Want to buy illy E.S.E. pods but not sure whether Classico, Classico Lungo, Intenso, Forte or Decaffeinato is right for you? The main differences are roast profile, strength and preferred cup size.
Check each product page for current stock and available pack sizes.
Every variety covered here is intended for machines explicitly compatible with the 44 mm E.S.E. standard. See our complete illy 44 mm E.S.E. pod range.
To compare illy with other roasters, explore more flavour profiles in our full E.S.E. pod collection.
Shop illy E.S.E. pods directly
Ready to order? Options include illy Classico 40 pods and illy Classico 200 pods. For decaffeinated espresso, try illy Decaffeinato. If you want to compare several varieties, start with the illy E.S.E. 90-pod tasting set.
illy Classico – balanced and harmonious
Classico is a classic introduction to illy coffee. Its flavour is balanced and less powerful than Intenso or Forte. It is often the right choice for anyone who likes a smooth, harmonious espresso without a very dark roast.
Depending on availability, Classico comes in several pack sizes, including 18 pods, 40 pods and 200 pods.
illy Classico Lungo – for a longer cup
Classico Lungo is designed for those who enjoy Classico's balanced character in a longer coffee. It is tailored to a larger cup and is better suited to a lungo than a conventional short-espresso pod.
The product information on illycafe.ch recommends a cup volume of 60–80 ml for Classico Lungo. Also check the instructions on your pack. [2]
See the product: illy Classico Lungo E.S.E. pods.
illy Intenso – stronger and darker
Intenso is roasted more deeply than Classico, giving it greater body and intensity. It suits people who prefer a more pronounced espresso or enjoy coffee with milk.
Depending on stock, choose from 18-pod, 40-pod and 200-pod packs.
illy Forte – the boldest classic profile
Forte is particularly intense within illy's classic range. If Intenso still feels too mild and you want pronounced roasted notes and a bold espresso, Forte is a natural choice.
Discover illy Forte 18 pods, 40 pods or 200 pods.
illy Decaffeinato – decaffeinated
Decaffeinato is the decaffeinated E.S.E. alternative. Small amounts of caffeine may remain, so decaffeinated does not necessarily mean zero caffeine. [1]
See the product: illy Decaffeinato E.S.E. pods.
At-a-glance comparison
Classico
Profile: balanced
Best for: classic espresso
Classico Lungo
Profile: balanced
Best for: a longer cup
Intenso
Profile: bold
Best for: intense espresso, milk drinks
Forte
Profile: very bold
Best for: pronounced roast profile
Decaffeinato
Profile: decaffeinated
Best for: espresso with less caffeine
Try all five varieties
If you cannot decide, compare the main varieties side by side. Our illy E.S.E. 90-pod tasting set brings several varieties together in one sampler pack.
What machine do I need for illy E.S.E. pods?
You need a machine specifically compatible with 44 mm E.S.E. pods. E.S.E. pods cannot be used interchangeably with illy Iperespresso® capsules or Nespresso® Original-compatible capsules.
Find suitable machines in our 44 mm E.S.E. pod machine collection. Explore the full illy range in our main illy collection.
Not sure which pods fit your machine? Our 44 mm E.S.E. pod compatibility guide explains the differences between coffee systems.
Frequently asked questions about illy E.S.E. pods
Which illy E.S.E. pods are the mildest?
Classico is more balanced and less intense than Intenso or Forte.
Which illy pods are the strongest?
Forte has the boldest classic illy roast profile, followed by Intenso.
Which illy pods work best for lungo?
Classico Lungo is specifically intended for a longer cup.
Are illy E.S.E. pods compatible with Iperespresso?
No. E.S.E. and Iperespresso are two different systems.
Are decaffeinated illy E.S.E. pods available?
Yes. Decaffeinato comes in E.S.E. pods and may contain residual caffeine. [1]
