Our capsules are 100% compatible with all Nespresso® Original Line machines (including Pixie, Citiz, Essenza, and Lattissima), for which they were specifically developed.
However, they are not suitable for Dolce Gusto® or Nespresso® Vertuo systems. The latter use a different technology and barcode system; many coffee enthusiasts consciously choose the Original Line to have access to independent, Zurich-roasted specialty coffee like ViCAFE.
It comes down to the roast and the grind. Our Espresso (40 ml) is a dark roast for more intensity with a classic nutty-chocolatey profile. The Lungo (80 ml) is a medium roast balanced for a larger volume of water without becoming bitter, featuring special notes of licorice and spices thanks to Indonesian coffee.
Both are also excellent for milk-based drinks like Cappuccino or Flat White.
The material is 100% biodegradable in nature and suitable for home composting. The capsules are made of PHB and paper, which break down at low temperatures. PHB is a biodegradable plastic obtained from microorganisms; it is not petroleum-based, is heat-resistant, and completely taste-neutral.
Yes. They are 100% free of petroleum-based plastics and aluminum. Right at the start of our two-year development phase, we decided to focus on alternative platforms and solutions instead of aluminum to ensure your coffee consumption leaves a minimal ecological footprint.
We use exactly the same specialty coffee with the same quality, roasting philosophy, and sourcing strategy as for all other ViCAFE products. It is roasted in our own roastery in Altstetten, Zurich. This ensures the beans in your capsules are just as fresh as those in our Espresso Bars. Each capsule is filled with exactly 5.4 grams of coffee at Blue Circle in Austria, just 10 km from the Swiss border.
In Switzerland, capsules are the most widespread format for home coffee consumption. That is why we spent two years working intensively on development to create a correspondingly relevant coffee experience.
Our goal was to transfer our philosophy and a harmonious flavor profile into this format while avoiding the extreme bitterness often found in capsules.
Additionally, as with all our products, a contribution from every capsule sale goes to the Vi Foundation.
The capsules have a shelf life of 12 months. You should store them in a dry place that is not too warm. Storing them in the refrigerator is explicitly not recommended to avoid affecting the quality of the aroma.
This is possible; however, the coffee will flow through very quickly and may taste a bit more acidic, as the capsule was not primarily designed for this purpose.
For an optimal result, you should use a clean machine, filtered water, and fresh capsules, as well as pre-warm the machine. This is how we guarantee a great flow and perfect crema with every extraction.
The capsules are available offline in our Espresso Bars, online in our shop (also as a subscription), and at Coop. They are also suitable for offices of any size, especially for meeting rooms or less frequently used areas.