The Best Nespresso Pods, According to Our Tests

Stocking up on pods for a single-serve coffee maker like a Nespresso machine doesn’t necessarily make for the easiest consumer experience. Unlike shopping for a bag of beans, where you can often smell and sometimes even see the roast before committing, these tiny little pods can sometimes make it feel like the perfect espresso is just out of reach — and maybe even several pricey trips to the grocery store away. 

Are you sick of springing for a set of capsules only to find they don’t meet your standards? That’s where we come in. We’ve done the work for you, testing 17 of the most highly-rated Nespresso pods to determine which capsules will deliver a robust, flavorful, and satisfying sipping experience. 

If you’re familiar with Nespresso machines, you’ll know that they rely on two different types of capsules: original and Vertuo. To arm you with the knowledge you need to shop like a true barista, we’re rounding up our top five picks for each type, so whatever your machine and flavor preferences you’ll find the best Nespresso pods.

Our Original Nespresso Pod Picks:

• Best Overall: Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Firenze Arpeggio
• Best for Espresso: Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Ristretto Italiano
• Best for Lattes: Illy Espresso Compatible Capsules Classico
• Best Flavor: Nespresso Barista Creations Vaniglia
  
• Best Variety Pack: Nespresso Original 50 Capsule Dark Roast Pack

Our Vertuo Nespresso Pod Picks:

• Best Overall: Nespresso Ristretto & Espresso Altissio
• Best for Espresso: Nespresso Ristretto & Espresso Diavolitto
• Best for Lattes: Nespresso Double Espresso Scuro
• Best Flavor: Nespresso Barista Creations Roasted Hazelnut
• Best Variety Pack: Nespresso Vertuo 60 Capsule Discovery Pack

Best Overall Original Nespresso Pods

Nespresso Original Firenze Arpeggio Coffee Capsules

$40 at Amazon $40 at Target $26 at Walmart

For an approachable espresso with a sense of tradition and a way of appealing to just about everyone, you can’t go wrong with Nespresso’s Firenze Arpeggio. Notes of chocolate and cherry emerge while brewing, then give way to a rich color and foamy crema that sticks around long into sipping. This crowd-pleaser can easily satisfy espresso newbies and long-term fans alike, with a well-rounded body and silky mouthfeel that transports you right to Florence.

During testing, we were impressed by this pod’s smooth and approachable flavor, especially considering Nespresso rates it with a level 9 of intensity. The flavor was chocolatey and rich, with sweeter undertones that tasted of stone fruit and brown sugar. This versatile pick sips beautifully alone but can also hold its own when combined with plant-based or dairy milk for a latte or cappuccino. We didn’t love the flavor as it cooled (it began to taste a bit burnt), but otherwise we were pretty wowed by this pick. 

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: 9 (out of 13) | Best For: Espresso, Ristretto

Best Original Nespresso Pods for Espresso

Nespresso Original Ristretto Italiano Coffee Capsules

$40 at Amazon $32 at Walmart $40 at Bloomingdales

Sippers who appreciate an espresso with presence and those who prefer to indulge in a no-frills drink will want to reach for Nespresso’s Ristretto Italian capsules, which deliver a full-bodied dark roast with a rich color and thick crema. The intense flavor of these capsules will jolt even the most hardened espresso drinker, thanks to a one-two punch of Arabica and Robusta beans that deliver body and brightness.

Upon first brewing this pod, we were immediately wowed by the rich aromas of pecan, chestnut, and hickory, as well as the thick level of crema that almost looked whipped to perfection. The flavor profile was equally impressive, with distinctly smoky notes that gave way to hints of chestnut and cedar. While this pick is strong enough to team with dairy, we recommend sipping it on its own for that authentic espresso experience. 

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: 10 (out of 13) | Best For: Espresso, Ristretto

Best Original Nespresso Pods for Lattes

Illy Espresso Single Serve Coffee Compatible Capsules

$10 at Amazon $10 at Williams Sonoma $10 at Sur La Table

If you find yourself consistently whipping up coffee shop-style creations, or you’re a household where many different preferences reign supreme, Illy’s Classico espresso pod is for you. This do-it-all medium roast has a rich color and thick crema, with fragrance notes of caramel and floral. It strikes the perfect balance between presence and subtly, allowing it to be sipped on its own or combined with the milk of your choice in an indulgent drink. 

During testing, this was one of the only pods to seamlessly flex between all drink styles, satisfying both shot takers and latte sippers alike. While it can’t be described as strong, the flavor is present even when diluted with milk or brewed to a larger size. Flavor notes of caramel and vanilla team with a smooth and silky mouthfeel to create an approachable (but by no means simplistic) take on traditional espresso. Bonus: It tastes amazing paired with oat milk, for you non-dairy folks.  

Roast: Medium Roast | Intensity: 7 (out of 13) | Best For: Lattes, Cappuccino, Espresso, Ristretto

Best Original Nespresso Pods Flavor

Nespresso Vaniglia Coffee Pods

$43 at Amazon View on Nespresso.com

Fans of flavored coffee know how difficult it can be to find a brew that doesn’t read as artificial or too saccharine. Well, we have good news: Nespresso’s barista Creations Vaniglia delivers just that. This light roast has a chocolatey color, thick crema, and notes of vanilla, sugar cookie, and candied nuts. Don’t worry though — this isn’t your average, overly sweet, TikTok-sensation-flavored coffee. It’s balanced, nuanced, and can appeal to nearly everyone, even sippers who have sworn off flavored coffee several sugar rushes ago.  

While brewing this pod, it smelled strongly of vanilla, so much so that we were worried it would be too sweet to drink. Luckily, Nespresso’s authentic espresso flavors pulled through, resulting in a subtle vanilla undertone that doesn’t overwhelm the cup. This pod shines when used to make a latte, cappuccino, or other specialty drink, but it can still be enjoyable sipped in its purest form as an espresso shot. 

Roast: Medium Roast | Intensity: 5 (out of 13) | Best For: Lattes, Cappuccino, Espresso, Ristretto

Best Original Nespresso Pods Variety Pack

Nespresso Original 50 Capsule Dark Roast Pack

View on Nespresso.com

It’s rare to find a household full of coffee drinkers who all take their brew the same way. Inevitably, one person prefers potent espresso shots while another likes making cold brew and another a palatable latte. For those homes that just can’t narrow down to one blend, a variety pack from Nespresso will be a crowd-pleaser. This collection of the brand’s signature dark roasts offers 50 capsules (10 per sleeve), ensuring your home is stocked for weeks.

Included in this assortment are two of our favorites from testing, Ristretto Italiano and Firenze Arpeggio, and three other top sellers, Roma, Napoli, and Palermo Kazaar. Roma offers a full and balanced flavor profile with earthy, toasted notes and mid-range intensity (8) that’s pretty approachable. Napoli is among the brand’s most intense brews (it earns the highest intensity rating possible, 13), with a dark and creamy appearance and slightly bitter aftertaste that will please traditionalists. Palermo Kazaar is a practice in overindulgence, with spicy and syrupy notes that pack a punch. Put simply, there’s something for everyone in this collection.

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: Range | Best For: Lattes, Cappuccino, Espresso, Ristretto

Best Overall Vertuo Nespresso Pods

Nespresso Vertuo Altissio Coffee Capsules

$49 at Amazon $40 at Target View on Nespresso.com

If you’re looking for a pod to please just about everyone who stops by for a coffee break, look no further than Nespresso Vertuo Ristretto & Espresso Altissio. This rich, dark roast is somehow complex and approachable with a deep color. It dilutes beautifully in a latte or cappuccino. Rated at an intensity of 9, this strong and bold brew is creamy on the tongue, without any sour or overly acidic notes.

As we tested this pod, we picked up on a little something different each time. Our first brew was perfumed with notes of almond and chocolate, while the second brought forward the smell of toasted cereal and brown sugar. The taste was equally as enjoyable, with the slightest hint of sweetness that played nicely with dairy and sweetener. That said, it was just as enjoyable sipped by itself, with a crema that rivaled that of a professionally foamed latte, sans milk. 

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: 9 | Best For: Espresso, Ristretto

Best Vertuo Nespresso Pods for Espresso

Nespresso Vertuo Diavolitto Coffee Capsules

$49 at Amazon View on Nespresso.com

Espresso lovers who rely on their morning pull to transport them to an Italian café will love Nespresso’s Diavolitto pod, which delivers an authentic (and intense) punch of caffeine and flavor with none of the harshness. With an inky, near-black color and scent notes of wood, nuts, and leather, this pod is surprisingly drinkable, especially given its 11-intensity rating.

During testing, our first impression of this pod was, let’s say, cautiously impressed. More approachable than we anticipated, it has a robust flavor that holds up well through various sizes and drink concoctions. As odd as it may be to say, the best way to describe the flavor of this pod is truly just…espresso. It feels like it perfectly typifies the quintessential espresso experience, making it a great blend to sip on its own—though it holds up great to dairy and other add-ons if that’s more your style. 

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: 11 | Best For: Espresso, Ristretto

Best Vertuo Nespresso Pods for Lattes

Nespresso Double Espresso Scuro

$35 at Amazon View on Nespresso.com

We’ve all gone through the process of making a specialty coffee or iced drink, only to be left with something that can best be described as mud water. Not every blend is well-suited to dilution, and generally, the lighter the roast, the more the flavor disappears when combined with ice, milk, or other add-ons. That’s where Nespresso’s Double Espresso Scuro capsules come in. Created using American Robusta and Arabica beans, it’s intentionally formulated to have a very dark, smoky flavor that can hold its own against dilution from water, ice, or dairy.

While testing various pods, this was one of the few we enjoyed iced, thanks to a full-bodied lingering flavor left behind even after the ice had been sitting for a while. Made on its own and sipped hot, this capsule was almost too robust and slightly undrinkable — but it hit its stride once mixed into a latte or cappuccino. It had a great mouthfeel and pleasant chocolatey notes.

Roast: Dark Roast | Intensity: 11 | Best For: Latte, Cappuccino

Best Vertuo Nespresso Pods Flavor

Nespresso Barista Creations Roasted Hazelnut

$38 at Amazon View on Nespresso.com

Forget splurging on a pricey fall kitchen candle — all you need to do to bring a cozy factor to your kitchen is brew up a cup of Nespresso’s Barista Creations Roasted Hazelnut. Rich in both color and fragrance (it flooded our kitchen with notes of hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, and shortbread), this medium roast capsule strikes the perfect balance between a true espresso flavor and a little something extra.

During testing, we were immediately taken by the authentic taste of these pods, which imparted just enough toasty hazelnut notes to satisfy our craving for flavor without completely overpowering the espresso. While this medium-intensity roast is much more drinkable than other traditional pods, it doesn’t feel watered down or diluted — instead, the flavor is balanced and layered, with a smooth texture and velvety mouthfeel that pair beautifully with milk.

Roast: Medium Roast | Intensity: 6 | Best For: Latte, Cappuccino

Best Vertuo Nespresso Pods Variety Pack

Nespresso Vertuo Discovery Coffee Capsule Sampler

View on Nespresso.com

New to the world of Nespresso and unsure exactly what you like? No sweat. With the brand’s 60-capsule Discovery Pack, you can sip through all of Nespresso’s most coveted blends. No matter how you prefer your pull, there’s something in this pack for you, from the woody and spicy notes of Stormio and the fruity and full-bodied flavor of Odacio to the creamy and biscuity indulgence that is Golden Caramel. You’ll get ten capsules of each of the six flavors included, so you’ll have plenty of time to sip, experiment, and choose a favorite.

Roast: Medium Roast, Dark Roast | Intensity: Range | Best For: Espresso, Ristretto, Latte, Cappuccino

Our Favorite Nespresso Pods

Our favorite Nespresso Original pods are the Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Firenze Arpeggio capsules. They are approachable with notes of chocolate and cherry and are great for beginners. Our favorite Nespresso Vertuo pods are the crowd-pleasing Nespresso Ristretto & Espresso Altissio capsules, which produce a rich, dark roast that is complex yet approachable.

How We Tested Nespresso Pods

We tested 17 Nespresso pods for this piece, which varied in roast, bean, intensity, and flavor. Some capsules were meant to be enjoyed as an espresso or ristretto; others were best served as a latte or cappuccino. Each Nespresso pod was tasted extensively and rated in the below categories:

• Capsule: The unfortunate part about using capsules to brew coffee and espresso is that even the slightest bit of damage to the body can influence whether your drink brews properly. Maybe we earned some good karma somewhere along the way with FedEx, but all of our capsules arrived in good condition (no dents or tears) and performed as they should within both the machines we were using. 
• Roast: One of the biggest indicators of how strong an espresso or coffee will taste comes from what type of roast it is. For this piece, we tested capsules in a range of roasts, primarily focusing on medium and dark roast varietals, along with a few blonde roasts thrown into the mix. While tasting, we noted whether the sip lived up to its roast (i.e. was it full-bodied or very mild) We also noted the brew color once prepared. 
• Intensity: As a practice, Nespresso rates all their capsules on a scale of 1 to 13 for intensity, with 13 being the most intense. During testing, we paid close attention to the “score” of each capsule and used our palette to discern whether Nespresso’s ranking felt accurate. Beyond that, we noted when flavors tasted too intense for certain applications (like a not enjoyable capsule served as espresso) or whether the intensity was so weak that the flavor was lost when combined with dairy.  
• Flavor: The most heavily weighted category in our testing was the flavor of the pods, and we tested each with multiple people — and in multiple formats — to gauge an unbiased response. Each pod was first pulled and tasted as an espresso shot before trying the same blend in different formats, such as iced, as a latte, or as a double shot.

Factors to Consider

Capsule Type

There are two types of Nespresso capsules, each compatible only with its corresponding type of machine. Original capsules are cylindrical and work in Original machines, which can make only ristretto or single shots of espresso at a time. Vertuo capsules are bowl-shaped and made for Vertuo machines, which have more batch-size options. There are also XL Vertuo capsules, a taller version of the same shape that's meant for full-sized and double-sized cups of coffee. Most, but not all, Vertuo machines are compatible with both standard and XL Vertuo capsules.

Roast

A very important step in the process of turning the raw seeds of the coffee plant into coffee beans is roasting. This reduces moisture content, caramelizes sugars, and goes a long way to determining the final flavor profile. Coffees roasted for longer and at higher temperatures are dark roasts, with toasted, butterscotch, or even burnt flavors. These bold beans are a popular choice for brewing espresso. Lighter roasts have more acidity and more complex fruitiness but also less intensity. Neither is inherently better, but most coffee drinkers prefer one style over the other.

Intensity

Nespresso uses a numerical scale from 1 to 13 to identify the "intensity" of its coffees in terms of body, richness, aroma, and bitterness. This has a lot to do with the type of roast, as well as the origin of the beans and exactly how much coffee is inside each capsule. Think of it as the level of flavor concentration: If you plan to dilute the espresso with milk or ice, you should go for a higher number, but if you plan to drink it black and don't want to be overwhelmed, maybe a lower one is in order. Keep in mind that the intensity number is not related to the amount of caffeine in the coffee; it is only a measure of flavor.

FAQ

How do I know which type of Nespresso machine I have?

It's fairly easy to tell if you have a Nespresso Vertuo machine: Besides the Evoluo, they all typically have "Vertuo" in the name. Vertuo machines also offer a wider range of brewing options; if you can choose from four or more different cup sizes, you have a Vertuo. On the other hand, Nespresso Original machines can be spotted because they only make ristretto, single espresso, and lungo shots, no larger. They're slightly less expensive than their Vertuo counterparts, but there is a full range of luxury available for both types of machine. In our testing of the best Nespresso machines, we loved the Lattissima One for its integrated milk jug and frother, which lets you make lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos at the touch of a button.

What’s the difference between Nespresso pods and capsules?

They're the same thing. We use "pod" as a generic term for any pre-portioned package used in a single-serving coffee machine. There are several types of coffee pods out there — Keurig's K-Cup is another well-known brand — and Nespresso simply calls its version "capsules." Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum and are pierced by the machine during brewing. Some other pods on the market may work more similarly to tea bags, allowing water to flow over the grounds with no piercing required.

Can Nespresso capsules be recycled?

Yes! Nespresso’s capsules are made of aluminum, which not only keeps the coffee protected from oxygen but can be recovered and reused again and again. Nespresso has set up more than 100,000 collection points where you can bring your used capsules or order a free recycling bag you can drop off at any UPS dropoff location for free shipping to a recycling center. Because Nespresso pods contain coffee grounds, you may or may not be able to throw them in your blue recycling bin for municipal pickup; check your local rules about that.

How much caffeine is in one Nespresso pod?

According to Nespresso, most of its single-serving capsules contain between 50 and 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is pretty standard for a shot of espresso. Larger Vertuo capsules may contain up to 200 milligrams, but these are intended to make multiple servings of coffee. The caffeine levels of coffee vary widely in general, and Nespresso's options aren't particularly stronger or weaker than average.

Do Nespresso capsules expire?

Sleeves of Nespresso capsules are printed with both a production date and an expiration date, typically about a year after production. The capsules are hermetically sealed and safe to use beyond the expiration date, but the flavor may fade or deteriorate. You do not need to refrigerate Nespresso capsules, but keep them away from moisture, heat, and light — a kitchen cabinet or drawer is best.

What’s the difference between lungo and espresso?

A lungo ("long" in Italian) is a shot brewed under pressure like espresso, only with more water to the same amount of grounds. In Nespresso terms, a single espresso measures 1.35 ounces, and a lungo 3.72 ounces, more than twice as big. It tastes milder than an espresso shot, and you can sip one for longer. A lungo is very similar to an Americano, except that the Americano adds extra water to a normal espresso shot after rather than during brewing.

What’s a ristretto?

A ristretto (which means "narrow" in Italian) is a shot that uses the same amount of coffee as a standard espresso but half the water. Think of it as the reverse of a lungo. It's a super-concentrated brew you're meant to throw back in one quick, intense sip.

Other Nespresso Pods We Tested

Peet's Espresso Ricchezza ($9 at Amazon)

This medium roast had a rich color and pleasant aroma, with notes of stone fruit, vanilla, and berries. It had a mid-range intensity that was very drinkable albeit a little dull — there wasn’t a ton of complex flavor that came across. It also didn’t hold up to experimentation well. While the ristretto size had enough of a pronounced flavor, even an espresso shot began to taste watered down, and there was almost no discerning the taste of this blend in a latte. This is a nice option for anyone who doesn't want to feel limited to Nespresso-brand pods or is looking for something they can easily pick up in most grocery stores. 

Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo Line Blonde Espresso Roast ($11 at Target)

We were pleasantly surprised by the enjoyable flavor of this mild roast, which had notes of caramel, nuts, vanilla, and a bit of citrus. The taste of this pod was naturally sweet and smooth, with low acidity and no bitterness, even as it cooled off. This pod is a great option for people looking for a first introduction to espresso or someone searching for an easy-to-sip brew without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Our only gripe? It watered down quickly and didn’t hold up well to dilution from ice or dairy. 

Nespresso Ristretto & Espresso Voltesso ($10 at Nespresso)

Nespresso rates this brew at a 4 in intensity and we have to agree with that — it’s very mild, smooth, and drinkable, making it a great first introduction to espresso for those who are a bit fearful of its potency. It has notes of baking spices, biscuit, and mild sweetness, with a velvety mouthfeel that is very pleasant to sip. That said, we weren’t super impressed by the crema created by this pod. 

Starbucks by Nespresso for Vertuo Espresso Roast ($11 at Walmart)

This Starbucks classic is a bold, full roast with a deep dark color and notes of caramel, chocolate, toasted cereal, and maple syrup. When sipped alone as a shot, we felt this flavor had a bitter acidic taste. It did better when mixed with dairy for a latte or cappuccino, but didn’t wow us enough to make our list.

Cafe Romano Roma Eterna ($9 at Amazon)

We tested several different Cafe Romano Nespresso pods for this story, and their Roma Eterna varietal came the closest to making our list. We found many of their blends weak in flavor or a little too one-note. Add to that the fact that they’re tough to find (and often out of stock), and they didn’t make a strong case for inclusion on our list.  

Our Expertise

• Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children. In her research for this story, she tested 17 Nespresso pods.
• Summer Rylander is a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She is an avid coffee drinker, has a Nespresso machine next to her Moccamaster coffee maker, and is very fond of the Stockholm Fortissio capsule. Summer contributed supplemental content for the Factors to Consider section of this article.