Coffee capsules: Lavazza, Delta Q, illy, Nespresso compatible | Cafemalin
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The world of coffee capsules — 5 systems

Coffee capsules

Coffee capsules — the simplest and quickest way to make espresso at home or in the office. At Cafemalin, discover the 5 main capsule systems on the market: the Lavazza system (A Modo Mio, Blue, Espresso Point, Firma), Delta Q capsules, the Iperespresso system from illy, as well as Nespresso® compatibility and Nescafé Dolce Gusto® compatibility from leading brands (Lavazza, illy, Carte Noire, Kimbo). That means 90+ products in aluminium, plastic or biodegradable materials, from intense Italian ristretto to decaffeinated herbal tea.
5 systems AMM, Blue, EP, Iperespresso, compatible
90+ products From 10 to 100 capsules
Italian roasts Lavazza, illy, Kimbo, Carte Noire
24–48 hours European delivery
View capsule systems Frequently asked questions
Fast deliverySame-day dispatch
Secure paymentCard, PayPal, Alma in 3 instalments
Responsive after-sales supportResponse < 12 hours
Returns within 14 daysSatisfaction or your money back

Capsules by system

Each capsule system has its dedicated machine and own range. Choose according to the machine you own (or are considering).

Bestseller

Lavazza capsules

4 Lavazza systems brought together: A Modo Mio (home use, best-seller), Blue LB (offices & Ho.Re.Ca.), Espresso Point EP (professional use), Firma (premium). Crema e Aroma, Passionale, Intenso, Delizioso and Dolce blends.

51 products
View the range → Portugal

Delta Q capsules

Proprietary Delta Q system — capsules from Portuguese roaster Nabeiro since 1961. Numbered products: Qonvictus No. 5, Aqtivus No. 8, Qharacter No. 9, Qalidus No. 10, Qharisma No. 12, Epiq No. 14, Mythiq No. 15.

34 products
View the range → Multi-brand

Nespresso® compatible

Nespresso® Original compatible capsules — Lavazza, illy, Kimbo, Carte Noire. Aluminium or plastic. Compatible with Nespresso Original machines (Pixie, Essenza, Citiz, Inissia…) — NOT compatible with Vertuo.

12 products
View the range → Awaiting stock

Dolce Gusto® compatible

Nescafé Dolce Gusto® compatible capsules — Kimbo Intenso and Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica. Compatible with Dolce Gusto Original machines (Piccolo XS, Genio S, Infinissima…), but not Neo machines. Boxes of 16 capsules.

2 products
View the range → Eco format

ESE coffee pods

ESE pods (Easy Serving Espresso) — an open-standard 44 mm paper format, compatible with all suitably equipped lever or portafilter espresso machines. An environmentally friendly alternative to aluminium capsules.

1 product
View the range →

Choosing the right coffee capsules

4 key criteria for choosing capsules to suit your machine and taste preferences.

Machine system

The most important factor: each system has its own dedicated machine. A Modo Mio capsules only work in A Modo Mio machines; the same applies to Blue, Espresso Point, Delta Q and Iperespresso. Only Nespresso Original accepts compatible capsules from multiple brands.

Capsule material

Aluminium: maximum aroma preservation (a barrier against light and oxygen), recyclable through a dedicated recycling scheme. Plastic: lower cost, recyclable through sorted recycling collections. Compostable / ESE paper: environmentally responsible, the preferred choice if you are environmentally conscious.

Intensity & flavour profile

Each brand has its own intensity scale. Lavazza A Modo Mio: 1…13. Delta Q: 1…16. illy Iperespresso: 1…9. Look for a blend that suits your taste, from mild and creamy (intensity 4–6) to very full-bodied Italian coffee (intensity 10 or higher).

Freshness & storage

A sealed capsule retains its aromas for 12 to 24 months, depending on the brand and material (aluminium > plastic). Store at room temperature, away from light. Check the best-before date when buying, especially for large packs (100 capsules).

Frequently asked questions

Which capsule system should you choose?

Your choice depends on the machine you own or plan to buy. Here are our recommendations for your needs:

  • Lavazza A Modo Mio — home use, the outright bestseller. Affordable compact machines, an extensive range (Passionale, Soave, Delizioso, Intenso, Crema Aroma).
  • Lavazza Blue — offices, Ho.Re.Ca.. A premium aluminium capsule system, with LB300 machines (home use) and LB 2310 machines (professional use).
  • Delta Q — a high-end Portuguese alternative. Numbered varieties, premium arabica coffees (Qonvictus, Qalidus, Mythiq).
  • Illy Iperespresso — speciality coffee. Extraction in 3 phases for a dense crema, 100% Arabica.
  • Nespresso compatible capsules — if you have a Nespresso Original machine. Multiple brands (Lavazza, illy, Carte Noire, Kimbo).

If in doubt, A Modo Mio remains the most versatile system for home use in terms of value for money.

Are Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules compatible with Nespresso?

No — Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules are proprietary and only work in A Modo Mio machines. They are NOT compatible with Nespresso machines.

If you have a Nespresso Original machine, choose Nespresso compatible capsules: Lavazza offers a dedicated range, Lavazza Nespresso® Original Compatible, and there are also illy Compatible Nespresso, Carte Noire and Kimbo capsules. Please note: none of these capsules are compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines (a separate, closed proprietary system).

How long do coffee capsules keep?

An airtight capsule retains its aromas for 12 to 24 months, depending on:

  • Material: aluminium (Lavazza Blue, illy Iperespresso, Nespresso compatible capsules) provides the best barrier against light and oxygen → best-before period of 18–24 months. Plastic (Lavazza A Modo Mio, Delta Q, Dolce Gusto compatible capsules) preserves aromas for 12–18 months.
  • Storage: at room temperature (18–22 °C), away from direct light, in the original packaging.
  • Do not refrigerate: condensation damages the capsules, and moisture can get through the seals.

Check the best-before date printed on each pack. Once opened, a capsule must be used immediately (oxygen gets in within a few minutes).

How much does a cup of capsule coffee cost?

The cost per cup depends on the system and pack size:

  • Lavazza A Modo Mio: 0,39 € per cup (a box of 16 Passionale capsules at 6,20 €).
  • Delta Q: 0,48 € per cup (a box of 10 Qalidus capsules at 4,80 €).
  • Lavazza Blue: 0,32 € per cup (a box of 100 Intenso capsules at 32 €).
  • illy Iperespresso: 0,49 € per cup (a box of 18 Classico capsules at 8,79 €).
  • Nespresso compatible capsules: 0,30 € per cup (100 Lavazza Maestro aluminium capsules at 30 €).

For comparison, coffee beans such as Lavazza Crema e Aroma Expert, at 19,90 € for 1 kg, work out at 0,14 € per cup of espresso (7 g). Capsules still cost more per cup, but offer simplicity, consistency and no brew group maintenance.

Are aluminium capsules recyclable?

Yes, aluminium is infinitely recyclable (100% of the material can be recovered, with no loss of quality). Aluminium Lavazza Blue, illy Iperespresso and Nespresso®-compatible capsules can be recycled through:

  • Nespresso® recycling scheme: free collection bags from Nespresso boutiques, returned to a shop or pick-up point.
  • Yellow recycling bin: since 2022, most French local authorities have accepted small aluminium packaging in sorted recycling collections — including capsules emptied of their coffee grounds.
  • Manufacturer recycling scheme: some brands (illy, Lavazza) offer dedicated return programmes — check the official website.

The coffee grounds removed from capsules can be composted or used as plant fertiliser (natural nitrogen and potassium).

Can you use compatible capsules without damaging your Nespresso machine?

Yes, compatible capsules meet the same mechanical tolerances as original Nespresso capsules (dimensions, pressure of 19 bar, water flow). A well-designed compatible capsule (such as those from Lavazza, illy, Carte Noire or Kimbo) will not damage your machine.

Points to check to avoid any problems:

  • The material (preferably aluminium or certified food-grade plastic) — avoid cheap, unbranded capsules.
  • Compatibility with Nespresso Original only (Nespresso Vertuo machines use a proprietary barcode system — no compatible capsules work in them).
  • Regular descaling of your machine (regardless of the capsule used).

The Nespresso manufacturer's warranty may stipulate the exclusive use of original capsules, but in practice, sensible use of reputable compatible capsules does not cause wear problems.

How should I store and display my capsules at home?

Several options, depending on your consumption and available space:

  • Original box: ideal for small stocks (10 to 16 capsules). The original cardboard box protects the capsules from light.
  • Capsule dispenser / tower: practical for everyday use and attractive beside the machine. Take care with light exposure (choose an opaque tower or a cupboard).
  • Large stocks (100 capsules or more): keep in the original box (closed) in a dry cupboard, and transfer a few capsules at a time to the dispenser tower as needed.

For an office or small business: our Lavazza Blue range offers packs of 100 capsules with accessories (dispenser tower, sugar, stirrers, cups) — see the vending kits.

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