Meeting organiser with an E.S.E. machine
If the meeting room machine is marked as an E.S.E. system, look for pods that state they’re compatible. You can then compare coffee profiles and work out how many servings you’ll need.
Who is this choice for?
Team with a Senseo machine
If you’re serving coffee in soft pods, check that the product you choose is compatible with Senseo. The word ‘espresso’ on its own isn’t enough to confirm it will work with the machine.
Organiser looking to offer an infused drink too
Pyramid tea bags are a good option if people would like tea or an infusion during the break. They’re separate from espresso and need to be prepared using suitable equipment.
What should you look for?
For a meeting coffee break, identify the machine system before choosing your coffee. Then work out how many servings you’ll need and whether you’ll be offering any other drinks.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Machine compatibility | Check the machine model and match its system — E.S.E., Senseo or capsules — with the compatibility details on the product. | If I choose the wrong format, I won’t be able to make the coffee planned for the meeting. Around 50% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Serving at a meeting | Compare the number of servings per pack and storage instructions, and consider how quickly the machine can prepare each drink. | When several people are waiting for a drink, I want to organise the servings and service without a fuss. Around 30% of consumers would put easy serving first. |
| Choice of drinks | Check which compatible decaffeinated options are available. If you’d like to offer an infusion, plan to prepare it separately. | I’d like to offer something other than caffeinated espresso to those who prefer it. Around 20% of consumers would make this variety their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a pyramid tea bag with an espresso pod
The pyramid tea bags from Papothé contain tea or ingredients for infusions; they’re not suitable if you’re looking for espresso coffee.
For espresso, start with the machine system. Keep pyramid tea bags for any tea or infusion you plan to offer.
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Relying on the word ‘espresso’ alone
E.S.E. pods, Senseo soft pods and capsules aren’t interchangeable. Even with capsules, you need to check the system specified.
Note down the machine model and check the compatibility details on both the machine and the product before choosing your coffee.
If the format isn’t compatible, you’ll need to find alternative servings to make sure everyone can be served.
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Assuming ‘compostable’ means ‘home compostable’
Carte Noire says that the relevant Espresso N°8 pods should not be put in a home compost bin.
Check the instructions for the specific product and find out about local collection schemes before deciding how to dispose of used pods.
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Offering only caffeinated coffee
People’s preferences can vary. Anses also notes that caffeine affects sleep differently from person to person.
If you’d like to offer another option, check whether a compatible decaffeinated product is available, or plan to prepare an infusion separately.
Brands to know when comparing formats
illy
illy’s Classico product is a box of 40 E.S.E. coffee pods for use with compatible espresso machines.
- illy states that this product is individually wrapped, made with 100% Arabica coffee and has an intensity rating of 5 out of 9.
- The machine you’re using must be marked as E.S.E.-compatible; you can’t assume compatibility from the word ‘espresso’ alone.
Carte Noire
The range includes Espresso N°8 soft pods. A 36-pod product is listed on Joybuy as compatible with Senseo machines.
- The product details specify the system it’s designed for and the number of pods — both useful when planning your service.
- Check compatibility for the exact product: ‘soft pod’ doesn’t mean it’s compatible with E.S.E. or capsule machines.
Lavazza
Lavazza offers products for several systems, including A Modo Mio, Nespresso Original and soft pods.
- The system named on each product helps you narrow down your options to suit the machine you have.
- Lavazza says that its A Modo Mio capsules are designed for its compatible machines, so compatibility doesn’t extend across the entire range.
Carrefour Sensation
Carrefour offers its own-brand pods in a range of profiles, including products marked as compatible with Senseo machines.
- The range of profiles and pack sizes lets you compare products that state the compatibility you’re looking for.
- Senseo compatibility doesn’t mean these pods will work with an E.S.E. or capsule machine.
Plantation (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc offers Plantation soft pods, including a classic option in a pack of 60.
- The pack size makes it easy to compare how many servings you’ll need for the meeting.
- Check that the specific product is compatible with your machine before choosing these soft pods.
Single-serve espressos on Joybuy
These capsule and pod coffee products are designed to be served one cup at a time. Choose one based on the system specified for your meeting room machine; they’re not a substitute for pyramid tea bags for tea or infusions.
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L'OR Espresso Coffee Forza N9, 50 capsules
For a coffee break using a machine that accepts Nespresso Original capsules, check compatibility with the model you have.
The pack contains 50 capsules; N9 identifies this Forza variant.
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MALONGO ground espresso coffee pods, pack of 16
Consider these pods if the meeting room machine accepts the MALONGO product specified. Check the machine model before planning your service.
The pack contains 16 pods.
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NESCAFÉ FARMERS India Espresso, 10 capsules
If you’re serving coffee in capsules, check that the Nespresso system specified for this product matches the machine in the room.
The pack contains 10 capsules.
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CARTE NOIRE Espresso decaffeinated no. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
This decaffeinated option gives you another coffee to offer, provided the machine accepts the specified Nespresso capsules. Check the exact model.
The pack contains 10 aluminium capsules.
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GIMOKA decaffeinated espresso compatible with Dolce Gusto, 16 capsules, 112 g
To offer decaffeinated espresso with a Dolce Gusto machine, check that the model you have accepts these capsules; they’re not designed for other systems.
The pack contains 16 capsules, weighing 112 g.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make espresso with a pyramid tea bag?
For this coffee break, look for an espresso format that’s compatible with the machine. The pyramid tea bags from Papothé are for tea and infusions, while the coffee products covered here use pods or capsules.
How can you check whether an E.S.E. pod is suitable for your machine?
The machine model should specify E.S.E. compatibility. illy’s E.S.E. Classico pods are designed for espresso machines using this system. Don’t choose them for a Senseo or capsule machine based on the word ‘espresso’ alone.
How should you store coffee servings before the meeting?
Follow the storage instructions for each product and keep its packaging so you can refer to them. If you’re planning several breaks, check how many servings are left before the next one too.
Can a pod labelled compostable go in a home compost bin?
Not necessarily: Carte Noire says that the relevant Espresso N°8 pods should not be put in a home compost bin. Read the instructions for the product you’ve bought and check local collection arrangements.
Is a decaffeinated option useful at a meeting?
It gives participants who prefer decaffeinated coffee another choice. Check that it’s available in a format compatible with the machine. If you’d rather offer an infusion, plan to prepare it separately.