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The 10 best coffee pods to buy in the UK

Picture of a coffee pod

Finding the best coffee pods can be difficult when there are many options to choose from. Add the fact that some are only compatible with certain machines and it becomes even more confusing, as it is not always clear what coffee pods are best for your machine. To help you find the best coffee pods, check out the below buying guide, which covers all the info you need to know about coffee pods.

What are coffee pods?

A coffee pod is a container holding a single serving of roasted ground coffee. The pod is inserted into a pod coffee machine and then high-pressure hot water passes through the ground coffee inside, brewing a single serving of coffee in a matter of seconds. Coffee pods are made in a range of flavours and are often combined with milk pods to create popular coffee beverages like a cappuccino, latte, mocha etc, so a milk frother is not needed.

Why should you buy a good coffee pod?

The best coffee pods produce a delicious coffee that is brewed in seconds, making it highly convenient while never sacrificing the quality of flavour. Because pods are single servings, they maintain a higher level of freshness compared to using loose ground coffee, so the flavour is often far superior.

Moreover, the pods contain all the coffee grounds so you don’t need to waste time cleaning a coffee pot full of used ground coffee, making it especially convenient in the mornings when you want a quick coffee with minimal clean-up required.

How to choose the right coffee pod in 2024?

Another picture of a coffee pod

Not sure what to look for in a good coffee pod? Here are some things to consider:

  • Compatibility: It is important to remember that not all coffee pods are compatible with every coffee machine. So, always check the compatibility of the pod to ensure that it matches your machine. Some machines can use all types of pods while others are only compatible with one type of pod, so it helps to know what your options are before buying.
  • Flavours: It sounds obvious but think about what flavours of coffee you enjoy, using this to help you select some pods. There are many types of pods to choose from so doing this can help narrow your search. Consider what type of coffee drinks you like, with espresso-based drinks (e.g. latte, cappuccino) being popular options.
  • Strength: Another important thing to consider when looking for coffee pods is the strength. Not everyone enjoys strong coffee, so make sure to choose pods that are the right strength for your preferences. Intense coffees have a lasting taste while mild coffees leave a lighter taste on the tongue.
  • Size: Coffee pods can produce beverages of varying sizes, so it helps to consider how large of a coffee drink you enjoy. For example, espresso-based drinks tend to feature in smaller cups, so bear in mind that the coffee will be on the smaller size. If you enjoy a large mug of coffee that will last, then consider pods designed for long coffees.

What is the best kind of coffee pod in the UK?

There are two popular types of coffee pods available to buy:

  • Soft Coffee Pods: One of the less common types of pods, soft pods are designed for machines that make long coffees, resulting in lighter-tasting coffee beverages. They are the largest type of pod available.
  • E.S.E Coffee Pods: Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods are the most widely used, being slightly smaller than soft pods with a smaller diameter. This smaller size results in a more intense coffee flavour, making it the go-to pod for making drinks like espresso, latte, cappuccino, flat white etc.

Top 10 list of coffee pods in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their coffee pods. Which coffee pod is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of STARBUCKS 12587649 coffee pod
STARBUCKS Discovery Variety Pack by Nespresso, Coffee Capsules 6 x…
  • Committed to 100% Ethical Coffee Sourcing in partnership with Conservation Inter…
  • Make it yours at home with your favourite STARBUCKS
  • 100% Arabica coffee, for a simple, delicious cup of coffee any time of the day
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of by Amazon 704270 coffee pod
by Amazon Lungo Intenso Nespresso Compatible Coffee Capsules, Medium…
  • RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED: The coffee we source for this product is Rainforest…
  • Roasted and packed in Belgium
  • 100% Arabica
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Nespresso 3610-DI/2 coffee pod
Nespresso Original Coffee Pods, 50 Mixed Pack - 10 Arpeggio, 10 Ristretto,…
  • SUSTAINABILITY: As a certified B Corporation, Nespresso meets the highest standards…
  • MACHINE COMPATIBILITY: Designed for seamless use with Original Nespresso coffee machines,…
  • CREATE COFFEE RECIPES: Try this Nespresso coffee with milk - you’ll love how…
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of BREWBLACK  coffee pod
BrewBlack Variety Pack - 50 Aluminium Coffee Pods Compatible with…
  • BRAND DISCLAIMER: Brewblack is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Ne…
  • NESPRESSO ORIGINALLINE COMPATIBILITY: Perfectly designed for exclusive use with Nespresso…
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Crafted from meticulously selected beans, each flavour promises…
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of by Amazon 5400606951525 coffee pod
by Amazon Colombian Coffee Nespresso Compatible Aluminium Capsules,…
  • Aluminium allows our capsules to be perfectly hermetic and ensures an optimal aroma…
  • RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED: The coffee we source for this product is Rainforest…
  • Coffee from Colombia. Roasted and packed in Belgium
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of L'OR 4028220 coffee pod
L'OR Espresso Ristretto Coffee Pods x10 Intensity 11 (Pack of…
  • 10 capsules of 5, 2gr (Net Weight: 52g) 10 packs = 520 g
  • RISTRETTO has a fresh persona and powerful spicy aroma.
  • Intensity 11; POWERFUL - EXPRESSIVE - IDEAL
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of STARBUCKS 12429099 coffee pod
STARBUCKS House Blend by Nespresso, Medium Roast, Coffee Capsules…
  • Committed to 100 percent Ethical Coffee Sourcing in partnership with Conservation…
  • Enjoy STARBUCKS at home; The coffee you love without leaving the house
  • A blend of fine Latin American beans roasted to a glistening, dark chestnut colo…
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of Nespresso 4161595 coffee pod
Nespresso Original Coffee Pods, 50 Mixed Pack - 10 Volluto, 10 Roma,…
  • SUSTAINABILITY: As a certified B Corporation, Nespresso meets the highest standards…
  • MACHINE COMPATIBILITY: Designed for seamless use with Original Nespresso coffee machines,…
  • CREATE COFFEE RECIPES: Try this Nespresso coffee with milk - you’ll love how…
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of L'OR  coffee pod
L'OR Espresso Lungo Profondo Coffee Pods x40 Intensity 8 (Pack…
  • L'OR Coffee Capsules Are Compatible with L'OR Barista coffee machines and…
  • Enjoy 40 Recyclable Capsules - Each preserve the aromas of the round roasted blend,…
  • A Distinct Blend designed by L'OR Coffee Artists to take you on a journey of…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of Lavazza  coffee pod
Lavazza, Qualità Rossa, 100 Aluminium Coffee Capsules Compatible…
  • ZERO C02 IMPACT: With these aluminum coffee capsules, Lavazza is committed to offsetting…
  • INTENSITY: The medium roasting and 10/13 intensity give this particular coffee a…
  • BLEND: These coffee capsules consist of a fine blend between Arabica and Robusta…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/11/21.