To choose an organic espresso for a late-night snack, check that it is certified organic, then choose a format that works with your machine: beans if you have a grinder, or capsules that match your system exactly. If you’re planning to go to bed soon afterwards, check separately for the word ‘decaffeinated’: organic certification tells you nothing about caffeine, which the Anses says can delay falling asleep and reduce both sleep duration and quality.
You’d like an espresso late in the evening, but are planning to go to bed soon afterwards. Treat organic certification and the word ‘decaffeinated’ as separate things, and take your other sources of caffeine into account. The Anses warns that caffeine can disrupt sleep.
For a quick espresso, choose a capsule that states it is compatible with your exact machine. Capsules listed for Nespresso Original and Dolce Gusto are not interchangeable.
Organic coffee beans are a good choice if you can grind them before making your espresso. Once opened, store them according to the instructions on the packaging.
If you’ll be drinking espresso late in the evening, first decide whether caffeine is a key consideration for you. Then check your machine’s format and the organic certification details for the product you choose.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine and sleep | Look for the word ‘decaffeinated’ if you’re planning to go to bed soon afterwards; the organic logo is no substitute. | If I have an espresso late before bed, I want to make an informed choice about caffeine: the Anses says it can disrupt sleep. Around 42% of consumers would put this first. |
| Machine format | Check that it is compatible with your exact Nespresso Original or Dolce Gusto machine. For beans, make sure you have a grinder or coffee mill. | I want to use the coffee I buy with my capsule or bean-to-cup machine without choosing the wrong format; around 33% of consumers would put compatibility first. |
| Organic certification | Look for the EU organic leaf or the AB mark. Check any Fairtrade claim separately. | If the way a product is made is my main consideration, I look for a clear organic certification on the exact product I’m buying. Around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
Organic certification relates to how the coffee is produced, not whether it contains caffeine. The Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce both sleep duration and quality.
If you have your espresso close to bedtime, look specifically for the word ‘decaffeinated’ and check separately for the organic certification you want.
An espresso capsule listed for Nespresso Original won’t necessarily work with Dolce Gusto, even if both products are organic.
Compare the system name on your machine with the compatibility information on the box or product page for the exact product.
A product may appear in a catalogue but not be available where or when you want to buy it.
Check availability at your chosen shop, for collection or in your delivery area before making your final choice.
Organic whole-bean espresso, such as Lavazza Espresso Maestro Bio, is not a direct replacement for capsules.
Before choosing this format, check that your machine has a suitable grinder or that you have a coffee mill.
Espresso Maestro Bio is available as whole beans, including in a 1 kg pack.
Espresso Bio is available as whole beans and in capsules listed as compatible with Nespresso Original.
There are two organic espresso capsule options, each designed for a different machine system.
The Espresso n°7 product is a capsule listed as compatible with Nespresso.
The range includes organic ground coffee and whole beans, as well as an organic espresso capsule option.
Illy offers espresso as whole beans, ground coffee, capsules and E.S.E. pods.
These whole-bean coffees are for people with a machine that has a grinder, or a separate coffee mill to prepare their espresso. If you’ll be drinking your coffee late, check separately for the word ‘decaffeinated’ on the product you’re interested in.
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For making espresso if you have a grinder or coffee mill; organic whole-bean coffee in a 500 g pack.
If sleep is a priority, check separately for the word ‘decaffeinated’.
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For making espresso from whole beans using a coffee mill or grinder; a 500 g pack of organic coffee.
If you’re having it late, check for the word ‘decaffeinated’ separately from its organic status.
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For a bean-to-cup machine or for preparing with a coffee mill; organic whole-bean coffee in a 1 kg pack.
You’ll need equipment to grind the beans. Check for the word ‘decaffeinated’ if you drink this espresso late.
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For making espresso with a machine with a grinder or a coffee mill; organic Arabica whole-bean coffee.
If you’re looking for decaffeinated coffee to have late in the day, check the product for this wording.
Look for the EU organic leaf or the AB mark on the product you choose. The French Ministry of the Economy states that at least 95% of the ingredients in a processed food displaying the EU organic logo must come from organic farming.
Not necessarily: organic certification tells you nothing about caffeine. The Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce both sleep duration and quality. If this matters to you, look for the word ‘decaffeinated’ on the exact product.
Don’t assume it will be compatible. Auchan lists a separate organic espresso capsule for Nespresso and a Peru capsule for Dolce Gusto, so check the system name on your machine and the box.
Follow the storage instructions for the product you buy. The Auchan product page for Lavazza Espresso Maestro recommends keeping it in a cool, dry place after opening; its organic capsules should be kept away from heat and moisture.
Not necessarily: check availability at your chosen shop or for your chosen delivery method. For example, Carrefour’s product page shows its Bio Espresso n°7 as unavailable.