Review of Caffè Cagliari iLove Espresso capsules

I didn’t think I would ever become a coffee snob but some time over the last ten years I realised that a heaped spoonful of instant granules drowning in boiling water just wouldn’t cut the mustard. Even our trusty filter coffee maker became a bind as the coffee would lose its freshness as soon as the bag was open: no amount of keeping in the fridge or freezer was sufficient to retain that ‘new coffee’ aroma.

We bought our first Nespresso machine many years ago and have never looked back. The ease of use, variety of flavours and, more importantly, having a fresh cup of coffee every time, sold it to me. Since then I should really have become a sales executive for the company, having extolled the virtues of the system to friends and family who have since become fans.

I even seek out the machines when we travel. If a hotel has a Nespresso machine in the room I can be easily swayed. After a long day sightseeing, to come back to a proper coffee as we flop down on the bed, is worth far more than a packet of complimentary ginger biscuits and a mini-bar.

Being a devoted follower of the Nespresso brand for so long, I am wary of imitations but always happy to try them out. Would I try the new iLove Espresso capsules from Caffè Cagliari? Of course.

Caffè Cagliari is an Italian company which has been producing high quality coffee for over 100 years. Their new range of capsule coffees has been created to work with the Nespresso machines. At the moment they have five varieties: Espresso Ristretto, Elite, Crem Espresso, Grand Espresso and Deca. All are priced at £2.99 for 10, whereas Nespresso varieties cost from £2.90 to £3.50 for 10.

The Caffè Cagliari capsules were not as attractive as the Nespresso ones: plastic with a foil top as opposed to all foil. The samples I was sent were all the same colour but the website suggests that they do have a specific colour per variety. The capsules did fit in my wall-mounted holder but weren’t as appealing on the eye.

The coffee, however, tasted great. A perfect cup of espresso was produced, with just the right amount of crema. The taste was just as good in cappuccino form.

Would I change from my Nespresso capsules to Caffè Cagliari? Probably not. I have my favourite varieties within the Nespresso range and now I’m drinking far more decaffeinated coffee, I have three varieties of decaff from which to choose.

Would I recommend Caffè Cagliari? Yes. If you aren’t a fan of Nespresso products and are looking for an alternative, this quality brand is certainly worth considering.

I was sent some samples of Caffè Cagliari to try, along with two very chic little espresso cups and saucers and some yummy biscotti. The opinions are, of course, my own.