Many people drink many Nespresso pods every day, without even realizing it. Is that really a good idea? Are Nespresso pods safe?
Nespresso pods are safe because the hot water and coffee don’t come in direct contact with the aluminum and instead get in contact with the food-grade shellac coating and only for a short duration. Nespresso pods are also BPA-free.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what Nespresso pods are made of and whether there is anything harmful in them. Grab a cup of coffee (yes, Nespresso works), and let’s dive right in.
What are Nespresso Pods Made From?
Image courtesy of Nespresso
The Nespresso Pod is almost entirely made of three materials
- The lid and the pod are made from aluminum.
- There is a shellac coating present inside the cup.
- The pod contains a filter.
The aluminum is used to keep any outside contaminants away from the coffee grounds inside the pod. The aluminum helps keep the coffee fresh and safe. You can also ensure that the coffee is aromatic and full-flavored when it is brewed.
You can even recycle aluminum infinitely. Nespresso pods made from aluminum can be reused in infinite ways. Aluminum is light, making it easier to transport.
The role of the inner shellac coating is to prevent the aluminum from leaching into your coffee brew. You have likely eaten shellac-grade food products if your favorite candy has had confectioner’s glaze or taken a timed delivery pill. Fun fact: Shellac comes from the natural resin that lac bugs secrete onto their trees. I’ll let you judge whether that’s gross or cool.
Finally, the Nespresso pods come with a paper filter. This filter protects the coffee grounds from spilling into the coffee brew. It is similar to the filter that you use in your drip espresso maker.
Are Nespresso Capsules Harmful?
Nespresso capsules do not contain any harmful chemicals and are 100% safe. The pods have aluminum so I understand your concerns. However, Nespresso pods are made to stop aluminum from leaching into the coffee.
During the brewing process, the water and the coffee in the Nespresso pod are prevented from contacting the Aluminum or plastic parts of the Nespresso capsule.
They are instead in contact with inner shellac which is food-grade enough to hold hot water away. The capsule is only in direct contact with hot water for a brief time. The Nespresso Pod components, which are completely inert and free of BPA, are also BPA-free.
The paper filters don’t have to be a concern. Nespresso pod producers use food-safe papers inside their capsules. This is the same paper you used in paper coffee filters all your life.
Are Nespresso Pods Carcinogenic?
Caffeine, antioxidants and minerals are all good for you if it is consumed in moderation. Coffee can contain a compound called Furan, which can cause some health concerns.
Furan is generated during the coffee roasting process, and it can linger in the beans and ground coffee. Furan is a toxic and carcinogenic aromatic compound.
ScienceDaily states that espresso made from capsules contains a higher level of furan than other coffee-brewing methods. The sealing of the capsules causes higher levels furan. The sealing of the capsules keeps coffee fresher and also prevents any furan from escaping from the coffee grounds.
The higher water temperatures used in espresso and the higher pressures are also reasons why furan is extracted more in espresso than in drip. Nespresso machines, like regular espresso machines use high pressures and temperatures. This slightly increases the danger of furan.
So why should you be anxious? Absolutely not!
Here are the final results of the study before you abandon your Nespresso.
To be able to have a potentially dangerous level of furan, you’ll need to drink at most 20 cups of coffee per day. It would take you 30 cups of espresso or 200 cups instant coffee to get the same amount.
While I enjoy coffee, I can’t even remember when I last had 20 cups of it in one day. It is not a good idea to consume anything at these levels. Nespresso Coffee is safe and harmless when taken in normal (or moderately) large amounts.
If you are still concerned, you have the option to switch to reusable NespressoPods. Because they are not hermetically sealed, their furan content should be identical to regular espresso.
Are Nespresso Pods BPA Free?
Nespresso pods are BPA-free. They are free from any Bisphenols and comply with all applicable food safety regulations, including those of FDA and EU.
BPA (Bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical that is used to make plastics. It is used mainly to harden polycarbonate plastics. BPA is not food safe, even though it is used in food containers.
Save My Coffee
Moderation is key, as with all things. Nespresso coffee is safe to drink multiple cups per day. The Nespresso caffeine percentage chart may help to alleviate jitteriness.
Now let’s discuss how to ensure that every cup of Nespresso coffee you drink is worth it. Have you tried all the Nespresso capsules for cappuccinos that are available? It’s no surprise that many Starbucks drinks contain milk. My guide to the differences between Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo machines is a good starting point. You can also read my detailed Nespresso Plus Deluxe review where I highlight my favorite Nespresso machines.