Nespresso Caffeine Content [Chart]: How Strong Are Coffee Pods?

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Curious about the strongest Nespresso pod? It’s in the OriginalLine collection. Let’s find out which one!

Looking for Nespresso caffeine details? You’re in the right place! Discover which Nespresso pods pack the least and most caffeine punch, understand the intensity scale, and more. Dive in to amp up your coffee knowledge!

What’s In a Nespresso Pod?

Inside every Nespresso capsule, there’s a small amount of finely-ground coffee beans. The kind and amount of beans change depending on the capsule type and size. But essentially, these little aluminum pods contain the same coffee you use in your drip coffee maker or espresso machine. Simple, right?

The Nespresso Intensity Scale

Coffee beans arranged to spell out strong

Every Nespresso capsule comes with an intensity number. Many think this number is about caffeine, but it’s not. It actually describes the coffee’s body, bitterness, and how dark it’s roasted. A higher number means the coffee will have a fuller body, be more bitter, and pack more flavor.

If you’re after a bolder cup, go for high-intensity coffee pods. Why? They often pack more punch – meaning more caffeine. This is because they’re likely made with Robusta beans, which are more flavorful than the usual Arabica beans. Learn how to brew a stronger coffee and discover the differences in coffee bean types.

Not all coffee is the same. Dark roasts are bold and rich, but they don’t always pack more caffeine. Plus, the amount of coffee in each capsule can change the taste and caffeine level too.

Forget guessing caffeine strength by taste! The secret is in the ingredients list and nutrition info. That’s where the true caffeine content of these pods is hiding. Let’s dive in and discover it together.

Nespresso OriginalLine Caffeine Content

Nespresso keeps the caffeine details for their capsules a secret on their US site. But, interestingly, they spill the beans on their Taiwan website, especially for the OriginalLine capsules.

A lineup of Nespresso pods, which still cost less than cafe coffee

Discover the full caffeine amounts, focusing on the size of OriginalLine pods, not just per ounce.

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

Palermo Kazaar packs the biggest caffeine punch in the Nespresso OriginalLine. With 120 mg in a tiny Ristretto shot, it’s triple the kick of your usual pod!

Napoli packs a lot of punch in every ounce, coming in second for caffeine level, just a bit behind Cape Town Envivo Lungo. Interestingly, Napoli and Palermo Kazaar also top the charts for their bold flavors.

Decaf coffee pods aren’t on this list because they only have a tiny bit of caffeine. For most people who drink coffee in moderation, this small amount doesn’t really make a difference, except for those who are very sensitive to caffeine.

VarietySizeIntensity (1–13)Caffeine (mg)
Palermo KazaarRistretto121204691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Cape Town Envivo LungoLungo101104691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
NapoliRistretto131094691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
IndiaEspresso111054691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Buenos Aires LungoLungo41044691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
CortoEspresso111034691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Tokyo Vivalto LungoLungo6824691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Shanghai LungoLungo5824691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Stockholm Fortissio LungoLungo8804691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
VeneziaRistretto8774691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Ristretto ItalianoRistretto10754691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Vienna Linizio LungoLungo6754691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ScuroEspresso7734691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Freddo DelicatoEspresso724691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
IndonesiaEspresso8724691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
NicaraguaEspresso5654691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
EthiopiaEspresso4654691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Genova LivantoEspresso6644691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
VollutoEspresso5644691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
CapriccioEspresso5644691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Firenze ArpeggioRistretto9634691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
RomaRistretto8634691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Caramel Creme BruleeEspresso6624691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Vanilla EclairEspresso6624691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Cocoa TruffleEspresso6624691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
CosiEspresso4604691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ColombiaEspresso6594691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Freddo IntensoEspresso564691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ChiaroRistretto6494691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon

Nespresso VertuoLine Caffeine Content

Nespresso keeps the caffeine details of their VertuoLine capsules vague. They offer broad estimates for each size on their website, but lack precise numbers.

I managed to discover the caffeine levels for a few Vertuo pods. Luckily, the ones shared are the ones with the most caffeine, so I can guide you to these power-packed options. Below, you’ll find a list showing which pod varieties have precise caffeine amounts and which ones are estimates based on info from Nespresso.

Discover the five key sizes of VertuoLine capsules for your coffee adventure. There’s also a special sixth size just for the Vertuo Next, but it’s a bit rare and not for a single cup.

  • Espresso — 1.35 ounces
  • Double Espresso — 2.7 ounces
  • Gran Lungo — 5.0 ounces
  • Mug — 7.8 ounces
  • Alto — 14.0 ounces

For a serious caffeine kick, reach for the Fortado or Diavolitto. They’re not the strongest out there, but among Vertuo pods, Diavolitto tops the chart with more caffeine than any Espresso-sized option from the OriginalLine. Perfect for when you need that extra boost!

VarietySizeIntensity (1–13)Caffeine (mg)
FortadoGran Lungo82004691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Dolce XLAlto4190 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Intenso XLAlto7190 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Chocolate FudgeMug6165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
SolelioMug2165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
GiornioMug4165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ElvazioMug4165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
MelozioMug6165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
OdacioMug7165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
StormioMug8165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
IntensoMug9165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ColombiaMug5165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
MexicoMug7165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Bianco ForteMug165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Vanilla Custard PieMug6165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Caramel CookieMug6165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Hazelino MuffinMug6165 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
ArondioGran Lungo6160 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Costa RicaGran Lungo7160 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
EthiopiaGran Lungo4160 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Double Espresso ChiaroDouble Espresso6150 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Double Espresso ScuroDouble Espresso8150 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Bianco LeggeroDouble Espresso150 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Ice LeggeroDouble Espresso150 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
DiavolittoEspresso111504691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
VoltessoEspresso485 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
AltissioEspresso985 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Peru OrganicEspresso685 (Est.)4691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon
Half CaffeinatoMug5704691261 amazon icon  See on Amazon

Delicious, Delicious Caffeine

Now you know the caffeine levels in Nespresso’s OriginalLine and VertuoLine pods. Use these guides to find the boldest brews or steer clear of the strongest capsules and espresso pods.

For a stronger coffee kick, try a reusable Nespresso pod filled with high-caffeine coffee. It puts you in charge of your caffeine boost.

Curious about Nespresso? I recently explored everything about DeLonghi and Breville Nespresso machines. For fans of the VertuoLine, comparing Vertuo and VertuoPlus or Vertuo Next with VertuoPlus coffee makers might just help you pick your perfect capsule machine.

Nespresso caffeine content: How strong are coffee pods?