14 best coffee pods for speedy, cost-saving espressos at home

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.

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 these coffee pods. Handily, they can also be recycled alongside the rest of your household waste, rather than using a separate service.

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 the pod recycling scheme Podback (as do Ueshima, Littles and Cru Kafe from this list). Depending on your postcode, they will come and collect your used pod and take them away for recycling in the UK, or find a different solution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Score: 74/100

If you’d like to test the waters before committing to a subscription, this trial box is ideal. A blend sourced from Brazil and Rwanda; this coffee is said to be inspired by the classic bourbon biscuit.

But while our panel picked out notes of cacao nibs and toasted nuts, they struggled to find the promised sweetness. Punchy and strong, this will satisfy those that like a deep brew in the morning.

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.

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.

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.