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 2024-10-07
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!
- Our List of Best Nespresso Pods to Indulge In
- #1. Best overall Nespresso pod: Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Arpeggio Intenso
- #2. Best Nespresso pods for lattes: Nespresso VertuoLine Double Espresso Chiaro
- #3. Best budget pods for Nespresso: Cafe La Llave Espresso Capsules
- #4. Best Nespresso pods for iced coffee: Limited Edition Nespresso VertuoLine Tropical Coconut Flavor Over Ice Coffee
- #5. Best Nespresso pods for flat white: Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine Indonesia Master Origin
- #6. Best Nespresso pods for Americano: Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Ristretto Intenso
- #7. Best decaf Nespresso pods: Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato
- #8. Best Starbucks Nespresso pods: Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast Pike Place Roast Coffee
- #9. Best reusable Nespresso pods: SEAL POD Refillable Coffee Capsules
- Original line vs Vertuo line Nespresso pods
- How to buy Nespresso pods
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
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.
Intensity rating: 9 out of 13
Has great fruity, cocoa, woodsy flavors for any espresso drinker.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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.
Intensity rating: 8 out of 13
Delicious low acid, earthy brew perfect for latte drinkers.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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.
Intensity rating: 11 out of 13
Great combo of satisfying bold flavors on an affordable budget.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#4. Best Nespresso pods for iced coffee: Limited Edition Nespresso VertuoLine Tropical Coconut Flavor Over Ice Coffee
No products found.
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.
No products found.
#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.
Intensity rating: 8 out of 13
Full bodied, intense aroma beans for brewing thicker beverages like a flat white.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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.
Intensity rating: 10 out of 13
Lighter roasted, fruit notes for a diverse, smooth yet rich flavorful black coffee or Americano.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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.
Intensity rating: 6 out of 13
Low acid, low intensity, smooth flavor for regular coffee drinkers who want a decaf option.
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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.
Intensity rating: 7 out of 13
Notes of chocolate and toasted nuts for a smooth flavorful cup that rivals your $5 cup at Starbucks!
Last update on 2024-10-07
#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 2024-10-07
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 2024-10-07
Let us know what coffee you choose to brew in your Nespresso machine in the comments.
FAQs
What are the strongest Nespresso pods?
The strongest Vertuo Nespresso pod is called the Diavolitto. When you translate it literally, it means “devil”. This coffee is a blend of South American Arabica and Robusta beans. The oak wood and leather coffee notes hit the palette with full flavor. Then it finishes with a smooth mouthfeel. This cup of coffee has the flavor and caffeine to wake you up in the morning.
Can you run a Nespresso pod twice?
Nespresso doesn’t encourage consumers to use a Nespresso pod twice. Not only can this create a mess in your machine, but it also affects the flavor. Each pod is intended for one use. If you use the pod multiple times, the coffee can taste weak, burnt, or even sour.
If you want to refill a pod with your own coffee grounds, you can buy reusable pod kits compatible with Vertuo or Original line machines.
Do Nespresso pods with higher intensities contain more caffeine?
The intensity of Nespresso coffees doesn’t measure the amount of caffeine in the brew. Instead, the intensity has to do with how much the coffee is roasted, its bitterness, body, and concentration. A coffee with a higher intensity rating has a richer flavor. Coffees with a low-intensity rating are smooth and mellow.
Coffee Has Never Read This Good!
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- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Alex Praytor worked her first job as a barista, finished college, and then took a tour to the other side of the globe. She fell in love with espresso and her would-be husband in Europe. She spends her spare time visiting native Texas landmarks, ancient castles, and all the coffee shops she finds along the way. At home, she is a mom, ESL teacher, and writer, who hones her coffee-making skills daily. She enjoys passing on her coffee findings to fellow caffeine addicts in search of the perfect cup.