Soft pods

An ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) soft pod is a standardized European of pre-measured coffee created in the 1990s to standardize the single-use coffee market:

• Diameter : 44 mm (universal ESE standard)
• Weight : ~7g of ground coffee per pod
• Packaging : biodegradable filter paper, heat-sealed, without rigid packaging
• Extraction : 9-15 bar pressure on espresso machine, output ~25-30 ml in 25 seconds

The ESE format is open and non-proprietary : unlike Nespresso, Dolce Gusto or Lavazza capsules, soft pods can be manufactured by any brand and are interchangeable between all 44 mm ESE machines.

All machines with 44 mm ESE pod holders :

• Espresso machines with integrated pod holder — Delonghi Dedica EC685, Ariete Vintage, La Pavoni Europiccola, Krups Nomad, Cuisinart EM-100…
• Filter coffee makers with ESE adapter — some Krups and Melitta models accept an optional pod adapter
• Senseo — with an ESE adapter (third-party accessory, native Senseo format = different 70 mm)

Warning : machines with rigid capsules (Nespresso Original/Vertuo, Dolce Gusto, Lavazza Blue/AMM/EP/Firma, Delta Q) are not compatible with ESE soft capsules.

Two main differences:

• Gentler extraction — the soft pod allows water to pass through the filter paper , which retains fine particles and some of the essential oils. The result: a more filtered, milderwith a lighter crema.
• Less dense body — aluminum capsules extrude the coffee under maximum pressure with all the oils, producing a thicker body and a denser crema. Soft pods produce a lighter, more fluid.

Choose according to your taste: intense, full-bodied Italian = aluminum capsules (Lavazza Maestro, Nespresso). Milder, more filteredwith a lower environmental impact = soft pods.

Three reasons:

• Biodegradable filter paper — the bag containing the coffee grounds is made of food-grade paper and is directly compostable. After use: dispose of the pod (grounds + paper) in your home compost.
• Zero rigid packaging — unlike aluminum capsules (Nespresso, Lavazza Maestro) or plastic capsules (Dolce Gusto), there's no shell to recycle or throw away. Minimal material footprint.
• Collective cardboard packaging — the pods are packaged in a resealable (recyclable) cardboard box with an inner plastic bag to preserve freshness. Significantly lower overall impact.

It is the preferred choice for consumers sensitive to theenvironmental impact of single-use coffee.

Soft pods have a shorter expiration date than aluminum capsules — filter paper is less impermeable to oxygen and moisture than aluminum:

• Best before end date (unopened packaging) — 8 to 12 months from the date of manufacture
• Once opened , consume the pods within 3 to 4 weeks.
• Storage — store in a dry place, away from light and heat. Resealable packaging (zip or airtight container)
• NO refrigerator — moisture seeps in and alters the aromas

For regular use, opt for a compact (5-10 or 20 pods) rather than large stocks — freshness is better.

Currently, our selection of 44mm ESE soft pods is led by the French brand Carte Noire — a historic reference in pure Arabica coffee in France since 1978. 3 signature blends cover the main intensity profiles (5 to 8/10):

• Classic Balanced (i.5) — smooth 100% Arabica coffee with notes of dried fruit. Ideal in the morning or after a light meal.
• Full-bodied & Aromatic (i.7) — balanced, invigorating espresso, darker roast.
• Espresso Intense (i.8, best-seller) — dark roast, full body, dense crema. The closest thing to an Italian espresso.

We regularly expand the offer according to demand — other brands also reference this format (Illy, Lavazza, Segafredo).