, check that these pods are suitable for your model.
These are coffee pods, not pyramid tea bags for brewing.
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GIMOKA Espresso Decaffeinated, 16 capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto, 112 g
If you use a Dolce Gusto machine and want a decaffeinated espresso, check that these capsules are compatible with your model.
These capsules aren’t the same format as Senseo pods or pyramid tea bags.
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L'OR Espresso Ristretto n.11 x50
If you’re looking for ristretto capsules for a Nespresso Original machine, check that this product is compatible with your appliance.
If you’re taking a break close to bedtime, check the packaging for caffeine information rather than guessing from the coffee’s name.
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L'OR Coffee Nespresso Supremo, 10 capsules
To make coffee with capsules in a Nespresso Original machine, check the exact compatibility of the Supremo product.
If caffeine matters when choosing your afternoon drink, check the packaging; a capsule isn’t used like a pyramid tea bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make espresso with a pyramid tea bag?
The pyramid tea and herbal infusion bags featured by Auchan won’t make espresso: they’re brewed in water. If you want espresso, look for a format suited to your machine and check that it’s compatible.
What should you check before buying espresso pods?
First, check the system listed in your machine’s instructions, then check the system specified for the product. Lavazza’s ESE pods, the Senseo-compatible pods described by Carrefour and capsules for Nespresso Original machines aren’t all the same format.
Why check the caffeine content for an afternoon break?
Caffeine can affect your sleep: the Anses says it can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration or quality. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, check whether the product you’re considering is caffeinated or decaffeinated, and bear in mind what time you’ll be taking your break.
What should you look for on the packaging of bagged tea or herbal infusions?
Read the drink’s name, ingredients, any listed allergens and the brewing instructions to find out what you’re buying and how to prepare it. For food products sold in France, the DGCCRF reminds retailers that labelling information must be visible, legible and written at least in French.