16 Best Nespresso pods for Latte [+How to make the best Latte]

Being able to make a latte with your Nespresso machine really does add so much choice and variety in your coffee options. However, it can be difficult to figure out what pod options you have and what pods are compatible with Vertuo or Original machines.

In order to help you figure out what pods work with which Nespresso line, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Nespresso latte pods – these include different roasts and iced coffee pods as well. We’ve highlighted the main notes of each pod and have also made a great criteria you should make sure you’re following so you can get the best tasting latte possible.

The best nespresso vertuo pods for lattes

Since OriginalLine pods aren’t compatible with Vertuo machines, you’ll need separate pods designed specifically for Vertuo machines for your latte cravings.

Vertuo pods for regular sized lattes

Among the options in Nespresso’s VertuoLine for regular sized lattes, there are three main options. These are: Diavolitto, Altissio, and Voltesso. If you want to enjoy these different pods together, there are also a few variety packs available on Nespresso’s website.

1. Diavolitto

Diavolitto pods are among Nespresso’s most popular. With an intensity of 11 out of 13 and a caffeine content of 150 mg per pod, it’ll give you a strong, flavorful 1.35 oz serving. By making sure you have a strong baseline to work with, Diavolitto pods ensure that your latte is packed with the rich coffee flavour you love. While they are a bit pricey, Diavolitto pods are sourced from South America and are famous for the smooth, creamy texture and the heavenly aroma their coffee possesses.

2. Altissio

Altisso pods are made from highly roasted Arabica coffee – which is sourced from Costa Rica. With an intensity of 9 out of 13, Altissio pods give you a strong, full-bodied 1.35 oz serving. Altissio pods feature a thick crema and this coffee has undertones of cereal. This coffee also has a touch of Brazilian Robusta which infuses it with the characteristically bold espresso taste.

3. Voltesso

Voltesso pods are perfect for those of you who prefer milder brews. Sourced from South America, Voltesso pods have an intensity of 4 out of 13 and produce a light and sweet serving of 1.35 oz. With a sweet aroma, Voltesso coffee has undertones of biscuit flavors. When you add the milk for your latte, this already mild coffee will smoothen and lighten out even more.

Vertuo pods for decaf lattes

If you want to enjoy a coffee latte but without the caffeine, look no further!

4. Decaffeinato Intenso

The Decaffeinato Intenso has an intensity of 7 out of 13 and produces a sweet, creamy serving of 1.35 oz. This coffee is sourced from a blend of beans from both South America and Asia. The Decaffeinato Intenso has a mix of cocoa and some fruity undertones. A single capsule will usually have caffeine of less than 12 mg.

Vertuo pods for large lattes

For people who want to enjoy larger drinks, Nespresso offers double espresso pods. These larger pods are in fact also cheaper than buying two single espresso pods separately.

5. Double Espresso Chiaro

With an intensity of 6 out of 13, Chiaro pods produce a 2.7 oz serving. Chiaro coffee is made from Arabica coffee and is sourced from Central and South America. This coffee has woody and earthy notes and it is dark roasted to produce a dense, indulgent cup. When used for a latte, this coffee acquires a creamy texture and caramel undertones.

6. Double Espresso Scuro

Sourced from South America, Scuro pods have an intensity of 8 out of 13 and make a 2.7 oz serving. This highly roasted coffee has a really dark and smoky character with notes of cocoa and vanilla. The blend for Sucro pods is made from both Arabica and Robusta coffee and will give you a strong and balanced drink every single time. When used in a latte, the cocoa notes within the Sucro get even stronger.

Vertuo pods for iced lattes

Even though any of the capsules we’ve already mentioned can be used to make iced lattes, Nespresso has released a pod specially for this purpose.

7. Iced Leggero

With an intensity of 6 out of 13, the Iced Leggero brews a 2.7 oz serving. This pod is made from a blend of Ethiopian and Peruvian beans – this means it has both fruity and cereal-like undertones. A lightly roasted coffee, the Iced Leggero is the perfect drink for someone who wants to enjoy something cool and mild.

How to make a latte with Nespresso Vertuo?

Lattes require steamed milk. VertuoLine machines do not have a built-in milk steamer so you’ll have to purchase one of the Aeroccino milk frothers that Nespresso sells separately. When you’re doing this just make sure to remove the coil from the Aeroccino so your milk isn’t over-frothed.

If you want to make a caffe latte, you need to brew a Vertuo espresso pod into a cup. Then, you have to steam your milk and pour it into the cup with the already brewed espresso.

If you want to make a macchiato, you have to steam the milk first and pour it into a container. Then, you need to brew the espresso directly into the milk.

If you’re looking to make an iced latte, all you have to do is use cold milk instead of steamed milk. If you have an Aeroccino, you can put the milk in it and just use the cold setting. After you’ve cooled down the espresso with cool milk, you should add the ice – this will minimize ice melting and your drink being watered down. If you really want to avoid a watery drink, you can also use a HyperChiller. HyperChillers speedily cool down your coffee so the ice doesn’t melt and dilute it.

The best Nespresso original pods for lattes

If you have an OriginalLine machine and you want to enjoy a good latte, we have you covered. Just keep in mind that more intense pods are considered more preferable for lattes as this way the flavor isn’t taken away by the addition of the milk

Original pods for dark roast lattes

Darker roasts are thought to be ideal for lattes as they ensure that the flavor of the coffee itself isn’t diluted by adding milk.

8. Firenze Arpeggio

With an intensity of 9 out of 13, Firenze Arpeggio is a dark roasted coffee which produces a serving size of 1.35 oz. Sourced from a blend of coffees from both South and Central America, Firenze Arpeggio has various notes – from fruity to cocoa to woody. With a smooth crema on top, this coffee has a soft and luxurious feel.

9. Ristretto Italiano

Ristretto Italiano has an intensity of 6 out of 13 and produces a serving size of 1.35 oz. A dark roasted coffee, this pod will give you bold and strong flavors in your latte. Ristretto Italiano is sourced from South America and from East Africa. As a consequence, it has both fruity notes and an acidic tinge.

Original pods for medium roast lattes

Below are best original pods for Medium Roast Lattes.

10. Caramel Crème Brulee

With an intensity of 6 out of 13, Caramel Crème Brulee produces the traditional 1.35 oz espresso serving. A medium roasted coffee, it is sourced from a blend of beans from Brazil and Colombia. With undertones of vanilla, caramel, and coconut, this coffee is a sweet and creamy delight to enjoy.

11. Genova Livanto

Genova Livanto pods have an intensity of 6 out of 13 and make a 1.35 oz serving per pod. Made from a blend of Arabicas from South and Central America, this coffee is very balanced and has a mouth-wateringly caramelised aroma. With notes of toasted cereal, Genova Livanto makes a very well-rounded and balanced drink.

Original pods for light roast lattes

Even though most latte enthusiasts will agree that dark roasts are preferable starting points for milky drinks, Nespresso still has you light roast lovers covered.

12. Volutto

With an intensity of 4 out of 13 and a serving size of 1.35 oz, Nespresso’s Volutto pods are truly the perfectly mild, light-roasted coffee. Made from a combination of Brazilian and Colombian Arabicas, this coffee has biscuity and fruity notes. Packed with really rich flavors, Volutto pods make a really rich, fresh cup every time.

Original pods for decaf lattes

Much like the VertuoLine, Nespresso’s OriginalLine too has great options for decaf lattes.

13. Volluto Decaffeinato

With an intensity of 4 out of 13 and a 1.35 oz serving size, Volluto Decaffeinato is a sweet and light Arabica from Brazil and Colombia. This coffee has fruity notes and biscuit undertones, along with a round body and creamy finish. Each pod of this coffee will have either 3 mg or less caffeine in it.

14. Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato

The Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato is a dark roasted coffee with an intensity of 9 out of 13 and a 1.35 oz serving size per pod. Sourced from a mixture of Costa Rican and Brazilian beans, this bold coffee has a strong body and notes of cocoa. Each pod of this coffee will have either 3 mg or less caffeine in it.

Original pods for iced lattes

Even though any of the other OriginalLine capsules we’ve mentioned can be used to make iced lattes, Nespresso has released pods specially for this purpose as well.

15. Freddo Intenso

With an intensity of 6 out of 13, this 1.35 oz per serving coffee is a dark roasted and bold tasting option. Freddo Intenso has undertones of wood and cereal and is created from a blend of Peruvian Arabica and Indonesian Java.

16. Freddo Delicato

Freddo Delicato pods have an intensity of 6 out of 13 and make a 1.35 oz serving per pod. It is a light roasted coffee which still maintains its delicate flavor in ice. Created from a blend of Kenyan Arabica and Indonesian Java, this coffee has a sweet and fruity flavour.

How to make a latte with Nespresso Original line machines?

In order to make a latte, your machine needs to be able to steam milk. While some OriginalLine machines have built-in frothers, many don’t. If you have one that doesn’t have this you’ll need to buy one. Nespresso offers quite a few in their store, the most famous of which are the Aeroccino series.

If you want to make a caffe latte, you need to brew an espresso pod into a cup. Then, you have to steam your milk and pour it into the cup with the already brewed espresso.

If you want to make a macchiato, you have to steam the milk first and pour it into a container. Then, you need to brew the espresso directly into the milk.

If you’re looking to make an iced latte, all you have to do is use cold milk instead of steamed milk. If you have an Aeroccino, you can put the milk in it and just use the cold setting. After you’ve cooled down the espresso with cool milk, you should add the ice – this will minimize ice melting and your drink being watered down. If you really want to avoid a watery drink, you can also use a HyperChiller, which speedily cool down your coffee so the ice doesn’t melt and dilute it.

The difference between a Caffe latte and latte Macchiato

While both Caffe Lattes and Latte Macchiatos are made in a somewhat similar way, Macchiatos are more espresso heavy in comparison. Caffe Lattes are prepared by making the espresso first and then adding the milk to it – this results in a more balanced taste as the milk blends the espresso after being added on top of it. In contrast, in Macchiatos the espresso is added to the milk which causes it to mix more slowly into the milk. This leads to Macchiatos having a stronger espresso flavour in comparison to Caffe Lattes.

What milk to use in a Nespresso Latte?

If you’re not a vegan and are comfortable with consuming dairy, whole milk is the best option. Milk steaming and frothing work best when there is fat in the milk for the latte. If you want a more diet-friendly option then maybe try reduced fat milk. With a milk-dependent drink like a latte, skimmed milk just can’t achieve the rich, creamy effect you want.

If you’re someone who wants a plant-based alternative then almond and soy milk are great options as these steam well.

How to find the best Nespresso pods for lattes:

Here are our tips for buying the best Nespresso capsules for lattes:

Dark roasts

Espresso is traditionally made from dark roasted beans. These beans usually pack the most flavor and provide rich, bold tastes. If you want to make a latte, then a dark roasted coffee is precisely what you’re looking for. Milk and other such additives usually tend to take away from the strength of the coffee, so if you’re going to add them you need to have a really strong baseline bean. Dark roasted beans are just the right choice because they have the most concentrated bitter espresso taste.

Decaf

Traditionally, decaf coffees have been considered to be weaker than their caffeinated counterparts. However, innovations in the techniques to extract coffee are changing this. A Swiss method of stripping the caffeine from coffee uses water and will produce a much higher quality and tastier coffee than other decaffeinated options. Even though this method may be more expensive, the decaffeinated beans it produces are of excellent taste and quality.

Price

Most coffee capsules are usually priced at around the same rate. The only main area where price varies is with regards to volume. If you need more pods, then consider buying a larger box as this may end up being more economical in the long run.

Nespresso latte recipes [Vertuo & Original]

We know how difficult it can be to get started on your creative latte making journeys. That’s why, we’ve provided you with two amazing recipes that you can use to kickstart your latte lifestyle. Both these recipes can work with both VertuoLine and OriginalLine pods.

Nespresso vanilla latte

1. Pour 1 oz of vanilla syrup into a 12 oz or larger container.
2. Add and brew the espresso capsule straight into the container.
3. Get 6 oz of milk ready and pour it into the container.
4. If you want to add something a little extra, you can top it off with whipped cream.

Pumpkin spice latte

1. Take a 12 oz or larger container and add 1 oz of pumpkin spice syrup into it.
2. This is a 2.7 oz serving so either use two single espresso pods or one double espresso pod and brew them directly into the container.
3. Prepare 6 oz of milk, add to the container, and stir.

Conclusion

We’ve listed some of the major players in Nespresso latte capsules in order to make the road to latte making as easy for you as possible. Just remember to keep certain things in mind: dark roasts usually work better with lattes, be careful of the milk you use, and look at the intensity and flavors of each pod to make sure it has the taste you’re going for.

FAQs

What is the best way to store Nespresso pods?

Coffee pods need to be stored properly in order to make sure they don’t lose their flavor. There are a ton of creative ways to store your Nespresso pods. If you’re a dedicated Nespresso pod user, then you should consider investing in a pod holder as this will make sure your pods stay fresh for as long as possible. Some of the best options for pod holders include Demi’s Home Coffee Pod Holder which is a stylish and accessible pod storage option.

Which Nespresso capsule is best for latte macchiato?

Most macchiato drinkers prefer them to other lattes because of the stronger espresso flavour. That’s why, it’s more likely that you’ll enjoy a dark roasted option for a latte macchiato in comparison to a light or medium roasted one. Some great options include Firenze Arpeggio and Diavolitto pods.

What is a latte macchiato vs latte?

The main difference between a latte and a latte macchiato is the order of the pouring of the milk. With lattes, you brew the espresso first and then add the milk on top of this. This leads to the heavier milk mixture balancing out the espresso taste to create a lighter, more balanced drink. In a macchiato, you prepare the milk and then slowly add the espresso. This way, the espresso taste is a lot stronger than in a regular latte.