The 17 Best Nespresso Pods in 2023 [Tried & Tested]

Are you looking for a quick and easy solution to your espresso itch? Why not try a Nespresso machine?

Of course, you can go to your dainty java shop or grind your beans at home. But if you want to save some money or you don't have time for learning how to use manual espresso equipment, a Nespresso machine is a no-brainer.

In this article, we'll go over the best Nespresso pods you should get for your Nespresso machine. Let's get to it. 

To begin, you'll need to know that there are two kinds of Nespresso machines, as well as two kinds of capsules for those machines. I promise you though, it's pretty straightforward if you know what machine you have or want to get.

With that in mind, we've tried them all and picked out some of the best Nespresso pods for any type of coffee fan.

The Best Nespresso Pods Overview

Before buying Nespresso Capsules, consider the attributes below before making your selection. I have sorted them in order of what I found most important when selecting these for this review.

• VertuoLine or OriginalLine
• Intensity
• Tasting notes
• Roast
• Caffeine
• Flavors

Below is a quick view of our top picks with links to our more in-depth experience with them. We tried many others, but they did not score at least a 4 out of 5 for us, so they were not included in this list.

Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine Capsules

Nespresso comes with two exceptional trademarks: OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. If you want to know more, check out our guide on Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original Line.

When it comes to pods, OriginalLine brews espresso only while VertuoLine brews both espresso and coffee. 

Both machine capsules work differently. For instance, VertuoLine machines use capsule-scanning technology, which operates with Nespresso brand capsules.  In OriginalLine machines, capsule scanning does not take place. 

Personally, I prefer the OriginalLine machines because of their integration of 3rd-party brands. 

Nespresso’s Intensity

Nespresso defines intensity as a coffee's degree of roasting, body, bitterness and how concentrated it is. It has nothing to do with the amount of caffeine in the coffee. 

The intensity level of Nespresso ranges from 1 to 13. The majority types of Nespresso pods are found in the 4 to 10-intensity range. 

1-4: The flavor of coffee is delicate and light-bodied.

5-7: Coffee is flavorful and well-balanced.

8–10: Strong scents and a full-bodied flavor characterize this coffee.

Tasting Notes

Like wines, coffee beans have many professional descriptors that determine how a bean or blend will taste.

You may be familiar with Colombian coffees, which have a medium body and rich caramel sweetness and nuttiness. However, Brazilian coffees feature a peanutty flavor, a hint of cocoa, and a lingering finish.

All of those characteristics are still rather basic, but Ethiopian coffees can have distinctly floral flavors such as jasmine or nettles, and they are more reminiscent of teas. Ethiopian coffees are also often natural or unwashed and have a stronger strength that leaves their mark on the tongue.

Nespresso’s Roasts

Nespresso capsules are not all made with the same coffee roast; different pods use different roasting procedures. Light Roast, Medium Roast, and Dark Roast capsules are available from Nespresso, catering to wide strata of coffee consumers. 

Caffeine Content in Nespresso Pods

Caffeine levels in OriginalLines and VertuoLine pods are usually in the medium range, ranging from 60 to 90mg.

The amount of caffeine in the capsule is determined in part by the amount of coffee used in the preparation and the type of green coffee used in the capsule.

The Robusta origin has an average caffeine content of 2.4%, while Arabica sources have an average caffeine content of 1.2%. The caffeine content in decaf pods is less than 0.1%.

Nespresso Flavors

While the majority of the capsules on this list aren't flavored, Nespresso does offer flavored pods for both its OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines. The best Nespresso pods flavors include Chocolate Fudge, Coconut, Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla, and others for individuals who like something different.

Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules Overview

To make single-serve espresso, Nespresso OriginalLine machines only utilize OriginalLine capsules (shaped like a hat top). Depending on your machine, OriginalLine capsules can brew the following beverages:

• 1.35oz espresso
• 0.85oz ristretto
• Lungo 3.7oz

Nespresso currently offers six distinct sorts of OriginalLine capsules, each designed for a unique espresso-drinking experience:

10 Best OriginalLine Nespresso Pods

Check out our best Original Nespresso pods:

1. Ispirazione Italiana Ristretto

Ristretto captures the essence of Italy's legendary coffee tradition in a single sip. It contains a 100% Arabica blend of South American and East African coffees with a dash of high-quality Robusta from South India added for flavor. 

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2. Cocoa Truffle

In Cocoa Truffle, dark and bitter cocoa meets the malted cereal note and creates a deep flavor. It originates from the South American Arabicas, including sweet Bourbon beans from Brazil and washed Colombian beans.

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3. Palermo Kazaar

Kazaar is high in caffeine (more than others); thus, it's ideal for those days when you need a lift. Drinks produced with milk, such as lattes and cappuccinos, bring out the rich flavor. It has a lingering smoky note.

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4. Firenze Arpeggio

The arpeggio is unquestionably a crowd favorite and gets the top slot because it is a clear winner for so many. It's rich and creamy but not too bitter, and it's ideal for preparing lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos, among other espresso drinks.

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5. Volluto

Volluto counts among the best espresso pods for Nespresso. It has a pure Arabica from South America with sweet and biscuit flavors and a hint of acidity + fruity accent.

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6. Tokyo Vivalto Lungo 

Tokyo Vivalto Lungo has a rich flavor with delicate floral and fruity undertones thanks to a blend of Ethiopian and washed Mexican Arabicas. A milder roast preserves the acidity and subtle floral notes of Ethiopian coffee beans. 

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7. Cape town Envivo Lungo

In a cup, you'll find the soul of Cape Town. This Lungo has a genuinely robust, full-bodied taste with a woodsy scent and snappy bitterness cherished by local Capetonians thanks to a powerful pair of Indian Arabica and Robusta.

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8. Roma Intenso

Iced drinks, like Iced Caramel Macchiato, are extremely popular with Roma. If you like Indonesia, you'll probably enjoy Roma because their flavor profiles are comparable. 

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9. Columbia

Only high-grown, washed-process Colombian Arabica uses in this Nespresso coffee, resulting in a flavor with vibrant acidity and bursts of wine red fruit notes.

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10. Napoli

Many people adore Napoli, which has an intensity rating of 13 out of 13. It creates excellent lattes since the coffee flavor is retained even after adding milk. It's strong but not bitter, and it's delicious hot or iced.

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Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules Overview

Each capsule in a Nespresso VertuoLine machine is tagged and includes a different amount of beans ground at different coarseness and fineness levels.

You can't just buy any pod and brew espresso, coffee, or lungo - the pod or capsule must specifically state the type on the pod and will only allow that type to be brewed.

Only VertuoLine capsules are used in Nespresso VertuoLine machines. The machine uses the barcode around the rim of VertuoLine capsules for two purposes:

• Identify the capsule you're using and brew it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
• Non-Nespresso capsules must be locked away.

VertuoLine applies centrifusion or fast capsule spinning. As a result, the crime in the beverage is thicker and foamier. I prefer the espresso Original Line machines, but everyone has their preferences.

Nespresso currently offers eight distinct sorts of VertuoLine capsules, each designed for a unique drinking experience:

7 Best Nespresso Vertuoline Capsules

1. Scuro

Double Espresso Scuro is a darkly roasted combination of Robusta and Arabica beans from Central America. Its dark, smokey flavor enhances by cocoa and vanilla undertones.

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Related Guide: 16 Best Nespresso pods for Latte [+How to make the best Latte]

2. Fortado Gran Lungo

This Nespresso coffee has a bitter cocoa powder taste and oak wood overtones that contribute to the coffee's richness, thanks to a blend of Indian Robusta and South and Central American Arabicas.

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3. Iced Forte

Ice Forte by Barista Creations has South American Arabicas that combine with Indonesian Arabica to create a powerful fragrant experience. Cereal, woody, and peppery aromas weave their way through the cup for a full-bodied iced coffee experience.

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4. Mexico

When you learn that Master Origins Mexico is twice-washed, you will do a double-take. In a double wash, all of the intensity of Robusta purifies, leaving you with spicy flavors and a rich, thick body.

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5. Voltesso

Voltesso is a South American Arabica bean and is softly roasted and balanced, revealing biscuity overtones and a characteristic sweet scent. To make a beautifully smooth Espresso, blend it with milk.

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