Coffee capsules: Lavazza, Delta Q, Illy, compat Nespresso | Cafemalin
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The world of coffee capsules — 5 ecosystems

Coffee Capsules

Coffee capsules — the simplest and fastest way to enjoy an espresso at home or in the office. At Cafemalin, you'll find the 5 major ecosystems on the market : the Lavazza system (A Modo Mio, Blue, Espresso Pointcapsules , Firma), Delta Q , the illy Iperespresso system , as well as Nespresso® and Nescafé Dolce Gusto® compatibility for leading brands (Lavazza, illy, Carte Noire, Kimbo). That's over 90 different options in aluminum, plastic, or biodegradable materials, from an intense Italian ristretto to a decaffeinated herbal tea .
5 ecosystems AMM, Blue, EP, Iperespresso, compat
90+ references From 10 to 100 capsules
Italian roasters Lavazza, illy, Kimbo, Carte Noire
24-48 hours Delivery to Europe
View ecosystems Frequently Asked Questions
Fast delivery.Same-day shipping.
Secure paymentby credit card, PayPal, Alma 3x
Responsive customer service.Response within 12 hours.
14-day return policy.Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

Capsules by ecosystem

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

Bestseller

Lavazza Capsules

Four Lavazza systems combined: A Modo Mio (home, best-seller), Blue LB (office & Ho.Re.Ca.), Espresso Point EP (professional), Firma (premium). Blends: Crema e Aroma, Passionale, Intenso, Delizioso, Dolce.

50 references
View the range → Portugal

Delta Q Capsules

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

34 references
View the range → Multi-brand

Nespresso® compatible

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

15 references
View the range → Compat

Dolce Gusto® compatible

Nescafé Dolce Gusto® compatible capsules — Kimbo Barista Arabica, Kimbo Intenso, Kimbo Napoli. Dolce Gusto (Piccolo, Genio, Krups, etc.). 16 capsule formats.

3 references
View the range → Eco-format

ESE coffee pods

ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods — 44 mm open paper format, compatible with all lever or portafilter espresso machines. An eco-friendly alternative to aluminum capsules.

1 reference
View the range →

Choosing the right coffee capsules

4 key criteria for choosing your capsules according to your machine and your taste profile.

Machine system

The most critical point : each ecosystem has its own dedicated machine. A Modo Mio capsules only work on A Modo Mio, as do machines Blue , Espresso Point , Delta Q , and Iperespresso machines . Only the Nespresso Original accepts multi-brand compatible capsules.

Capsule material

Aluminum : maximum aroma preservation (light and oxygen barrier), recyclable through dedicated channels. Plastic : lower cost, recyclable through selective sorting. Compostable/ESE paper : eco-friendly, preferred for those with environmental concerns.

Intensity & profile

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

Freshness & preservation

A sealed capsule retains its aroma for 12 to 24 months, depending on the brand and material (aluminum > plastic). Store at room temperature, away from light. Check the expiration date when purchasing, especially for large packs (100 capsules).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which capsule ecosystem should you choose?

The choice depends on the machine you own or plan to buy. Here is our recommendation based on your profile:

  • Lavazza A Modo Mio — fireplace, absolute bestseller. Machines from €60, rich catalog (Passionale, Soave, Delizioso, Intenso, Crema Aroma).
  • Lavazza Blue — office, Ho.Re.Ca.. Premium aluminum capsule system, LB300 (home) & LB 2310 (pro) machines.
  • Delta Q — a premium Portuguese alternative. Numbered selections, premium Arabica coffees (Qonvictus, Qalidus, Mythiq).
  • Illy Iperespresso — specialty coffee. 3-phase extraction for dense crema, 100% Arabica.
  • Nespresso compatible — if you have a Nespresso Original machine. Multi-brand (Lavazza, illy, Carte Noire, Kimbo).

In case of doubt: A Modo Mio remains the most versatile ecosystem in terms of value for money for a household.

Are Lavazza A Modo Mio capsules compatible with Nespresso?

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

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

How long can coffee capsules be stored?

A hermetically sealed capsule retains its aromas for 12 to 24 months depending on:

  • Material : Aluminum( Lavazza Blue, illy Iperespresso, Nespresso compatible) offers the best light/oxygen barrier → Best before date 18-24 months. Plastic (Lavazza A Modo Mio, Delta Q, Dolce Gusto compatible) lasts 12-18 months.
  • Storage : at room temperature (18-22 °C), away from direct light, in its original packaging.
  • Do not refrigerate : condensation damages the capsules and moisture can pass through the seals.

Check the expiration date printed on each pack. Once opened, a capsule must be used immediately (oxygen penetrates within minutes).

How much does a cup of coffee from a capsule cost?

The cost per cup depends on the system and the purchase format:

  • Lavazza A Modo Mio : ~0.30 to €0.40/cup (box of 16 capsules at €6 = €0.375/cup).
  • Delta Q : ~0.45 to 0.55 €/cup (box of 10 capsules at ~5 € = 0.50 €/cup).
  • Lavazza Blue : ~0.28 to 0.32 €/cup (box of 100 capsules at ~30 € = 0.30 €/cup).
  • illy Iperespresso : ~0.45 to 0.55 €/cup (18 capsules at 8-9 €).
  • Nespresso compatible : ~€0.25 to €0.35/cup (100 aluminium capsules at €25-30).

For comparison, 1 kg of whole bean coffee at €15-20 costs €0.15-0.20 per cup of espresso. Capsules remain 2 to 3 times more expensive, but offer the simplicity, consistency, and lack of maintenance of a brewing unit.

Are aluminum capsules recyclable?

Yes, aluminum is infinitely recyclable (100% of the material is recoverable, without any loss of quality). Lavazza Blue and illy Iperespresso aluminum capsules , compatible with Nespresso® machines , are recyclable through:

  • Nespresso® recycling program : free collection bags in Nespresso stores, return to store or point .
  • Yellow bin : since 2022, most French communities have accepted small aluminium packaging in selective sorting — including capsules emptied of their grounds.
  • Manufacturer channels : some brands (illy, Lavazza) offer dedicated return programs — check on the official website.

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

Can compatible capsules be used without damaging a Nespresso machine?

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

Pointto check to avoid any problems:

  • The material (preferably aluminum or certified food-grade plastic) — avoid unnamed low-cost capsules.
  • Nespresso Original compatibility only ( Nespresso Vertuo machines use a proprietary barcode system — no compatible capsules work on them).
  • Regular descaling of your machine (independent of the capsule used).

The Nespresso manufacturer's warranty may mention the exclusive use of original capsules, but in practice, reasonable use of recognized compatible capsules does not pose a problem of wear.

How do I store and display my capsules at home?

Several options depending on your consumption and your location:

  • Original box : ideal for small stocks (10 to 16 capsules). The original cardboard protects the capsules from light.
  • Capsule dispenser/tower : practical for everyday use, and looks great next to the machine. Be mindful of light exposure (opt for an opaque tower or a cupboard).
  • Large stock (100 capsules +) : keep in the original carton (closed) in a dry cupboard, take out a few capsules from the serving tower as needed.

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

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