Coffee pods, capsules, and pads

Welcome to Kaffekapslen! In our large variety of coffee pods, pads, beans, and capsules, we’re sure you’ll be able to find just the coffee or hot drink you’re looking for.  

Our selection is made to please coffee drinkers of all kinds: whether you prefer your coffee black, with milk, or would rather have tea or hot chocolate, we have something for every taste.

This wide selection and easy-to-use website explain why we've had such a large, loyal client base since we opened in 2011.

Introduction to pods, capsules, pads

With all the coffee machines that exist today, it can be challenging to wrap your head around pods, pads, capsules... So, we thought we’d introduce the different types.  

● Coffee pods: Coffee pods are often flat, paper pouches used for systems such as Senseo®, E.S.E machines, or other espresso machines. These can also be made of aluminium, such as for the Nespresso® Professional system.

● Coffee capsules: The term “coffee capsules” is often used interchangeably with “coffee pods”. These are made of aluminium or plastic and contain more coffee packaged in a less compact way. These pods or capsules are usually compatible with Dolce Gusto® machines, Nespresso® Machines, Tassimo® machines, and many more.

● Coffee pad: These pads are also known as “paper pods”.  

In English, all these terms can be used to describe the single-serve coffee pods/pads/capsules that you use in your machine. 

Prices

The prices of coffee pods can vary quite a bit. Depending on the coffee pod system, the brand of coffee, the material, and the type of drink, prices can start at just over £1 for a box of 10 pods. Branded pods and capsules are often pricier, whereas compatible pods tend to be cheaper. Compatible pods are those made by other companies. Although they are not “original” (meaning from the same brand that produces the machine), they will still fit in your pod machine and work just as well as the branded ones. The advantage of compatible coffee pods and capsules, on top of the more affordable prices, is the range of drinks. Compatible brands often have different types of exotic and exciting drinks that you can try with your machine! It is important, however, to remember that not all compatible capsules will fit your machine like a glove, and some might have slightly bigger or smaller measurements that might cause trouble. Here at Kaffekapslen we make it our mission to make sure that all compatible pods we sell and manufacture fit most machines perfectly, by testing samples continuously.

Types 

Depending on the machine (or machines) you have at home, there are different kinds of pods, pads, and capsules available for your system. Here are some of the most common systems so you can see what you can use or maybe get inspired if you’re looking for a new coffee pod machine. 

Senseo®
Paper coffee pods for Senseo® come in different sizes for different drinks. You can find the thinner, basic pods to make single cups of black coffee, as well as thicker pods for larger cups of black coffee or to use one pod to make two small cups at once. As well as the variety of black coffees found for Senseo®, you can also find milk-based pods. These are also thick pods, as they contain coffee and milk powder. In this style of pod, you can find cappuccinos, hot chocolates, and lattes. These are meant for one normal-sized cup so that you get the full flavour experience. To brew the thicker pods, make sure to use the double pad holder that comes with your Senseo® machine. 

Nespresso® Original 
Nespresso® Original machines use pods that are most often made from aluminium or plastic. There are also some compostable pods available if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. Coffee pods for Nespresso® are almost exclusively black coffees. Some compatible brands make milk-based coffees or other drinks, but those are not as common as for other systems.  

Dolce Gusto® 
The Dolce Gusto® system is the machine that likely has the most variety of drinks. Many compatible brands exist that make variations on your favourite coffees as well as other delicious drinks such as Strawberry Lattes or hot chocolates inspired by your favourite chocolate bars. For Dolce Gusto® machines, you can find coffees of all sizes: from a strong ristretto to a large and aromatic filter coffee. Some drinks can be made with just one pod, while others require two pods to make your drink. Always follow the instructions on the packages to get the best results.

Tassimo® 
If you have a Tassimo® machine, you also get all kinds of coffees in different sizes and flavours. Tassimo® does not have compatible pods, as the barcode technology used to brew the drinks belongs to Tassimo® alone. The IntelliBrew system allows you to get a perfectly created drink every time. For some drinks, you only need one pod – either a normal-sized one or a thicker pod, like for a chai latte or chocolate cappuccino. For other drinks, you will need to brew a milk pod first and then add the coffee. Follow the instructions on the pods and packages, and you’ll always have a perfect drink.  

Nespresso® Vertuo 
Nespresso® Vertuo is the latest innovation from Nespresso®. This machine uses a barcode system to recognise and read the capsules, so there are no compatible options. Nespresso® has exclusive rights to the trademark and, as such, Vertuo products are not present on our site. 

Nespresso® Professional 
Nespresso® Professional machines use aluminium pads that are flat and round. On our site, you will find both original and compatible pads. Nespresso® Professional caters mostly to offices, and as such, these capsules are no-nonsense black coffees and come in different cup sizes (e.g., espresso, lungo…). There are also some options with flavour to spice up your coffee break and some capsules with coffee that are perfect for a latte. 

Coffee Beans 
On our website, we have more than just single-use coffee pods and capsules: we also sell coffee beans. Because they are ground right before use, coffee beans offer a fresher and more flavourful cup of coffee than pre-ground coffee. When you grind your own beans, you also have the added bonus of controlling the intensity of your coffee and deciding how to brew it. Grind them just right for your preferred brewing method.

Machines

If you’re looking to find a new coffee pod machine or are a first-time buyer, here are some facts about some machines to help you make an informed decision: 

Nespresso® Original machines 
With a Nespresso® Original machine, you can have quality coffee in less than a minute. Depending on the model, you can choose between espresso and lungo or ristretto, espresso, and lungo. Some machines also come with a milk steamer, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes with your machine. Nespresso® machines are usually compact and come in stylish designs that fit in any kitchen. 

Tassimo® machines 
Tassimo® machines are probably the easiest to use, as some models only have one button to get your drink started. With the barcode technology on the pod, you don’t need to adjust anything – just press “go”. There are, of course, some machines that allow you more personalisation if you’d like to try your favourite drink in a different way. The machines come in different designs, so you can find the one that goes best with your kitchen. 

Senseo® machines 
Tassimo® machines are probably the easiest to use, as some models only have one button to get your drink started. With the barcode technology on the pod, you don't need to adjust anything – just press "go". There are, of course, some machines that allow you more personalisation if you'd like to try your favourite drink in a different way. The machines come in different designs, so you can find the one that goes best with your kitchen. 

Dolce Gusto® machines 
There are many different sizes and styles of Dolce Gusto® machines. The most basic machines are small and easy to use, offering the most essential functions. Some more advanced models have more personalisation options if you like to change things up once in a while. The machines range from compact to more extravagant styles, so you can be sure to find the machine that represents your personality and needs. 

Nespresso® Professional machines 
Also called Nespresso® Pro for short, this system was developed for use in businesses and offices. Depending on the size of your office, there are smaller Nespresso® Pro machines and larger ones that can brew two drinks at once. Some even have options for making cappuccinos and lattes incorporated in the machine itself. 

Lavazza A Modo Mio® machines 
Designed by Lavazza, these machines are truly stylish. They come in different colours and styles, each just as classy as the next. You can find a basic model as well as more advanced models that have a variety of settings and options to make your coffee the way you like it.   

Espresso machines (for Coffee Beans) 
If you're more of a whole-bean coffee drinker, you could consider an espresso machine. Some of these are manual and require more technique and knowledge about coffee grinds and brewing, while others are automatic or super-automatic. With a super-automatic machine, you can make espresso, filter coffee, and latte drinks. 
 
All these machines offer one big advantage: making a single cup of coffee. You don't have to make an entire pot of coffee if you just want something easy. What's more, the brewing is quickly done. In one minute, on average, you can either have a mug of coffee or a foamy cappuccino. Not only will you save time, but you will also save money by making your individual cup of coffee at home. One box of pods or capsules is more often than not cheaper than a coffee from your local café, and in one package, you can get between 8 and 30 capsules. You'll feel like you're a barista yourself with any of these machines!

Keeping your coffee machine clean

When you own a capsule machine or any other kind of coffee machine, it's important to keep your machine clean, so it continues running properly. To help you care for your machine, we offer descaling products and cleaning products.

Descaling is very important, especially if you live in an area with hard water. The limescale can build up in the machine's parts, which can damage the inner system if not cleaned out regularly and with the proper products. Although vinegar is a common household product, we do not recommend using it to clean your machines. The vinegar will damage the machine more, and your warranty will no longer be valid if you do not clean your machine properly. You can find descaling products from the manufacturers or from our own brand. They both work just as effectively.  

When it's time to descale your machine, most of them will let you know, thanks to a little light. Others do not have a descaling indicator. In those cases, we recommend descaling your machine once a month. This can, of course, be less or more depending on how frequently you use the machine and how hard the water you use is.  

On top of descaling your machine, you should also keep the spout clean. To help you do this, you can use cleaning pods and capsules designed to fit just like a normal coffee pod in your machine. When you run the water through it, the product will foam and clean out every nook and cranny of your machine.  

When you've descaled and cleaned it, your machine will once again brew smoothly and quickly. So, if your machine makes more noise than usual during brewing or the brewing time is longer, it is a sign that a descaling is needed.

If you want to extend the time between each descaling, you can use filtered water. On Kaffekapslen, you can find Brita carafes and filters that will help remove limescale from water. This will give you fresher coffee and a better crema on espressos and coffees.

Finally, if you have a machine that has a milk steaming wand, you should also make sure to clean it thoroughly to avoid bacteria. You can find products to clean this part of your pod machine or espresso machine on our website as well.

Coffee-based drinks

Coffee comes in so many different styles that it can be hard to remember what’s what. So here is a quick guide to the most popular drinks you can find in a café (and can make with your pod machine).

Espresso: a short coffee made with little water. This brew has a powerful flavour and aroma and is often used as the base for many drinks.

Ristretto: the same amount of coffee as an espresso, but with less water. A small cup of coffee full of intensity.

Lungo: Italian for “long”, it is made with a similar amount of coffee to an espresso but brewed with more water. It is often milder in flavour.

Cappuccino: an espresso topped with hot milk foam.

Latte macchiato: steamed milk to which an espresso is added. It has more milk than a cappuccino.

Flat white: espresso with steamed milk but with less foam. It has a higher milk-to-coffee ratio than a latte.

Americano: a shot of espresso to which hot water is added.

Café au lait/Caffè latte: filter coffee with milk. This style is either given the French name (café au lait) or the Italian name (caffè latte).  

This list is non-exhaustive, but we hope it has given you some insight into the different kinds of drinks you find in cafés and among the wide variety of pods and capsules that exist on our website!

Whole bean coffee vs ground coffee vs instant coffee

There are also different ways of preparing coffee for coffee drinkers who do not use capsules or pods. You can choose to prepare your coffee by grinding whole beans at need, using already ground coffee, or making something more quickly with instant coffee. Coffee beans come in different roasting levels based on how long the beans are roasted: light, medium, and dark. The style of roasting brings out different flavours and aromas from the beans. The tasting notes are indicated on our website and on the packages of beans. Each brand will also recommend what kind of drink is best with the beans you choose: some are better suited for filter coffee, while others are best enjoyed as an espresso. However, you can experiment as much as you want and decide what you prefer. You can grind the coffee the way you prefer (coarse, medium, fine). Make sure to check what grind is best for the style of brewing you want to use. For example, it is better to have a coarser grind when using a French press. The possibilities are endless when you use coffee beans!

Ground coffee is most often used with traditional filter coffee machines or with a French press. It can, of course, also be used for pour-over coffee if that is your preferred method of coffee brewing. In our selection of ground coffee, you will also find different roasts and blends. Ground coffee also exists with added flavours. Most often, you can find ground coffee with vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut flavour.  

The same as with coffee beans; some blends are made of 100% Arabica beans, while others are a mix of Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica-only coffees will offer more sweetness and floral notes. Blends that include Robusta often have spiced notes or notes of chocolate. Of course, these tasting notes and flavours will depend not only on the blend but also on the roasting and, finally, the way in which you brew the coffee.

Instant coffee is a good alternative to coffee brewing if you're in a rush or if you simply prefer an easier way of making coffee. Instant coffee can be found in different forms: jars, pouches and individual sticks. Many of them are black coffees of different strengths. Some of them include flavours, which are becoming quite popular nowadays. With instant coffee, you can also find options that have milk already added to the powder. These are often found in individual sticks that you can take on the go. Just add the hot water, and you've got a latte or a hazelnut cappuccino instantaneously.  

Depending on which kind of coffee you prefer, we have just what you need. Go through different pages and see what we offer. You may even discover a new blend or flavour of instant coffee you haven't tried before.

What else can you find on Kaffekapslen?

On top of the hundreds of kinds of coffees in different forms, we also offer teas and hot chocolates. On our website, you will find tea sachets from Yogi Tea, a brand that specialises in spiced chais and organic ingredients for the best flavours. We also have chai tea powder from David Rio and Nordic Roast. These include milk already, so you can have a perfectly spiced chai latte whenever you want just by adding hot water or hot milk. When you get chai powder, you can adjust the strength of your tea yourself.

Brands on Kaffekapslen

We like to offer our customers a variety and options on our website. That is why our coffee varieties come from many different brands, both well-known manufacturers as well as more independent and lesser-known roasters.

When browsing our options, you will see Lavazza, illy, Gevalia, L’OR, Marcilla, Jacobs, and Starbucks. These names are very common around the world and are found in most cafés. You may have already tried them, whether you knew it or not.

We also have coffee beans from Segafredo, Zoégas, Carte Noire, DeLonghi, and Garibaldi, which you may have heard of before.  

You will also find drinks and coffees from Café René, Foodness, Gimoka, and Dolce Vita, who make compatible pods and capsules for your machine.  

Finally, a brand we’re quite proud of having on our website is our own Everyday Coffee private label.

Kaffekapslen’s own coffee brand

Over the past few years, we have been developing different coffees and drinks for Dolce Gusto® machines, Senseo® machines, Nespresso® Original machines, and Nespresso® Professional machines, as well as coffee beans and ground coffee. Through our own brand of coffee products, we wanted to place even more focus on the fact that good, quality coffee does not have to be expensive. As such, our products have been developed with a focus on flavour as well as fair, affordable prices. Our goal with our coffee line, which we called Everyday Coffee, is to make good coffee available to everyone. Within this line you will find cappuccino pods, hot chocolate pods, flavoured Senseo® pods, and different types of beans for you to try. Additionally, we have created a premium line for Nespresso®, composed of aluminium pods and called “Premium”, as well as plastic pods at a lower price, which are part of our Everyday Coffee collection. We hope you’ll enjoy our coffees just as much as we do!