Caffeine buzz! We taste test coffee pods in SG
Judging by the sheer number of jam-packed coffee shops in Singapore’s CBD (and beyond), many of us rely on a well-brewed dose of caffeine to get in the zone at work. For those who can’t go without their daily cuppa, and aren’t too fussed about a barista’s expert touch, investing in a capsule machine can help save some pennies and earn you a couple more quality minutes in bed. Since the patent on single-serve espresso capsules expired last year, many boutique coffee brands are now jumping on the bandwagon with their own pods – non-coffee beverages included. As more capsules flood the supermarket shelves, we taste tested some of the options to find the best options…
Tripod Coffee’s espresso capsules
Tripod Coffee’s Grey Gaucho Bold South American Coffee
The robust, full-bodied coffee had a powerful fragrance and a bitter, spicy punch. We liked how it had a complex blend of flavours.
Tripod Coffee’s Red Fedora High Altitude African Coffee (Team’s Pick!)
This medium-bodied, acidic Ethiopian blend was classy and smooth, with bright, buoyant citrus notes that stood out on each sip. A spoonful of sugar enhances its sublime fruitiness – reminding one taster of marmalade. Extremely satisfying – we couldn’t help but brew a second cup to savour.
About Tripod Coffee
Hailing from Australia, Tripod Coffee is the brainchild of coffee and cricket connoisseurs Ed Cowan and Steve Cazzulino, who’ve worked with award-winning roasters to bringing the taste of artisanal brews into living rooms all over. Their rich brews are made with sustainable and ethically sourced beans from plantations around the world, in line with fair trade. Each recyclable pod is hermetically sealed to keep the freshly ground coffee in tip-top condition.
$7.50 for a pack of 10 capsules, available from their online store and at Fishwives, #01-05B Cluny Court, Singapore 259760.
Podista’s lovely range
Podista Organic
Made from ethically sourced beans, our tasting team loved Podista Organic’s alluring fragrance. Lingering earthy notes are distinct in this blend.
Podista Double Shot (Team’s Pick!)
For those hard, sluggish mornings when you’re struggling to get everything together, these pods are boosted with Brazilian guarana extract for extra energy. Its deep aroma wakes you up at first whiff. Without sugar and milk, the double-shot brew tastes intensely strong and bitter – a heavy-duty jolt to the senses.
Podista Honeycomb
The delicious smell of honeycomb, evoking our childhood Cadbury Crunchie bars, hit us even before we popped these sugar-free pods into the espresso machine. The pale yellow drink is creamy and comforting – a tasty treat for young’uns, whether served hot or cold.
Podista Chocolate
Another kid-friendly drink from Podista, this milk chocolate blend was rich and silky without being overpoweringly sweet. Plus, it can be mixed with your coffee pod of choice to make a decadent mocha.
About Podista
Always keeping ahead of the game, Podista was the first to launch Nespresso-compatible pods in Australia, as well as the first to launch a sugar-free kids range, Poddies. They have 16 different capsuled drinks under the belt, 11 of which can be bought in Singapore through The Capsule Co.
Pellini’s offerings are sophisticated sips
Pellini Espresso Magnifico
After its initial, deep-roasted flavour, our tasting crew detected wisps of honeyed sweetness. It also had a pleasant, rounded body.
Pellini Supremo (Team’s Pick!)
Exuding an ambrosial floral-and-fruity fragrance, this elegant cuppa had a lively, citrus-tinged flavour. Smooth yet strong, we found it had enough complexity to intrigue our tastebuds, yet not too much to be distracting.
Pellini Armonioso
More delicate than its sister blends, the Armonosio struck as as the most suitable for those who want something gentler on the palate. Velvety and soft, it had a touch of fruit weaved in.
About Pellini
Currently the fifth largest roaster in Italy, Pellini’s coffee blends are packed with aroma and are sold in 3,000 cafes and bars worldwide. Their capsules are available through online store Red Dot Coffee, which curates delish coffee blends from renowned Italian roasters. If you’re looking for a daily dose of top-notch espresso at pocket-friendly prices, Red Dot Coffee‘s offerings will have you covered.
The Providore’s fragrant range of coffee pods
Providore Coffee
Beloved gourmet grocery and cafe The Providore has a new in-house range of Nespresso-compatible coffee pods made from specially-sourced Vietnamese Robusta Beans and three types of Arabica Beans – roasted darker to bring out a deep, robust flavour while retaining some acidity and fruity notes. Choose from four blends, the Main Blend with sweet and floral notes, the Decaf blend with subtle caramel notes, the Fair-Trade Organic Blend with cocoa notes, and the Single Origin blend with lemon and chocolate notes.
Providore Coffee, available at The Providore, various locations including #02-05 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897, p. 6732 1565.
Justin Metcalf’s Costa Rican Coffee
Clean and big-bodied, this Costa Rican blend had a pleasant, bittersweet taste with honey and cereal-like notes. We reckon it would make a crackin’ cappuccino.
About Justin Metcalf Coffee
Started and named after Justin Metcalf, an Australian-bred coffee guru and World Barista Judge, each blend is carefully roasted with fairtrade beans.