20 Oct ESE Pods versus Capsules

When it comes to choosing between ESE Pods and capsules, we always opt for the ESE Pods.

This initial preference may come as a surprise, considering the significant popularity of capsules. Many people, including yourself perhaps, own a capsule coffee maker at home or work and may not be familiar with what an ESE pod is.

So why did capsules become so dominant in the market?

The ESE pod actually predates the invention of the capsule, but the capsule quickly overshadowed its competition, especially with the introduction of Nespresso by Nestlé. It revolutionized the way we consume coffee, not only affecting the ESE pod but also traditional Italian coffee makers like the Moka pot, which ended up being neglected and stored away in dark cupboards.

One of the key advantages that capsules offered over other forms of coffee-making was the vast range of flavors available. This expanded the definition of what coffee could be and attracted a larger consumer base. Similar to how Starbucks succeeded with its coffee cocktails, capsules became the homemade version.

But how did the ESE pod manage to hold its ground?

Surprisingly, it found its stronghold in Italy, the country known for its coffee expertise. Not even George Clooney could convince Italians to fully embrace the capsule. While a capsule contains only about 5 grams of coffee, the ESE pod contains between 7 and 7.2 grams of pure coffee, sealed between two sheets of rice paper without the use of any glue. If you truly appreciate the taste of coffee, you’ll likely prefer the ESE pod. This is the choice that Italians made, ensuring the commercial survival of this remarkable invention.

The ESE pod is also referred to as ESE-44, which stands for Easy Serving Espresso with a diameter of 44 millimeters. In essence, it’s an easy way to make espresso, even for beginners.

An easy espresso

We all desire a good cup of coffee, but each of us has a threshold when it comes to the effort and complexity involved in making it. Using an espresso machine requires time, effort, and knowledge to achieve the perfect brew. Capsules and ESE pods simplify the process, but capsules fall short of our expectations of what a coffee should be. Even with Nestlé’s advanced technology, 5 grams of coffee, including flavorings, cannot compete with the levels of taste, flavor, and caffeine that we desire.

The role of the environment

In addition to taste limitations, capsules have also faced criticism for their negative impact on the environment. The mountains of waste generated by used capsules have led to the development of biodegradable and reusable options. However, these alternatives have yet to gain widespread popularity.

Interestingly, paper capsules have emerged in 2023, and it is expected that they will be sold throughout Europe by 2025. These paper capsules resemble the ESE pods in terms of coffee quantity, weighing in at five grams. Given time, they may become the preferred choice, and even George Clooney might praise their excellence.

The survival of the ESE pod

In conclusion, while it may seem overly optimistic to think that the ESE pod will ultimately prevail over capsules, we firmly believe that it will continue to exist for those who want a coffee that truly lives up to its name without the complications, effort, and cleaning associated with espresso machines. So, the next time your capsule coffee maker breaks down, or you simply grow tired of capsules, consider the ESE pods as a highly viable alternative.