The 17 Best Nespresso Pods in 2022 [Tried & Tested]

This is a definitive guide on best Nespresso Pods.

Of course, you can go to your dainty java shop or grind your beans at home. But if you want to save some bucks or don’t have time for manual espresso equipment, a Nespresso machine is a no-brainer.

It’s not as time-consuming as a pour-over or French press. To create espresso and normal brewed coffee, it employs capsules/pods containing ground coffee. There are two kinds of Nespresso machines, as well as two kinds of capsules for those machines.

If you need help in cherry-picking your ideal Nespresso machine, check out our article, on best Nespresso Machines.

After that comes the exciting part: choosing your ideal zest and savor of coffee capsules. Discovering a coffee mix that meets your preferences is a game-changer. We’ve picked up some of the 17 best Nespresso pods for every type of coffee fan.

Probably you want to know what info you’ll get from this article? Well, I’m steering for the:

• Best Nespresso capsules for OriginalLine coffee makers.
• Best Nespresso capsules for VertuoLine coffee makers.
• Best compatible pods by non-Nespresso brands.

That isn’t all, though! I’ll juxtapose the costs and caffeine content of each pod and propose some of my favorite capsules for ristretto, mochas, cappuccinos, and others. 

Scroll below and have a look at our picked Nespresso pods!

Product Name	Product Image	Product Line	Intensity	Rating	Buy
Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Ristretto		OriginalLine	10	4.6	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Cocoa Truffle		OriginalLine	6	4.4	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar		OriginalLine	12	4.2	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Ispirazione Arpeggio Firenzi		OriginalLine	9	4.3	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Volluto		OriginalLine	4	4.7	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Tokyo Vivalto Lungo		OriginalLine	6	4.2	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Cape Town Envivo Lungo		OriginalLine	10	4.1	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Roma Intenso		OriginalLine	8	4.6	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Master Origin Columbia		OriginalLine	6	4.5	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Napoli		OriginalLine	13	4.7	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Double Espresso Scuro		VertuoLine	8	4.8	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Fortado Gran Lungo		VertuoLine	8	4.2	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Iced Forte		VertuoLine	6	4.5	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Mexico		VertuoLine	7	4.3	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Voltesso		VertuoLine	4	4.7	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Stormio		VertuoLine	8	4.4	BUY NOW →
Nespresso Intenso		VertuoLine	9	4.6	BUY NOW →

Before buying Nespresso Capsules, note down these attributes about them. If you lay perfectly on these metrics, then grab it for yourself. 

• VertuoLine or OriginalLine
• Intensity
• Tasting notes
• Roast
• Caffeine
• Flavors

Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine Capsules

Nespresso comes with two exceptional trademarks: OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. Both machines differentiate on various grounds. If you want to know more, check out our guide on Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original Line.

When it comes to pods, OriginalLine brews espresso. Whereas, VertuoLine brews espresso and coffee. 

Both machine capsules work differently. For instance, VertuoLine machines use capsule-scanning technology, which operates with Nespresso brand capsules.  In OriginalLine machines, capsule scanning does not take place. That’s where non-Nespresso brands take part. 

Nespresso’s Intensity

Nespresso defines intensity as a coffee’s degree of roasting, body, and bitterness. In addition, the intensity is due to the coffee’s concentration. It has nothing to do with the amount of caffeine in the coffee. 

The intensity level of Nespresso ranges from 1 to 13. The majority types of Nespresso pods

are found in the 4 to 10-intensity range. 

1-4: The flavor of coffee is delicate and slightly full-bodied.

5-7: Coffee is flavorful and well-balanced.

8–10: Strong scents and a full-bodied flavor characterize this coffee.

Tasting Notes

Like wines, coffee beans have many professional descriptors that determine how a bean or blend will taste.

If you’re from North America, you’re familiar with Colombian coffees, which have a medium body and rich caramel sweetness and nuttiness. However, Brazilian coffees feature a peanutty flavor, a hint of cocoa, and a lingering finish.

All of those characteristics are still rather basic, but Ethiopian coffees can have distinctly floral flavors such as jasmine or nettles, and they are more reminiscent of teas. Ethiopian coffees are also often natural or unwashed and have a stronger strength that leaves their mark on the tongue.

Nespresso’s Roasts

Nespresso capsules are not all made with the same coffee roast; different pods use different roasting procedures. Light Roast, Medium Roast, and Dark Roast capsules are available from Nespresso, catering to wide strata of coffee consumers. 

Caffeine Content in Nespresso Pods

Caffeine levels in OriginalLines and VertuoLine pods are usually in the medium range, ranging from 60 to 90mg.

The amount of caffeine in the capsule is determined in part by the amount of coffee used in the preparation and the type of green coffee used in the capsule.

The Robusta origin has an average caffeine content of 2.4%, while Arabica sources have an average caffeine content of 1.2%. The caffeine content in decaf pills is less than 0.1%.

Nespresso Flavors

While the majority of the capsules on this list aren’t flavored, Nespresso does offer flavored pods for both its OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. The best Nespresso pods flavors include Chocolate Fudge, Coconut, Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla, and others for individuals who like something different.

Code on the capsule

Each capsule in a Nespresso VertuoLine machine is tagged and includes a different amount of beans ground at different coarseness and fineness levels.

You can’t just buy any pod and brew espresso, coffee, or lungo – the pod or capsule must specifically state so on the code.

At a Glance: Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules

To make single-serve espresso, Nespresso OriginalLine machines only utilize OriginalLine capsules (shaped like a hat top). Depending on your machine, OriginalLine capsules can brew the following beverages:

• 1.35oz espresso
• 0.85oz ristretto
• Lungo 3.7oz

Nespresso currently offers six distinct sorts of OriginalLine capsules, each designed for a unique espresso-drinking experience:

Note: you can make your beverage from any of the best-tasting Nespresso pods according to your preferences.

10 Best Nespresso Original pods

Check out our best Original Nespresso pods:

1. Ispirazione Italiana Ristretto

Ristretto captures the essence of Italy’s legendary coffee tradition in a single sip. It contains a 100% Arabica blend of South American and East African coffees with a dash of high-quality Robusta from South India added for flavor. 

Features

2. Cocoa Truffle

In Cocoa Truffle, dark and bitter cocoa meets the malted cereal note and creates a deep flavor. It originates from the South American Arabicas, including sweet Bourbon beans from Brazil and washed Colombian beans.

Features

3. Palermo Kazaar

Overview

Kazaar is high in caffeine (more than others); thus, it’s ideal for those days when you need a lift. Drinks produced with milk, such as lattes and cappuccinos, bring out the rich flavor. It has a lingering smoky note.

Features

4. Firenze Arpeggio

Overview

Arpeggio is unquestionably a crowd favorite and gets the top slot because it is a clear winner for so many. It’s rich and creamy but not too bitter, and it’s ideal for preparing lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos, among other espresso drinks.

Features

5. Volluto

Volluto counts among the best espresso pods for Nespresso. It has a pure Arabica from South America with sweet and biscuit flavors and a hint of acidity + fruity accent.

Features

6. Tokyo Vivalto Lungo 

Tokyo Vivalto Lungo has a rich flavor with delicate floral and fruity undertones thanks to a blend of Ethiopian and washed Mexican Arabicas. A milder roast preserves the acidity and subtle floral notes of Ethiopian coffee beans. 

Features

7. Cape town Envivo Lungo

In a cup, you’ll find the soul of Cape Town. This Lungo has a genuinely robust, full-bodied taste with a woodsy scent and snappy bitterness cherished by local Capetonians thanks to a powerful pair of Indian Arabica and Robusta.

Features

8. Roma Intenso

Iced drinks, like Iced Caramel Macchiato, are extremely popular with Roma. If you like Indonesia, you’ll probably enjoy Roma because their flavor profiles are comparable. 

Features

9. Columbia

Only high-grown, washed-process Colombian Arabica is used in this Nespresso coffee, resulting in a flavor with vibrant acidity and bursts of winey red fruit notes.

Features

10. Napoli

Many people adore Napoli, which has an intensity rating of 13 out of 13. It creates excellent lattes since the coffee flavor is retained even after adding milk. It’s strong but not bitter, and it’s delicious hot or iced.

Features

At a Glance: Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules

Only VertuoLine capsules are used in Nespresso VertuoLine machines. The machine uses the barcode around the rim of VertuoLine capsules for two purposes:

• Identify the capsule you’re using and brew it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Non-Nespresso capsules must be locked away.

VertuoLine applies centrifusion or fast capsule spinning. As a result, the crema in the beverage is thicker and foamier. I prefer the espresso from OriginalLine machines, but everyone has their preferences.

Nespresso currently offers eight distinct sorts of VertuoLine capsules, each designed for a unique drinking experience:

7 Best Nespresso Vertuoline Capsules

Check out our best pods for Nespresso machines (VertuoLine):

1. Scuro

Double Espresso Scuro is a darkly roasted combination of Robusta and Arabica beans from Central America. Its dark, smokey flavor enhances by cocoa and vanilla undertones.

Features

2. Fortado Gran Lungo

This Nespresso coffee has a bitter cocoa powder taste and oak wood overtones that contribute to the coffee’s richness, thanks to a blend of Indian Robusta and South and Central American Arabicas.

Features

3. Iced Forte

Ice Forte by Barista Creations has South American Arabicas that combine with Indonesian Arabica to create a powerful fragrant experience. Cereal, woody, and peppery aromas weave their way through the cup for a full-bodied iced coffee experience.

Features

4. Mexico

When you learn that Master Origins Mexico is twice-washed, you will do a double-take. In a double wash, all of the intensity of Robusta purifies, leaving you with spicy flavors and a rich, thick body.

Features

5. Voltesso

Voltesso is a South American Arabica bean and is softly roasted and balanced, revealing biscuity overtones and a characteristic sweet scent. To make a beautifully smooth Espresso, blend it with milk.

Features

6. Stormio

The fragrances of this Nespresso coffee come from highly roasted Nicaragua and Guatemala Arabica coffee, which conjure spicy woody and cereal undertones. 

Features

7. Intenso

This dark-roasted Nespresso coffee is unusually thick and deep, with a lingering aftertaste that includes hints of brown sugar and highly toasted characteristics. It is a mix of Guatemalan Robusta and Mexican and Latin American Arabicas that enhance their brown sugar and bitter notes.

Features

Best Nespresso Compatible Third-Party Capsules for OriginalLine Machines

Nespresso OriginalLine models are compatible with OriginalLine Nespresso capsules and not the VertuoLine. I tried all of the best non-Nespresso compatible capsules for OriginalLine machines. In terms of quality, price, and reliability, I chose these six brands. 

Want a cheaper alternative?

It offers compatibility with non-Nespresso coffee pod brands like L’OR, Starbucks, Meseta, Cafe La Llave, Lavazza, or Peet’s (all mentioned brands are budget-friendly as they come in a variety pack). 

For more information about buying Nespresso OriginalLine Pods, read our guide on where to buy Nespresso Pods. 

The Bottom Line

The ideal Nespresso pod or capsule depends entirely on your needs at the time. If you’re feeling brave, try Giornio and see how you react to the coffee + floral notes.

Melozia from the VertuoLine conjures up images of delicious coffee, and it’s my personal favorite. Range packs can help you try a variety of new coffees. 

Further, if you want to get more info regarding the best capsules to brew iced coffee (apart from the above-mentioned capsules), check out our guide on best Nespresso Pods for Iced Coffee

But it’ll all be worth it when you find the right flavor according to your taste buds.

FAQs

Can Nespresso machines accommodate reusable capsules?

Nespresso capsules are not reusable. However, refilling is possible. Some individuals re-run their pods to recycle them. Some people recycle their pods by running them again. For all Nespresso machines, there are safe to use reusable pods made of steel or plastic.

Can Nespresso capsules be recycled?

Yes, Nespresso Aluminum capsules ensure 100% recyclability. You don’t need to do it yourself because of its recycling program. Simply get free recycling bags, and after emptying the capsules, either ship them back to Nespresso recycling facilities or drop them off at a local Nespresso boutique.

Do Nespresso capsules expire?

Technically they don’t, but it simply loses their aroma, optimal freshness, and flavor. Nespresso guarantees the capsules’ freshness for a minimum of 4 months from the date of purchase.

What does capsule intensity mean? 

Nespresso defines intensity as a coffee’s degree of roasting, body, and bitterness. In addition, the coffee’s concentration contributes to the intensity. The amount of caffeine in the coffee has nothing to do with it.

How are Starbucks pods different from other companies’ pods?

Unlike pods from other brands such as Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks worked with Nespresso to manufacture the Starbucks pods. This means that you can recycle Starbucks capsules into Nespresso bags. This recycling part can not happen with Peet coffee as it isn’t a partner of Nespresso.