First of all we see the differences about the
two products’ shape and material:
- The
coffee capsule is a plastic cylindrical and normally the capsule is made of plastic or aluminum. Generally there are different standards of product on the market.
- The
coffee pod is a wrapping of paper and it is made up of cellulose. The most common standard is the E. S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) one
Then we try to understand
how they are produced:
-
coffee capsules are vacuum packed to ensure maximum hygiene and to prevent the aggression of external agents such as humidity, heat, oxygen, etc. They are packed either in single dose packets both inside packs with more capsules of coffee: this packaging aspect has to be always taken into consideration considering the proper coffee consumption ... as a matter of fact an opened package does not preserve the quality of the product. The coffee capsules have a content of coffee varies depending on the type of capsule and can range from 5 g to 7 g per capsule.
- The
coffee pods are packed in single dose and the roasted, and ground coffee, is measured out and pressed within two sheets of paper (usually 7 g per pod). Usually the pods are individually packaged and sealed in a protective atmosphere in order to always guarantee the consistency of the product quality.
Let us now understand the
environmental impact of the coffee capsules and pods:
- The
coffee capsules made in aluminium are recyclable but the plastic ones do not. Now on the market is possible to fond the first biodegradable products: they are coffee capsules made with a biodegradable plastic that seem to solve the disposal problems that refers to European Union Directive 94/62 EC.
- The
coffee pods are made with two sheets of paper and thus they can be made disposed into compost.
Which is the
quality of a coffee extracted with a coffee capsule or a coffee pod?
Reading some posts around the forums it appears that some capsules give very good results permitting to drink an espresso very similar to the one server in a coffee bar.
Certainly, as always, it’s a matter of taste ... also because they are still many persons are still preferring to drink coffee from their old aluminium moka pot.