Best Nespresso Capsules

Nespresso has 9 flavor lines for its Vertuo machines and 7 for its Original machines. Each line contains capsules with different taste profiles.

Not surprisingly, with such a variety, it can be difficult to find the capsules that appeal to you.

First, we found the most popular pods. Then we chose the best Nespresso capsules based on which drinks they are suitable for.

In compiling our review, we looked at prices, roast levels, and flavor intensity.

Let's see which Nespresso capsules are the best.

The Best Nespresso Pods

Therefore, you might find it hard to choose only the best capsules from the crowded market, and this is where we come into play. Urban Bean Coffee has reviewed the top 11 best Nespresso capsules in 2021 and has given you a buyer’s guide to help you out. Here they are:

1. Gourmesso - Best Nespresso Flavors for Original Line

If you're looking for a flavored pack for your Nespresso Original Line system, the Gourmesso mix comes with new nespresso flavors: caramel, chocolate, vanil, coconut, and hazelnut.

Gourmesso is one of my favorite pods for Nespresso. It's Fair Trade certified, so you can sure these Nespresso pods made from only the high-quality Arabica beans. 

Such beans are grown organically on small plantations, local traditions are observed. As for the taste, each capsule have excellent taste.

You will receive the elegant packaging with 5 sets of 5 capsules, which will facilitate storage and give you an excellent supply of capsules at a very competitive price.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Variety Pack - Most Popular Nespresso Pods

A full-bodied medium and dark roast Nespresso pods, coming in at intensity levels 6, 7, and 8. It is a mixture of 100% Arabica beans from different countries. 

Each capsule allow you to brew 7.8 oz of best-tasting black coffee, so you can invigorate yourself in the morning with all the comforts that a Nespresso coffee machine offers with one server.

This best Nespresso capsule pack consists of three types of Nespresso capsules and each of them has its own unique taste: rich and strong Stormio, balanced Odacio and smooth Melozio.

3. Diavolitto - Best Nespresso Espresso Pods

Which Nespresso pod is best for espresso? That's for sure Diavolitto.

This popular Diavolitto Nespresso capsule is only compatible with Vertuoline Nespresso machines. When you purchase, you get 50 capsules.

Each capsule can make a 1.35-ounce drink, which is a medium-sized espresso cup. It is the intensity that makes this product one of the best Nespresso pods in this review. Indeed, Diavolitto's intensity is 11 out of a maximum of 13. This means that this product is very intense and strong.

If you need strong morning coffee, fragrant and easy to prepare, this product is a great choice. Also, the aluminum capsules used in this coffee are 100% recyclable and therefore environmentally friendly.

The only caveat with this Nespresso is its rather high price. Another thing to note is that this product is only compatible with Vertuoline Nespresso machines.

4. India - Best Nespresso Original Capsules

If you need the best Nespresso capsules for Original Line, then stop here.

The name of these capsules reveals the place of origin of the coffee beans that are contained in them! Arabica and Robusta beans from southern India are grown in the shade on high plantations. Peppers and spices are cultivated there.

The result is a very clean, strong, slightly bitter drink. Arabica beans roast easily to capture delicate flavors. But robusta is well-roasted to derive strength and intensity. As for the smell, you will find dry notes of cocoa, as well as spices like nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper.

5. Decaffeinato - Best Nespresso Pods Without Caffeine

The coffee beans that make up the Nespresso Decaffeinato capsules are a mixture of several Colombian and South American Arabica beans with a small amount of Robusta. A short, light roast accentuates the fresh, fruity nature of this drink.

Nespresso also selected the right grinding to get a light but special product. The delicious aroma that reaches your nose has notes of wine, oil, red and dry fruits.

With 50 capsules per set, each capsule makes 1.35oz of espresso so you have something elusive but powerful to hit the road in the morning with the convenience of buttons that the Nespresso machine provides.

6. Ristretto - Best Nespresso Coffee Pods for Cappuccino

What are the best Nespresso capsules for cappuccino? Ristretto is one such.

It is a blend of East African and South American Arabica. Very little Robusta is added to it. Beans are roasted separately. It turns out a gentle, fruity, sour note that perfectly complements the strong, rich espresso.

By the way, the beans are slowly roasted to get a truly intense and original bouquet, the taste of which resembles chocolate. For these capsules, finely ground beans are used, resulting in an Italian-style drink.

Roasted East African Bean from Latin American beans Arabica from Brazil and Colombia are added to the heady mixture for good measure. At the heart of Arabica beans is a small hint of Robusta for an extra hit. Ristretto is rated at intensity level 10.

7. Fortissio Lungo - Best Tasting Nespresso Pods

Fortissimo Lungo Capsules are made from an elegant, balanced blend of Central and South American Arabica. A little Robusta is added which gives the brewed drink some character. Beans are roasted until cracked. This enhances the intensity, bitterness of the product.

This drink has woody notes, as well as a characteristic bouquet of cereals.

Fortissio Lungo gives you 3.7 oz longer cups, perfect for afternoons. You should not drink coffee a lot in the afternoon, though. This can lead to sleep disturbance.

Nominal at an intensity level of 8, this rich and rich mixture comes with a touch of oats and delicious malt to compensate for this raw strength.

Capriccio is a blend of South American arabica. Beans are grown at high altitude and have a rich taste with a slight acidity. There is a perfect balance between Brazilian arabica and a small amount of robusta. This delicate drink is dominated by notes of cereal.

8. Arpeggio - Best Nespresso Capsules for Latte

Arabica bean blends in Arpeggio best Nespresso capsules vertuoline are made from a mixture of beans from Central and South America. They have a malt, fruity flavor typical of Costa Rica beans. Fine grinding helps to better extract rich taste.

The length of the roast allows you to fully highlight the taste of roasted cocoa and the brand with an unmistakable and seductive aroma that emphasizes your drink. The base flavor of wood will provide a powerful and exciting way to start the morning.

Arpeggio is strong, with woody notes and a delicate shade of cocoa.

You will receive 50 capsules per set, rated at intensity level 9 on Nespresso's scale. Each capsule brews enough coffee for small portions of 1.35 ounces of the best espresso.

9. Linizio Lungo - Best Light Roast Nespresso Capsules

Linizio Lungo is made from Brazilian and Colombian Arabica, which are collected manually. Brazilian bourbon beans are washed, then depulpation occurs. After that, they are dried in the sun, while the mucus is not removed.

Colombian beans are fermented and then washed. When roasting beans, the features of each region are emphasized. Due to longer roasting, dark bourbon beans get a malt, cereal note. Colombian Arabica roasts faster. It turns out more “light” beans. The emphasis is on soft, sugar notes that are typical for this region.

10. Roma - Best Nespresso Pods for Americano

Another batch from OriginalLine, Roma capsules, has an intensity level of 8.

Roma Capsules are a balanced blend of Arabica from Central America and Robusta from Brazil.

This mixture is lightly roasted but has a characteristic smokiness that you usually associate with a darker roast. You will benefit from beans of various origins for a real sense of taste, which also has a delicious aroma.

This product has a pleasant, viscous taste. Thanks to this, a relatively strong espresso gains grace and brightness. The bouquet of taste contains woody notes.

How to Choose the Best Nespresso Capsules

Types of Nespresso Capsules

There are 16 different types of most popular nespresso pods that you can purchase on the market. Each has its intensity, taste and caffeine content. The most common Nespresso capsules you'll come across are espresso, Pure Origin, Lungo, and Decaffeinato.

Espresso Capsules: The Espresso Capsule is the first type of Nespresso capsule developed by Nestlé. It is referred to as “shorter” coffee and has a different strength because its caffeine level varies from the capsule to capsule.

Also, there are at least 6 different types of espresso capsules called Nespresso. And when it comes to origin, espresso coffee capsules come from a variety of places, such as South America, India, and even Ethiopia. Therefore, it can contain both Arabica beans and Robusta beans, depending on the brand you are buying.

Pure Genesis: There are 3 types of Nespresso Pure Genesis capsules. A good feature of this type of capsule is that they have a commonplace of manufacture, so it is very easy to track their origin. Also, it is a more ‘higher’ premium product that has a rounder taste than espresso which lasts longer on the tongue.

Lungo: Lungo uses twice as much water as a regular espresso. Consequently, these are bitter beans, which usually contain more caffeine. Lungo is known as a “tall" product, and in terms of taste, it is between espresso and americano.

Decaffeinato: Decaffeinato is a special Nespresso capsule 95% caffeine-free. This means that if you are looking for decaffeinated coffee, Decaffeinato is a great capsule for Nespresso. Also, there are 3 different types of Decaffeinato, each of which differs in intensity. Make no mistake, they are all caffeine-free but their intensity is mainly determined by their taste and aroma, and not the caffeine content.

Compatible with Nespresso Coffee Machine

As you know, to make coffee from a Nespresso capsule, you will need a Nespresso coffee machine. It is simply impossible to get around this. You will need to invest in one!

There are 2 types of Nespresso coffee machines. OriginalLine and Vertuoline.

As the name implies, OriginalLine is the original Nespresso machine that was invented in the 1970s but appeared in North America in the early 1990s. With OriginalLine, you can only make 2 Nespresso capsules. Espresso and Lungo.

However, these 2 types are common and have 26 regular packages as well as limited editions, so, of course, the user is offered a fairly large selection.

So, if you usually only drink Espresso and Lungo, then OriginalLine is a great choice.

Vertuoline, on the other hand, is more versatile and can brew 3 types of coffee. Espresso, Lungo or regular straight coffee. Moreover, Vertuoline is newer in North America since it only entered the market in 2014. Therefore, if you need the latest and greatest, the Vertuoline Nespresso is the smarter choice. Also, note that VertuoLine does not have caffeine-free Nespresso capsules.

Your Taste

Of course, your taste is at the heart of any decision when buying Nespresso capsules. Not all Nespresso products have the same taste, and they vary in intensity.

You will need to take into account the taste when purchasing Nespresso capsules. The most common types of flavors you will come across:

• Wood;
• Chocolate;
• Light;
• Intense roast;
• Sweet porridge.

However, the only reliable way to get the best Nespresso suited to your taste is experimental.

They are quite affordable, so if you have never tried them before, I suggest you buy a few Nespresso capsules that have different tastes and try them.

Intensity

The intensity of the Nespresso capsule varies from 1 to 13. 13 is the highest intensity and 1 is the softest. Most of the intensity depends on the level of caffeine, country of origin and taste of the drink. If you usually prefer your drink to be strong, then anything above 9 is usually a good choice.

On the other hand, if you want your coffee to be soft and light, use a lower number below 7.

Benefits of Capsule Coffee

The key benefits of capsule-type coffee include:

Great taste

The sealed container stores the taste properties of capsular coffee and does not allow the raw materials to weather. Thanks to this, the taste comes out more saturated and interesting than that of a conventional can.

Rich aroma

The reason is the same - the tightness of the capsules. Even if you make capsule coffee after 2 years of storage, its aroma will be the same as the capsule that was packaged 1 week ago.

Exact dosage

Each capsule is a complete serving, designed for the right amount of water. If it is espresso, then the package usually contains 0.3oz of raw materials - ideal for an espresso cup. If one were to brews coffee manually, they could make it too strong or, conversely, insufficiently saturated. With capsules, such a problem does not exist.

Brewing speed

The capsule coffee machine makes the drink in no longer than 30-40 seconds. If you compare it with an ordinary carob coffee maker, it saves about 2-3 minutes of pure time. This is very beneficial in the morning when a person is in a hurry to work, and it’s just more convenient.

Ease of use

The capsule machine does not need to be washed, and many models even remove used capsules on their own. Their operation is much simpler than conventional carob coffee makers.

How Nespresso Systems Work

Although America’s favorite hot drink can only have two essential ingredients — coffee grounds and water — the combination of these two is of great importance as a result.

Ask any barista and he will say that pressure greatly affects the quality of the espresso. This is the main factor in extracting all the subtle notes of aroma from the base.

Nespresso capsules are essentially small pressure vessels, and they function in a similar way to the manual operation of espresso machines. After the capsule is placed in the Nespresso coffee machine and it is turned on, several small needles pierce the device.

Next, hot water is pumped into the capsule, creating pressure. As soon as it reaches nine bar pressure inside the capsule, which is called the ideal amount for optimal taste retrieval, foil tears and water begins to flow through the grinds at a controlled pace.

Along with pressure, water temperature also greatly affects the taste.

Besides maximum flavor, pressure has another useful side effect: it creates crema. Crema, which is a colloid of small particles of oil suspended in water, is the foam that sits on top of an espresso.

Since this is a by-product when oil is squeezed out of the soil under pressure, crema is only made when the espresso is brewed at sufficiently high bars, so many coffee lovers use it as a measure of the quality of the espresso.

Along with pressure, the temperature of the water also greatly affects the taste. Some people may not know this, but overly hot water can extract too much flavor too quickly, leaving you with an overly bitter cup of java.

The ideal temperature for making espresso is from 190 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just below boiling. Nespresso coffee machines pour exactly 199.4 degrees.

Conclusion

If you want delicious coffee, but you don’t have time to prepare it traditionally, then best Nespresso capsules are by far the best option. With all the features and disadvantages mentioned above, it can be quite difficult to sort out the many reusable or disposable Nespresso capsules. But now - after looking through all my reviews - you know a lot more about these great products.

Nespresso capsules are pretty affordable, easy to use, and they also taste amazing!

Also, you do not need any experience to prepare a delicious drink using capsules. All you need is a Nespresso coffee machine.