Best Nespresso Pods and Capsules of 2024: From Rich to Smoothest Flavors

Last updated on June 11th, 2023 by Alex Praytor

In the U.S., coffee drinkers are beginning to appreciate the rich, dark flavor of espresso roasts. However, if you are always in a rush, getting a delicious cup of coffee as quickly and simply as possible is important to you. A semi-automatic espresso maker can give you a great-tasting shot of coffee. However, you have to invest some time and effort to get it right. 

The great thing about Nespresso machines is you don’t have to be a barista to use one. With these machines, you can get the great taste of espresso with just the touch of a button. Unlike Keurig and other pod machine brands, Nespresso machines can brew using 19 bars of pressure. This gives you the best coffee flavor and a layer of that delicious crema on top of your brew.

Nespresso also offers some of the best-tasting coffee pods out there. The rich, fresh coffee tastes are a head above the competition.

Last update on 2024-04-19

So, which Nespresso pods are the best? We’ve rated 9 of our favorite coffee pods and capsules. Whether you are looking to try the richest espresso, a light coffee roast, or the best latte, there is a coffee drink on our list for you.

Take a look and see which Nespresso pod is your cup of tea… Or in this case, coffee!

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Our List of Best Nespresso Pods to Indulge In

#1. Best overall Nespresso pod: Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Arpeggio Intenso

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Original
• Intensity rating: 9 out of 13
• Bean origin: South and Central America
• Roast: Dark

Pros:

• Can brew 1.35 to 3.7-ounce espressos
• Rich, full-bodied brew
• The long roasting process for intense aromas
• Fruity and malted taste profiles
• Intense aromas with hints of cocoa and woody flavors
• Fully recyclable pods

Cons:

• Contains more bitterness than other Nespresso pods.

Review:

The Ispirazione Arpeggio Intenso has a rich, dark flavor and is perfect as your go-to brew in a Nespresso Original Line machine. Customers rave about the delicious flavors and velvet mouthfeel of this Nespresso pod. The Arabic blend has its origins in South and Central America. The coffee farmers process these beans longer than other coffees to give you an extra boost of flavor. 

With fruity, cocoa, and wildly woody notes, this coffee makes a superb espresso or ristretto to start your day off right. Nespresso’s Original Arpeggio continues to win customer surveys since 1993 when it was first put on grocery store shelves. This dark brew espresso is a flavor that coffee lovers don’t want to miss.

Last update on 2024-04-19

#2. Best Nespresso pods for lattes: Nespresso VertuoLine Double Espresso Chiaro

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Vertuo
• Intensity rating: 8 out of 13
• Bean origin: South and Central America
• Roast: Medium

Pros:

• Brews from 1.35 to 7.8-ounce cups
• Low in acidity
• Arabica blend
• Suitable for lattes or as black coffee
• Serve hot or pour over ice
• Dense earthy and woody notes with caramel overtones

Cons:

• Only brews in Vertuo line Nespresso machines.

Review:

The Vertuo Line Double Espresso Chiaro pod is one of the most versatile coffees Nespresso offers. The recommended size for this coffee is 2.7 ounces. However, you can brew it as a short espresso or a regular cup of coffee. The medium roast doesn’t become too strong as a short espresso. Also, it retains its rich flavor and body even when you brew it as a coffee. 

This versatile brew tastes delicious as a base for lattes. Adding milk to the Chiaro gives you a pleasant surprise. In addition to the wild earthy and woody notes, you can taste a hint of caramel. This brew is one of the lowest in acid and still packs in great coffee flavors. 

Last update on 2024-04-19

#3. Best budget pods for Nespresso: Cafe La Llave Espresso Capsules

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Original
• Intensity rating: 11 out of 13
• Type: Latin-style espresso coffee
• Roast: Dark

Pros:

• Bold, Latin-style espresso coffee
• Compatible with Original Line Nespresso machines
• Sealed in aluminum for freshness
• Pods are recyclable
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not a Nespresso brand

Review:

Most customers agree that Nespresso pods taste great, however, they don’t come cheap. The Cafe La Llave espresso capsules are not a Nespresso brand but are compatible with Nespresso machines. You can find these capsules for less than 40 cents per pod on Amazon. This is about half the price of Nespresso pods. 

Also, many customers rate this coffee higher than other non-Nespresso brand coffees. Some say it is better than Peet’s, Illy’s, and even Starbucks‘. That’s high praise!

This delicious coffee got its start in Cuba over 150 years ago on a family coffee farm. Coffee quality is still important for the Gavina family today. La Llave is sourced from high-quality beans and roasted in California. The aluminum capsules are sealed for freshness and are fully recyclable.

This coffee has a natural sweetness and a strong intensity without becoming bitter. If you love a Nespresso Original machine and want a pod that tastes great with a good value, La Llave is definitely worth trying.

Last update on 2024-04-19

#4. Best Nespresso pods for iced coffee: Limited Edition Nespresso VertuoLine Tropical Coconut Flavor Over Ice Coffee

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Vertuo
• Intensity rating: 9 out of 13
• Bean origin: Brazil and Ethiopia
• Roast: Medium
• Flavor: Roasted coconut, caramel, and vanilla

Pros:

• Perfect for iced coffee or a full mug
• Smooth, exotic flavors
• No artificial flavors
• No added sugar

Cons:

• Expensive
• Difficult to find
• Some sour tastes

Review:

Would you rather be at the beach right now? This Limited Edition Tropical Coconut Nespresso coffee can bring you all the flavors of a tropical paradise to your work or home. The Brazilian beans are roasted lightly to preserve their smooth, sweet taste. The blend has natural caramel notes, and a natural coconut flavor gives this brew a summery air. 

This blend is perfect for a hot regular-size mug of coffee or over ice. A splash of milk can enhance the caramel, vanilla, and coconut flavors. It will also add to the smoothness of this blend. The Limited Edition capsules are difficult to find in stores. However, you can purchase them from Amazon. If you are a fan of coconut and coffee, this tropical brew is sure to be a treat.

Last update on 2024-04-19

#5. Best Nespresso pods for flat white: Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine Indonesia Master Origin

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Original
• Intensity rating: 8 out of 13
• Bean origin: Sumatra, Indonesia
• Roast: Dark

Pros:

• Brews 1.35 to 3.7-ounce coffee drinks
• Full-bodied, thick brew
• Rich, roasted taste
• Single-origin coffee with intense aromas
• Wet-processed beans
• Notes of tobacco

Cons:

• You can detect some bitterness in this coffee
• For serious coffee drinkers

Review:

Indonesia Master Origin capsules use single-origin Sumatran coffee. Single-origin coffees usually contain robust and exotic flavors you can’t find in a blend. And this coffee is no different with its rich, roasted flavors and hints of tobacco.

Also, the processing of this coffee is unique. Unlike many coffee farmers who process their coffee beans dry, Sumatran farmers wet-hull their beans. This method gives the coffee its body and wild, tropical aromas. 

This coffee flavor profile pairs well with milk and is an excellent choice for brewing up Flat Whites.

The smoky flavors of this coffee may be an acquired taste for some. However, fans of dark brew coffees should love these unique Sumatran Nespresso pods.  

Last update on 2024-04-19

#6. Best Nespresso pods for Americano: Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Ristretto Intenso

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Original
• Intensity rating: 10 out of 13
• Bean origin: Brazil, South India, South America, and East Africa
• Roast: Medium-Dark

Pros:

• Brews .85 to 1.35-ounce espressos
• Italian-style bold brew
• Arabic and Robusta blend
• Fruity notes
• Roasted, intense flavor
• Bright and acidic

Cons:

• Contains more bitter and acidic properties than other coffees

Review:

If you love the taste of European espressos or Americano coffees, this Italian-style Ristretto Intenso will be a delight. This brew combines the smooth flavor of Arabica beans with the cocoa bitterness and richness of Robusta. Robusta beans are a top choice in Italian espressos because of their richness, high caffeine content, and excellent crema they produce. 

This blend has origins in Brazil, South India, South America, and East Africa. A split-roasting process allows the flavor profiles from each country to shine through. You get a burst of powerful, contrasting tastes. 

The Ristretto Intenso makes delicious espresso. It is also one of the best coffees for making Americanos. Even when you add hot water, the robust flavors still come through. You can get the rich, intensity of a European brew without leaving the country.

Last update on 2024-04-19

#7. Best decaf Nespresso pods: Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Vertuo
• Intensity rating: 6 out of 13
• Bean origin: Brazil and Central America
• Roast: Medium
• Type: Decaf; Bourbon and Arabica beans

Pros:

• Brews up to 7.8 Ounces of coffee
• Smooth and balanced with rich flavor
• Sourced from both Bourbon and Arabica coffee beans
• Low in acidity
• Low in bitterness
• Perfect for a regular mug of coffee

Cons:

• Less intensity than other brews

Review:

If you love the taste of coffee but aren’t a fan of dark, roasted flavors, Nespresso’s Melozii Decaffeinato can be your new go-to drink. This mellow decaf blend is made from a blend of Bourbon and Arabica coffee beans. Bourbon is an exotic bean type that brings smooth, buttery tastes to the mix. Arabica has the intricate coffee flavors that coffee drinkers love. 

For decaf coffees, Nespresso removes more than 99.9% of the caffeine through two efficient processes. However, the Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato still retains its great taste. It is also low on acid and bitterness, making it easy on the stomach. If you need to reduce your caffeine intake, this coffee is a tasty choice.

Last update on 2024-04-19

#8. Best Starbucks Nespresso pods: Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast Pike Place Roast Coffee

Quick Stats

• Nespresso line: Vertuo
• Intensity rating: 7
• Bean origin: Latin America
• Roast: Medium

Pros:

• Brews up to a 7.77-ounce cup of coffee
• Perfect for a regular mug of coffee
• Smooth body
• Chocolate and toasted nut notes
• Ethically sourced coffee beans

Cons:

• Not best for espresso drinks

Review:

Starbucks teamed up with Nespresso so that you can easily make some of your favorite Starbucks blends in your kitchen at home.

Pike Place is one of Starbucks’ best-selling blends. This medium roast coffee has a smooth mouthfeel that is perfect for drip-style coffees. It is ethically sourced from Latin America and contains notes of chocolate and toasted nuts. 

Pike Place coffee is delicious with a splash of milk to bring out those sweet, lightly roasted flavors. You can now enjoy the taste of Starbucks coffee in your Nespresso Vertuo machine. 

Last update on 2024-04-19

#9. Best reusable Nespresso pods: SEAL POD Refillable Coffee Capsules

Pros:

• Includes one capsule, one resealable fresh cover, 100 sticker lids, and a scoop
• Made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel
• Non-toxic 
• Corrosion-proof 
• Brew your favorite coffees
• Reduce waste
• Save money

Cons:

• Requires more time and effort to brew coffee.
• Not compatible with Vertuo machines.

Review:

Seal Pod Refillable Coffee Capsules allow you to use your favorite coffees in an Original line Nespresso machine. This capsule is made out of high-quality stainless steel, instead of plastic. 

You can grind coffee beans fresh and fill up the pod with an unlimited variety of coffee brands and flavors. Since you can reuse the pods again and again, you can cut down on waste. Also, you can buy coffee in bulk to cut down on costs. 

The drawback to this method is that you have to refill the pod each time you want to make a cup of coffee. Overall, the Seal Pod refillable capsules can be more flexible and cost-efficient but are less time-efficient.

Last update on 2024-04-19

Original line vs Vertuo line Nespresso pods

Both the Original line and Vertuo line have delicious coffee pods. Unfortunately, the pods are not interchangeable between the two types of machines. Some differences you notice are the shape of the pods, the cup sizes they offer, and the price. 

Shape

Original and Vertuo pods have different designs. The Original pods are bell-shaped while the Vertuo pods are a dome shape. Original pods have a simple exterior and brew under pressure to make true espresso drinks. Vertuo pods are high-tech and come with barcodes. These barcodes tell the machine exactly how to brew the coffee to specifications for the best flavor.

Coffee cup size

The Original pods are exclusively for espressos and specialty drinks, while Vertuo pods also brew regular American-style cups of coffee. The Original pods can make three cup sizes: Ristretto (0.84 oz), espresso (1.35 oz), or lungo (3.7 oz). On the other hand, Vertuo can make up to five different cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz) double espresso (2.7 oz), or brewed coffee (5 oz, 8 oz, or 14 oz).

Price

Original pods are generally less expensive than Vertuo brands. You can also find many other coffee brands that are compatible with Original machines. 

In contrast, Vertuo machines only accept Vertuo pods. These pods are more expensive to make and the extra costs transfer to the buyer. Vertuo machines are not compatible with other brands of coffee pods.

How to buy Nespresso pods

Most customers prefer the taste of Nespresso coffees to Keurig and other pod coffee brands. However, Nespresso pods can be more difficult to find in stores. Some stores that sell Nespresso pods are Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. 

You can also order Nespresso original or Vertuo coffee capsules directly from the brand by phone or online. Or, you can look for coffee pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines. Amazon is also an easy way to find the Nespresso tastes you love. 

Final Thoughts

Nespresso machines simplify your morning coffee routine and Nespresso pods are appreciated by customers all over the globe. Whether you enjoy waking up to a rich, roasted espresso, or you want a smooth decaf blend, Nespresso has a pod for you. 

Last update on 2024-04-19

Let us know what coffee you choose to brew in your Nespresso machine in the comments.

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