8 Best Nespresso Pods for Lattes and Cappuccinos in 2022

Looking for an easy way to whip up a tasty cappuccino? Here’s a clue: it sounds like “espresso”. Got a Nespresso, either the OriginalLine or VertuoLine? Great! It’s time to make lattes and cappuccinos so good, you’ll stop missing your Starbucks runs.

In this post, I’ll guide you through crafting the perfect Nespresso latte, choosing the top pods for your latte or cappuccino. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite capsules for creating delicious lattes, iced lattes, and flavored lattes.

Quick Take: Best Nespresso Latte and Cappuccino Pods

How to Make a Nespresso Latte (or Cappuccino)

What you need

To whip up a latte or cappuccino, just mix espresso with frothy milk. While any Nespresso works, OriginalLine models brew even richer espresso flavors.

Some Nespresso machines, especially fancy ones like Breville and Delonghi, have their own frother. If not, you might want a separate frother, like the Nespresso Aeroccino.

To make a great latte, all you need is a Nespresso capsule and your favorite milk to froth. Below, we’ll share some top latte pod picks. Plus, check out our guide on the best milk for frothing. Whole milk is a solid choice, while oat milk is perfect for vegans or anyone preferring non-dairy options.

Step-by-step process

With your gear ready, whipping up a Nespresso latte or cappuccino is as simple as ABC.

1. Brew a cup of coffee with your chosen Nespresso pod.

2. Steam or froth enough milk for your latte or cappuccino. For a cappuccino, you want about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 milk foam. For a latte, the milk-to-coffee ratio is higher, typically between 3:1 and 9:1, and the layer of foam should be thin compared to the steamed milk.
   
   If you don’t have a Nespresso with a built-in frother or an Aeroccino, you can also use a manual milk frother or a handheld milk frother for this process.

3. Pour the milk into the espresso, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Once the steamed milk is poured, you can pour or spoon the foam on top.

Best Nespresso Capsules for Lattes and Cappuccinos

Before we dive in, here’s a quick tip: Nespresso VertuoLine and OriginalLine pods don’t mix and match. It’s crucial to pick the correct pod type for your Nespresso machine. Spotting the difference is easy – OriginalLine pods are tall and shaped like a thimble, while VertuoLine pods look more like small, flat UFOs.

Best Nespresso VertuoLine pod for lattes and cappuccinos: Altissio pods

Intensity: 9

Size: Espresso

Compatibility: VertuoLine machines

Altissio capsules pack a punch, holding onto their rich coffee taste even when you add milk. They’re medium-roasted for a full, smooth taste that’s perfectly balanced – not too bitter. Plus, their cereal-like notes blend beautifully with the creamy goodness of a latte.

Discover the magic in these pods, blending Costa Rican and South American beans. Enjoy the smooth Arabica and bold Robusta flavors.

Best Nespresso OriginalLine pod for lattes and cappuccinos: Barista Scuro pods

Intensity: 7

Size: Espresso

Compatibility: OriginalLine machines

Scuro capsules pack a punch but are a tad less intense than Altissio. Perfect on their own, they truly stand out in espresso drinks. Their bold taste and deep roast beautifully complement the creamy milk in lattes or cappuccinos, making each sip a delightful experience.

Barista Scuro combines the best of both worlds: smooth Colombian coffee beans and rich Ethiopian coffee beans. These top-notch Arabica beans are carefully split-roasted, enhancing their delicious flavors even more.

Best VertuoLine pod for iced lattes: Diavolitto pods

Intensity: 11

Size: Espresso

Compatibility: VertuoLine machines

Let’s dive deep into the world of iced lattes. To craft the perfect one, you need a burst of flavor that stands up to both milk and ice, which can dilute your coffee. Since VertuoLine machines don’t allow for much tweaking, the key is to choose a bolder Nespresso capsule. This will ensure your coffee packs a punch even after adding milk and ice.

Our top choice is Diavolitto, the boldest VertuoLine pod you can buy right now. It packs the most caffeine punch per ounce in the Vertuo range, making it a powerhouse. Though Fortado contains more overall caffeine, it’s a gran lungo size, too big for your standard latte. Check it out here and here.

Dark roasts pack a punch, and Diavolitto is no exception. This bold coffee boasts a deep aroma, hinting at oak and leather. Crafted from a mix of Latin American Arabica and Robusta beans, it delivers an intense flavor. Perfect for those who love their coffee strong, it stands up well to milk and ice.

The magic touch? Guatemala’s Robusta beans. They give the coffee a super smooth and creamy feel, making your cappuccino absolutely fantastic.

Best OriginalLine pod for iced lattes: Corto pods

Intensity: 11

Size: Espresso

Compatibility: OriginalLine machines

You might think I’d suggest Palermo Kazaar, the strongest caffeine pod, or Napoli, the boldest in the Original line.

Both choices are fantastic, but they’re designed for ristretto, not espresso. If you opt for these, you’ll end up with a tinier latte or a delightful magic coffee. However, to get a latte of the usual size, you’ll need two ristretto pods instead of just one espresso pod. That’s why Corto, with its slightly lower intensity, remains the best pick for many.

Corto is perfect for crafting cortados, a delightful mix of coffee and a splash of milk. It also creates a rich, bold latte with a dark, spicy kick. No wonder countless Corto reviews rave, “This is my favorite coffee.”

Best VertuoLine pod for flavored lattes: Hazelino Muffin pods

Intensity: 6

Size: Mug

Compatibility: VertuoLine machines

When using the flavored Vertuo line pods for your Nespresso latte, remember they’re mug-sized. That’s larger than the perfect latte size, so you might want to use less milk to get that ideal taste.

Nespresso’s Barista Creations capsules are a treat for your taste buds, offering some of the yummiest flavored coffees around. They mix African and Latin American beans, giving hints of pastry flavors. During roasting, they infuse hazelnut flavors (without any sugar) to create a truly amazing coffee experience.

For a twist on your latte, start with a basic coffee pod from our list and mix in flavored syrups for a personalized touch. If you love bold coffee, choose a stronger pod and add the syrup. Prefer simplicity? The Hazelino capsule combines coffee and flavor in one, making your coffee routine a breeze.

Best OriginalLine pod for flavored lattes: Caramel Crème Brulée pods

Intensity: 6

Size: Double espresso

Compatibility: OriginalLine machines

The Nespresso Original line offers a world of flavors. If you love espresso, why not sample them all? But when it comes to crafting the perfect latte or cappuccino, nothing beats the luxurious, sweet taste of Caramel Crème Brulee.

These coffee pods create a silky smooth brew with a hint of malted cereal. Add milk, and it transforms into a creamy delight, bursting with caramel, vanilla, and coconut flavors. It’s amazing how much taste these sugar-free pods pack!

Unsure? Try the Barista Flavored Pack with delicious Caramel Creme Brulee, Cocoa Truffle, and Vanilla Eclair flavors!

Bianco Leggero pods

Intensity: N/A

Size: Double espresso

Compatibility: VertuoLine machines

For a big latte or cappuccino, like Starbucks’ Grande or Venti, begin with a double espresso capsule, not a single espresso or ristretto.

Bianco Leggero pods are a milk lover’s dream. As soon as you add milk, a rich scent of sweet biscuits and caramel fills the air, promising a deliciously creamy coffee experience.

Nespresso achieves its creamy, light coffee without any artificial flavors. It’s all thanks to a special blend of Indonesian and Kenyan beans, lightly roasted. This simple approach creates one of the smoothest, most delightful Nespresso pods you can find.

Decaffeinato Intenso pods

Intensity: 7

Size: Espresso

Compatibility: VertuoLine machines

It’s frustrating when decaf coffee is left off lists. Everyone, including decaf lovers, deserves to enjoy their morning latte just like those who drink regular coffee.

Nespresso knows what’s up! Their Decaffeinato Intenso is a game-changer for those who love a creamy, sweet latte. With a hint of fruit and cocoa, just add milk to make your coffee dreams come true. A treat that’ll make any coffee lover jealous! 

Final Verdict

To whip up the ideal latte, it all begins with top-notch espresso. Sure, splurging on an espresso machine is an option, but why not use your beloved Nespresso machine? Just crank up the intensity level, and you’re set for creamy lattes and rich cappuccinos.

Still choosing a Nespresso machine for perfect coffee and lattes? Here are my top picks to help you decide.

Craving both espresso and coffee? The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is your go-to machine. After comparing it with others like VertuoPlus vs Vertuo and VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next, its big, adjustable water tank stands out, making it a top choice for many.

For those craving incredible espresso without the fuss, consider a Nespresso OriginalLine machine. Top-tier options, such as the Lattissima One and Creatista Plus, come with their own frothers to whip up lattes and more. If you’re on a budget, the CitiZ model, bundled with a milk frother, is a fantastic pick.