How to find your perfect coffee

With single origins, blends, decaf, compostable and aluminium pods, and 1kg beans to choose from, finding "your" coffee can feel overwhelming. It doesn't need to be. Here's a simple way to narrow it down — or you can skip straight to the shortcut at the end.

1. Start with your machine

Everything flows from what you brew with. Nespresso® OriginalLine machines take one kind of pod, Dolce Gusto® another, and bean-to-cup or espresso machines take whole beans. Match this first and you've already ruled out most of the catalogue. Not sure which you have? Our which-machine guide helps.

2. Decide how strong you like it

Pods carry an intensity rating (roughly 1–10) that reflects body and roast depth — mild and smooth at the low end, bold and full-bodied at the top. If you take milk, lean stronger so the coffee shines through; if you drink it black and gentle, go lower. More on this in coffee intensity explained.

3. Black or milky?

If you love espresso, lungo or americano, a straight coffee pod or bean is all you need. If you're a latte or cappuccino person, look for milk and cappuccino options too — especially on Dolce Gusto®, which makes milky drinks in one go. See the best pods for a latte.

4. Regular or decaf?

Want an evening cup without the caffeine? A good decaf tastes every bit as rich these days. Many people keep both — regular for mornings, decaf for later.

5. Anything else that matters to you?

Care about waste? Choose home-compostable pods. Prefer smoother, more aromatic coffee? Lean toward higher-Arabica beans (see Arabica vs Robusta). Want organic? We have that too.

The shortcut: take the quiz

Don't fancy the reading? Our 60-second coffee quiz asks these exact questions and instantly matches you to the Torrié coffees you're most likely to love — then you can add them to a box and save up to 30%. Find your perfect coffee →