{"id":1754,"date":"2019-01-03T08:14:13","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T07:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/guides-achat\/nespresso-pods-for-cons\/"},"modified":"2025-07-24T16:40:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T14:40:08","slug":"nespresso-pods-for-cons","status":"publish","type":"buyer-guides","link":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/en-gb\/guide\/nespresso-pods-for-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Nespresso\u00ae pods or compatible capsules? The big debate!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Compatible capsules <\/span><\/h2>\n

In an effort to call a halt to Nestl\u00e9\u2019s dominance of the coffee capsule market, numerous brands have launched their own compatible capsules<\/strong>. They have enjoyed varying levels of success, and each in their own way. One thing that compatible capsules all tend to have in common is that they are less expensive than the Nespresso\u00ae pods (between 22p and 27p<\/strong> per coffee, a difference of around 30%). But apart from their price, the capsules tend to fall into 3 distinct categories<\/strong>, each offering different characteristics.<\/p>\n

NESPRESSO\u00ae-COMPATIBLE CAPSULES<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some brands (such as Carte Noire<\/a>,\u00a0Pellini<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Caf\u00e9 Royal<\/a>) have decided to take on Nespresso\u00ae capsules at their own game, by launching an assault on the Swiss giant\u2019s preferred section of the market. These brands offer different varieties of capsules that closely resemble the original range, albeit with a slightly darker roast<\/strong> that we find lends a hint of bitterness to the taste. Unlike Nespresso\u00ae, the capsules offered by these brands are available everywhere (and especially on MaxiCoffee!). ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY CAPSULES<\/strong> A number of other brands (like Caff\u00e8 Vergnano<\/a>,\u00a0Cap’Mundo<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Novell<\/a>)\u00a0have focused their attention on another key consideration for many consumers: the material from which the capsule is made. These brands have opted for biodegradable and\/or compostable<\/strong> capsules that allow coffee lovers to significantly reduce their waste and minimise their carbon footprint, while still enjoying a high-quality cup of coffee. Other brands such as Destination<\/a>,\u00a0Miscela d’Oro<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Maison Taillefer<\/a> are caring for the environment in a different way, by offering coffee that has been exclusively produced using organic farming methods<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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CRAFT CAPSULES<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although they are more limited in terms of both their size and commercial reach, small roasteries (including Caf\u00e9s Lugat<\/a>,\u00a0Terres de Caf\u00e9s<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Caf\u00e9s Tchanqu\u00e9s<\/a>) have risen to the challenge by introducing lovingly produced coffee capsules using craft roasting techniques<\/strong>. Unlike the bigger brands (which tend to concentrate on volume), craft roasteries put their heart and soul into every last grain of coffee, remaining respectful of its origins and determined to coax out every last ounce of flavour.<\/p>\n

Finally, there is one type of capsule that doesn\u2019t fit into any of the categories described above: rechargeable capsules<\/strong>. Notably produced by Capsul’in<\/a>, this option allows you to refill your capsules whenever you please. It is therefore the perfect way to ensure that the coffee you drink is always as fresh as possible<\/strong> \u2013 all you need is a little more time (and a bit of patience!).<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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As you will have gathered by now, there are plenty of capsules that are specially made to work with your Nespresso\u00ae machine, from the original range to compatible capsules produced by other brands. The originals Nespresso\u00ae pods<\/strong>\u00a0will undeniably deliver great coffee, but bear in mind that it comes at a price. And that price becomes hard to justify when you consider that rival brands offer a similar, if not more intense, coffee experience. Delve into the world of compatible capsules and you\u2019re bound to find the flavour you\u2019re looking for at an affordable price. In the end, as always, it\u2019s all a question of taste! As for me, since my favourite coffee from Caf\u00e9s Lugat became available in environmentally-friendly capsules<\/a>, I wouldn\u2019t swap them for the world.<\/p>\n

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