Coffee Pods vs. Capsules: What’s the Difference and Which Brews Better?
If you love coffee, you’ve probably heard about coffee pods and capsules. But what exactly sets them apart? And more importantly—does one make a better cup of coffee than the other? Let’s break it down so you can decide which option suits your coffee routine best.
What Are ESE Coffee Pods and Capsules?
Coffee pods and capsules are both single-serve portions of coffee designed for convenience and consistent flavor. However, the key difference lies in how they’re made and which type of machine they’re compatible with.
ESE Coffee Pods
ESE stands for Easy Serving Espresso. ESE pods are pre-measured, single-serve coffee portions wrapped in two layers of filter paper (similar to tea bags). Each pod contains about 7 grams of ground coffee and is designed for use with semi-automatic and some fully automatic espresso machines.
Caffè Borbone ESE pods are sealed in a protective atmosphere using a triple-layer aluminum film. This ensures that the coffee stays fresh and aromatic by protecting it from moisture and external elements.
One key advantage of ESE pods is that they are more environmentally friendly. The paper filter is biodegradable, making ESE pods a more sustainable choice for coffee lovers looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on flavor.
Pods deliver a more traditional espresso experience with a balanced flavor and a smoother, lighter texture. Since they’re not enclosed in plastic or aluminum, the paper allows water to flow more naturally through the coffee, producing a delicate crema.
? Want to try ESE pods at home? Shop our ESE paper pods.
? Looking for a compatible machine? Check out our Didi Espresso Machine for the perfect ESE brewing experience.
Coffee Capsules
Capsules, on the other hand, are enclosed in a plastic or aluminum casing and are designed for specific types of machines, like Nespresso® Original and Keurig® machines. Capsules come in varying sizes, so it’s important to check compatibility with your coffee machine before purchasing.
Caffè Borbone capsules are also sealed in a triple-layer aluminum film, helping to lock in the coffee's full aroma and flavor. The airtight seal preserves the freshness for longer, ensuring a consistently bold and flavorful brew. Capsules tend to deliver a more intense espresso with a thicker crema due to the higher pressure used during the brewing process.
? Ready to upgrade your espresso game? Shop our Nespresso® Original compatible capsules.
Which One Makes Better Coffee?
It’s the age-old question—but the answer is subjective! Both pods and capsules can deliver an excellent cup of coffee, but the quality ultimately depends on the coffee itself and how it’s handled from start to finish.
At Caffè Borbone, we’ve always believed that great coffee starts with quality. From selecting the finest beans to expert roasting and careful packaging, our commitment to excellence ensures that every cup—whether brewed from a pod or a capsule—offers a rich, aromatic experience.
Capsules can sometimes retain aroma better due to the airtight packaging, but pods provide a more traditional coffee experience with a lighter, more delicate flavor profile. If sustainability matters to you, ESE pods are the better choice since they’re biodegradable and create less waste than capsules.
How to Choose Between ESE Pods and Capsules
If you prefer a quick, intense coffee with a bold aroma, capsules might be your best bet—especially if you have a Nespresso® or Keurig® machine. Capsules tend to produce a stronger flavor with a thicker crema due to the higher pressure used during brewing. If you enjoy a more delicate, balanced espresso with a smooth finish, ESE pods are a great choice. They work well with semi-automatic espresso machines and provide a more eco-friendly brewing option.
? Need a machine for ESE pods? Discover the Didi Espresso Machine, designed for a perfect Italian-style espresso at home.
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with high-quality coffee. That’s why Caffè Borbone puts so much care into every step of the process—from growing and harvesting to roasting and packaging. Our master roasters have perfected the art of coffee, ensuring that every sip reflects the passion and tradition behind it.
Why Quality Matters
The benefits of coffee—like its rich flavor and energy-boosting properties—come from premium-quality beans that have been handled with care. At Caffè Borbone, quality isn’t just a goal—it’s part of our heritage.
Our journey begins with carefully selecting the finest coffee beans, followed by expert roasting and meticulous packaging. This ensures that every pod and capsule delivers the true taste of authentic Italian coffee.
From our founder to our master roasters, passion for good coffee is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you prefer pods or capsules, you’ll taste the difference that quality makes with Caffè Borbone.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best coffee is the one you enjoy most. Whether you reach for an ESE pod or a capsule, what matters most is the quality of the coffee inside. With Caffè Borbone, you’re guaranteed a delicious, authentic Italian coffee experience—every time.
