Coffee cups: what types are there?

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September 16, 2022

If you choose a coffee capsule machine, you choose to use coffee pods. What choice do you have in that? How much are they? And what about sustainability?

Nespresso, Dolce Gusto or...?

Which coffee cups you can choose depends on the device in which you use them. A coffee cup for Nespresso does not fit in a machine for Dolce Gusto and vice versa. Read more about capsule coffee machines and the different systems.

Cups for Nespresso and capsules for Dolce Gusto are the most common. But also think of cups for, for example, Illy Iperespresso or Nespresso Vertuo. 

Non-original cups

Since the patents have expired, you no longer have to opt for the original coffee cups. There are many 'universal' cups for sale in the machines for Nespresso and Dolce Gusto. The brands vary from Starbucks and Douwe Egberts to Hema. There are several flavors available for each brand.

Price, taste, and recycling differences

The non-original cups differ in price, taste, and recycling from the original cups:

  • Price: Non-genuine cups are almost always cheaper than the original cups. On average, they cost between €0.20 and €0.30 each in a large package. Prices vary greatly by brand. View the prices of the  Nespresso or Dolce Gusto cups.
  • Taste: the shape of the cup is the same, but the taste is obviously different from the original. We have not tested this. Are you satisfied with the quality of an alternative cup? Let us know through our Nespresso and  Dolce Gusto forum topics. 
  • Recycling: you cannot recycle most alternative coffee cups. The use of such a cup is therefore not sustainable. Some alternative brands do have their own recycling program, where you return the cups for free. For example at Blokker and L'OR.

Preventing problems

Because non-original coffee cups differ slightly, problems with the machine can arise. The cups are then not pierced properly and coffee and water leak.

You can avoid problems with alternative coffee cups with these tips:

  1. Check whether your machine is suitable. Read the fine print. 
  2. Take the time to place the cup properly in the machine so that it aligns properly. Sometimes the shape is slightly different.
  3. Do not force. Sometimes the cup is not properly aligned and then the machine compresses the cup.
  4. Press firmly. Sometimes you have to press the lever down a bit more forcefully to pierce the cup properly.
  5. Empty the drip tray regularly.

If you're having trouble with a specific cup, let us know through our Nespresso and  Dolce Gusto forum topics. 

Guarantee

Do you use alternative cups and does this break your device within the warranty period of 2 years? Then the manufacturer must demonstrate that it is due to the use of the cups.

Does your machine break due to the use of alternative cups? Then you can hold the manufacturer of the cups liable. Because he indicates that the cup is suitable for the machine. To do this, first, go to the seller of the cups. If it falls outside the warranty period, you must provide the proof yourself.

Waste

The choice for a coffee capsule is a lot less sustainable than for (ground) coffee beans. Think of the packaging material per individual cup. This usually consists of plastic and/or aluminum. Because it also contains coffee grounds, the cups have to go with the residual waste. They cannot go with PMD waste (plastic, metal, and drink cartons). The largest part, therefore, ends up in the waste mountain.

Coffee grounds and coffee filters can go in the green container. In that respect, fully automatic machines, piston machines, and coffee makers are more sustainable machines. 

Recycling 

Nespresso and Dolce Gusto have a recycling system. You collect the cups in a recycling bag and return the used cups. It differs per manufacturer how the raw materials are processed afterward. 

You get the recycling bags when you order cups online from the manufacturer. You can return used Nespresso cups via the delivery person, at a Nespresso Boutique, or at a Pickup Point. You can hand in Dolce Gusto cups in a special recycling bag at a UPS parcel point.

Some brands of alternative cups have also set up a recycling system, such as Blokker and L'OR.

Refillable coffee cups

Refillable cups, or recaps, are made of plastic or stainless steel and can be filled with ground coffee. Scoop the coffee into the cup, press, and then close the cup. For example, they can be used several times in a Nespresso or Dolce Gusto machine.

The advantage is that you choose your own flavors. It is also a lot cheaper per cup of coffee. Unfortunately, the filling is often a hassle. Especially if you want to make several cups and the stainless steel cup is still hot. Then the convenience of a coffee capsule machine disappears.

Poorer quality

Earlier tests showed that the quality of the coffee is also less. The coffee is less fresh and less strong. The foam layer is disappointing. In an ordinary coffee cup, the coffee is pressed into the cup under pressure. Because you press the coffee yourself with a refillable cup, the coffee extraction is less strong.

Read our first impression of the Hema coffee capsule maker and the Waycap.

Biodegradable coffee cups

A biodegradable cup is made from compostable materials, such as corn and sugar cane. Although the materials are compostable, the degradation process takes too long for Dutch waste processing. That is why the cups have to go with the residual waste and not in the green bin.

There are biodegradable cups from different brands. They are more expensive than non-degradable cups.

The materials allow more air to pass through than plastic or aluminum, which means that the coffee flavor is lost more quickly. So rather buy smaller packages and keep them airtight and dark.

Cooking with coffee grounds

In this video, Pierre Wind shows you how refillable coffee cups work and what you can do with the leftover coffee grounds.

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