15 best coffee capsules to try at home
It’s reported that 60 billion (yes, you read that right) coffee pods go to landfill each year — with 80% of these sadly ending up in the ocean. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way — coffee capsules can be a convenient, eco-conscious choice, when disposed of correctly.
Best coffee pods for 2025
Want to know which ones are best? Don't worry, the Good Housekeeping Institute is on it. These are our experts' top-rated pods in a handy list, but keep scrolling for our taste test reviews.
Which coffee pods are best for the environment?
To help you decide which pods to buy, we’ve provided the main pros and cons of each type.
Recyclable coffee pods
Made from 100% aluminium, to recycle this type of pod you’ll need to pierce the foil lid, empty out the used coffee granules (either into your food waste bin or home compost), before adding to your recycling bin.
The trouble with this type of capsule is the low rate of recycling. Having to remove the grounds before washing out the capsules completely, can mean people end up just throwing them away whole, negating any eco credentials in the process.
For ease, we’d recommend using Dualit's aluminium capsule recycler (£9.99) for a seamless separation system.
Compostable coffee pods
If you can’t see yourself recycling your pod properly, compostable options could be the answer. Made from plant-based materials such as bio-based corn starch, these are designed to break down as quickly as other organic food waste.
To dispose, simply add your used capsule to your local authority food-waste collection bin, where it will be taken to your nearest industrial composting plant and broken down under specialist conditions. Alternatively, some pods can be composted at home, however this can take a little longer.
Coffee pod subscription
Many brands offer a pod subscription to ensure you’re never left without your caffeine fix. You’re also likely to save some money when buying on a recurring basis — we’ve highlighted which ones offer this service below.
How we test coffee pods
Our panel of 10 tested a total of 41 original-style Nespresso-compatible coffee pods at the GHI, from supermarkets through to speciality coffee roasters. Products were blinded to remove any brand bias and sent directly to our consumer panel to use at home in their Nespresso machine. We asked them to give their thoughts on the aroma, flavour and mouthfeel of each.
Once you’ve selected your perfect capsule, head to our list of the top-rated coffee pod machines to enjoy them in.
House Blend Nespresso Compatible Capsules (12 packs of 10)
Score: 87/100
Inspired by Japanese coffee culture, our winning pod impressed the panel with its rich caramel aroma, clean acidity and hint of dark chocolate. In short: a classic, crowd-pleasing cup that deserves the top spot.
To recycle these aluminium capsules, you’ll need to box them up and create a TerraCycle account to download a free shipping label. Once collected, the grounds are sent for composting and the aluminium is turned into new products.
Espresso Coffee Capsules
Score: 86/100
A great fully compostable option, this espresso blend was a little less intense on the palate than on the nose, but our testers really enjoyed the light roast. With earthy flavours and a pleasing hit of acidity, this will bring a lovely brightness to your morning cup.
Organic Nespresso® Compatible Pods
Score: 85/100
With a great depth of flavour and notes of tobacco paired with very dark roasted beans, our testers were impressed by the intensity of flavour you get with these coffee pods. Handily, they can also be recycled alongside the rest of your household waste, rather than using a separate service.
Irresistible Single Origin Espresso Fairtrade Coffee Pods
Score: 85/100
Sourced from the highlands of Sumatra, these fully recyclable Fairtrade-certified pods produce a full-bodied espresso. Rich and smooth, with an aromatic chocolate undertone and a frothy coffee-shop crema, they're an excellent choice for everyday.
Specially Selected Espresso Coffee Pods
Score: 84/100
If you’re looking for coffee pods on a budget, head to Aldi. Delivering a full-bodied blend with flavours of toffee and caramelised honey followed by lingering acidity, our testers enjoyed this great value espresso.
Aldi works with Podback, a pod recycling scheme, which will come and collect your used pod and take them away for recycling in the UK.
Taste the Difference Colombian Lungo Coffee Pods
Score: 83/100
The mellow roast with nutty aromas and hints of tobacco impressed our testers with its deep, complex caramel flavours and hint of bitterness.
Serve this crowd pleasing Colombian roast alongside buttery shortbread for afternoon tea or after dinner to your guests. And don't forget to recycle your pods after emptying.
Medium Classico ESE Espresso Coffee Paper Pods
Score: 81/100
Like a classic espresso from a top-quality professional machine, this coffee had hints of creamy caramel with a great level of acidity and bitterness.
Testers loved the flavour and delicious aromas of a rich roast Italian coffee found in these compostable coffee pods.
Rich Hazelnut Capsules (6 packs of 10)
Score: 81/100
If you’re partial to a shot of syrup in your coffee, these flavoured capsules should appeal. Made with Honduran arabica coffee and infused with hazelnuts, they don’t contain any added sugar but deliver a well-integrated nutty note to each sip. They also achieved a deliciously thick crema which complements the hint of vanilla.
It’s possible to add these pods to your recycling bin; however, you’ll need to empty the grounds first.
Kiss the Hippo Nespresso Compatible Compostable Pods
Score: 81/100
Whether home composting or using the council-supplied food waste bin, these plastic-free pods will break down in a matter of weeks. They’re made carbon-neutrally from recyclable card and have an oxygen barrier to ensure the organic coffee is fresh when it reaches you.
This is a complex cup, with notes of red berries, toast and tobacco, and our panel appreciated the deep roast, thick crema and clean body. Kiss the Hippo is committed to paying its farmers at least 50% above the Fairtrade price, and when bought on subscription the brand plants a tree on your behalf.
Decaf Supercharger Espresso (60 pods)
Score: 80/100
Avoid the jitters, without missing the flavour, with Café Pod’s Rainforest Alliance-certified intense shot. Taking inspiration from Italian-style espresso, the flavour is bitter and long-lasting, with notes of red berry, almond and gentle spice. Trust us, you’d never know this one’s decaf.
The capsules themselves are 80% recycled (which take 95% less energy to produce vs. primary aluminium), and still 100% recyclable.
Organic Half Caff Nespresso Compatible Capsules
Score: 79/100
With all the flavour of its regular coffees, but half the caffeine content, our testers enjoyed the light roast, hints of citrus and gentle floral aromas of these Nespresso pods. The palate had notes of orange peel and a good balance of bitterness and acidity. A great choice for a little pick-me-up if you’re limiting your caffeine intake.
Coffee Pods
Score: 74/100
Available in Grind's distinctive pink tin or as refills, these pods are packed with the same organic coffee used in Grind’s shops.
As well as being suitable for home composting, you won’t find any plastic in there, and the tin is recyclable too. The coffee itself is every bit as strong as one you'd grab on your morning commute, with an Italian-style bitter roast.
Espresso Maestro Ristretto (10 packs of 10)
Score: 72/100
For those that prefer their coffee short and black, Lavazza’s recyclable ristretto capsules aren’t overly complex; however, testers enjoyed the toasted hazelnut notes.
The pods themselves are carbon-neutral, due to Lavazza’s off-setting scheme that supports rainforest conservation in Peru.
Specially Selected Ristretto Coffee Pods
Score: 72/100
At just 18p a pod, these Aldi capsulesare a budget friendly way to start the day. However, they don’t skimp on flavour, with a complex profile of roasted nuts, toast and sweet toffee. Smooth and creamy, with an impressive frothy top, this pod is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
To recycle these, you’ll need to take them back to the store.
Compostable Coffee Pods
Score: 70/100
Produced using wind power, and free of all-plastic, these compostables are billed as “seriously strong”. And while the nose insinuates this will be a deep, dark roast, on the palate you’ll find more cocoa and nutty notes than you’d first expect.
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