To choose a Fairtrade espresso to enjoy in winter, check for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the specific coffee you’re considering, then choose a format that works with your machine. If you’re deciding between two suitable options, pick the flavour profile that suits how you drink your coffee – black or with milk. Bear in mind that tasting notes don’t guarantee the flavour you’ll get in your cup.
You want to find the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the specific product you buy, rather than relying on general claims about sustainability. Max Havelaar France links its certification to social, economic and environmental criteria.
You can choose whole beans and adjust the grind for your preferred brewing method. Carrefour and MaxiCoffee list whole-bean coffees carrying the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark. Next, check that the product is suitable for how you plan to use your machine.
You’re looking for a coffee to enjoy black or with a splash of milk. Auchan describes its Les Cafés Sati Peru whole-bean coffee, which is presented as Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified, as smooth and well balanced, with chocolate and hazelnut notes. These tasting notes don’t guarantee the result you’ll get with your recipe.
For this choice, check the certification on the specific product, rule out formats that won’t work with your machine, then compare the tasting notes and, if relevant to you, the caffeine content.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade certification | Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the exact product, and check what proportion of the coffee it applies to, if this information is provided. | I want to identify certified coffee without relying on a general sustainability claim. Around 36% of consumers are said to prioritise this check. |
| Flavour profile | Compare the tasting notes with the drink you make, whether you take it black or with milk. If the coffee is new to you, try a smaller pack. | For a winter cup, I’m looking for flavours I enjoy in my usual drink. This is said to be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Format and machine | Check which formats your machine accepts: whole beans with a grinder, ground coffee, E.S.E. pods or capsules for the right system. | I need to be able to use the coffee with my equipment, without assuming that different formats are interchangeable. Around 21% of consumers are said to put compatibility first. |
| Caffeine | If you’re looking for decaffeinated coffee, check that this is stated on the exact product, and make sure the format is right for your machine. | When I drink coffee late in the day, I want to take my sensitivity to caffeine into account. Managing caffeine is said to be the top criterion for around 14% of consumers. |
A brand’s sustainability messaging doesn’t mean that every product it sells carries the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark.
Check the product listing or packaging for the coffee you’ve chosen. Max Havelaar France says its certification is linked to social, economic and environmental criteria.
Whole beans need to be ground, while ground coffee, E.S.E. pods and capsules each require suitable equipment.
Check your machine’s manual to see which formats it accepts and, where relevant, which grind settings are suitable.
A coffee described as smooth and chocolatey may not taste the way you’d like once you’ve added your usual amount of milk.
If possible, try a smaller pack with your usual recipe before choosing a larger one.
Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration or quality, although the effects vary from person to person.
If this matters to you, look for a product clearly labelled as decaffeinated in a format that works with your machine.
An option to consider if you’re looking for whole-bean espresso with an explicit Fairtrade mark.
Whole-bean and ground options to consider, depending on the type of machine you use.
An option to explore if you’re looking for Fairtrade ground coffee, including decaffeinated varieties.
A whole-bean option to consider if you enjoy smooth, well-balanced tasting notes.
A ground coffee option for equipment that accepts this format.
This product is for anyone who uses ground coffee to make a winter drink. If you’re specifically looking for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar espresso, check the product for the certification mark and make sure the grind is right for your machine before deciding.
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An option to consider if your machine accepts ground coffee. The pack contains 250 g. Before choosing it for these features, check the grind size recommended for your machine and the exact Fairtrade mark shown on the product.
Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the packaging or listing for the exact product. Max Havelaar France links this certification to social, economic and environmental criteria; a general sustainability claim isn’t enough to confirm that a product is certified.
No – the format needs to be right for your machine. Whole beans require a built-in or separate grinder, ground coffee needs a machine that accepts it, and E.S.E. pods require equipment compatible with this standard. Check your machine’s manual before choosing.
It may suit your taste, but the tasting notes don’t guarantee the same result once you add milk. If possible, try it with the amount of milk you usually use, starting with a smaller pack.
Yes. E.Leclerc lists a Bio Village ground pure arabica coffee that is decaffeinated, organic and Fairtrade. Check that this format works with your machine.
Caffeine is one factor to consider. Anses says it can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration or quality, with sensitivity varying from person to person. A product clearly labelled as decaffeinated may suit you if you prefer to have less caffeine.