Best Nespresso Capsules

In this round-up article selection of the best Nespresso Capsules (or Nespresso Pods), we’ve featured a mixture of Nespresso capsules with different ranges of intensity, and we have included decaf options as well to make it a complete list.

We hope this will help in your search for the most ideal Nespresso capsule that will suit you and your family’s coffee taste buds.


#1. Nespresso Capsules Ispirazione Variety Pack

Renamed with a brand new look, the Nespresso Capsules Ispirazione Variety Pack contains 10 Nespresso capsules for each of the best selling flavours, namely Roma, Firenze Arpeggio, Genova Livanto, Capriccio and Ristretto among others. 

Each serving gives you 1.35-ounce delicious coffee enjoyment. This variety pack contains the higher side of coffee intensity ranging from intensity 5 (i.e. Capriccio) all the way to intensity 10 (i.e. Ispirazione Ristretto).

On top of intensity, this pack also offers a full range of espresso from fruity to short Ristretto coffee flavour. They go very well with or without milk based on your preference.

[Jacob: Do note that these are not compatible with VertuoLine Machines]

What We Like
  • Great intensity selection
  • Full range of espresso coffee
  • Value for money per count

#2. Nespresso Flavored Variety Capsules Pack

This is a medium roast variety pack that contains 30 Nespresso capsules, 10 each of the Ciocattino, Vanilio, and Caramelito flavour.

>> Also read: Nespresso Pixie Review

All the Nespresso capsules featured in this variety pack are in level 6 for intensity. Likewise, every capsule will give a 1.35-ounce of delicious coffee and tastes great with or without milk.

What We Like
  • For medium roast lovers
  • Ideal for fans of these 3 flavours

#3. Nespresso VertuoLine Variety Capsules Pack

This is a VertuoLine variety pack that features 3 of the classic tastes – Caramelizio, Vanizio, and Hazelino. Each capsule pod of these can make a 7.8oz of medium roast blend coffee (larger than the 1.35 ounce versions). 

>> Related: Nespresso Evoluo Review

Each pack comes with 30 capsules with 10 pods of each flavor. All of which are at level 6 for the intensity and as usual, tastes great when prepared hot or when poured over ice.

Jacob: Once again, do take note that these are not compatible with OriginalLine machines.

What We Like
  • Great medium roast flavors
  • 7.8-ounce coffee volume
  • Versatile ways to enjoy

#4. Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano Capsules Pack

The Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano is a dark roast espresso inspired by the iconic Italian traditional coffee. Each purchase comes with 50 capsules of espresso counts.

The coffee blend is intense and comes with a refined contrast between bitterness and strength. You can also enjoy fruity and acidic notes in each cup. As with the OrignalLine capsules, each pod gives you a serving of 1.35-ounce of delicious espresso that packs an intensity of 10.

What We Like
  • Original Espresso taste
  • Rich and Bold
  • Ideal for classic and strong coffee lovers

#5. Nespresso OriginalLine Variety Mix Pack (Decaf)

This OriginalLine assortment pack contains a variety of five popular coffee flavors with intensity between 4 to 9 – Roma, Volluto, Vivalto Lungo, Cosi, and Firenze Arpeggio. Each serving provides a 1.35-ounce of flavourful coffee.

Each purchase comes with 50 counts of capsules, with 10 capsules for each flavour.

What We Like
  • Great variety to choose and try
  • Decaf makes it ideal for late hour consumption

#6. Nespresso Kazaar & Dharkan Intenso Assorted Pack

As the name suggests, the Nespresso Kazaar & Dharkan Intenso combo is packed with five strong coffee selections, with the intensity ranging between 8 to 12.

With four out of five selections being dark roast, you can expect to get strong and bold flavors out of this pack. From Intense and Creamy flavour to Velverty and Intense, Woody and Spicy to Full and Balanced, this variety pack is a fun and strong drink to try out.

What We Like
  • A variety of rich and tasty coffee blends
  • For strong and bold coffee lovers

#7. Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar OriginalLine Capsule

The Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar is a dark roast espresso that features a woody and spicy aroma. It is inspired by the famous roasting methods and coffee blends enjoyed by the inhabitants of Palermo.

This espresso is 12 in intensity and works exclusively with the OriginalLine Machine. Each purchase comes with 50 capsule pods.

What We Like
  • Great for woody and spicy espresso lovers
  • Strong intensity of 12

Buying Guide on Best Nespresso Capsules

Types of Nespresso Base

Nespresso capsules are available in 16 types. Each kind comes with a specific level of intensity, flavor, & caffeine content. The most common ones include Espresso, Lungo, Decaffeinato, and Pure Origin.

Almost every departmental or specialty store selling a Nespresso machine has sampling stations. Don’t be shy to sample before making a purchase. This is especially true when you are exploring flavours beyond your usual likings. 

Compatibility with Nespresso Coffee Maker

Nespresso has two line-up of machine: VertuoLine and OriginalLine. 

OriginalLine is the Nespresso machine that started this brand. It was created in the 1970s, but only introduced in the early 1990s. In this line, you can use only 2 Nespresso capsules, the Lungo and Espresso. 

VertuoLine was introduced in 2014. It works on 3 kinds of coffee blends, namely Lungo, Espresso, and ordinary straight coffee. It also has a bigger sized capsule than the OriginalLine ones.

Taste and Intensity

The most important factors to consider when buying Nespresso capsules would probably be the taste and level of intensity preference. Some of the most typical flavors include:

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

The level of intensity of Nespresso capsules ranges from levels 1 to 12. Level 1 being the softest and level 12 being the most intense. The intensity levels also most probably reflect the caffeine level, origin, and flavor of your drink. If you often want your beverage to be something strong, anything higher than level 9 might be right for you. Choose levels 1-6 if you like light and soft coffee. 


Conclusion

Personally, Kelly and I always opt medium roast options between intensity 6 to 10. It’s not too bold and strong that makes us feel we are taking in too much caffeine and yet it’s not too light that we don’t get enough ‘kick’ or ‘punch’ in our drink.

Our go-to are the Nespresso Capsules Ispirazione Variety Pack (#1 option above) and the Nespresso OriginalLine Variety Decaffeinated Mix Pack (option #5 above). The first option usually starts our day and the other decaf one to help curb any cravings at late hours.