10 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods in 2024

I brew coffee drinks daily using my Nespresso Vertuo machine when I’m rushed. 

Having tried many brands and roasts, I can recommend the top Vertuo pods.

My favorite ones are the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee, Coffee Pods. Because of their robust, bold flavor, reasonable price, and consistent quality.

Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee: Best Overall

• Roast: Dark Roast
• Flavor Profile: Brown Sugar and Toast
• Best For: Espresso, Americano
• Available In: 30 pod pack
• Price: $$$
• Compatibility: Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines
• Brew Size: 7.8 oz
• Origin: Multiple Origins, Central America
• Organic: N/A

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However, you may prefer something different based on your tastes. We all enjoy different coffee experiences.

So, I compiled a list of the top 10 Nespresso Vertuo pods to help you find your favorite option.

Let’s get started.

Top 10 Nespresso Vertuo Pods

1. Nespresso Capsules, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee – Best Overall 
2. Nespresso Capsules, Double Espresso, Medium – Best for Cappuccinos
3. Nespresso Capsules, Golden Caramel, Medium – Best Flavored 
4. Nespresso Capsules, Melozio, Medium Roast – Best for Americano
5. Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato, Medium – Best Decaf
6. VertuoLine Stormio Coffee – Best for Espresso
7. Starbucks by Nespresso Vanilla Flavored – Best for Flat Whites
8. Nespresso Capsules, Iced Coffee – Best for Iced Coffee
9. Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast – Best Starbucks
10. Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Veranda – Best for Lattes

10 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods

1. Nespresso Capsules, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee, Coffee Pods – Best Overall

Roast	Dark roast
Flavor profile	Brown sugar and toast
Best for	Espresso, Americano
Available In	30 pod pack
Price	$$$
Compatibility	Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines
Brew size	7.8 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Central America
Organic	N/A

The Nespresso VertuoLine Intenso pods is our top choice because of its robust, full-bodied flavor, affordable price, and high quality. 

This dark roast has a rich flavorful profile, making these pods a superb choice for those wanting a bold coffee to start their day energized.

These pods have a punchy intensity level of 9 on the Nespresso 13-point scale, which is too much for some drinkers. 

The intensity score indicates the strength and taste of the coffee. Higher ratings on Nespresso’s scale denote a more bold, intense coffee.

The Intenso’s 9 score signifies it has an extremely bold, strong flavor. But if you’re used to espresso, you won’t be surprised. 

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

This 10-count pack of pods is on the pricier side but on par with other high-end coffee pod brands.

A great thing about these pods is that Nespresso has Rainforest Alliance Certification for ethical and sustainable sourcing.

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

Want a medium roast Nespresso pod instead? The Nespresso Capsules, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee is a great alternative. 

2. Nespresso Capsules, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee – Best for Cappuccinos 

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Creamy and woody
Best for	Cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, lungos
Available In	Pack of 30 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	2.7 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Central and South America
Organic	N/A

These Nespresso VertuoLine Double Espresso Chiaro pods are the best option for coffee aficionados wanting a high-quality medium roast cappuccino.

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

Its roast level and creaminess make it perfect for cappuccinos along with lungos and flat whites. 

The combination of South and Central American Arabicas provides tasting notes of wood and earth. 

This will appeal to those who want a complex and unique coffee experience.

These pods are reasonably priced, given the premium coffee and convenience. While not the most affordable, Nespresso pods provide consistency and rich flavor.

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

A potential drawback is that it was too bitter for some reviewers. I disagree with that assessment, and so do most of the online reviews. 

Overall, these flavorful pods produce a smooth, aromatic double espresso accentuating the wood and earth notes from the excellent bean blend.

Seeking a flavored Nespresso Vertuo pod instead? I recommend the Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel up next. 

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

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Caramel
Best for	Lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, lungos
Available In	30 pod pack
Price	$$
Pod size	7.8 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Latin America
Organic	N/A

The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel is an excellent choice for espresso lovers wanting sweet and familiar caramel flavor.

This medium roast coffee has a smooth, velvety mouthfeel with caramel, biscuit, and vanilla undertones. 

This blend should appeal to those looking for a balanced, sweeter-tasting coffee.

However, a few reviewers felt the caramel notes seemed “fake” or artificial. However, the vast majority of reviewers (and I) enjoy the flavors.

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

But the price provides good value given the great quality and convenience.

A unique characteristic of this product is the larger 7.8 oz pod size, allowing for a longer drinking experience versus a standard espresso shot or even a double shot.

Plus, a split roast method used with beans from various regions helps in balancing the depth and complexity of the coffee.

Overall, this is a delicious flavored coffee choice for Nespresso fans who like sweet, dessert-like flavors.

Looking for the a great medium roast Vertuo Nespresso pod? I recommend the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Melozio, Medium Roast Coffee.    

4. Nespresso Capsules, Melozio, Medium Roast Coffee – Best for Americano

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Toast
Best for	Americanos, espressos
Available In	Pack of 30 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Central and South America
Organic	N/A

The Nespresso Capsules, Melozio, Medium Roast Coffee is the best for Americanos due to its medium roast, smooth and balanced flavor, and medium intensity. 

They are best for espresso drinkers who enjoy a smooth and mild Americano. 

These Melozio Nespresso pods are a blend of Brazilian and Central American beans, which create a mellow yet rich flavor profile. 

It is perfect for either sipping black or adding milk or cream.

The Melozio is a medium roast with an aroma of cereal and biscuit. The blend of Arabicas creates a smooth and well-rounded cup rather than an intense or bitter one. 

It comes in a pack of 30 pods ‌and is priced in line with other Nespresso pod options. But it isn’t the cheapest available. 

Unlike some darker roasts, the Melozio pods offer a softer, more nuanced coffee experience. 

The medium roast shows off the flavor notes rather than roasting them away.

Although most reviewers praise the blend’s smooth drinkability and perfect balance of rich coffee flavor without bitterness, some find it too mild for espresso. 

Looking for decaf Nespresso Vertuo pods instead? Look no further than the Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato, Medium Roast Espresso.

5. Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato, Medium Roast Espresso – Best Decaf

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Toast
Best for	Americanos, espressos
Available In	Pack of 30 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Central and South America
Organic	N/A

The Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato, Medium Roast Espresso is the best decaf because it is fully decaffeinated while maintaining a great roast level and tasting notes. 

These Nespresso Melozio Decaffeinato pods offer the same well-balanced and smooth flavor as the regular Melozio, but without the caffeine. 

It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the taste but avoid the stimulant, especially later in the day.

Even though it’s decaf, this medium roast still delivers those cereal and biscuit tasting notes this Nespresso is known for.

It uses Latin American beans to create a harmonious and mellow profile without the bitterness sometimes associated with decaf coffee.

It comes in a pack of 30 pods, and its price is very comparable to other decaf Nespresso pod options. The quality and convenience make the pods a good value.

The majority of online reviewers say this decaf perfectly captures the honeyed sweetness and creamy mouthfeel of regular Melozio. 

However, some wish it were more intense. 

Want an intense Nespresso pod? The VertuoLine Stormio Coffee pods are my recommendation. 

6. VertuoLine Stormio Coffee – Best for Espresso

Roast	Dark roast
Flavor profile	Wood, spice, and cereal
Best for	Espresso, Americanos
Available In	Pack of 20 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7 oz
Origin	Multiple origins, Nicaragua and Guatemala
Organic	N/A

The VertuoLine Stormio Coffee pods deliver an intense, bold coffee experience ideal for those who love a strong, dark roast espresso.

The Stormio blend contains 100% Arabica beans it sources from Nicaragua and Guatemala. 

This provides these pods with a richly aromatic and spice-forward flavor profile.

With an intensity rating of 8 out of 13, Stormio is one of the most intense blends. It offers tasting notes of wood, spice, and cereal.

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

The complexity is perfect for espresso lovers who appreciate exploring subtle flavor nuances. 

However, it is technically not an espresso but tastes as similar as you can get without an espresso machine. 

Stormio also contributes a great frothy texture to milk-infused coffee beverages like lattes.

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

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

A potential con is that the dark roast is too robust for some, which is a minority based on the great online reviews. 

Overall, Nespresso drinkers who crave a powerful coffee with wood, spice, and cereal notes will find Stormio a winning choice.

Looking for Vanilla Vertuo Nespresso pods instead? You can’t go wrong with the Starbucks by Nespresso Vanilla Flavored Coffee up next.  

7. Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo Line Vanilla Flavored Coffee – Best for Flat White

Roast	Light roast
Flavor profile	Vanilla
Best for	Flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, lungos
Available In	Pack of 32 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	N/A

The Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo Line Vanilla Flavored Coffee is the best option for flat whites because of its creamy vanilla flavors, smooth texture, and great quality. 

These pods are best for Starbucks fans who want to recreate the sweet vanilla flavor of their favorite Starbucks beverages at home using their Nespresso Vertuo machine. 

The creamy vanilla and shortbread tasting notes make it perfect for milk-based coffee drinks, especially flat whites.

As a light roast made with 100% Arabica beans, these Starbucks pods have a sweet and delicate flavor profile. 

The vanilla and shortbread aromas give it a dessert-like quality. This is not an intense or bitter coffee.

These pods come in a pack of 32 and cost slightly more than average, making each cup fairly expensive. But for Starbucks’ quality at home, it’s worth the splurge.

However, some will find it is too mild. But if you want something more intense, get a medium or dark roast instead. 

Also, some reviewers complain about inconsistent results from pod to pod or issues with their Vertuo machine itself. However, these issues seem isolated. 

Looking for Nespresso Vertuo pods for iced coffee? The Nespresso Capsules, Iced Coffee, Iced Forte up next is my personal favorite. 

8. Nespresso Capsules, Iced Coffee, Iced Forte – Best for Iced Coffee

Roast	Medium-dark roast
Flavor profile	Fruit
Best for	Iced coffee
Available In	Pack of 30 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	NA

The Nespresso Capsules, Iced Coffee, Iced Forte is the best for iced coffee because of its low acidity levels, fruity tasting notes, and intense body. 

These pods are designed for coffee drinkers who want a bold, intense iced coffee experience. 

It is a blend of South American and Indonesian Arabica beans that provides a refreshing low level of acidity and fruitiness over ice.

As a medium-dark roast, Ice Forte delivers peppery and woody notes with a smooth yet intense body. 

The larger grind size in these pods makes this an excellent iced coffee compared to other pods.

These pods are not cheap, but they aren’t the most expensive ones either. Fans of iced coffee find the quality and convenience worth the price.

Unlike other pods, Ice Forte is crafted specifically for flavor and drinkability over ice. From the beans to the grind size, everything is optimized for iced coffee.

And while most customers praise the smooth yet intense flavor profile, some feel the price is too high for occasional iced coffee drinking.

Want a familiar taste in your Nespresso Vertuo machine? The Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast Pike Place Roast Coffee pods should be your top choice. 

9. Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast Pike Place Roast Coffee – Best Starbucks

Roast	Medium roast
Flavor profile	Chocolate and toasted nuts
Best for	Americano, lattes, cappuccinos
Available In	Pack of 32 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	N/A

The Starbucks by Nespresso Medium Roast Pike Place Roast Coffee is the best option if you want the quality and familiar taste of Starbucks coffee at home. 

These pods allow you to brew the classic Starbucks Pike Place medium-roast coffee at home using your Nespresso Vertuo machine. 

As Starbucks’ signature blend, it’s perfect for coffee drinkers who want a smooth, approachable cup that tastes identical to ordering it in-store.

As a medium roast with an intensity of 7, Pike Place Roast offers a balanced flavor profile with subtle notes of chocolate and nuts. 

This is an easy-drinking coffee that isn’t too intense.

Compared to other Nespresso Vertuo pods, it costs more than average. However, you may find the extra cost worth it as it costs less than ordering in-store. 

Overall, it has a smooth medium roast flavor, aromatic, with fantastic chocolate/nutty tasting notes that will please nearly all Nespresso drinkers.  

However, it has a higher per-cup cost compared to other pods. And some reviewers received stale pods, but this appears to be an isolated batch. 

Looking for a lighter roast from Starbucks instead? The Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Veranda Blend Coffee up next is the best choice. 

10. Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Veranda Blend Coffee – Best for Lattes

Roast	Light roast
Flavor profile	Toasted and baking chocolate
Best for	Lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, lungos
Available In	Pack of 32 pods
Price	$$
Brew size	7.77 oz
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	NA

The Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Veranda Blend Coffee is the best for lattes due to its light roast level, well-balanced texture, smooth intensity, and great flavors.

These pods are best for coffee/espresso drinkers who want a smooth, mellow blonde roast and/or desire the taste of Starbucks light roast lattes at home. 

Starbucks uses beans it sources from several Latin American regions to create a soft and approachable cup perfect for mornings.

As a blonde roast, this Veranda Blend has delicate notes of cocoa and lightly toasted nuts. It’s a smooth, subtle coffee that isn’t harsh or bitter.

It comes in a 32-pod container and costs more than average, which is typical for Starbucks.  However, it is valuable considering it’s cheaper than ordering in-store. 

Overall, these Nespresso Vertuo pods provide a smooth, soft blonde roast coffee with nuanced cocoa and nutty notes, making it a great morning coffee. 

However, some feel the price is too high, and there appear to be some isolated instances with freshness. However, I did not experience this. 

Nespresso Vettuo Pod Buying Guide

Here is what you should consider before buying Nespresso Vertuo pods. For more info about buying coffee, see our complete coffee-buying guide.

Looking for a new Vertuo Nespresso machine? Check out our top Nespresso machine recommendations.

Roast

Nespresso Vertuo pods are available in light to dark roasts. Darker roasts give a bolder, more bitter taste. Lighter roasts provide a milder, smoother flavor.

For Vertuo, medium to dark roasts are common. But choose a roast that you like the best.

Although less readily available, light roast Vertuo pods exist for those who want a milder coffee.

Take your specific taste desires into account when picking an ideal roast level. Trying pods across the spectrum can help determine your optimal roast.

Read our guide on coffee roast levels to learn more. 

Compatibility

Ensure your Nespresso machine is a Vertuo line model, as Vertuo pods only work in Vertuo line machines.

Then, make sure you only purchase “Vertuo Nespresso” pods. “Nespresso Original Line” pods won’t work in a Vertuo machine. 

Vertuo pods are labeled as “for Nespresso Vertuo machines,” or a similar variation. If you are unsure of your machine type, check the manual or model number.

Using the correctly matched pods is crucial for proper brewing and coffeehouse-quality taste from your Vertuo machine.

If you have a Nespresso Original line machine, this guide is the wrong one for you. 

Certifications

When selecting Vertuo pods, look for certifications like Fair Trade and USDA Organic on the packaging if those are important to you.

Fair Trade indicates fair working conditions and pay for ‌coffee farmers.

USDA Organic means approved production methods were used without artificial additives.

These certs provide confidence in the ethics and quality of the coffee. Check brand websites for details on specific certifications that may interest you.

To learn more about important coffee certifications, read our guide and view the table below. 

Price/Budget

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

Lower-quality pods tend to cost less per unit, while premium pods have a higher price point.

Watch for deals on Vertuo pods to get quality coffee at a lower cost. Expect to spend $0.75-$1.75 per pod on average. 

Do research to find options fitting your budget and taste.

Single vs. Blended

With Vertuo pods, you can choose between single-origin and blended (multiple origins) options. 

Single-origin offers a predictable, straightforward flavor since the beans come from one farm or region.

Blends combine beans from different locales, allowing for unique flavor combinations in the final coffee.

There is no definitive better choice — go with single-origin if you prefer consistency or blends if you like some complexity. 

I recommend trying both.

For more details, read our guide on single-origins and coffee blends.

Packaging Date

When buying Vertuo pods, opt for the freshest ones possible by checking the roast date or best-by date on the packaging.

Fresher pods lead to a higher-quality coffee taste. Use Vertuo pods within 9–12 months of roasting for best flavor.

The specialized seal on the pods helps maintain freshness longer than ground coffee. But the newer the roast and production date, the better the taste.

To learn more about this, read our complete guide on packaging and roast dates. 

Best Brands

For reliable quality, stick with well-known brands like Nespresso, Peet’s, Starbucks, Illy, etc., when buying Vertuo pods.

These major brands offer a wide selection of Vertuo pods at different intensities, flavors, aromas, and origin types to suit your tastes.

Trying pods from a few premium brands helps determine your favorites. Quality pods from top names provide a delicious brew.

Recyclable

Most Nespresso Vertuo pods are made from recyclable aluminum.

Nespresso provides free mail-in recycling of used pods to help reduce waste. Check if the brand you choose offers a recycling program as well.

This allows you to enjoy the convenience of single-serve pods while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Read our guide on recycling Nespresso pods to learn more. 

Our Verdict

Here are our top three recommendations for Nespresso Vertuo pods. All three choices have a great flavor profile, excellent quality, and fair pricing. 

• Our #1 choice, the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee, Coffee Pods, has a bold, intense flavor, uses premium beans, and is a bold way to start your day.
• The Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Double Espresso Chiaro, Medium Roast Coffee  is our second choice because of its creamy texture, fiar price, and subtle notes of wood and earth. 
• And our third choice is the Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Golden Caramel, Medium Roast Coffee because of its delectable caramel flavors and great quality. 

Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Intenso, Dark Roast Coffee: Best Overall

• Roast: Dark Roast
• Flavor Profile: Brown Sugar and Toast
• Best For: Espresso, Americano
• Available In: 30 pod pack
• Price: $$$
• Compatibility: Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines
• Brew Size: 7.8 oz
• Origin: Multiple Origins, Central America
• Organic: N/A

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