10 Best Nespresso Pods in 2024

I brew several coffee drinks daily and use my Nespresso machine when in a rush. As such, I’ve tried dozens of brands and roasts. 

The Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast Arabica & Robusta Aluminum Capsules are my top choice of Nespresso pods. Because of its great flavors, affordable price, and excellent quality. 

However, this might not be your favorite. After all, we all have different tastes and preferences. 

So, to cover everyone’s tastes, I made a list of the top 10 Nespresso pods to help you find your favorite. 

So, let’s dive in. 

Top 10 Nespresso Pods

1. Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast – Best Overall
2. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine – Best Dark Roast 
3. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Medium Roast – Best for Flat Whites
4. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo Medium Roast – Best Flavored 
5. L’OR Espresso Capsules Vanilla – Best Vanilla 
6. Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Espresso – Best Budget
7. Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast Espresso – Best for Americanos
8. Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast – Best for Lattes
9. VertuoLine Stormio Coffee – Best for Espresso
10. Illy Espresso Capsules – Best for Cappuccinos

10 Best Nespresso Pods

1. Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast Arabica & Robusta – Best Overall

Lavazza’s Espresso Ristretto pods are the best Nespresso pods because they offer a uniquely bold, intense experience thanks to an ultra-dark roast of Arabica and Robusta beans. 

The Lavazza Espresso Ristretto pods are designed for Nespresso Original machines. 

They are best for those who enjoy intense, full-bodied espresso or ristretto with rich, dark chocolate and caramel notes. 

The dark roast Arabica and Robusta coffee blend delivers a bold, aromatic cup at intensity level of 12 out of 13 (higher numbers indicate darker roasts). 

With 60 pods per value pack, the price averages out to an extremely affordable price per pod. 

This Lavazza variety stands out with its extremely dark roast and high-intensity flavor that espresso aficionados will appreciate.

Sourced from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, this dark roast has an intense and full-bodied flavor featuring notes of chocolate and caramel. 

Made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, Ristretto delivers a bold aromatic experience.

On the downside, some may find the dark roast too intense and bitter if you’re not used to it. But I (and most people) love it. 

If you prefer medium roasts, this variety may be too bold for your taste.

If you need pods for your VertuoLine instead, the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee is my recommendation. 

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2. Nespresso Capsules, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee, Coffee Pods – Best Dark Roast 

The Nespresso Intenso pods are best for coffee lovers who enjoy bold, intense dark roast coffees.

They are the best dark roast due to their rich flavor profile, making these pods a great option for those who like a strong coffee to start their day.

These coffee pods are compatible only with the Nespresso VertuoLine machines, which produce 7.7-oz servings. They won’t work with the original Nespresso machines.

This is a dark roast coffee with an intensity level of 9 out of 13 on the Nespresso scale, which is too intense for some drinkers.  

The intensity rating refers to the strength and flavor of the coffee. On the Nespresso scale, higher numbers indicate a bolder, more intense coffee.

The Intenso’s 9 rating means it has a very bold, robust profile.

The flavor notes are thick, dense, and lingering with toasted and brown sugar flavors.

This 10-count pack of pods is quite pricey but comparable to other premium coffee pod brands.

A great aspect of these pods is that Nespresso is that it is Rainforest Alliance Certified for ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Plus, 93% of the coffee comes from farms in their AAA sustainability program.

Looking for medium roast Nespresso pods instead? The Nespresso Capsules, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee is your best bet. 

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3. Nespresso Capsules, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee – Best for Flat Whites

This pack of Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro pods are the best choice for coffee lovers who want a quality medium roast flat white. 

The pods are compatible with all Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines.

The chiaro roast is a medium blonde roast that produces a smooth, balanced espresso without excessive bitterness. 

This and its creaminess make it a perfect option for flat whites. 

The blend of South and Central American Arabicas offers tasting notes of wood and earth. This will appeal to those who enjoy a nuanced, indulgent coffee experience.

These pods are reasonably priced, considering the premium coffee and convenience. While not the cheapest option, Nespresso pods offer consistency and flavor.

These pods make a fuller 2.7 oz double espresso shot, unlike the typical 1.35 oz. The 30-capsule bundle provides good value.

A potential con is that the aluminum pods generate more waste than ground coffee. However, Nespresso provides recycling options.

Also, some reviewers found it too bitter, which I don’t agree with. 

All in all, these flavorful pods deliver a smooth, aromatic double espresso highlighting the wood and earth notes of the premium bean blend. 

Looking for a flavored Nespresso pod instead? The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel is what I recommend. 

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4. Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel, Medium Roast Coffee – Best Flavored 

The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel is a great option for coffee drinkers who want sweet, aromatic caramel flavors. 

The pods are compatible with Nespresso’s VertuoLine machines. 

The medium roast coffee has a smooth, velvety profile with caramel, biscuit, and vanilla notes. This blend would appeal to those seeking a balanced, sweeter-tasting coffee.

However, a few reviewers found the caramel notes tasted “fake” or artificial. That said, an overwhelming majority likes its tastes. 

The pods are priced higher than average, with a small premium over regular Nespresso varieties due to the specialty caramel flavoring. 

However, the price provides reasonable value considering the quality and convenience.

A unique feature of this product is the larger 7.8 oz pod size, allowing for a longer drinking experience compared to a standard espresso shot. 

The split roast technique used with beans from various regions for these pods helps balance the depth and complexity of the coffee. 

Overall, this is a tasty flavored coffee option for Nespresso owners who enjoy sweet, dessert-like flavors.

Looking for vanilla-flavored Nespresso pods instead? The L’OR Espresso Capsules, Vanilla is my top recommendation. 

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5. L’OR Espresso Capsules, Vanilla – Best Vanilla 

The L’OR Espresso Vanilla Capsules are the best option for those who enjoy a sweet, aromatic vanilla-flavored espresso. 

These capsules are compatible with the L’OR BARISTA system and original Nespresso® machines.

That said, some reviewers had issues with the fit and the dribble. But those seemed to be isolated issues. 

These capsules are made with a medium roast Arabica bean blend from South and Central America. 

The vanilla flavoring provides a subtle sweetness that enhances but doesn’t overwhelm the coffee. 

The flavor leans more toward smooth and sweet rather than strong and bitter.

The L’OR Espresso Vanilla Capsules are decently priced compared to similar single-serve vanilla flavored pods. However, they cost more than average. 

However, the Rainforest Alliance certification and ethical sourcing practices add value to these pods.

Looking for a lower-cost alternative? Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Espresso Capsules is my top choice. 

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6. Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Espresso – Best Budget

The Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast Espresso Capsules are best for coffee lovers who have a frugal mindset. 

These capsules are compatible with most Original Line Nespresso machines like the Pixie, CitiZ, Lattissima, and KitchenAid models.

The capsules contain Peet’s dark roast espresso beans that create a full-bodied, bold cup of coffee. 

The dark roast results in strong, almost bitter notes that espresso fans will appreciate. 

And its caramel flavor adds sweetness to balance out the bitterness.

These pods are very affordable, and considering the high-quality beans and consistent flavor each pod delivers, they are a good value.

The packaging contains 100 capsules, which is perfect for areas with high-volume use, like cafeterias, offices, and large families.

However, it may be too many for casual espresso drinkers. 

Some drinkers find these pods too intense/bitter, so those who prefer a lighter or medium roast may find it too strong.

On that note, if you want low acid with minimal bitterness, you need to check out the Death Wish Coffee capsules up next. 

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7. Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast Espresso Capsules – Best for Americanos

Death Wish Coffee’s Dark Roast Espresso Capsules provide an intensely bold and flavorful espresso experience with low acidity levels perfect for Americanos. 

The capsules are designed for espresso lovers who want a robust drink with low acid while not compromising on rich flavor.

Death Wish is known for its strong blends with double the caffeine of regular coffee.

The capsules are compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine brewers, such as the Pixie, CitiZ, Lattissima and Essenza Mini.

This dark roast espresso has an ultra-bold flavor profile with tasting notes of chocolate and cherry. It delivers an incredibly rich, smooth taste without bitterness.

With an intensity rating of 10 out of 13, this is an especially bold choice. However, the beans are roasted to extract maximum flavor without becoming bitter or burnt.

This intense dark roast offers a caffeine kick to wake you up as a plain Americano. It also works well in milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, lungos, flat whites, etc.

These capsules offer premium flavor at a fair price. It is on par with the prices of other popular Nespresso pods, so you don’t pay extra for the bolder taste.

One downside of these Death Wish pods is that the boldness could be too much for some lighter coffee drinkers. 

Also, it may have too much caffeine for some drinkers. Avoid this coffee if you get the jitters easily. 

But for hardcore espresso fans, these capsules deliver maximum robust coffee flavor and caffeine in every shot.

Looking for light roast Nespresso pods instead? The Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso is my go-to. 

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8. Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso – Best for Lattes

The Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso pods are the best light roast because it offers a smooth and mellow coffee profile that’s perfect for lattes.

It has a lighter blonde roast, which highlights the sweet notes in milk-based drinks, especially lattes and cappuccinos, without bitterness.

These pods are compatible with the Essenza Mini, Pixie, CitiZ, Expert, Lattissima, KitchenAid, and Creatista Nespresso machines.

These Starbucks Blonde Roast pods provide a specialty light roast you won’t always find at Starbucks stores.

Most Starbucks espresso is a darker roast. So this mellow profile makes these pods unique among single-serve options.

These Starbucks Nespresso pods are pricier than the average pods but on par with premium brands like Nespresso.

Considering the convenience and quality Starbucks offers, they provide good value.

Looking for Nespresso pods with more intensity? The VertuoLine Stormio Coffee is my go-to. 

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9. VertuoLine Stormio Coffee – Best for Espresso

The VertuoLine Stormio Coffee pods provide an intense, bold coffee experience perfect for those who enjoy a strong, dark roast espresso.

The Stormio blend features 100% Arabica beans sourced from Nicaragua and Guatemala. This gives these pods a richly aromatic and spice-forward flavor profile.

These pods are designed exclusively for Nespresso’s VertuoLine coffee makers. 

With an intensity rating of 8 out of 13, Stormio is one of Nespresso’s boldest blends. It packs intensely aromatic notes of wood, spice, and cereal. 

Yet despite the dark roast, Stormio remains smooth and easy to drink without bitterness.

It is perfect for espresso and tastes close to the real thing without using an espresso machine. 

The complexity is perfect for coffee drinkers who appreciate exploring flavor nuances. Stormio also adds a great frothy texture to milk-based coffee drinks, like lattes.

Stormio pods are sold in boxes of 10 capsules and are priced at a premium but not overly expensive coffee option.

At 7 oz per pod, Stormio yields more coffee than standard single-serve capsules. This allows you to enjoy it as black coffee or an Americano.

For hardcore coffee lovers, Stormio’s bold intensity and flavor complexity are major pros. 

Potential downsides are that the dark roast is too robust for some or that the pods only work in VertuoLine machines. 

Overall, Nespresso aficionados who crave a powerful coffee packed with wood, spice, and cereal notes will find Stormio a winning option. 

Want the most sustainable coffee in your Nespresso pods? In that case, you need to look into the Illy Espresso Capsules up next. 

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10. Illy Espresso Capsules, 100% Arabica Bean Signature Italian Blend – Best for Cappuccinos

The Illy capsule is ideal for espresso aficionados who want the quality of Illy’s signature Italian blend and sustainably-sourced coffee in a single-serve pod.

The Classico medium roast has a balanced, nuanced flavor profile with tasting notes of caramel and citrus that is perfect cappuccinos.

The smooth, rich crema makes it appealing if you want a mellow cappuccino rather than an intense dark roast.

These Illy Nespresso capsules are reasonably priced, considering the exceptional quality of sustainably sourced beans.

The capsules use sustainably sourced from several regions in the Coffee Belt that produce high-quality Arabica beans.

Unlike many brands, Illy works directly with growers long-term to develop best practices.

Illy provides training and support to farmers at no cost, empowering growers and communities while promoting sustainability.

Some reviewers note that these Nespresso pods lack taste. But, I (and most of the reviewers) disagree. 

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Nespresso Pod Buying Guide

Here is what you should consider before you buy some Nespresso pods. For more information about what you need to consider when buying coffee, see our complete coffee-buying guide.

What to Consider	Why it’s Important
Roast	Nepresso roast levels range from light to dark roasts.
Compatibility with your Nespresso machine	You need pods that are compatible with either a Vertuo line or Nespresso Original line machines.
The right type for your beverage	Several aspects, like the coffee bean species, caffeine content, growing region, and more, affect how Nespresso coffees taste.
Certifications	USDA Organic and Fairtrade certifications are important to many individuals.
Price/Budget	You can find affordable to expensive Nespresso pods.
Single vs. multi-origin	Single-origin beans tend to have a more consistent flavor than blends (multi-origin).
Packaging/roast date	Nespresso pods with a more recent roast or packaging date mean it is fresher.
Recyclable and  Biodegradable	Recyclable Nespresso pods are better for the environment.

Looking for a new Nespresso machine? Check out our recommended Nespresso machines.

Roast

When looking at Nespresso pods, consider the range of roast levels available. The spectrum goes from light roasts to dark roasts. 

Darker roasts tend to have a bolder, more bitter flavor profile. Lighter roasts have a milder, smoother taste. 

For the Nespresso, I suggest medium to dark roasts. However, the optimal roast comes down to your personal preferences. 

Although less common, you can find light roast Nespresso pod options as well for those who like a milder cup of coffee. 

Take your specific flavor desires into account when deciding on the ideal roast level if you have a strong preference. 

Testing out pods across the roast range is another good way to determine what works best for your palate. 

Learn more about coffee roast levels here. 

Compatibility 

Unfortunately, not all Nespresso machines are made equal. What I mean by that is that they all don’t take the same Nespresso pods/capsules. 

The two major types available are Nespresso Original and Vertuo line espresso machines. 

Pods for one type of machine won’t work or fit in the other. So, make sure you get the right one for your machine.

Almost all pods/capsules on the market are clearly labeled with either “for Nespresso Original machines” or “for Vertuo line Nespresso machines.”

So, just make sure you have the right one for your machine before you buy it.

If you’re not sure what machine you have, look at its manual or Google the model number. 

Certifications

When selecting Nespresso pods, examine the certifications listed on the packaging. 

Several key coffee certifications to look for include USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance. 

A USDA Organic certification indicates that no artificial ingredients, preservatives, flavors, or other additives were used in the coffee’s production. 

Fair Trade certification means that fair pay and ethical working conditions were provided to the farmers and workers who grew and harvested the coffee beans. 

And a Rainforest Alliance certification shows that the surrounding rainforests were protected in the areas where the beans were sourced. 

For many consumers, these certifications are important signifiers of overall coffee quality and responsible, sustainable farming practices. 

Opting for Nespresso pods that carry certifications like these can give you confidence in the ethics and quality of the coffee if this is a priority for you. 

Check the brand’s website or packaging for details on specific certifications to help inform your purchases.

Learn more about important coffee certifications in our guide and the table below.

Certifications	What it means
USDA Organic	Cruelty and chemical free and transported safely.
Fairtrade	Protects the farmers who grew the coffee beans.
4C Certification	Protects the farmers who grew the coffee beans.
Rainforest Alliance Certification	Ensures no deforestation.
Smithsonian Bird Friendly	Looks after the birds living in the coffee farms.

Price/Budget

When looking at Nespresso pods, it’s important to consider the price and your budget. 

There is a wide range of pricing for Nespresso pods based on factors like quality, brand, origins, and more. 

Lower-end, lower-quality pod options typically cost less per unit. Higher-quality pods from premium brands usually come at a higher price point per pod. 

However, watch for sales or deals on pods for opportunities to get quality pods at a lower cost. 

Overall, expect Nespresso pod prices to range from about $0.70 to $1.75 per individual pod on average. 

But do some research and compare prices across brands and models to find options that fit both your taste preferences and budget. Setting a budget in advance can help narrow your options, too.

Single-origin vs. Multi-origin

When selecting Nespresso pods, you’ll also want to consider whether you prefer single-origin or multi-origin (blended) options.

Single-origin pods use coffee beans sourced from just one particular farm, region, or country. This allows for consistent and predictable flavor profiles in the coffee. 

On the other hand, multi-origin or blended pods combine beans from multiple different farms, regions, or countries. 

Blending beans from different locales allows for unique combinations of flavors in the final coffee.

Single-origin coffees will often come at a higher price point compared to blended options. 

However, your personal taste preferences should primarily drive your decision between single-origin and blended sources. 

There’s no definitive superior choice; it just depends on the flavor experience you prefer.

Those who enjoy consistent, straightforward flavor profiles may opt for single-origin pods, while those who like experiencing a variety of complex flavors may enjoy blended options more. 

Testing out pods from both categories will help identify your preferences.

Single Origin Coffee Benefits

Here are the benefits of single-origin Nespresso pods.

• Consistent flavor profiles and texture
• More strength/boldness
• Robust tasting notes

Multi-origin Coffee Benefits

Here are the benefits of multi-origin/blended Nespresso pods.

• Typically less expensive
• Different combinations can yield unique flavors
• Blended tasting notes

For more information, see our guide on single-origins and coffee blends.

Packaging Date/Roast Date

When selecting Nespresso pods to purchase, carefully inspect the packaging date or roast date. The freshness of the coffee has a significant impact on taste and flavor.

Ideally, look for Nespresso pods that have been recently roasted, as these will provide the freshest, best taste. 

If recently roasted options are not available, check for pods with a best-by or expiration date that is many months into the future.

Even though Nespresso pods are sealed for freshness, the older the roast date, the more the coffee’s flavors and aromas diminish over time. 

Some Nespresso pod brands print the roast date directly on the packaging, while others only provide a broader expiration date.

In either case, prioritize as recent of a roast and production date as possible when making your selection. 

The specialized hermetic seal Nespresso pods use helps maintain freshness longer than ground coffee, but fresher is still better for optimal taste.

To learn more, see our article on packaging and roast dates. 

Best Brands

When shopping for Nespresso pods, sticking to well-known, reputable brands is recommended. Top brands like Nespresso, Peet’s, Starbucks, Illy, and Lavazza are great options to consider.

These major brands offer a wide selection of Nespresso pods at different roast levels, flavor profiles, aromas, and strengths. 

This allows you to find varieties aligned with your specific taste preferences. You can purchase these recommended brands online through the company’s websites or authorized retailers. 

Brick-and-mortar locations like Nespresso boutiques, grocery stores, and coffee shops also often carry a variety of pods from the top brands.

Trying out pods from a few different premium brands is a great way to determine your favorites. 

High-quality pods from leading companies like these will provide a consistently delicious coffee experience.

Recyclable

Unlike K-cups, most Nespresso pods are fully recyclable aluminum.

Nespresso has a free recycling program where you can drop off used aluminum pods at Nespresso boutiques or have them picked up at your home.

The collected pods get recycled and made into new products. So when buying Nespresso pods, you don’t have to worry as much about creating excessive waste.

Learn how to recycle Nespresso pods here. 

Our Verdict

Here are our top 3 recommendations for Nespresso pods. Every option is high-quality, reasonably priced, and has excellent tasting notes. 

• The Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast Arabica & Robusta Aluminum Capsules  because of its affordability, caramel tasting notes, and perfect intensity. It is compatible with Nespresso original machines. 
• Our second choice, the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee, Coffee Pods is a well-balanced dark roast with a great intensity level as well. It is compatible with VertuoLine Nespresso machines. 
• And our third recommendation, the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee is a less intense medium roast with a creamy texture and woody tasting notes. It’s compatible with VertuoLine Nespresso machines as well.