When choosing a strong espresso for your weekly shop, first check which format your machine accepts: a Nespresso Original capsule won’t work in an Iperespresso machine or with an E.S.E. pod. Then compare the roast, tasting notes and stated intensity within the same range. Brands use different scales, so you can’t rank all coffees against one another or work out their caffeine content from the intensity score.
You want a short, full-flavoured coffee without choosing the wrong system. Carte Noire says its Espresso Intense N°9 capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original; Auchan also offers espresso capsules with an intensity of 10/12 that are compatible with Nespresso. Check the wording for your machine before you choose.
You make espresso regularly and can adjust the grind. Lavazza says its whole beans can be used with an integrated grinder or a separate grinder. The brand rates Espresso Barista Intenso at 9/10 on its own scale.
You’re looking for a pack size that suits the number of cups you make at home. The selections from Carrefour and E.Leclerc include different numbers of capsules or pods, so check what’s in the pack, not just the coffee’s name.
For your weekly shop, start with the machine you use, then think about the flavour you’re after and how much coffee you plan to make.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Check your machine’s system and look for the exact wording on the pack: for example, Nespresso Original, Iperespresso or E.S.E. | I don’t want to bring home capsules that won’t work in my machine; around 33% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Full-bodied flavour | Read the roast details and tasting notes. First compare stated intensity within the same range: Lavazza, illy and Carte Noire all use different scales. | I’m looking for a bold flavour in my cup, not relying on a number in isolation; taste would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and the number of capsules or pods, then read the storage instructions for your chosen format. | If we make several coffees at home each day, I want enough for the week without choosing a pack that doesn’t suit how we use it; around 27% of consumers would prioritise pack size. |
| Caffeine | Don’t infer the caffeine content from the intensity shown. If it matters to you, look for a decaffeinated option that’s suitable for your machine. | If I’m having coffee late in the day, I want to know how much caffeine matters to me; this would be the main concern for around 13% of consumers. |
Lavazza gives Espresso Barista Intenso a score of 9/10, illy rates its Intenso ground coffee 7/9, and Carte Noire gives Espresso Intense N°9 a score of 9/13. These scores use different scales, so they don’t tell you which one will make the cup you prefer.
First compare products within the same range. Then check their blend, roast and tasting notes before buying several packs.
Nespresso Original, illy Iperespresso and E.S.E. pods are different systems. Even if you like the coffee’s flavour, you won’t be able to make it in a machine that doesn’t accept that format.
Make a note of your machine’s model and check it against the compatibility information on the pack before planning your coffee for the week.
The intensity shown on a pack doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much caffeine is in the prepared drink. Anses points out that caffeine can disrupt sleep and that its effects vary from person to person.
If you want to limit your caffeine, check that a decaffeinated version is suitable for your machine. For individual health-related advice, speak to a healthcare professional.
The range includes several formats. For whole beans, Lavazza describes Espresso Barista Intenso as an Arabica/Robusta blend with an intensity of 9/10.
illy offers Intenso espresso ground coffee, described as 100% Arabica with an intensity of 7/9, as well as Iperespresso capsules.
Carte Noire says its Espresso Intense N°9 capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original and have an intensity of 9/13.
Carrefour offers capsules compatible with Nespresso Original, including products called Espresso Forte, Espresso Corsé and Profondo.
E.Leclerc lists capsules, soft coffee pods and Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules under the Plantation brand.
Auchan offers espresso capsules with an intensity of 10/12, described as compatible with Nespresso.
These products offer several ways to make a full-bodied espresso for the week: capsules compatible with Nespresso Original or Dolce Gusto, whole beans to grind and ground coffee. Your machine’s system is the first thing to consider.
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Worth considering if you have a machine that accepts Nespresso Original capsules. Check compatibility with your exact model.
Pack of 100 capsules, 550 g. The Intenso format alone doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup.
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For people with a machine that accepts Dolce Gusto capsules, not Nespresso Original machines.
Pack of 30 capsules, 210 g. Check which format your model accepts before choosing this pack.
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A capsule option for a machine that accepts the Nespresso Original system. Check that it’s compatible with your model.
Pack of 100 capsules, 540 g; stated intensity of 10/13. This score can’t be compared directly with an intensity given on a different scale.
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Worth considering if you have a grinder and suitable equipment for making espresso.
1 kg pack; stated intensity of 12/13. The beans need to be ground before brewing.
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Choose this if your espresso equipment accepts ground coffee; you won’t need a grinder.
Two 250 g packs. After opening, check the storage instructions on the packaging.
No. You need to check your machine’s exact system. Carte Noire says its Espresso Intense N°9 capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original, while illy Iperespresso capsules are designed for Iperespresso machines. The word “espresso” alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
No. The intensity score alone can’t tell you how much caffeine is in a cup. Brands use different scales to describe their coffees, so if caffeine matters to you, check the product information rather than relying on this score.
First check the product name, net weight and date shown. If you’re buying capsules or pods, check their compatibility too. The DGCCRF notes that the labelling of pre-packed food includes information such as ingredients and net weight; product-specific details will help you choose the right format.
Follow the storage instructions on the coffee packaging, especially after opening. For its Intenso ground coffee, illy recommends keeping it away from light and heat. Check the instructions on your pack too.