Comparing the cost of ESE coffee pods and Nespresso single serving coffee

For this comparison four methods of brewing coffee at home are examined for value for money, convenience and quality of the brew.

Instant Coffee

 Scoring highly for convenience the average cost of the coffee in a cup of instant good quality coffee is approx 10p. The downside is the result is not as satisfying as the more complex results using the other methods but at 10p it is the cheapest but not the best value for money. No special machines are required, just hot water and a spoon, but the taste really does not come close to espresso. Some newer brands have added a pinch of ground espresso to each portion which is a nice attempt but doesn't fool coffee enthusiasts.

Ground Coffee

 Also costing approximately 10p per cup when beans are ground, portioned and compacted, the most established traditional method of coffee brewing is also cheap. However the cost is 10p only when the portion is measured exactly and unless weighed to the gram (7g is the optimum portion) it can be inefficient. There are other drawbacks too, as roast beans deteriorate quickly and need to be used up. Ground beans deteriorate even faster, so ideally the beans need to be ground every time coffee is prepared. Not only are the best grinders expensive, they are also messy and noisy.

Coffee Capsules eg Nespresso

 At 30-35p per cup nespresso capsules are the most expensive in this comparison. A big saving on Starbucks it might be, but at 3 cups per day it still works out at nearly £400 per year per person, and that is without the cost of the machine.

ESE Coffee Pods

For the best balance between cost and convenience easy serving espresso pods or ese coffee pods as they are known cost 20p each and make great tasting authentic espresso coffee without mess. Also as the pods come individually wrapped they are fresh every time and therefore can be stored for up to a year after purchase with no deterioration in quality. There is no mess, no waste, great taste and easy to dispose of.Conclusion The best value for money and all round best tasting solution to brewing great coffee at home are ese coffee pods.