Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
A great cup of coffee starts with more than just the machine. Your choice of coffee concentrate, milk, syrup and descaler also affects the flavour, convenience and running costs. Yet there are some common pitfalls in this category that could mean you end up paying more than necessary, or buying a product that doesn't suit your routine.
Words like caramel, vanilla or dark chocolate mainly describe the flavour profile. So always check the ingredients and nutritional information. A flavoured coffee may, for example, contain sugar, while a product made with Arabica coffee beans doesn't automatically have the same strength or brewing method as freshly ground coffee.
With Nescafé Espresso Concentrate Caramel and Vanilla, the product information lists water, sugar, instant coffee and flavouring among the ingredients. According to the product specification, both variants contain 7.4 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres of prepared product. If you'd prefer less sugar, it's better to look for a sugar-free coffee or a concentrate with no added sugar.
When it comes to a coffee machine descaler, compatibility matters, but so do the usage instructions. The composition and dosage vary by brand and model. So always check your machine's manual before you start descaling your espresso machine.
The Gaggia Descaler comes as a 250 ml liquid. According to the product instructions, this amount should be diluted with 500 ml of fresh water, unless your machine's descaling programme says otherwise. The De'Longhi EcoDecalk Mini consists of two 100 ml bottles. The brand's product information states that the product can also be used with other brands, but your own machine's manual should always be your guide.
Don't just compare the price per bottle or pack – also look at the number of servings and the shelf life once opened. A bottle of coffee syrup that you only use occasionally might be less practical than individual sticks of coffee concentrate.
Also pay attention to storage. Many long-life products need to be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Milk products usually need to be refrigerated after opening and used within the period stated on the packaging.
Coffee concentrate is designed to be mixed with water, milk or ice. Check these points:
You'd typically make an Americano coffee with coffee concentrate and water. For a latte or iced coffee, you can combine the concentrate with regular or plant-based milk. The flavour then depends on the ratio and the temperature.
Look at the fat content, allergens and the texture you want. Melkan Long-Life Semi-Skimmed Milk contains 1.6 grams of fat per 100 ml according to the label, and is suitable for coffee, breakfast and cooking. Melkan Whole Milk Coffee Milk contains 7.5 grams of fat per 100 grams and is designed to give a creamier coffee flavour.
A barista milk or plant-based alternative needs to suit your preparation method. Sproud Barista is a plant-based product made from chickpeas. According to the product description, it has a creamy texture, a mild flavour and is naturally lactose-free. If you have allergies, always check the current packaging and ingredients list.
Coffee syrup is a simple way to give black coffee, espresso or milky coffee a different flavour. Douwe Egberts Coffee Syrup Caramel contains sugar, water and flavouring according to the product specification. The nutritional information lists 80.4 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
If you want sweetness without regular sugar, liquid Natreen is an alternative. The product information mentions sweeteners based on sodium cyclamate and sodium saccharin. Always use a small amount and check the ingredients if you want to avoid certain sweeteners.
When choosing a descaler, pay attention to:
The Gaggia Descaler has model number 21001681 and a volume of 250 ml. The De'Longhi EcoDecalk Mini DLSC200 contains two 100 ml bottles. According to De'Longhi's own research, EcoDecalk removes limescale three times more effectively and faster than traditional descalers. This is a brand claim, so it's best to compare compatibility, dosage and safety instructions for yourself.
Why this suits the profile: A ready-to-drink portion for anyone who wants coffee without a machine or complicated preparation, whether at home or on the go.
The 190 ml volume is clearly stated, so you know upfront that it's an individual portion rather than a bulk pack.
Ready to drink, 190 ml per pouch and, according to the product information, free from the 14 major EU allergens.
Why this suits the profile: For home baristas who want a concentrated base to use for Americano, latte or iced coffee.
The pack contains seven individual 25 gram portions. This means you can dose per cup without opening a large quantity all at once.
According to the product information, made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, with no added sugar or fat, and suitable for hot or cold preparation.
Why this suits the profile: A practical choice for users of Gaggia espresso machines who want to carry out maintenance on a regular schedule.
The volume and dilution instructions are clearly stated. Only use the product according to your machine's manual and rinse the reservoir afterwards.
Liquid formula, 250 ml, suitable for espresso machines and selected Philips and Gaggia models.
Why this suits the profile: For anyone who wants to control the intensity of caramel in their black coffee, milky coffee or espresso.
The recommended starting dose is one teaspoon for a small mug. This helps you avoid adding too much syrup straight away.
250 ml volume, caramel flavouring and suitable for coffee and tea; the product specification lists none of the 14 major EU allergens.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Mix the recommended amount of coffee concentrate with hot or cold water. Start with the ratio on the packaging and then adjust it to your taste. For a latte, use milk or plant-based milk for coffee instead of just water.
That depends on your water hardness, how often you use the machine and the manufacturer's instructions. Above all, follow your machine's alert. The Gaggia product information suggests descaling every three months as a guideline, but your specific model's manual takes priority.
No. A product may contain no sugar and still use sweeteners such as erythritol. So always check both the nutritional information table and the ingredients list. With coffee concentrate, also pay attention to the serving size, because values per 100 ml sometimes refer to the diluted product.
