The Best Nespresso Pods: 24 Delicious Espresso Capsules for 2022

You got a Nespresso for easy, awesome coffee. Now, whether you crave lots of flavors or just dream of the ideal espresso shot, it’s time to pick the top Nespresso pods. Guess what? You’re in the perfect spot. 

Drawing from my own experiences, tips, and online feedback, I’ve crafted a guide to the top Nespresso pods for both VertuoLine and OriginalLine machines. I’ll share key points to consider when choosing your capsules. Stick with me, and soon, you’ll be the go-to Nespresso guru among your friends. 

Quick Take: Best Nespresso Pods

Reminder: What is Nespresso?

Dive into the world of Nespresso, the pioneers behind the coffee pod revolution. Back in 1976, they patented the first-ever coffee pod machine. Fast forward to 1986, and they launched it in Japan, Switzerland, France, and Italy, changing coffee brewing forever.

Over time, Nespresso shifted from making office machines to creating fancy home espresso machines. This change came as capsule prices went up and machine prices went down.

Nespresso, known for its espresso machines, made a game-changing move in 2014. They launched the VertuoLine machine, a versatile marvel that brews both coffee and espresso. To clear up any mix-ups, they renamed their classic espresso-only machines to OriginalLine, especially for North American coffee lovers.

Nespresso remains at the top of the game in capsule espresso machines, with its lines still thriving. The VertuoLine faces competition from newer pod machines like the Keurig Elite and Select, but the OriginalLine stands unmatched in the world of pod-based espresso.

The Types of Nespresso Capsules

Did you know not every Nespresso capsule fits all Nespresso machines? Yep, they have two different lines, each with its own type of capsule, and they don’t mix and match. Always double-check your Nespresso machine model before buying capsules to avoid any mix-ups!

Both capsule lines offer a variety of strengths, from 1 to 13, with 13 being the strongest. This intensity scale measures how light or dark the beans are roasted, the richness of the coffee, and its level of bitterness. It’s important to note that these intensity levels don’t reflect the caffeine amount in your cup, a common misunderstanding.

What are Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules?

Discover the world of Nespresso OriginalLine capsules! With 29 unique varieties across five collections, there’s a flavor for everyone. Plus, many other companies make compatible capsules, giving you endless options to explore.

These capsules come in three cup sizes:

• Ristretto — 0.85 ounces
• Espresso — 1.35 ounces
• Lungo — 3.7 ounces

Here are the five OrigianlLine capsule collections.

Espresso collection

Dive into the world of classic espresso with our Espresso collection. Perfect for beginners who crave the taste of authentic espresso like those from top machines. With flavors ranging from mild (4) to bold (6), and available in two sizes – the quick espresso shot or the longer lungo – it’s your gateway to espresso heaven.

Master Origin collection

The Master Origin series showcases top-notch coffee from around the globe, crafted by expert brewers. Each variety highlights a special brewing method and comes from a different country, including India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Colombia. You can enjoy these coffees in both espresso and lungo sizes, with flavors ranging in intensity from 5 to 13. Perfect for those eager to explore coffee’s diverse world!

World Explorations collection

Dive into the hidden gems of coffee culture with the World Explorations collection. Unlike the famous coffee regions, this series shines a spotlight on unique traditions and emerging coffee hotspots. Ready to explore beyond the usual? This collection is your gateway to exotic flavors from cities like Cape Town, Stockholm, Vienna, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Buenos Aires. Perfect for those adventurous in taste, each coffee comes in a lungo size, with intensities varying from a mellow 4 to a bold 10.

Ispirazione Italiana collection

Espresso is a beloved Italian creation, and our collection dives deep into its rich tradition. Every capsule mixes beans from various places, showcasing different aspects of this tradition. They’re all strong, with intensity levels from 8-13, and available in both ristretto and espresso sizes. Perfect for those who love a bold coffee experience!

Barista Creations collection

Dive into a world of delicious coffee recipes, inspired by top baristas from Brooklyn to Melbourne and Spain. Each recipe adds a special twist to your favorite milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, making every sip a unique experience.

What are Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules?

Nespresso VertuoLine pods, or capsules, are designed specifically for VertuoLine machines. Remember, they won’t fit in other models, so double-check you’re picking the right ones for your machine. Luckily, they’re easy to spot thanks to their unique look and clear labels.

The VertuLine coffee machines stand out because they read special barcodes on each coffee capsule. This cool feature tells the machine exactly how to brew your coffee perfectly, every single time. It’s like having a barista inside the machine!

There’s another interesting point to note. While there are many off-brand capsules that fit Nespresso’s OriginalLine machines, you won’t find any for the VertuoLine that aren’t made by Nespresso. This is because VertuoLine machines need a special barcode on the capsules to work, making it tough for other brands to produce compatible options like they can for the OriginalLine.

The VertuoLine capsules come in five sizes:

• Espresso — 1.35 ounces
• Double Espresso — 2.7 ounces
• Gran Lungo — 5 ounces
• Mug — 7.8 ounces
• Alto — 14 ounces

Similar to the OriginalLine, there are five VertuoLine capsule collections.

Espresso & Double Espresso collection

This collection offers two classic sizes: Espresso and Double Espresso, perfect for VertuoLine machines. It’s all about giving you a true espresso experience, with flavors ranging from mild (4) to bold (11).

Gran Lungo collection

Dive into our Gran Lungo collection, perfect for anyone craving an espresso thrill in a bigger cup! While it echoes our previous range, here you’ll explore milder flavors, with intensities ranging from 4 to 8. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking a gentler yet equally captivating coffee experience.

Mug & Alto collection

Looking for a coffee fix, not espresso? You’re in the right place! Our Mug and Alto sizes match up with your usual coffee mug and travel cup. Despite Nespresso’s love for espresso, we’ve got a nice variety of coffee options here. Whether you like it light or bold, you’ll find flavors with intensities from 2 to 9. Dive in and discover your perfect cup!

Master Origins collection

The latest VertuoLine capsules break the mold! Unlike the earlier collections that focused on beverage size, the Master Origins range offers Espresso, Gran Lungo, and Mug sizes. This means there’s a perfect pick for every coffee lover out there, no matter your caffeine craving.

Just like the OriginalLine, this collection is about delivering top-notch coffee from world-renowned brewers right to your Nespresso cup. Explore flavors from places like Peru, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia. Bonus: the Peruvian option is organic! The capsules vary in strength from mild (4) to bold (7).

Barista Creations collection

If you’re a fan of creamy, milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, the OriginalLine and VertuoLine Barista Creations collections are a match made in heaven for you. They offer a variety of barista-inspired flavors to make your coffee experience even more delightful. Get ready to meet your new favorite coffee companion!

The Best Nespresso OriginalLine Pods

Best Nespresso OriginalLine pods: Fortissio Lungo capsules

• Intensity: 8
• Size: Lungo

This dark roast combines Indian Monsooned Malabar Arabica beans with split-roasted beans from Latin America. Perfect for espresso fans, it’s strong but won’t overwhelm those new to espresso.

This Nespresso pod is a coffee lover’s dream! It’s packed with rich flavors, blending sweet cereal vibes with a toasty, malty kick that adds a perfect hint of bitterness. Its creamy, full texture is a hit among espresso fans. With its broad appeal, it’s no wonder it’s hailed as the best Nespresso pod in the OriginalLine.

Best dark roast pods: Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar capsules

• Intensity: 12
• Size: Espresso

Diving into the Ispirazione Italiana series, we find a standout coffee that’s almost at the top of Nespresso’s intensity chart. It’s a bold, dark roast crafted from a unique blend of beans from South and Central America. Imagine combining the strength of two Robustas from Brazil and Guatemala with the smoothness of an Arabica from South America. This mix creates a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to forget. 

Discover the perfect balance in a Nespresso espresso pod! With its bold bitterness and subtle pepper notes paired with a rich, creamy texture, it’s an intense coffee experience. Ready to dive into the powerful world of espresso? These pods are your gateway.

Best Variety Pack: Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Espresso variety pack

Explore a world of flavors with our Espresso selection: from the smooth Capriccio to the bold Ristretto. Enjoy varieties like Roma, Volluto, and more, with intensities from 4-10.

Explore the world of Nespresso with this ultimate starter pack. Perfect for beginners. Dive in and savor the variety!

Linizio Lungo capsules

• Intensity: 4
• Size: Lungo

Linizio Lungo brings together the best of South America in a cup! It’s a gentle blend of 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia. Thanks to split roasting, it has a unique taste – think cereal and malt – and is wonderfully mild and smooth.

Arpeggio Intenso capsules

• Intensity: 9
• Size: Espresso

Discover the bold flavors of our dark roast capsules, made with beans from Central and South America. They offer a unique taste mix of fruity and malty, with a touch of cocoa, woody, and grilled flavors for a rich, creamy experience. 

Best decaf pods: Ristretto Decaffeinato capsules

• Intensity: 10
• Size: Espresso

Looking for a decaf option for your Nespresso? Your choices might be few, but this dark roast stands out. It’s a delightful mix of acidic and fruity flavors with hints of chocolate and a roasted taste. It strikes an almost perfect balance between strength and bitterness.

Best flavored pods: Vanilla Eclair capsules

• Intensity: 6 
• Size: Espresso

I absolutely love vanilla, and eclairs are my top dessert choice. But, trust me, it’s not just my love for vanilla talking when I say this is the best flavored capsule in the OriginalLine. It really is that amazing.

We begin with a special blend: split-roast beans from Brazil and short-roasted ones from Colombia. Short roasting highlights delicate flavors, blending beautifully with the creamy, malted notes of the split-roasted beans. The outcome? A coffee that’s smooth, velvety, and has a cozy vanilla essence. It’s as delightful as biting into an eclair!

For creamy milk drinks, this choice truly shines. Try it for the best taste.

Nespresso OriginalLine variety pack (intense family)

Dive into the bold world of Nespresso with this variety pack! It includes favorites like Ristretto, Arpeggio, Roma, Indriya from India, and Fortissio Lungo. While it’s not as diverse as the Ispirazione Espresso pack, it’s the perfect start for exploring Nespresso’s rich and intense flavors.

Best Nespresso-compatible capsules: Peet’s Coffee espresso capsules variety pack

Explore Peet’s top espresso capsules with this variety pack: Ricchezza, Crema Scura, Ristretto, and Nerissimo. Their boldness levels vary from 8 to 11.

Ricchezza, a medium roast, bursts with berry and brown sugar flavors – perfect for a creamy latte. Crema Scura, also medium, is famous for its rich crema. Ristretto offers a dark roast with spicy, chocolatey vibes. And Nerissimo? It’s a bold, dark roast with a deep, bittersweet taste.

Best bargain Nespresso-compatible pods: Bestpresso coffee capsules

Don’t be tricked by the cost — Bestpresso’s capsules make great coffee. With this variety pack, explore flavors like Ristretto, Intenso, Arabica, Espresso, Lungo, and Verona. Their strength varies from 6-12. Plus, they’re all kosher, eco-friendly, and over 50% support the Rainforest Alliance.

Lavazza Ristretto Noble Dark Roast Coffee Capsules

• Intensity: 11
• Size: Espresso

If you’ve been keeping up with my favorite Italian coffee brands, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Lavazza. For those exploring Nespresso capsules, I recommend trying the Ristretto first. It’s crafted from Arabica beans from Central and South America and Robusta beans from Southeast Asia, creating a perfectly balanced and rich flavor. Trust me, it’s a great starting point for any coffee lover.

In Italy, these beans are mixed and dark-roasted, following a quick brew time typical for Italian Ristretto. This technique fully unlocks the beans’ flavors and balance. Expect to taste rich chocolate and caramel aromas, experience a gently bitter taste, and see a thick, dark crema on top.

Gourmesso Espresso Forte Bundle

Gourmesso pods are top picks for Nespresso lovers! They’re all about sustainability and fair trade. With this bundle, you get to taste four amazing varieties: Colombia Pura Forte, Ristretto Blend Forte, Messico Blend Forte, and Tarrazu Forte, with intensities from 8-10. Perfect for beginners!

Best Cuban-style capsules: Café Bustelo Espresso Capsules

Many top Cuban coffee brands haven’t embraced Nespresso pods yet. While Nespresso once offered a special Cafecito de Cuba series, it was only for a short time. For those craving the rich, bold taste perfect for a Café Cubano or cortadito, Café Bustelo is the go-to choice.

Best Nespresso refillable capsules: Cafilas Stainless Steel Reusable Capsules

Even the fanciest Nespresso capsules have limits, especially when it comes to coffee variety compared to whole-bean or ground coffee. The solution? A refillable pod! This nifty tool lets you fill your Nespresso machine with any coffee you like, opening up a world of flavors. Plus, it’s a win for the planet because you’re not tossing plastic pods after every brew. Interested in the eco-side of things? Dive deeper into how Nespresso tackles sustainability here.

Say goodbye to low-quality refillable capsules that break easily or clog up. This stainless steel capsule is a game-changer. It’s super durable and comes with a replaceable O-ring to keep it fitting perfectly brew after brew.

The Best Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

Best Nespresso VertuoLine pods: Diavolitto capsules

• Intensity: 11
• Size: Espresso

This dark roast combines Brazilian Arabica and Robusta beans from Central and South America. It smells like oak wood and leather, offering a creamy feel with a bold kick. Perfect for starting your coffee journey!

Diavolitto beans are a top pick for Nespresso Vertuoline fans, proving that great, bold, and complex espresso isn’t just for the OriginalLine. From selecting the perfect beans to expert roasting, everything about Diavolitto is crafted to offer an espresso experience that’s surprisingly amazing for a capsule machine. It’s a game-changer in the world of coffee capsules.

Best light roast capsules: Voltesso capsules

• Intensity: 4
• Size: Espresso

Think light roast espresso doesn’t make sense? Think again! These capsules show it’s totally possible. I always listen to what my coffee tells me. They use Arabica beans from South America, roasted just enough to bring out a sweet, biscuity flavor. This coffee is smooth and delicious on its own or with milk. Perfect for any coffee lover!

Best variety pack: Nespresso VertuoLine intense variety pack

Dive into the world of Nespresso with this variety pack! It features bold choices like Odacio, Stormio, Diavollitto, and Altissio, with intensities from 7-11. You’ll find both Mug and Espresso sizes, offering a perfect way to explore all the rich flavors Nespresso has to offer.

Best flavored Nespresso pods: Nespresso barista flavored pack

• Intensity: 6
• Size: Mug

Dive into the world of coffee with the Barista Creations pack! Perfect for beginners, this set includes three delicious flavors: Caramel Cookie, Vanilla Custard Pie, and Hazelino Muffin. Crafted from split-roasted Brazilian beans, these medium-dark roasts have a natural sweetness. The magic happens after roasting, when caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut flavors are infused to create your perfect cup.

Adding milk brings out the best flavors in your coffee. Give it a try!

Best Alto pods: Alto XL Intenso capsules

• Intensity: 7
• Size: Alto

Nespresso crafts the perfect Alto capsules by balancing a medium flow with high heat. This mix creates rich, bold flavors that, in my opinion, are simply the best.

This coffee boasts flavors of rich dark caramel and hints of dried wood. Despite its larger size, the thick crema surprisingly enhances its appeal. It’s a delightful blend that’s both smooth and bold. Simply put, it’s irresistible.

Giornio capsules

• Intensity: 4
• Size: Mug

When you’re craving a smooth, medium-roast coffee, reach for Giornio. It’s crafted for moments like these, blending the warm, toasted flavors of cereal with delicate floral hints, reminiscent of the finest beans from top Ethiopian coffee roasters. Plus, the slight acidity from Kenyan Arabica beans rounds it off beautifully, making each sip a perfect experience.

Best decaf capsules: Decaffeinato capsules

• Intensity: 6
• Size: Mug

Finding decaf pods for the VertuoLine is tough, just like with the OriginalLine. This special blend uses 100% Arabica beans from Colombia and Costa Rica. They’re split-roasted to unlock a smooth, malty taste with hints of cereal. Add some milk, and you’ll discover a delightful surprise – a fresh, nutty flavor.

Best for lattes: Hazelino capsules

• Intensity: 6
• Size: Mug

Start with Brazilian beans, roast them to a perfect medium-dark, then mix in some hazelnut flavor. The result? Delicious Nespresso Hazelino pods.

Discover the delightful blend of biscuit, almond, and hazelnut flavors in this coffee. Its roasting method brings out a deep sweetness and smooth texture. Add a capsule to your cappuccino or latte and taste why it’s a star in the Barista Creations collection. 

Best coffee variety pack: Nespresso VertuoLine coffee variety pack

Ready to explore beyond Espresso? Dive into Nespresso’s world of standard coffee with this amazing pack. It features Stormio, Odacio, and Melozio – three top picks perfect for your Mug cup. Start your coffee adventure here!

Nespresso flavors vary in strength from 6-8, a perfect range for new coffee lovers to explore and enjoy comfortably.

Best Nespresso refillable pods: CAPMESSO Coffee Capsule

If you have a Nespresso VertuoLine machine, you might think you’re stuck with just their coffee pods. But there’s a cool trick! You can get a reusable capsule. This means you can pick any coffee beans or grounds you love and use them in your machine. Plus, it’s eco-friendly since you’re not tossing out a pod every time you brew a cup. It’s a win-win for coffee lovers and the planet!

These sturdy stainless steel capsules can be used up to 10,000 times, making them super durable. They come with replaceable silicone O-rings to ensure a snug fit in almost any Vertuoline machine. However, remember, they won’t fit in the Vertuo Next model.

The Verdict

Here’s the scoop on the top Nespresso pods for every coffee lover out there! Whether you’re into big, bold coffees, strong espressos, or sweet vanilla lattes, there’s a Nespresso pod that’s just right for you in this list. Not sure where to begin? Try starting with a variety pack to explore different flavors and find your favorite. Happy sipping!