Fans of a really strong espresso after a meal
If you want a lingering flavour in your cup, look at the advertised notes—cocoa, woody, spicy or smoky—rather than relying on the intensity figure alone.
Who is this guide for?
Capsule machine users
If you want to make an espresso quickly, first check the exact system your machine uses. The coffee's flavour profile won't make up for an incompatible capsule.
Users of grinders or automatic machines
Whole beans let you adjust the grind and dose to suit your equipment, if you'd like to fine-tune how you make a strong espresso.
What should you look for?
For an after-dinner espresso, first check the format your machine accepts, then choose the flavour profile and pack size that suit how you drink your coffee.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Strong flavour profile | Advertised flavour notes and Arabica/Robusta blend; don't compare brands' intensity scales directly. | I want a bold, lingering flavour to finish my meal, without choosing based on a number alone. Around 36% of consumers would put this flavour profile first. |
| Format and preparation | Machine type and exact capsule compatibility, or whether you can use whole beans or ground coffee. | My machine needs to accept the coffee I choose, and I'd rather keep preparation simple. Compatibility and convenience would be priorities for around 29% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Pack quantity and availability through your usual retailer. | I'm looking for a quantity that suits how much coffee I drink and a product I can easily find again. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Caffeine later in the day | Don't use the intensity figure to gauge caffeine content; look for a decaffeinated option if this is your main concern. | After a late dinner, I take my sensitivity to caffeine into account before choosing a cup. This would be the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing intensity figures directly
For the products mentioned, Lavazza, illy and Carte Noire use scales of 10, 9 and 13 respectively. These figures aren't based on a shared measure of flavour or caffeine content.
Also check the blend, flavour notes and preparation format to find a profile that suits you.
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Choosing capsules without checking your machine
The Carte Noire capsules in the Nespresso Original range mentioned by the brand are designed for that system; other capsules are made for different machines.
Compare the exact system name on your machine with the compatibility information on the box.
A capsule made for another system may not work with your machine.
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Assuming an intense flavour means more caffeine
The intensity figure describes a coffee's flavour profile, not its caffeine content. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep, and its effects vary from person to person.
If you drink espresso late or are sensitive to caffeine, look at decaffeinated options that are compatible with your equipment.
Brands and retailers to know
Lavazza
Lavazza offers several formats. For its Espresso Barista Intenso whole beans, the brand lists an Arabica/Robusta blend, cocoa and woody notes, and an intensity of 9/10.
- Whole beans are suitable for a machine with a built-in grinder or for use with a separate grinder.
- This product's 9/10 rating can't be compared directly with other brands' scales.
illy
illy describes its Intenso ground coffee for espresso as 100% Arabica, with notes of cocoa and dried fruit and an intensity of 7/9.
- Ground coffee lets you prepare a cup without a grinder, provided your machine accepts this format.
- It gives you less control over grind size than whole beans.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire gives its Espresso Puissant whole beans an intensity of 11/13. The Arabica/Robusta blend has a strong flavour profile. The brand also offers capsules for Nespresso Original.
- Whole beans and capsules suit different equipment and preparation methods.
- The stated Nespresso Original compatibility applies to the capsules concerned, not to every system.
Carrefour
Carrefour lets you browse whole beans and capsules from a range of brands and in different pack sizes.
- The retailer can be useful for comparing the formats available in your chosen shop or service.
- Check whether the product is available from your local shop or delivery service.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc stocks capsules and coffee pods from various ranges, including products designed for different systems.
- The range of formats makes it easier to look for a product that suits your machine.
- Check the system named on each box: capsules aren't interchangeable.
Auchan
Auchan lists whole-bean coffees from brands including Lavazza and Carte Noire in its product information.
- Product information lets you check the format and details for each item.
- Check with your selected shop or delivery service to see which products are available.
Espressos to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes whole beans, ground coffee and capsules for two types of machine. First choose a format that works with your equipment, then pick the advertised flavour profile that suits your taste.
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KIMBO Espresso Barista Ristretto, 10 capsules, 55 g
If you're using capsules, check that your machine accepts the Nespresso OriginalLine system specified for this product.
Advertised intensity: 12/13. This figure doesn't indicate the amount of caffeine.
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KIMBO Barista Intenso, whole-bean coffee, 1 kg
Worth considering if you have a grinder or a machine with a built-in grinder and want to adjust the grind for your espresso.
Advertised intensity: 12/13. Whole beans require suitable equipment.
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GIMOKA Espresso Intenso, 16 Dolce Gusto-compatible capsules, 112 g
This format is for users with a machine that accepts Dolce Gusto capsules; check compatibility before choosing.
The pack contains 16 capsules.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso, whole-bean coffee, 1 kg
For a machine with a built-in grinder or a separate grinder, this product lets you make espresso from whole beans.
Lavazza describes it as an Arabica/Robusta blend with notes of cocoa and wood.
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Lavazza Barista Intenso, ground coffee, 2 × 250 g
Worth considering if your machine accepts ground coffee for espresso and you don't want to grind whole beans.
Check that the grind is suitable for your machine's brewing method.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high intensity rating mean more caffeine?
No. The intensity figure shown for these coffees doesn't measure their caffeine content. Lavazza gives its Espresso Barista Intenso a rating of 9/10, illy rates Intenso 7/9, and Carte Noire gives its Espresso Puissant a rating of 11/13. These brand-specific scales aren't directly comparable.
How can I make a strong espresso without a grinder?
Choose ground coffee suitable for espresso if your machine accepts this format, or capsules that are compatible with its system. illy, for example, describes its Intenso as ground coffee for espresso; the Carte Noire capsules in the Nespresso Original range mentioned by the brand require this system.
What should I check if I'm having espresso after a late dinner?
Take your sensitivity to caffeine into account rather than focusing on a strong flavour alone. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce the duration and quality of sleep. If you'd prefer another option, look for decaffeinated coffee in a format that's compatible with your machine.