This blog will give you a complete overview of Nespresso intensity levels, and it’s the perfect place to learn about the factors affecting the taste and quality of the coffee brew.
In the single-serving coffee market, Nespresso pods have quickly become a household name. Nespresso has made its mark for itself by producing delicious coffee with reliable espresso machines and better-quality capsules.
Do you frequently use Nespresso pods? But do you know about Nespresso intensity? You’ve arrived at the perfect place if you don’t know! This blog will give you a comprehensive guide about Nespresso intensity levels for both Original and Vertuo Line.
Contents
Factors affecting the taste & quality of the coffee brew
- Origin
- Intensity
- Aromatic profile
- Cup size
What do the numbers on Nespresso pods mean?
If you’re a die-hard Nespresso fan, you’ve surely noticed that each capsule has its own serial number. The number represents the level of intensity offered by a pod. The intensity is the only information provided by Nespresso, and the number ranges from 1 to 13. You can check out this number for every capsule on the Nespresso website. This is how Nespresso determines how strongly flavored a pod is.

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What does Nespresso intensity mean?
The degree of roasting, the body, and the bitterness of a coffee is called Nespresso intensity, and it is determined by the coffee’s concentration.
The Nespresso intensity level ranges between 1 to 13, with 1 being the least severe and 13 being the most intense.

Light intensity: Levels 1-5
Nespresso pods with a 1-5 strength level are the best if you want a coffee with more taste and a vibrant profile. Low-intensity coffee is ideal for drinking black or in the form of an Americano.

Medium intensity: Levels 6-8
The Nespresso pods of medium intensity levels between 6 to 8 will fall somewhere in the middle of the intensity chart. They have a unique deep, bittersweet flavor as compared to other coffees. Aroma, acidity, and flavor profile will all be balanced; that means you can enjoy them with water or milk.

Highest intensity: Levels 9-13
You should use the strongest pods if you want a dark roast coffee with a big body, a rich scent, and powerful hints of bitter flavor. These range in size from 9 to 13 and are ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Does “intensity” mean caffeine content?
In rare circumstances, a higher intensity number for the Nespresso coffee capsules may appear to correspond to increased caffeine content; however, this is not the case. The caffeine concentration isn’t factored in because the intensity is determined by the degree of roasting, body, and bitterness of the coffee. Furthermore, the intensity is due to the coffee’s concentration. It has nothing to do with the amount of caffeine in the coffee.
Intensity level vs. caffeine content
When coffee beans are dissolved in water, caffeine is liberated as a colorless and tasteless substance. Caffeine content and intensity level have nothing to do with each other.
Let’s say the intensity level of Cosi from the Original Nespresso series is 4 out of 13, and it includes 55-60 mg of caffeine. That means the higher caffeine content of Cosi pod doesn’t affect its intensity level; if coffee’s intensity level and caffeine content are at a higher level or vice versa, it’s just a coincidence.
If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide on Nespresso caffeine content, check out our informative article on this subject. I’m willing to bet that it will clarify your perceptions of intensity and caffeine content.
Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine intensity
There are many pods to pick across the whole intensity range, whether you have an Original or Vertuo Nespresso machine. OriginalLine and VertuoLine Nespresso pods mostly fall in the light and medium intensity level category. Napoli is the strongest OriginalLine Nespresso pod. Diavolitto is the strongest Vertuoline Nespresso pod. Our comprehensive comparison of the Nespresso Vertuo line vs. the Original line will quench your hunger for knowledge about these two Nespresso lines.
Original Nespresso intensity chart
Original Nespresso pods are classified by intensity rating in this Nespresso intensity chart. The majority of pods are in the medium intensity category.
Original Pod | Size | Intensity Level | Intensity | Caffeine Content | Flavor Profile |
Volluto | Espresso | Light | 4 | 64 mg | Woody & Cereal |
Volluto Decaffeinato | Espresso | Light | 4 | 1.7 mg | Caramel & Cereal |
Cosi | Espresso | Light | 4 | 55 – 65 mg | Mild & Lightly Toasted |
Hawaii Kona | Espresso | Light | 5 | 72mg | Tropical & Exotic |
Shanghai Lungo | Lungo | Light | 5 | 82mg | Fruitness & Fine Acidity |
Ethiopia | Espresso | Light | 4 | 55 – 65 mg | Fruit Jam & Orange Blossom |
Buenos Aires Lungo | Lungo | Light | 4 | 104 | Sweet & cereal |
Volutto | Espresso | Light | 4 | 55 – 65 mg | Sweet & Light |
Volutto Decaf | Espresso | Light | 4 | Less than 3 mg | Sweet & Light |
Capriccio | Espresso | Light | 5 | 55 – 65 mg | Rich & Distinctive |
Nicaragua | Espresso | Light | 5 | 55 – 65 mg | Honey & Sweet Cereal |
Freddo Intenso capsules | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 50-100 mg | Bold & Dark Roasted |
Vienna Linizio Lungo | Lungo | Medium | 6 | 75 mg | Malty Cereal & Sweet |
Genova Livanto | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 64 mg | Caramel & Cereal |
Tokyo Vivalto Lungo | Lungo | Medium | 6 | 82 mg | Flowery & Complex |
Caramel Creme Brulee | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 55 – 65 mg | Caramel |
Freddo Delicato | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 50-100 mg | Fruity & Sweet |
Jamaica Blue Edition | Espresso | Medium | 7 | 62mg | Woody & Spicy |
Cocoa Truffle | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 55 – 65 mg | Chocolate |
Esperanza De Columbia | Espresso | Light | 5 | 53 mg | Fruity & Sweet |
Forest Black | Espresso | Medium | 7 | 60 mg | Woody & Spicy |
Colombia | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 55 – 65 mg | Winey & Red Fruit |
Genova | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 55 – 65 mg | Toasted Cereal & Sweet Caramel |
Tokyo | Lungo | Medium | 6 | 77 – 85 mg | Flowery & Complex |
Vanilla Eclair | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 55 – 65 mg | Vanilla |
Vienna | Lungo | Medium | 6 | 77 – 85 mg | Round & Smooth |
Vivalto Lungo | Lungo | Medium | 6 | 77 – 85 mg | Floral & Complex |
Indonesia | Espresso | Medium | 8 | 55 – 65 mg | Tobacco Leaves & Woody |
Roma | Espresso | Medium | 8 | 55 – 65 mg | Woody & Cerealy |
Venezia | Espresso | Medium | 8 | 55 – 65 mg | Balanced & Thick |
Stockholm | Lungo | Medium | 8 | 77 – 85 mg | Rich & Full-bodied |
Stockholm Fortissio Lungo | Lungo | Medium | 8 | 80 mg | Sweet Cereal & Malty |
Firenze | Espresso | High | 9 | 55 – 65 mg | Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy |
Firenze Decaf | Espresso | High | 9 | Less than 3 mg | Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy |
Cape Town | Lungo | High | 10 | 77 – 85 mg | Intense & Roasted |
Ristretto | Ristretto | High | 10 | 55 – 65 mg | Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity |
Ristretto Decaf | Ristretto | High | 10 | Less than 3 mg | Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity |
Firenze Arpeggio | Ristretto | High | 9 | 63 mg | Intense & Creamy |
Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato | Ristretto | High | 9 | 2 mg | Intense & Creamy |
Cape Town Envivo Lungo | Lungo | High | 10 | 110 mg | Intense & Roasted |
Ristretto Italiano Decaffeinato | Ristretto | High | 10 | 2 mg | Roasted, Berry & Cocca |
Ristretto Italiano | Ristretto | High | 10 | 75 mg | Roasted, Berry & Cocca |
Corto | Espresso | High | 11 | 103 mg | Dark roasted |
India | Espresso | High | 11 | 55 – 65 mg | Woody & Spicy |
Palermo Kazaar | Espresso | High | 12 | 125 mg | Intense & Syrupy |
Napoli | Espresso | High | 13 | 55 – 65 mg | Dark & Creamy |
Vertuo Nespresso intensity levels chart
The Vertuo pods are categorized by intensity level in this chart. The majority of the pods fall into the medium intensity category.
Vertuo Pod | Size | Intensity Level | Intensity | Caffeine Content | Flavor Profile |
Solelio | Coffee | Light | 2 | 170 – 200 mg | Fruity & Light |
Giornio | Coffee | Light | 4 | 170 – 200 mg | Floral & Velvety |
Elvazio | Coffee | Light | 4 | 170 – 200 mg | Fruity & Delicate |
Ethiopia | Gran Lungo | Light | 4 | 120 – 200 mg | Fruity & Floral |
Decaffeinato Ontuoso | Gran Lungo | Light | 4 | Less than 12 mg | Malty Cereal & Creamy |
Voltesso | Espresso | Light | 4 | 50 – 60 mg | Biscuity & Sweet |
Dolce XL | Alto | Light | 4 | 228 – 350 mg | Caramel & Toasted |
Half Caffeinato | Coffee | Light | 5 | 90 mg | Sweet & Velvety |
Colombia | Coffee | Light | 5 | 170 – 200 mg | Washed Arabica |
Dolce | Double Espresso | Light | 5 | 100 – 120 mg | Cereal & Malted |
Toccanto | Espresso | Light | 5 | 50 – 60 mg | Berry & Winey |
Jamaica Blue Mountain | Espresso | Medium | 7 | 60-150 mg | Woody & Spicy |
Melozio | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 170 – 200 mg | Honeyed sweetness |
Hazelino Muffin | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 170 – 200 mg | Hazelnut |
Forest Fruit | Coffee | Medium | 7 | 130-200 mg | Juicy & Sweet |
Caramel Cookie | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 170 – 200 mg | Caramel |
Vanilla Custard Pie | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 170 – 200 mg | Vanilla |
Chocolate Fudge | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 170 – 200 mg | Dark chocolate |
Melozio Decaffeinato | Coffee | Medium | 6 | 2-4 mg | Biscuity & Cereal |
Chiaro | Double Espresso | Medium | 6 | 100 – 120 mg | Woody & Earthy |
Orafio | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 50 – 60 mg | Caramel & Roasted |
Peru Organic | Espresso | Medium | 6 | 50 – 60 mg | Fruity & Complex |
Decaffeinato | Coffee | Medium | 6 | Less than 12 mg | Round & Malty |
Arondio | Gran Lungo | Medium | 6 | 120 – 200 mg | Cereal & Lightly Acidic |
Odacio | Coffee | Medium | 7 | 170 – 200 mg | Fruity & Lightly Acidic |
Fortado Decaffeinato | Gran Lungo | Medium | 8 | 2-4 mg | Roasted & Woody |
Mexico | Coffee | Medium | 7 | 170 – 200 mg | Intense & Spiced |
Decaffeinato Intenso | Espresso | Medium | 7 | Less than 12 mg | Cocoa & Fruity |
Costa Rica | Gran Lungo | Medium | 7 | 120 – 200 mg | Malty & Sweet |
Intenso XL | Alto | Medium | 7 | 228 – 350 mg | Wood & Dark Caramel |
Scuro | Double Espresso | Medium | 8 | 100 – 120 mg | Cocoa & Vanilla |
Fortado | Gran Lungo | Medium | 8 | 120 – 200 mg | Cocoa & Oak |
Stormio | Coffee | Medium | 8 | 170 – 200 mg | Spicy & Woody |
Cafecito de Puerto Rico | Double Espresso | High | 10 | 120 – 200 mg | Cocca & Spicy |
Intenso | Coffee | High | 9 | 170 – 200 mg | Roasted Brown Sugar |
Altissio | Espresso | High | 9 | 50 – 60 mg | Roasty & Creamy Cereal |
Altissio Decaffeinato | Espresso | High | 9 | Less than 12 mg | Full-Bodied & Creamy |
Diavolitto | Espresso | High | 10 | 150 mg | Oak Wood & Leather |
Il Caffe | Espresso | High | 11 | 50 – 60 mg | Intense & Velvety |
Ice Leggero | Double Espresso | N/A | N/A | 120 – 200 mg | Fruity & Lighty |
Ice Forte | Coffee | N/A | N/A | 130- 200 mg | Woody, Peppery & Woody |
Bianco Leggero | Double Espresso | N/A | N/A | 120 – 200 mg | Nutty & Balanced |
How do the Nespresso intensity levels affect the taste & quality of the coffee?
The intensity level defines the degree of roasting, as well as the bitterness of the coffee beans, which have a significant impact on the coffee’s quality and flavor. Another aspect that determines the intensity level, as well as the taste and quality of the coffee brew, is the coffee’s concentration.
Does an intense coffee contain more caffeine?
Caffeine content is completely a distinct criterion that has no bearing on the Nespresso capsules’ intensity level. Intensity is due to the coffee concentration, the degree of roasting, its body, and bitterness. It doesn’t refer to the amount of caffeine found in the coffee. So, when it comes to intensity, don’t consider caffeine content whether it is high or low.
Does a strong intensity scale coffee contain more caffeine?
Let’s start with the most pervasive myth. The coffee intensity level is simply a measure of how dark the coffee has been roasted. It has nothing to do with the amount of caffeine in the drink.
Which Nespresso pod has the lowest intensity level?
Buenos Aires Lungo has the lowest intensity level (4 out of 13) in Original Nespresso capsules, whilst Solelio (2 out of 13) has the lowest intensity level in Vertuo Nespresso pods.

Recommended guide: Nespresso Pod Sizes: Everything You Need to Know
Which Nespresso pod has the highest intensity level?
Napoli has the highest intensity level (13) in Original Nespresso pods, Diavolitto (10 out of 13), and Il Caffee (11 out of 13) have the highest intensity level in Vertuo Nespresso capsules.

What are the different kinds of roasts?
- Light roasts
- Medium roasts
- Medium-dark roasts
- Dark roasts

Final thoughts:
Your increased knowledge of Nespresso intensity will come in handy when it comes to selecting the correct Nespresso pods for your palate. Choose a Nespresso capsule with a number below five if you prefer a light coffee or a pod with a number over eight if you prefer a darker coffee. You can choose your favorite coffee with ease now that you know what the Nespresso intensity level is.
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