Best Nespresso Pods – Top Picks


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Best Nespresso Pods

The interesting story of Nespresso machines traces long back to the year 1975. With inspiration and competition in mind, Eric Favre (a worker of nestle at that time) started making the pod-based espresso machine. This exceptional creation is what we know as Nespresso in the present day. 

The signature elements of the company are original capsules, which are available in a wide array of blends. These original capsules(also called pods) are made using aluminum so that the rich flavors and enchanting aroma of the coffee remain intact. Besides, the pods are recyclable via the Nespresso recycling program. Hence, it is not only going to savor your taste buds but also, save the environment.

Types of Original Capsules

To get the ideal home-based coffee, nothing can be better than the three best types of original capsules.

The Espresso Capsules

It is the traditional Nespresso original pods. If you love black coffee, the espresso capsules will be the best to have in your coffee regime. Additionally, you have the opportunity to explore the blends namely Livanto, Capriccio, Volluto, New Cosi.

The espresso capsules from Nespresso provide a wide array of flavors. Whether it is sweet or lemony, distinctive or balanced, and light or rich, you can enjoy each one of them in a 40ml cup i.e., 1.35 Oz.

The Ristretto Capsules

Ristretto capsules by Nespresso are a combination of South American Arabicas and East African Arabicas with the hint of Robusta. The citrus aroma makes the coffee exclusive in a 25ml cup i.e., 0.85 Ozz.

The finely ground texture along with intense, full-body, and rich flavor creates the best Italian-style coffee. The slow roasting of beans brings an acidic and fruity touch. Additionally, the strong roasted ones are softened using chocolate notes.

The Lungo Capsules

The Italian word Lungo means long. In other words, water is allowed to pass on the finely ground and rich flavored coffee for a comparatively longer time. Therefore, you will get a strong coffee with a high proportion of aroma. The flavour profiles include – Envivo Lungo, Fortissio Lungo, Vivalto Lungo Vivalto Lungo Decaffeinato, Linizio Lungo. We assure you that each capsule is a new experience in your long 110ml cup i.e., 3.7 Oz.

Best Nespresso Original Capsules

1. Starbucks by Nespresso, Espresso Roast

Starbucks by Nespresso Dark Roast Espresso...
  • Developed with Nespresso to work perfectly with original...
  • Dark-roast coffees have fuller body with robust, bold taste
  • Each espresso capsule brews 0.85 or 1.35 ounces. Pop in the...
  • Package contains 5 boxes of 10 Starbucks Espresso Roast...

The Nespresso Espresso Roast Capsules of Starbucks provide a robust taste. It comprises pure Arabica beans of Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. The coffee is a dark roast and you can enjoy the full-bodied flavor. Caramel present in the coffee adds flavor without spoiling the strong taste. The capsules indeed have a rich espresso flavor. This is the best choice for coffee enthusiasts who are fond of strong but brief coffee.

INTENSITY – 11

VOLUME/ CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz and 0.85 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – Due to its robust taste and caramel notes, you can get the best coffee experience with steamed milk.

2. Starbucks by Nespresso, House Blend

Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast House...
  • Developed with Nespresso to work perfectly with original...
  • Medium-roasted coffees are smooth and balanced with rich,...
  • Each espresso capsule brews 3.7 ounces of coffee. Pop in the...
  • Package contains 5 boxes of 10 Starbucks House Blend...

The Nespresso House Blend Coffee Capsules of Starbucks is for those who love smooth and balanced coffee. The coffee is of medium roast type. In addition, they have added nut-flavoring ingredients. The shiny dark chestnut color of the coffee is due to the roasting of Latin American beans. Indeed, the balance between cocoa and nut is incredible. These unique coffee capsules are a treat to your taste buds.

INTENSITY – 8

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 3.7 Oz Lungo

TASTING NOTES – The presence of cocoa and nuts indeed enhance the flavor. You will receive a balanced and smooth coffee that will enrich your soul.

3. Starbucks by Nespresso, Single-Origin Colombia

Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast...
  • Developed with Nespresso to work perfectly with original...
  • Medium-roasted coffees are smooth and balanced with rich,...
  • Each espresso capsule brews 0.85 or 3.7 ounces of coffee....
  • Package contains 5 boxes of 10 Starbucks Single-Origin...

Tasting Colombian coffee is a desire for many of us. In that case, Single-Origin Colombia Coffee Capsules of Starbucks is a definite try for you. The coffee is a balanced and medium roast one. The smooth flavor with a nutty twist will make you feel out of the world. The coffee will remind you of the expanded coffee farms.

INTENSITY – 7

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz and 3.7 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – The signature taste of the smooth coffee is due to the balance of nutty notes. 

4. Nespresso Arpeggio Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee

Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Ispirazione...
  • INTENSE AND CREAMY: This Nespresso coffee blends a selection...
  • INTENSITY 9: This Nespresso coffee blend offers intense,...
  • ARPEGGIO INTENSO COFFEE BREWS 1.35 OZ: These Nespresso...
  • WE RECYCLE: Nespresso aluminum capsules are fully recyclable...

These OriginalLine capsules are a blend of the best Central and South American Arabicas. With the fruity or malted flavor, the beans are roasted intensely. The roasting process is a lengthy one. It allows all the distinct flavors to emerge properly. Therefore, you can feel the best flavor coming out which is similar to Costa Rican coffee.

INTENSITY – 9

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – The presence of mild cocoa notes and woody hints is what you deserve. The intense grilled coffee is good to go as a cold or hot one. 

5. Nespresso Ristretto Intenso

Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Ristretto...
  • POWERFUL AND CONTRASTING: This Nespresso coffee combines...
  • INTENSITY 10: This Nespresso coffee blend offers an intense...
  • RISTRETTO INTENSO COFFEE BREWS 1.35 OZ: These Nespresso...
  • WE RECYCLE: Nespresso aluminum capsules are fully recyclable...

The Ristretto Intenso Coffee pods are a pure blend of Arabica of the South and Robusta of Central America. The intense roast of Robusta gives the bitterness. On the contrary, the comparatively gentle roast of Arabica gives the coffee its aroma and natural syrupy sweetness.

The fired-up roasting of the Robusta gives coffee that unique explosive strength. Conversely, the slow roasting of Arabica beans gives a fine aroma to your cup of coffee.

INTENSITY – 10

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – The fine contrast between strength and bitterness, acidic and fruity notes gives it a unique taste.

6. Nespresso Livanto

Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Livanto,...
  • ROUND & BALANCED: This Nespresso coffee blend of Central and...
  • INTENSITY 6: This Nespresso coffee blend is a medium roast...
  • LIVANTO ESPRESSO BREWS 1.35 OZ: These Nespresso OriginalLine...
  • WE RECYCLE: Nespresso aluminum capsules are fully recyclable...

‘Ispirazione Genova Livanto’ is the royal name given to the coffee. These medium-roast espresso coffee pods are for those who love milder coffee. Long ago, sailors brought these Latin American beans to Genova as a part of their treasure. Since then, the trading city of Genova has become the place for Livanto. With the goodness of Central and South American Arabicas, the pods are round and balanced bouquets.

INTENSITY – 6

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – The pleasant bouquet will take you back to the freshly roasted coffee beans. You will get the caramelized, toasted cereal aroma. Therefore, the search for the best medium roast coffee ends here.

7. Nespresso Roma Intenso

Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Roma...
  • FULL & BALANCED: This Nespresso coffee has a subtle balance...
  • INTENSITY 8: This Nespresso coffee blend is the ideal coffee...
  • ROMA INTENSO COFFEE BREWS 1.35 OZ: These Nespresso Original...
  • WE RECYCLE: Nespresso aluminum capsules are fully recyclable...

You will find an amazing roast of intense coffee with a twist of acidity. It gives Roma, its intense elegance. The different beans are made sure to be roasted independently. On one hand, the Brazilian part forms the deeply roasted base; on the other hand, the lightly roasted Mexican Arabica forms the topping.

‘Ispirazione Roma’ gives you the feel of ancient Rome with a hint of modernity.

INTENSITY –

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz and 0.85 Oz 

TASTING NOTES – There is a delicate balance between the strength of the roast, the woody depth, cereal notes, and acidity. This makes the coffee capsules elegantly aromatic and unique.

8. Nespresso Barista Creations, Vanilla Éclair Capsules

Barista Creations Vanilla Éclair flavor blends harmoniously into a round and smooth Latin American Arabica espresso. The Brazilian and Colombian Arabicas form the base. They impart smooth flavor and malted cereal notes to make a genuine classic roasted coffee.

Additionally, the vanilla flavor enhances the taste of this enchanting flavored coffee.

INTENSITY – 6

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz 

TASTING NOTES- Enchanting vanilla on a base of malted cereal feels like heaven. This aromatic coffee capsule is round and smooth. You will feel the essence of vanilla éclairs in your cup of amazing beverage. 

9. Nespresso Fortissio Lungo

Enjoy the intense completely Arabica malty coffee with a twist of rich bitterness. If you move around Stockholm, it is obvious that you will find intense black coffee having a malty flavorful note. Fortissio capsules recreate the same aromatic profile of a Swedish coffee by twinning Monsoonal Malabar and Colombian Arabica.

The Malabar Arabica in the monsoon developed a distinct aroma and maltiness. Colombian Arabica gives that intensity and bitterness. The proper balance of the two is proved to be awesome.

INTENSITY – 8

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 3.7 Oz 

TASTING NOTES- Stockholm Fortissio Lungo Espresso Capsules gives you a rich coffee along with sweet cereal and malty notes emphasized with a vivacious aroma.

10. Nespresso Arpeggio Decaffeinato

Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Arpeggio...
  • INTENSE & CREAMY: This decaf Nespresso coffee boasts the...
  • INTENSITY 9: This Nespresso coffee blend is made from a...
  • ARPEGGIO DECAFFEINATO COFFEE BREWS 1.35 OZ: These Nespresso...
  • WE RECYCLE: Nespresso aluminum capsules are fully recyclable...

Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato is a perfect blend of decaffeinated Latin American Arabicas and intrinsically malty Costa Rican coffee. A light roast to the fruitier coffees essentially balances the decaf coffee pod. The company says that it is concerning the complex roast style of Florence. The dark and deep roast of Brazil and Costa Rica actually enhances the intensity of cocoa notes.

INTENSITY – 9

VOLUME/CUP SIZE – 1.35 Oz and 0.85 Oz

TASTING NOTES- Arpeggio Decaffeinato is perhaps the densest and creamiest among all decaffeinated versions. The decaf process does not weaken the bold roast and cocoa notes. The irresistible crema gives a velvety texture to the beverage.

Factors to Consider

Before you buy a Nespresso capsule, certain factors need to be considered. 

Tasting Notes

The whole concept of coffee is based on what roast you like. Therefore, identify light, medium, or dark roast that suits your taste buds and pleases your inner soul. However, the trick is selecting the extra add-ons to your roast. It may so happen that you love chocolate notes in dark roast but do not like smokiness. Generally, every detail is written in the box. So, take a glance and purchase one.

Intensity

The intensity scale of Nespresso capsules ranges from 1 to 12. The lower the intensity, the lighter is the roast. Even if you select medium to dark roast the range is from 9 to 12. The scale makes it easy to select the best Nespresso capsule quickly. However, if you want to understand the subtle difference experimenting is really worth it; especially, if you are going to make lattes or cappuccinos.

The Machine

The two different types of machines by Nespresso are VertuoLine and OriginalLine. On one hand, VertuoLine makes large-sized drinks and on the other OriginalLine makes small-sized beverages. Remember that the pods are not same for both the machine. So, before purchasing the pods make sure you are selecting the right pods for the right machine.

FAQs

  1. How many times can a Nespresso capsule be used?

    You should use the Nespresso capsule only once for one cup. Many DIY hacks are mentioning using the pods twice. However, we never recommend doing that because it will negate the warranty. 

  2. How much caffeine is in a Nespresso pod?

    A Nespresso pod may contain 55 milligrams of caffeine to 200 milligrams of it depending on your selection. The range is quite broad so that it meets the demand of everyone.

  3. Do Nespresso pods have sugar?

    No. The Nespresso pods do not contain sugar. They do not even contain any preservatives or sweeteners too.

  4. What's the best Nespresso option for latte?

    Ristretto options suit very well for making Latte. The other options which can be considered as well are Indriya and Dulsao. For VertuoLine machines, the best pick is Altissio.

Wrapping Up

The wide array of flavors and aromas in the Nespresso pods will definitely woo your heart. The research and making of different flavorful Nespresso pods are indeed appreciable and worth mentioning.

Besides, the packaging is also a great advantage. It really feels good that the aluminum pods we are using, in no way, are going to harm our environment with the Nespresso recycling program.