Coffee is a daily ritual that fuels many of our busy lives. There are many ways to brew a cup, and one of the most convenient options is to use the best Nespresso machines. With just the press of a button, you get a cup of cafe-quality coffee without the need to master the art of a perfect pour-over. (But if you're eager to learn, our coffee experts are loyal to the best pour-over coffee makers.)
The wide range of flavor options and the difference between Original and Vertuo pods can be overwhelming, especially if you're a new Nespresso user. We sorted through popular blends and new releases to find the best Nespresso pods. Check out the top light roasts, double espresso, and decaf pods.
The best Nespresso Vertuo pods
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Best espresso light roastThe Voltesso strikes the perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. The light, biscuity notes elevate it from a simple roast to a refreshingly balanced cup. -
Best espresso medium roastThis powerful, short roast ensures that the woody and earthy essence of Latin American Arabicas shines through to deliver an aromatic finish.
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Best espresso dark roastThis full-bodied espresso packs a powerful punch with its robust flavor. It is perfect for those who enjoy a bold statement in every cup.
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Best for lattesBlending lightly roasted Arabicas from the fields of Kenya, Colombia, and Nicaragua, this pod has rich caramel tones and is made to pair well with milk.
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Best light roast coffeeIn this lightly-bodied blend, the toasted cereal notes of Solelio deliver a mild taste, rounded off by a fruity acidity that brightens each sip.
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Best medium roast coffeeMelozio promises an easy-drinking coffee experience, thanks to the notes of honeyed sweetness and Brazilian Bourbon.
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Best dark roast coffeeIntenso is as intense as it sounds, providing a rich medley of roasted flavors and golden-brown sugar notes. This long black lingers beautifully on the palate.
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Best decafBlending the same aromatics of the original Melozio, this Vertuo preserves the broad appeal of the Latin American Arabica flavor — just without the buzz.
The best Nespresso Original pods
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Best light roastCosi's delicately toasted blend combines subtle fruitiness with a richer cereal base. What this roast lacks in body, it makes up for in a clean, refined taste.
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Best medium roastClassic roots but with a modern edge, this brew has deep, woodsy cereal notes plus bright, elegant acidity.
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Best dark roastThis coffee is pushed to the brink of near-burnt intensity and perfectly emerges as a velvety espresso with a deeply satisfying flavor.
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Best for lattesThis Florence-inspired coffee marries the fruity flavors of Northern Italy with the cocoa notes of the South into a malty masterpiece with a dense, luscious crema.
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Best decafVolluto Decaffeinato maintains its original mellow cereal notes and fruity accents, all in a smooth, caffeine-free drink.
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Best double espressoThis dark roast has a syrupy body boasts layered with bitterness and a spicy kick. For double espresso, use two pods.
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Best flavoredThe coconut flavor matches seamlessly with the caramel undertones of the Arabica blend, adding a refreshing twist to a classic espresso.
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Best with creamerThis capsule especially shines with any creamer. The split-roasted technique helps to develop the roasted nutty flavor that uniquely complements the sweetness of milk.
What is the difference between Original and Vertuo capsules?
There are two lines of Nespresso machines (Original and Vertuo), and only the capsules from the same line work in the brewers. The Nespresso Original capsules are made for a high-pressure extraction method to brew a traditional range of espresso-based drinks. The Vertuo capsules present a greater assortment of coffee types and sizes through a unique extraction using Centrifusion technology.
Unlike the Original capsules, the Nespresso Vertuo pods are also larger and have a more dome-like structure to better accommodate a variety of coffee volumes. On top of that, the Vertuo capsules have a proprietary barcode and patented design that ensures they're recognized exclusively by Vertuo machines.
Although the Original line has fewer brewing options, it still offers a broader selection of pods.
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