8 Best Nespresso Pods (reviews of our top choices for Nespresso Pods+ more information)

My boyfriend bought me a Nespresso coffee maker on our second anniversary. This came after I complained about the amount of money I was spending in coffee shops for my favorite drink. Since then, I drink coffee daily and have tried most Nespresso pods. I have also narrowed down the best. This article takes an in-depth look at the best Nespresso pods. Keep reading to learn more!   

How do Nespresso pods work?

Nespresso pods contain coffee bean grounds. They are designed to be used with Nespresso coffee makers, which have an in-built piercing mechanism to puncture the capsule and extract the coffee grounds through high pressure. The coffee grounds are brewed in the machine and dispensed into your coffee cup or mug through the spout. The used Nespresso pod is then discarded. The Nespresso pod design provides a convenient and quick way to make your favorite espresso-based drink with a consistent flavor and quality.

What are the sizes of Nespresso pods?

Nespresso offers you different sizes of coffee pods. The first is the espresso (40 ml), the original Nespresso size used mainly to make a classic espresso shot. The second is lungo (110 ml), perfect if you want a longer, more dilute espresso shot. Next is the gran lungo (150 ml), which gives you an even longer, more dilute espresso shot. The fourth is the double espresso (80 ml), two espresso shots in one pod to provide you with stronger coffee. Last is the alto (414 ml), the largest pod for a full coffee cup.

Can you reuse Nespresso pods?

Yes, Nespresso pods are reusable. The pods are made from reusable aluminum. Also, you can compost the leftover coffee grounds inside the pods. To make the recycling or reuse process easier, Nespresso offers free pod-recycling bags you can drop off at any Nespresso boutique or UPS location. Each bag holds 100 VertuoLine or 200 OriginalLine pods.

How we choose the Best Nespresso Pods?

The pods in the list were chosen based on the quality and taste of the coffee they are used to prepare. In the list are pods that make a perfect latte, Americano, or cappuccino. Also on the list are the best pods for preparing light and dark roast coffee. Lastly, the list includes the best pod for preparing a long shot and decaf coffee.

8 Best Nespresso Pods

Nespresso Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano- Best Nespresso pod for lattes

This Nespresso is flavorful enough to enjoy as a shot or combined with steamed milk (2 percent) for a creamy latte. Each pod contains a one-of-a-kind and powerful blend of flavors. This ristretto’s aroma is subtly fruity, but its overall flavor is smoky with notes of dark-chocolate bitterness. It is for this reason that most people love this Nespresso pod.

With an intensity rating of ten out of thirteen, its flavor is strong enough to stand out when blended with milk. Factor this in with the coffee’s mild sweetness and a perfect base for a latte.

These pods are designed for OriginalLine coffee makers. There is a decaffeinated version for those who want to enjoy the strong coffee taste without the jitters caused by caffeine.

Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio- Best Nespresso pod for Americanos

If you love Americanos, give Arpeggio pods a try. With an intensity rating of nine out of thirteen, you can use this pod for 1.35 or 0.85-ounce cups. The pods blend South and Central American Arabica coffee beans, intensely roasted to produce malted and fruity flavor profiles. The flavor of the coffee is grilled and intense, with some woodiness and cocoa notes as well.

The order comes with 5 boxes with 10 pods each; however, you can order more boxes. The pods are only compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine coffee makers.

Nespresso Ispirazione Italiana Venezia- Best Nespresso pod for Cappuccinos

This blend of Colombian and Brazilian Arabica beans is perfect for a Cappuccino, latte, or other milk-based coffee beverages, frothed or not. The coffee has notes of cereal and caramel and a light fruitiness. With an intensity rating of 8 out of 13, this pod offers just enough coffee flavor when combined with 2 percent milk. Still, it will not overpower the sweeter components that make a good cappuccino, such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and more. Nespresso even uses this pod to prepare a special tiramisu cappuccino, which is available on the company’s website.

The Venezia pod is relatively new in the company’s line and is less readily available than other pods. These pods are only compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine coffee makers.

Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Espresso Variety Pack

If you have yet to try all Nespresso pods, a variety pack allows you to sample different varieties without committing to one at a time. It is also perfect for guests who have other preferences for coffee. The pack comes with a hundred pods, with ten of each type of coffee. The varieties in the pack include Fortission Lungo, Vivalto Lungo, Capriccio, Roma, Volluto, Firenze Arpeggio, Cosi, Ristretto Decaf, Ristretto, and Livanto.

Each pod brews a 1.35-ounce coffee cup, and the intensity rating of the pods in the pack ranges from four to ten. These pods are only compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine coffee makers.

Bestpresso variety pack- Best bargain (affordability)

If you have a Nespresso coffee maker but are on a budget, the Bestpresso variety pack might be just what you are looking for. The pack comes with one hundred and twenty pods, with twenty of each type. They have no sugar or preservatives, certified kosher. Also, after preparing your cup of coffee, the pods are recyclable. The varieties in the pack include Arabica, Lungo, Intenso, Ristretto, and Verona. Their intensity ranges from six to twelve. The pods are only compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine coffee maker.

VertuoLine variety pack- Best for the Nespresso Vertuo coffee maker

If you own the latest Vertuo coffee makers, this variety pack will make available to you three different types of coffee to sample. They include Stormio, Odacio and Melozio.

The Stormio Nespresso pods are made with a blend of Nicaragua and Guatemala Arabica beans. The coffee has an intensity rating of 8 out of 13.

The Odacio Nespresso pods are made using lightly roasted East African Arabica coffee beans and roasted Central American coffee beans. The resulting coffee grounds have an intensity rating of 7 out of 13 and have a slightly fruity and full-bodied flavor.

The Melozio Nespresso pods are prepared with Brazilian Bourbon beans and Central American Arabica beans. The resulting coffee has an intensity rating of 6 out of 13 and has a smooth texture, sweet cereal notes, and sweet notes of honey.

These pods are only compatible with VertuoLine coffee makers.

Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar- Best pods dark roast Nespresso pod

This Nespresso pod has an intensity rating of twelve out of thirteen, and you can use it to prepare a darkly delicious cup of coffee. It is a blend of three different coffee beans, two from South America and one from Central America. The resulting coffee is super rich in body and has an extremely bold flavor. It also has a mild spiciness that distinguishes it from other dark roasts. The pods are only compatible with OriginalLine coffee makers.

Nespresso VertuoLine Voltesso- Best light roast Nespresso pod

Light roast coffee is more flavorful than dark roast coffee. This Nespresso pod is renowned mainly because it has a one-of-a-kind blend of tasting notes. On one side, you will get a subtle sweetness and hints of creamy biscuit on the other. The beans used to prepare the coffee are sourced from Colombia and Brazil. The coffee has an intensity rating of thirteen out of thirteen. These pods are sweet whether used in a latte or an espresso.

Informative Section

How many cups of coffee can you get from a single Nespresso pod?

One Nespresso pod can make between one and three cups of coffee, depending on the amount of water you use.

Are Nespresso pods environment-friendly?

Nespresso pods are environmentally friendly because they are reusable. After using them, damp them into the bag Nespresso provides, and after the bag is full, drop them at any Nespresso Boutique or UPS location.

Are Nespresso pods vegan?

Yes, the Nespresso pods are vegan. The pods are manufactured using aluminum and coated with food-grade plastic. They are free from food allergens such as eggs, dairy, and eggs.

Are Nespresso pods gluten-free?

Yes, the Nespresso pods are gluten-free. The pods are made using aluminum and coated with food-grade plastic. No wheat product is used in the process.

What is the most popular Nespresso pod?

The most popular pods are the Nespresso Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano.