This guide will help you choose the best Nespresso capsules we’ve tried on the market. The Nespresso pods are very affordable and suitable for a budget. These are delicious, intense, full of flavor, and come with a creamy coffee that is perfect for a quick espresso shot or blended with other favorites.

Nespresso is a brand that prepares coffee pods and brewing machines to make better coffee with less effort. Nespresso is the project of Nestle Group which is based in Switzerland. The Nespresso pods are filled with different coffee flavors. Nespresso machines are used to brew coffee pods to make espresso. The pods insert into a machine to pierce and prepare coffee. These coffee pods depend on the machine which is used to prepare coffee.

Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine Capsules

There are two lines of Nespresso machines and they have different types of capsules that are used in these machines.

The VertuoLine machines use VertuoLine capsules and OriginalLine machines use OriginalLine capsules and also third-party capsules.

• OriginalLine machines  (It is used to brew espresso pods) 
• VertuoLine machines (These machines brew both standard pods and espresso)

The Major Difference: 

Vertuoline machines have capsule scanning technology. This machine is specifically used to brew Nespresso brand capsules. The OriginalLine machines don’t have this technology to scan capsules.

Here we will describe the major difference between different Nespresso machines and the best capsules that are a good fit to prepare a delicious coffee cup. 

• Best Nespresso Capsules for OriginalLine Machines
• Best Nespresso Capsules for Vertuoline Machines
• Best Nespresso Compatible Capsules for OriginalLine Machines

What to Look for in Nespresso Capsules

There are different tasting notes that can be checked before going to buy which include: the machine compatibility, cup size, flavor, Intensity, and the coffee beans they are prepared with that machine.

There are more than 40 flavors of OriginalLines and VertuoLine capsules. Each capsule is unique according to its specific profile. Now see the profiles or make the Nespresso capsules specific:

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

VertuoLine or OriginalLine

When you are going to buy the Nespresso pods to make your coffee at home then you should check whether your machine is OriginalLine or VertuoLine. Because the coffee preparation technique of both machine lines is different. If you have a VertuoLine machine then you have to choose VertuoLine capsules and if you have an OriginalLine machine then you can choose OriginalLine capsules or third-party capsules. The OriginalLine machines contain classic pump-based pressure while the VertuoLine has a centrifugal extraction way to prepare coffee.

Tasting notes:

Each Nespresso pod is unique according to its special flavor. People can choose the coffee pod according to their choices or liking. 

Intensity:

The intensity level ranges between 1 to 13. A higher intensity score shows a stronger taste of coffee. As far as the low level of intensity shows the light effects of coffee. The intensity level depends on the following: 

• Roast
• Body
• Bitterness
• Concentration of the coffee

Roast:

The roast note gives an idea, in which the people analyze how long the beans were roasted. The roast ranges from the light roast (or blonde roast) to the dark roast in range. The darker side of the roast has a deep roast or nuttier taste than the light roast. 

Caffeine: 

The level of caffeine for the OriginalLines and VertuoLines pods is mostly in the medium range which is (50 to 80 mg) for the espresso. The users also check this level before going to purchase them. 

Flavors:

Nespresso offers different flavored pods for both OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. Different delicious flavors of coffee are available. 

Here’s the simple Chart:

Nespresso Pods Flavors	Overview
Espresso	Espresso contains 63 mg of caffeine which is equal to 1 ounce. Regular coffee has 12mg to 16 mg of caffeine in one ounce. Thus, the espresso has more caffeine than any other coffee pod. It’s a strong shot of coffee.
Ristretto	Ristretto coffee pods are two times more powerful than espresso because it has more concentration than other Nespresso pods.
Lungo	A lungo coffee pod has extended espresso which uses coarser coffee beans and twice the amount of water. Normally espresso serving measures are 25 to 60 ml, while the Lungo measure is 130 to 170ml. Whereas espresso and lungo have the same personality, lungo has more complex flavors because of the different brewing processes.
Gran lungo	If you want to enjoy a big cup of coffee with good intensity then Gran lungo will be best for you. Lungo contains a more bitter taste as compared to other coffee pods. Gran lungo offers higher intensity than espresso.
Coffee	A traditional delicious cup that is just under 8 ounces. On the other hand, we can say that a drink is prepared from roasted and ground seeds of different tropical plants.
Auto XL	When you want to get a doubt jolt with your coffee cup then Auto XL will be your favorite pod.
Arabica	It’s a type of coffee bean that is higher quality than Robusta. This is more acidic but less bitter in taste. These beans are grown at high altitudes.
Robusta	Robusta is the hardier type of bean. The Robusta beans are prepared at low altitudes. These beans have high intensity and are more bitter in taste.

Best Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules

Nespresso OriginalLine capsules are available in different flavors. We have prepared a table of Nespresso OriginalLine capsules for you to easily find out your favorite capsule. 

Type	Overview	Volume	Intensity	Get Them
Intenso Capsules	Intenso capsules have a thick and dense coffee flavor. Intenso blend effects are lingering because of its thick texture. Furthermore, the brown sugar and roasted notes contain the Arabica of Guatemalan and Robusta of Central and South American enhance its taste.	1.35-ounce	9	View on Amazon
Espresso Capsules	Double Espresso Capsules has a high roasted blend that contains Robusta and Arabica. Robusta is from Guatemala, and Arabica comes from Costa Rican. These notes have high or intense cocoa with dark smoky colors.	30 ml	missing	View on Amazon
Master Origin Capsules	Master Origin Nespresso Capsules from Indian origin in Monsoon. Its intensity, woody, and spicy aromatic can be obtained from its blend. The months of Monsoon winds dry and swell the beans. It mimics the journey when used to sailing in Europe.	missing	4	View on Amazon
Lungo Capsules	When you like a larger cup of coffee at the time of your breakfast or lunch break then it would be your best choice. Lungo capsules are designed to fill up your larger coffee cup.  It’s mild but still maintains the intensity and flavor of the coffee. It’s also known as “Stretched Coffee”. In French, the name of this coffee capsule is “café allongé”.	4	110.90 ml	View on Amazon
Ristretto Decaffeinato Capsules	If you want to enjoy the Italian culture coffee flavor then Ristretto Decaffeinato will be your best coffee capsule.  It’s a sophisticated recipe containing both Arabica and Robusta. Each origin has its distinct part in this iconic Italian taste of coffee. This coffee capsule flavor crafts the elegance of Italian culture.	10	Cup size:85 oz	View on Amazon
Crafted For Milk Capsules	Crafted milk capsules specially prepare coffee by using milk. It aims to produce a perfect cup of coffee at home.	missing	2.7 Ounce and 7.77 Ounce.	View on Amazon
Ispirazione Italiana	Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana is prepared with inspiration from the traditional coffee culture of Italy. It contains 7 different blends or flavors each related to the specific city of Italy. These include Rome (Roma), Florence (Firenze), Palermo, Naples(Napoli), Millennio Genova, and Venice (Venezia).	10	Ristretto (25ml)Espresso (40ml)	View on Amazon
Barista creations capsules	Barista creations are a new range of coffee pods that are prepared and crafted for milk-based recipes. It is made by getting inspiration from the world’s finest baristas. Its purpose is to provide an easy way to make coffee comfortably at home.	8	7.77 Ounce	View on Amazon
Reviving origins capsules	Nespresso declared the launch of stimulating origin and introduced a new program to restore the regions that are under threat. Now Nespresso works with farmers to sustain the AAA quality of coffee.  The farmers who are facing economic hardships, environmental disasters, and conflicts can easily do their work.	missing	missing	View on Amazon
Pure origin capsules	Nespresso pure origin involves three espresso volumes of 40 ml and one lungo which is 110 ml. Each Nespresso coffee note is exclusive due to its different countries’ territories. Indriya from India, Rosabaya from Colombia. Moreover, Dulsao is from Brazil and Bukeela ka is taken from Ethiopia.	missing	(25 ml)	View on Amazon

Best Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules

You know there are different types of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and searching for all the capsules to find the best one is difficult. So, the below table we have displayed has almost all the best VertuoLine capsules:

Like OriginalLine pods, Nespresso VertuoLine also comes in different flavors. Interesting?

Here’s a simple Nespresso VertuoLine pod flavors chart.

15 Best Nespresso pods

1. Firenze Arpeggio

Firenze Arpeggio is the most popular pod and it gets the number one place as a clear winner from other pods. This pod is intense and creamy, but it’s smooth and not too bitter. This pod is better for preparing all types of espresso-based recipes like cappuccinos, flat whites, Cortados, and lattes. 

Roast: Dark roast

Intensity: 9 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (63 mg)

Kind of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Intensely roasted, Creamy, Cocoa

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

2. Roma Intenso

Roma is like a smoky flavored coffee. It is usually used to prepare Iced drinks which include iced caramel macchiato. This coffee flavor included 70% Robusta and 30 % Arabica beans. Its intense taste is maintained by the long-lasting effect of hazelnuts and the rich crema. As far as you are familiar with Indonesia, Roma will be your favorite pod. On the other hand, those who don’t like this profile say it has a burnt smoky flavor.

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 8 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (63 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta + Arabica

Aromatic notes: Balanced, Woody

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

3. Napoli Nespresso Coffee

This pod is an intense and dark roast in range, named by inspiration of Naples roasting traditions. Napoli contains 95% Robusta and 5% Arabica (both chocolate and hazelnut). It is dark and creamy and looks delicious which attracts coffee lovers.

Thus, it has no sweetness when it is hot, you can only feel it when lukewarm. Its dark roast color flavor with velvety taste in the mouth makes it delicious. Furthermore, Its intensity is 13 by 13 so that is why people like this pod more. Coffee lovers like me can get a great latte when the coffee is prepared by adding milk. It’s a good iced coffee without a bitter taste.

The profile of this pod is as follows:

Roast: Dark roast

Intensity: 13 out of 13

Caffeine: Very High (109 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta + Arabica

Aromatic notes: Intensely roasted, Creamy, Cocoa

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

4. Palermo Kazaar

It has a strong smoky profile or note which is long-lasting. It has a higher effect than caffeine so that’s why it is better on those days when you require extra energy. The intensity of this flavor works with those drinks that have milk e.g. lattes and cappuccinos. Its single pod contained 125mg of caffeine, double as compared to other pods.

Roast: Dark roast

Intensity: 12 out of 13

Caffeine: Very High (120 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta

Aromatic notes: Intense, Spicy, Woody

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

5. Ristretto Italiano

Ristretto Italiano is a good iced or hot coffee pod among other pods. We can prepare both Ristretto and espresso from this pod. It is a medium-dark roast that represents “Iconic coffee culture” in just a quick sip. This pod is mysterious in its complexity, roast, and intense coffee but only with fruity notes.

Roast: Medium-dark roast

Intensity: 10 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (75 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta + Arabica

Aromatic notes: Intensely roasted, Berry

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

6. Scuro Nespresso Pod

Scuro has 6 out of 13 intensity levels that have a blend of both Arabica and Robusta. It has a smoky profile with sweet chocolate and vanilla taste. It is good at that time when you want to enjoy a milder taste of coffee. It’s always good with or without adding milk.

Roast: Dark roast + Light roast

Intensity: 6 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (73 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Intense, Balanced, Roasted

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz)

7. Starbucks Blonde

This is the most demanding Starbucks pod among all other Starbucks pods because of tons of people like this pod. It is smooth with a sweet taste. You can easily prepare your all homemade exclusive Starbucks blonde drinks by using this pod. You can easily recycle this pod in a Nespresso bag. For those people who like this pod then the Chiaro pod is also their favorite pod.

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 6 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (65 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Balanced, Smooth, Sweet

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz)

8. Cape Town Envivo Lungo

This pod can be taken with or without milk even if people use this pod every single day. The taste of this coffee pod is like a cape town. This pod is a perfect blend of the Indian Arabica and Robusta that makes it intense. It has a bitter note with a woody aroma. Enjoy this amazing pod by adding milk to a cup and get this silky texture.

Roast: Medium-dark roast

Intensity: 10 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (70 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusto + Arabica

Aromatic notes: Intense, Roasted, Woody

Cup sizes: Lungo (3.7 oz)

9. Indonesia Nespresso Pod

If you feel the Napoli and Kazaar pods are too intense for you then this Indonesian pod will be better for you. This is the favorite pod of Envivo Lungo fans. It is nutty, roasted and woody roasted notes appear in intense coffee with milk. 

Roast: Medium roast

Intensity: 8 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (72 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Rich, Woody, Tobacco

Cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), and the Lungo (3.7 oz)

10. Capriccio

This coffee pod is not complex when we make it with a little quantity of milk, like Cortado. Its intensity is lower than other pods. This pod would not work in a latte, because latte flavor is made with a lot of milk quantity. It’s good for those who want to enjoy the slightly weaker coffee taste.

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 5 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (70 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta + Arabica

Aromatic notes: Rich, Distinctive

Cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz)

11. Nespresso Chiaro

When you want to enjoy a light roast coffee with little sweetness then Chiaro will be your favorite. It has no acidity and bitterness. When you feel that the Scuro coffee pod is too strong then this pod is better for you. If you add milk to this coffee flavor then it gives you a creamy caramel and sweet biscuits-like taste. It usually has decadent smoothness when people use milk with this coffee flavor.

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 6 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (49 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Smooth, Caramel

Cup sizes: Ristretto (0.85 oz)

12. Corto Nespresso Pod

Corto coffee pod is good for you if you feel that Chiaro coffee pod is weak or has less intense effects. This coffee pod contained stronger effects than Chiaro. The Corto coffee pod is best with milk.

Roast: Dark roast

Intensity: 11 out of 13

Caffeine: High (103 mg)

Type of coffee: Robusta

Aromatic notes: Darkly roasted, Spicy

Cup sizes: Cortado Cappuccino (1.35 oz)

13. Cosi, Mild Roast Espresso Coffee

The blend of coffee contained Arabicas as East Africans, South, and Central Americans. The beans of this coffee are lightly roasted, which is good to create a delicious taste. It’s a perfect combination of lightly roasted cereals and fruity notes. 

Cosi coffee pods are good for those who like the fruity and light taste of coffee. The intensity of this coffee pod is not low, and you can try this pod if you want to get a less intense coffee flavor. It tastes just like a “cafe au lait” and if you like Chiaro then you must like this coffee flavor. 

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 4 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (59 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Mild, Citric, Delicately toasted

Cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz)

14. Colombia Master Origin

Colombia coffee pods are grown in Colombia. It has a superior level of Arabica variety. This pod can have heavy flavors of chocolate, fruits, and nuts. Colombia coffee pod is a world-renowned favorite due to its quality and taste. It’s a fruity and light roast coffee pod. It’s a delicious one with cream splashes.

Roast: Light roast

Intensity: 6 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (72 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Fruity, Vibrant, Berry

Cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), and the Lungo (3.7 oz)

15. Starbucks Caffè Verona

The Starbucks Caffe Verona pod is sweet and roasted and it has a dark cocoa blend that makes it a rich coffee cup. Most people like this coffee pod flavor because of its dark cocoa blend. The beans of this pod come from Latin America and Indonesia with Italian roast sweetness and lending depth.

Roast: Dark roast

Intensity: 10 out of 13

Caffeine: Medium (69 mg)

Type of coffee: Arabica

Aromatic notes: Dark cocoa, Burnt sugar

Cup sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz)

Best Nespresso Compatible Third-party Capsules For OriginalLine Machines?

• Normally the average price of the Nespresso capsules is $0.75 for the OriginalLine machine and almost $1.00 for the VertuoLine machine. 
• It’s much less than those espressos or latte coffee pods or capsules that you are buying from the local coffee shop. Because the cost adds up there.
• Thus, when you are going to buy the Nespresso capsules for the OriginalLine machine then you should check their affordability, quality, and reliability.

Want a cheaper Nespresso alternative?

No doubt most of the vendors are offering the Nespresso coffee pods and capsules. Here are some cheaper sources that I want to share:

1. Peet’s Coffee Variety Pack
2. Lavazza Variety Pack 
3. Cafe La Llave Decaf
4. Starbucks Mild Variety Pack
5. Meseta Coffee
6. L’OR Variety Pack

Final Verdict

Traditionally people use coffee without noticing its level of intensity. They get the dark-roasted coffee flavor that has an intensity of almost 10. So, NESPRESSO introduced the coffee with different flavors and every flavor contains different roasted notes, intensity, and volume.

You can use different coffee flavors to prepare your delicious coffee cup at home by using Nespresso machines. In the above content, we have tried to give the maximum information about the Nespresso pods, their intensities, etc. You can get information from this content to choose your favorite Nespresso pod. Let’s go and buy these pods to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which capsule type should I buy?

It depends on your taste. But I recommend Nespresso Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano. It’s an overall the best Nespresso pod, it can be used alone or with milk. It has a blend of South American and East African Arabica beans.

How much caffeine is in a Nespresso capsule?

Nespresso expresses that most espresso has 50 to 100 mg of caffeine to make one cup of coffee. The espresso that contained Robustas e.g. original kazaar contains high caffeine content which is 120 mg to make one cup of coffee. Thus, most of the coffee pods or capsules in this list have 50 to 80 mg of caffeine which is expressed as an expected espresso range. 

Related: Nespresso caffeine content: Everything You Need To Know

Can Nespresso machines accommodate reusable capsules?

Yes, if you want to buy green coffee brewing behind Aluminum recycling pods of Nespresso so the question arises here! Where can you buy refillable capsules? Nespresso doesn’t offer its refillable capsules; thus, you can buy them from third-party vendors.

Can Nespresso capsules be recycled?

Yes, because the Nespresso capsules are prepared from recyclable aluminum so the coffee grounds in the pods can be reused. For your, convenience Nespresso provides free capsules recycling bags. These capsule bags can hold up to 200 OriginalLines and 100 VertuoLines capsules.

Do Nespresso capsules expire?

Yes. Nespresso capsules also have an expiry duration but they are prepared for long-term use. The brands give guarantees of these capsules at least for one year after production. This longevity prevailed due to better-sealed packaging of capsules. Thus keep your capsules dry and save from any moisturizing effects. The mild temperature extends the shelf life and also notice that you don’t freeze them. 

Recommended guide: Nespresso pod sizes: Original & Vertuo Line

What does capsule intensity mean? 

Nespresso set its intensity rating scale which is rated between 1 to 13. The 13 show a high level of intensity and the 1 or less than 13 shows a mild or less level of intensity. A higher intensity pod is more roasted and bitter as compared to low-intensity pods. Furthermore, the high intensity doesn’t mean it has high caffeine content, it’s just roasted content and tastewise. 

How are Starbucks pods different from other companies’ pods?

Starbucks is a partner of Nespresso in creating Nespresso pods. Unlike other companies, Peet’s coffee is not partnered with Nespresso. It simply means you can easily recycle your Starbucks pods in Nespresso bags.

Which roast level results in a milder taste?

The medium-level roast is good to take the milder taste of coffee. It is suitable for those who want a less dark and less acidic coffee pod. 

Explore Other Nespresso Guides