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The four different capsule varieties

Espresso capsules at Starbucks in four delicious varieties Coffee is playing an increasingly important role in my life, and the trend of preparing coffee in a variety of ways, brewing methods, and techniques is gaining traction in Munich. There are at least as many coffee providers in Munich as there are methods. One of these is the capsule machine and method launched by Nespresso a few years ago. Since the beginning of May, Starbucks has also taken another step in the coffee world, bringing espresso capsules to Germany after their introduction in France, Great Britain, Austria, and Switzerland. From now on, you can purchase espresso capsules for your Nespresso machine at all Starbucks Coffee Houses in Germany, including those in Munich.

Espresso capsules at Starbucks – the varieties

The capsules are offered in four different varieties. These are:
– „Fairtrade Espresso Roast“ – with a dark roast and rich caramel notes,
– „Guatemala Antigua Espresso“ – medium roasted with cocoa and delicate spice notes,
– „Kenya Espresso“ – medium roasted and fruity and
– „Colombia Single-Origin Espresso“ – medium roasted with nutty aromas.

High-quality Arabica coffee is roasted, ground, and freshly packaged in espresso capsules at Starbucks for these capsules. Thanks to the easy use of the Nespresso machine, you can brew authentic and delicious coffee at home with the touch of a button. You determine the taste and crema yourself by selecting the desired variety. The capsules are offered in packs of 20 for tasting, as well as in packs of 50 and 100. I also got mine at Starbucks. Shop A 4-flavor sampler pack is available, containing a total of 40 capsules (10 of each flavor). So, if you're still unsure which flavor you like, this is the one to choose.

Put the capsule in the recycling bag.

Starbucks Recycling Program

It's clear and surely known to anyone who's followed the capsule trend: the environmental aspect. It's not the best option for the environment, which is why Starbucks has introduced a recycling program alongside the launch of their espresso capsules. The used capsules collected in the Nespresso machine's collection container can be returned to any Starbucks coffee house at any time. They will gladly accept them and dispose of them for you. As a bonus, every customer receives a specially designed recycling bag free of charge, with space for up to 75 used capsules. I usually drink a cup every morning, so I have plenty of room in my bag. They've clearly thought of everything, and by collecting and returning the espresso capsules to Starbucks as part of the recycling program, you can enjoy your coffee without worry.

Kaffeekapseln bei Starbucks Guatemala Kapseln

My favorite: Guatemala Antigua Espresso

My experience, my favorite, and conclusion

It was time for the tasting. I switched on the Nespresso machine and tried the first capsule. But first, a look at the capsules themselves. There are four different varieties, and consequently four different capsule colors, easily distinguishable, each containing a different espresso blend. Thanks to the aluminum protective sleeve on the top and bottom of the packaging, the Nespresso machine's blade can easily perforate the sleeve without affecting the flavor. The beans for the blends are 100% Arabica beans, roasted in the Amsterdam branch, ground, and packaged in France. I started by tasting the milder varieties, one after the other. My clear favorite is the "Guatemala Antigua Espresso" with delicate notes of cocoa and spice. It's been part of the Starbucks range since 1971, and Guatemala—as I now know once again—is world-famous for its coffee. The coffee for this espresso is grown in the Antigua Valley using traditional methods, from a high-quality variety with lemon, chocolate, and light spice notes. In the cup, as promised, it has a slightly spicy note, no bitter aftertaste, and a pleasantly mild aroma.

Kaffeekapseln bei Starbucks Nespressomaschine mit Kapseln

Easy to use

In second place for me, based on taste, is the "Colombia Single-Origin Espresso." Colombian coffee farms are often located at dizzying heights amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. This coffee, or rather espresso, comes from one such farm and boasts a balanced and quite fruity flavor. The nutty note of this espresso is clearly and mildly present, and the aroma is well-balanced and pleasant. Those who prefer a mild coffee that is neither bitter nor overly intense will certainly favor this variety, as well as the one described first. In third and fourth place are the other two varieties. Starbucks spent a long time perfecting the "Fairtrade Espresso Roast" until it tasted exactly as they wanted. The recipe has a slightly caramel note, a full-bodied flavor, and a significantly sweeter touch than the other varieties. The espresso is strong and, in my opinion, packs a real punch. So, if you like it strong and intense—buy the Fairtrade Espresso Roast! The "Kenya Single Origin Espresso" capsules deliver a delicate and fruity acidity, along with subtle wine notes and citrus aromas in the cup. These aromas become particularly pronounced and intense as the coffee cools. Personally, I find it a little too acidic, despite its fruity and complex flavor.

For me, as someone who enjoys coffee on the go, the espresso capsule option for home use is a great solution. One coffee or quick espresso in the morning is enough for me, and maybe another one after lunch. In fact, until recently, I didn't really have the opportunity, or rather, I never bothered to, to drink coffee at home, as I'm constantly on the go and already have my go-to spots all over Munich. Now I can treat myself to a cup in the comfort of my own home – uncomplicated, simple, and quick. While producing waste is unavoidable with this system, I'm reassured by the included recycling program. So, thumbs up for the quality, the product itself, and its variety. Next time you're at Starbucks, assuming you have a Nespresso machine, of course, stop by and treat yourself to a pack of your favorite variety. Website You can get all the other information about Starbucks' espresso capsules and find your favorite.

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