Dolce Gusto machine owners
If you already own one of these machines, look for an explicit compatibility statement on the box. Once you’ve confirmed this, you can choose based on the recipe.
Who are these capsules for?
Anyone who checks the label
To compare two drinks, check the sugar and fat content on the same basis, then look at the ingredients and allergens for each product. No Nutri-Score? That doesn’t mean there’s no nutritional information.
Households choosing a recipe for a teatime treat
For Epiphany, you might prefer a cocoa-and-milk drink such as Nesquik, or Banania’s recipe combining cocoa, cereals, banana and honey. Also check how many capsules you’ll need for the drinks you plan to serve.
What should you check before buying?
Start by checking that the capsules work with your machine, then compare compatible options by their ingredients and the recipe you’d like to serve.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Look for the Dolce Gusto statement on the box and check your machine’s system. | If my machine can’t use the capsule, the recipe’s flavour won’t make any difference to my purchase. Around 42% of consumers rank compatibility as their top priority. |
| Ingredients and labelling | Compare sugars per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or keep an eye on what I serve, the label matters more than my recipe preference. This is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Recipe and pack size | Choose the recipe you’d like and check how many capsules are in the box. | If I’m sharing hot chocolate at Epiphany, I want a recipe that’s right for a teatime treat and enough capsules for the drinks I’m planning. This is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all capsules work in the same machine
The Nesquik and Banania capsules described here are for the Dolce Gusto system. This doesn’t mean they’ll work with any other system.
Before choosing a recipe, check the compatibility statement on the box against your machine’s system.
An incompatible box may be unusable with your machine.
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Assuming the Nutri-Score is compulsory
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that displaying the Nutri-Score is voluntary. The DGCCRF states that a nutritional declaration is generally required for prepacked foods, subject to applicable exemptions.
If a Nutri-Score appears on the product, use it alongside the nutritional values, particularly the ‘of which sugars’ line, and the ingredients list.
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Overlooking allergens in hot chocolate mixes
The Banania product information viewed on Auchan’s website lists milk, whey and barley malt extract containing gluten. Ingredient information should always be checked against the exact product you buy.
If you need to avoid an ingredient, check the list and allergen information on the packaging of the chosen batch before serving the drink.
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Assuming a drinks tax applies to all powdered capsule mixes
Article 1613 ter, published on Légifrance, applies to drinks and liquid preparations for drinks under the conditions set out in the legislation. This doesn’t mean you can automatically determine the tax treatment of a particular powdered mix.
When choosing between these capsules, base your decision on compatibility, ingredients and the number of servings rather than making this assumption.
Brands to know
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto / NESQUIK
Nestlé Professional France offers a chocolate drink mix in a box of 16 capsules, designed for the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto system and intended to make a 150 ml drink.
- The recipe described includes ingredients such as whole milk powder and low-fat cocoa.
- Designed for Dolce Gusto doesn’t mean it’s compatible with another system. Check the packet’s ingredients if you need to avoid any of them.
Banania
Banania offers capsules compatible with Nescafé Dolce Gusto, with a recipe combining cocoa, cereals, banana and honey. The product reviewed contains 12 capsules.
- The Auchan product listing for this item shows a Nutri-Score B and states that it contains 72 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the other nutritional values on the packaging too.
- The listing mentions milk, whey and barley malt extract containing gluten. Check the ingredients for your batch if these matter to your choice.
Hot chocolate capsules on Joybuy
These products are for anyone looking for hot chocolate capsules stated to be compatible with Dolce Gusto. To compare them, choose your preferred recipe, then check the pack size and label on each box.
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Banania, 12 capsules compatible with Nescafé Dolce Gusto, 192 g
For Dolce Gusto machine owners who prefer Banania’s recipe combining cocoa, cereals, banana and honey. The box contains 12 capsules. If you need to avoid milk or gluten, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
The Auchan listing for Banania 12 capsules, 192 g, states that the product contains 72 g of sugars per 100 g and shows a Nutri-Score B. Compare these details with the batch you buy.
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GIMOKA white hot chocolate for Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 192 g
Worth considering if you have a Dolce Gusto machine and would like a white chocolate option rather than a classic cocoa recipe. This box contains 16 capsules. Check the ingredients and nutritional information before comparing it with other recipes.
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GIMOKA hot chocolate for Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 224 g
For Dolce Gusto machine owners looking for GIMOKA hot chocolate rather than its white chocolate option. The pack contains 16 capsules and weighs 224 g. Check the sugar content on the packaging before comparing its nutritional values with other options.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nutri-Score compulsory on hot chocolate capsules in France?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, displaying the Nutri-Score is voluntary. The DGCCRF says prepacked foods generally need to carry a nutritional declaration, subject to certain exemptions. This makes it possible to compare sugar and fat content on the same basis.
How do you prepare Banania capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto?
For the 12-capsule product described by Auchan, the instructions say to dispense the drink at level 4, then leave it to stand for 4 minutes. Follow the instructions on the box you’re using.
Which ingredients should you check before serving these hot chocolates?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the product you buy. The Banania listing viewed on Auchan’s website mentions milk, whey and barley malt extract containing gluten. The information provided for the Nesquik product mentions milk, lactose and soya lecithin, among other ingredients. Always check the packaging for the batch you’re serving.