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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
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.
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.
See on AmazonNespresso 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!
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.
Hi Zak, thanks so much for publishing this. I’ve been looking everywhere for such a chart. It’s funny to see that I have naturally gravitated toward the lower-caffeine coffees, since I’m quite sensitive. It’s annoying that Nespresso doesn’t publish this information themselves because when I’m trying new coffee varieties, it’s always a guessing game as to how I’m going to feel after drinking it. I would be extremely grateful if you maintained this list with new varieties and maybe added some information about the seasonal origins varieties, but I recognize that this may not be feasible. Some information about how to test this oneself (if feasible and possible) would also be really helpful. Maybe you’d be interested in setting up a Patreon and people like me who care about this could support you to conduct these kinds of tests?
Thanks, Derek! I’ll be doing what I can to keep the list updated with new varieties, although seasonals are particularly tricky.
Info for home testing is an interesting idea. I’ll take a look at a few of the home caffeine testing kits and see if there’s a good option on that front.
I don’t think the Patreon account will happen anytime soon, but you never know.