For people with an E.S.E. machine
If your machine is marked E.S.E., look for a paper pod that lists the same compatibility. illy and Auchan state that the E.S.E. pods they offer for espresso are intended for machines that accept this system.
Who are these formats for?
For people with a soft pod machine
If you have a Senseo machine or another soft pod machine, check that the pack states which system it works with. The Lavazza and Carte Noire products listed by Auchan and Carrefour as Senseo-compatible are not E.S.E. pods simply by virtue of that compatibility.
For people with a Nespresso Original machine
You can compare capsules that are explicitly marked as compatible with Nespresso Original, then choose a profile or a decaffeinated option to suit your preferences. Never assume a capsule will work with a different system.
What should you check before buying?
First identify your machine’s system, then check the format on the pack. If you specifically want pressure extraction, don’t assume a pyramid bag is compatible with an espresso machine just because of its shape: Lavazza distinguishes gravity-filtered coffee from pressure preparation.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso extraction | For an E.S.E. machine, look for the E.S.E. label; don’t take a bag’s shape as a sign of compatibility. | If I want espresso from my E.S.E. machine, a simple filtered infusion won’t meet my needs. Around 40% of consumers put compatible extraction at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Soft pod | Check for a ‘Senseo-compatible’ label or the soft pod system specified for your machine. | With a soft pod machine, I first look for a portion that fits its pod holder. This would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Capsule | Check the exact capsule system, then look for a ‘decaffeinated’ label if that matters to you. | For my Nespresso Original machine, I want to choose a suitable capsule and have the option of a different profile. Around 30% of consumers would make this format their top criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing E.S.E. pods, soft pods and capsules
These portions aren’t interchangeable. The illy E.S.E. pod described by Auchan is intended for E.S.E. machines, while the Lavazza Classico pod listed by Auchan is suitable for soft pod machines.
Check the system shown on your machine and look for the same compatibility on the pack before comparing coffee profiles.
A format that doesn’t match your machine’s system may go unused.
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Assuming a pyramid bag is an espresso pod
A bag’s shape doesn’t tell you how to prepare it. Lavazza describes filtered coffee as a preparation in which water passes through ground coffee by gravity, unlike pressure extraction.
If you use an espresso machine, look for an explicit statement that the product is compatible with its system, rather than relying on a promise of a better infusion.
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Using the stated intensity to judge caffeine content
An intensity number describes the profile stated for a particular product; on its own, it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in a portion.
If you prefer decaffeinated coffee, look for that label on the product rather than relying on its intensity number.
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Assuming the same recycling instructions apply to every portion
A pod and a capsule may have different packaging. In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes Info-tri as a labelling system that guides people on how to sort products and packaging.
Check the Info-tri instructions on the pack you’ve bought rather than guessing based only on the apparent material of the portion.
Brands to know for these formats
illy
illy’s range includes E.S.E. pods, which are distinct from its other coffee formats.
- illy states that its Forte E.S.E. pod is for E.S.E. machines and gives it an intensity rating of 9/9.
- This label doesn’t make it compatible with a soft pod or capsule machine.
Lavazza
Lavazza offers several formats; the Classico product described by Auchan here is a soft pod.
- Auchan lists this Classico pod, with an intensity of 6, as compatible with soft pod machines.
- This compatibility doesn’t mean it’s suitable for an E.S.E. or Nespresso Original machine.
Carte Noire
The Carte Noire products listed by Carrefour and Auchan here include soft pods and capsules, depending on the product.
- Carrefour lists Espresso pods with an intensity of 8 as Senseo-compatible; Auchan states that its Espresso intense n°9 capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original.
- Despite both being called ‘espresso’, these two products require different machine systems.
Joybuy products for your morning coffee
These coffee portions include capsules and soft pods, not pyramid bags. Only choose one after confirming which system your machine accepts; the Nespresso Original compatibility of the Lavazza 10736 product needs particular care.
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GIMOKA RISTRETTO, 20 capsules, 110 g
If you prefer capsules for your morning coffee, check that they’re listed as compatible with your Nespresso Original machine.
Box of 20 capsules; 110 g. These are not E.S.E. pods or pyramid bags.
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GIMOKA CLASSICO, 10 capsules, 55 g
Another capsule option to consider if your machine accepts the Nespresso Original system.
Box of 10 capsules; 55 g. Capsules are not a substitute for E.S.E. paper pods.
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GIMOKA COLOMBIA, 10 capsules, 55 g
Worth considering for capsule coffee, once you’ve checked that your machine is compatible with Nespresso Original.
Box of 10 capsules; 55 g. These are capsules, not pyramid bags.
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Lavazza 10736 Espresso Lungo, 10st
If you’re considering this product for your morning coffee, confirm the exact capsule system your machine accepts before buying.
Lungo capsule format; stated pack size: 10st. Don’t assume it’s compatible with Nespresso Original based on the Nespresso name alone.
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CARTE NOIRE Senseo Espresso, 36 pods
For a soft pod machine that accepts the Senseo system, not an E.S.E. or capsule machine.
Pack of 36 pods. The word ‘espresso’ alone doesn’t mean it produces the same extraction as a pressure espresso machine.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pyramid bag replace an espresso pod?
Not based on its shape alone. To make espresso with a machine, look for explicit compatibility with its system; a gravity-filtered infusion, as described by Lavazza, is not the same as pressure extraction.
How can I tell an E.S.E. pod from a soft pod?
Read the compatibility information on the pack and compare it with your machine’s system. The illy E.S.E. pods listed by Auchan are intended for E.S.E. machines, while the Lavazza Classico pod listed by Auchan is designed for a soft pod machine.
Does a higher intensity mean more caffeine?
The intensity number alone doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in a portion. If you want decaffeinated coffee, check for the relevant label on the product rather than relying on its stated intensity.
How should I sort pod and capsule packaging?
Follow the Info-tri instructions on the packaging you’ve bought rather than guessing based on the coffee format. The Ministry for Ecological Transition states that this labelling system guides people in France on how to sort products and their packaging.