If you don’t have a pod machine
Instant coffee made with hot water is handy to keep in the cupboard. E.Leclerc and Auchan list products in jars; follow the dosage and storage instructions for the product you buy.
Which format is right for you?
If your household has a Senseo machine
Soft pods let you choose a pack to suit the number of cups you plan to make. Senseo and Carrefour offer a range of flavour profiles and variants; always check the pack to make sure the pods are compatible with your machine.
If you’re stocking up with an online grocery order
The weight of a jar and the number of pods in a pack can help you choose an amount that suits your household’s routine. Check the variant and availability at your chosen store before placing your order.
What should you look for before choosing?
First, decide whether you’ll make your coffee without a machine or with a compatible Senseo machine. Then consider the quantity and variant that best suit your main needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Making coffee without a machine | Look for “instant coffee” or “freeze-dried”, as well as the dosage and storage instructions. | I want to make a cup with hot water and keep coffee in the cupboard; around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Senseo compatibility | Check that the pods are compatible with your machine and note how many are in the pack. | My machine uses soft pods and I want ready-to-use portions; this is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| How much to stock up on | Check the net weight of the jar or the number of pods, then the number of cups if listed. | I plan my shopping to avoid having to restock too often, without choosing a pack size that doesn’t suit how I use it; around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Coffee variant | Check the exact product name, including whether it’s classic or decaffeinated, and the ingredients listed. | I’m looking for a particular flavour profile or a decaffeinated option; around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid when adding coffee to your basket
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Confusing soft pods with instant coffee
Senseo-compatible pods need a suitable machine, while instant coffee is made with hot water. The two formats are designed for different equipment.
Before adding a product to your basket, check its name against the way you usually make your coffee.
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Taking intensity to mean caffeine content
A stated intensity, such as that shown for an Auchan Pouce product, describes the coffee’s advertised flavour profile; it does not measure its caffeine content.
If you’re looking for a decaffeinated option, check this is stated on the specific product rather than relying on its intensity rating.
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Assuming the same recycling instructions apply to all packaging
Recycling instructions depend on the packaging and your local area. Citeo’s recycling guide lets you check the rules that apply where you live.
Check the instructions for the jar or pack you’re actually buying.
Brands to compare
Senseo
According to Senseo France, the Senseo range includes soft pods in a choice of flavour profiles and pack sizes.
- Worth considering if you have a machine that accepts Senseo pods.
- These pods aren’t suitable if you want to make instant coffee without a machine.
Carte Noire
Carrefour stocks instant coffee in a jar and Senseo-compatible pods under this brand.
- The brand lets you compare both ways of making coffee.
- The jar and pods are separate products, so check the product name and pack format for each variant.
Carrefour Sensation
The Carrefour range includes Senseo-compatible pods in several variants, including classic and decaffeinated.
- The different variants let you choose the flavour profile stated on the pack.
- The stated compatibility applies to the system specified, not to every coffee machine.
Plantation
E.Leclerc stocks Plantation instant coffee in 100 g and 200 g packs, as well as decaffeinated options and sticks.
- A choice of pack sizes makes it easier to find one that suits your needs.
- Check the variant and its availability at your chosen collection store.
Auchan / Pouce
Auchan stocks Pouce instant coffee in a 200 g jar, with an intensity rating of 7/10.
- The jar format may suit you if you’re looking for instant coffee to keep in the cupboard.
- The intensity rating applies to this product and doesn’t tell you its caffeine content.
Joybuy products by format
These products let you compare instant coffee in a jar, decaffeinated coffee and pods for Senseo machines. First, choose the way of making coffee that suits your equipment.
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MAXWELL HOUSE Classic Original Blend instant coffee in a jar, 100 g
If you want to make coffee without a pod machine, this instant coffee in a jar can be measured out according to the product instructions. 100 g pack; check the storage instructions on the packaging.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee, 100 g
If you’re looking for a decaffeinated option, check the product listing to make sure its preparation method suits your equipment. 100 g pack; the name “Filter Coffee” shouldn’t be taken as confirmation that it’s instant coffee.
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GIMOKA Strong/Coarse, Senseo-compatible pods, 36 pods, 252 g
For a machine that accepts Senseo pods, this pack contains 36 pods. The stated weight is 252 g; check compatibility with your machine before buying.
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Senseo Classic Medium Roast, 40 pods, 277 g
For making individual portions with a Senseo machine, this pack contains 40 pods. The title states that the coffee is medium roast and the pack weighs 277 g; this format isn’t a substitute for instant coffee made without a machine.
Frequently asked questions
Can a jar of instant coffee replace pods?
Yes, if you want to make a cup with hot water rather than using a pod machine. You measure instant coffee with a spoon, but you can’t use it as a pod in a Senseo machine.
How do I choose the right size jar of instant coffee for an online grocery order?
Choose an amount that suits how often you drink coffee and the product’s storage instructions. Compare the net weight and, if stated, the number of cups; a larger jar isn’t automatically the best choice.
How should I store instant coffee after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging you buy. Product listings checked at E.Leclerc and Auchan advise closing the container tightly and storing the coffee in a dry place; exact instructions may vary by product.
Does a coffee’s intensity tell you how much caffeine it contains?
No. The stated intensity doesn’t tell you the amount of caffeine. If you’re looking for decaffeinated coffee, check the product name for this variant rather than relying on an intensity scale.
How can I check how to recycle a jar or a pack of pods?
Check the instructions for the packaging and your local area. Citeo’s recycling guide lets you search by town and packaging type.