Tasting notes & flavor profile
Intensity
Aromatic notes
Taste Profile
Kimbo Intenso is the signature Neapolitan full-bodied blend from the Kimbo capsule range compatible with Nescafé Dolce Gusto. Traditional Arabica-Robusta blend with an Arabica dominance (mostly from South America) balanced by Robusta from Asia , medium to dark roast in the Neapolitan style — a method that pushes roasting further than Turin (Lavazza) or Trieste (illy) to develop the bitter cocoa and roasted notes characteristic of Neapolitan coffee .
In the cup (40ml Dolce Gusto espresso shot) : a full and powerful espresso , with a dense, persistent dark hazelnut crema , signature notes of bitter cocoa, sweet spices (black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg), pronounced roasted notes, and woody touches on the finish. A generous body (8/10), a marked bitterness (7/10) that is well-balanced thanks to the predominantly Arabica coffee, a smooth acidity (3/10), and a lingering finish (8/10). The true "caffè come a Napoli" profile .
Kimbo Signature since 1963 : Kimbo is the second largest Italian coffee roaster (market share ~10% in Italy), founded in Naples by brothers Francesco, Gerardo, and Elio Rubino under the initial name Café do Brasil SpA (officially rebranded as Kimbo SpA in September 2013). The name "Kimbo" was coined by Gerardo Rubino, playing on the sound of "Jumbo"—evoking challenges and long journeys. Today, Kimbo has a strategic presence in the US, UK, and France markets, with a 40,000 m² factory in Melito di Napoli and an intermodal logistics hub in Nola . A more authentic and full-bodied alternative to Nestlé's Dolce Gusto Espresso Intenso —backed by 60 years of Neapolitan roasting expertise.
Machine compatibility
Box of 16 capsules · Polypropylene plastic capsules
Compatible machines:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dolce Gusto machines are compatible?
All Nescafé Dolce Gusto machines , old and new generations: Piccolo , Piccolo Capsule format strictly identical to the original Dolce Gusto Nestlé capsule (polypropylene plastic material + upper aluminum film).
⚠️ Not compatible with other systems : Nespresso Original or Vertuo, Lavazza AMM/Blue/Point, illy Iperespresso, Delta Q, Nespresso Pro. Each system is proprietary and not interchangeable.
Difference with Kimbo Barista and Napoli in Dolce Gusto capsules?
The Kimbo range compatible with Dolce Gusto offers 3 distinct taste profiles — consistent within Cafemalin :
- Kimbo Intenso (this ref.) — traditional Neapolitan full-bodied, Arabica-Robusta, dark roast. Intensity 9/12. Notes of bitter cocoa, spices, roasted.
- Kimbo Napoli — dark roast signature Naples, 80/20 Arabica-Robusta blend. Intensity 10/12. Very full-bodied notes of dark cocoa and peppery spices. The most intense in the DG Kimbo range.
- Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica — smooth and refined, 100% Arabica, medium roast. Intensity 5/12. Floral, honey, and yellow fruit notes. For lovers of smooth and well-rounded coffee.
Choose according to your coffee profile: floral refinement (Barista 5/12), balanced full-bodied (Intenso 9/12), very full-bodied dark roast (Napoli 10/12).
Alternative to Nestlé Dolce Gusto Espresso Intenso?
Yes, a direct, high-quality alternative. Kimbo Intenso offers a full-bodied, authentic Italian flavor compared to the industrial Nestlé Intenso blend. Advantages of Kimbo Intenso:
- Authentic Italian signature — Neapolitan artisan roaster since 1963, 60+ years expertise in Italian espresso blends.
- A darker roast — a true traditional Italian espresso profile from Naples, with pronounced bitter cocoa and roasted notes. The Nestlé Intenso blend remains more "mild and industrial".
- Price generally lower than at least equivalent aromatic quality according to blind tastings.
- Authentic Asian Robusta — Kimbo sourced directly from India/Vietnam, contributing characteristic dense crema.
Recommended for lovers of authentic Italian coffee who wish to move beyond official Dolce Gusto Nestlé capsules.
Preparation recommendations?
Short espresso program (30-40 mL) on your Dolce Gusto machine — short button, 3-4 bar setting on the water dial. This short extraction concentrates the cocoa and spice aromas, revealing the full body of the Intenso blend.
Cappuccino/latte macchiato — recommended combination. The strength of the Intenso blend cuts through the milk perfectly without being overwhelmed. Use one Intenso capsule + one frothed milk capsule (Kimbo Milk Frother or Nestlé Latte). Ratio 1/3 espresso + 2/3 frothed milk for a balanced cappuccino.
Avoid the "lungo" or "americano" program (7-8 bars, long extraction). Lengthening the Intenso coffee dilutes too much and brings out an unpleasant bitterness. For an Americano, opt for a strong espresso with hot water added to the cup.
Recycling the capsules?
Polypropylene (PP) plastic capsules — recyclable in the yellow recycling stream after emptying the coffee grounds. The top aluminum film separates easily by hand. The grounds can be composted separately (excellent activator, rich in nitrogen).
Dolce Gusto Recycling Program — Nestlé offers a capsule return program that also accepts compatible capsules (Kimbo, Lavazza, etc.) at point(Mondial Relay, Chronopost). Free prepaid envelope available upon registration.
Yield and cost per cup?
16 capsules per box = 16 cups. For typical household use ( 2-3 espressos/day), one box lasts approximately 5 to 8 days. For more intensive use, order in packs of 3-4 boxes to save on shipping costs.
Cost per cup : the price per capsule, shown on this page, remains lower than that of an official Nestlé Dolce Gusto capsule, with superior Italian aromatic quality.
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