So, you got yourself a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine or you’re at least thinking about purchasing one and have no idea where to start when it comes to the pod options. We don’t blame you, it can be a bit overwhelming jumping into the world of Nespresso.
At a Glance: Our Top 5 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Whether you’re curious about all the different ways you can enjoy coffee with Nespresso Vertuo pods or you’re on the search for your next pod selection, we’ve listed some of the best picks to get your morning started below.
Quick Summary: Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods
 | Our Top Choice Altissio |
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 | Diavolitto |
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 | Jamaican Blue Mountain |
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 | Hawaii Kona |
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 | Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast |
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| No products found. | Bianco Doppio |
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 | Double Espresso Scuro |
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 | Double Espresso Chiaro |
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 | Ice Leggero |
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 | Arondio |
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All About Nespresso Vertuo Pods
As you might have assumed, Nespresso Vertuo pods are different from the original Nespresso pods in a few ways. Firstly, the Vertuo pods look different from the regular ones, as they have more of a dome shape.
This means that the original capsules won’t work in the Vertuo machines and you can use the Vertuo capsules in the Nespresso Vertuo machines. These include the Vertuo, Evoluo, VertuoPlus, Vertuo Plus Deluxe, Vertuo Next, Vertuo Next Premium, and Vertuo Next Deluxe.
Moreover, regular Nespresso pods can only make espresso but the ground coffee beans in the Vertuo pods can make both espresso and brewed coffee in various forms. If you have a Vertuo machine, you can broaden your horizons to not only espresso but also double espresso, gran lungo, and brewed coffee.
Nespresso Vertuo Pod Size Options
There are six different sizes with the Vertuo capsules: the espresso, the double espresso, the gran lungo which is a long shot, the coffee/mug which is 7.77 ounces, the alto which is 12 ounces, and the carafe which is 18 ounces. However, it’s important to know that the alto and carafe options can only be used in certain Vertuo machines.
With the barcode on the edge of each capsule, you can rest assured that every pod will be brewed specifically how it’s meant to in order to bring out the flavors. There are more than forty different Vertuo capsules that have different roasts, flavors, and sizes.
Nespresso Vertuo Pod Specifics
Nespresso also has an intensity rating of 1 to 11 on their Vertuo selections. This is based on characteristics such as roast, body, and bitterness. Basically, it means if a coffee has a higher rating then it’s a stronger tasting brew.
It’s usually recommended that you only use the Nespresso brand of coffee pods as using anything else can damage your machine. You can use Starbucks pods because they’re actually made by Nespresso, but other than that it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, it’s a good thing there are so many options just under the Nespresso brand.
The Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Here are just some of the best Nespresso Vertuo capsules that you can purchase to get the most out of your specialty machine and make a delicious cup of coffee every time.
Espresso and Double Espresso
First up is the classic espresso, which you can get regular or as a double espresso in some options. In this category alone, there are so many pods to choose from.
Altissio
The Altissio coffee capsule is a dark roast single espresso pick that brews 1.35 ounces of Robusta and Arabica coffee. With an intensity of 9, it’s a rather strong sip that sits at 63 milligrams of caffeine. You’ll find that this full-bodied and creamy espresso shot is perfect to drink straight or even in an affogato.
Diavolitto
Going up in intensity, the Diavolitto is an 11, with a very high caffeine content of 150 milligrams. Another dark roast made of Robusta and Arabica coffee, it’s a regular espresso of 1.35 ounces that’s very strong, bitter, and bold.
Jamaican Blue Mountain
One of the special reserve picks is the Jamaican Blue Mountain, a 1.35-ounce espresso that’s got an intensity of 7. It’s described as having exotic woody notes, making for a very smooth cup. This is also known to be one of the best and most expensive coffees in the world due to the lack of bitterness and the split roast with two dark-roasted coffees.
Hawaii Kona
Another special reserve, the Hawaii Kona is a 1.35-ounce espresso pod with an intensity of 6. This is a pure Arabica coffee grown in the volcanic soil of Hawaii with notes that are fruity, exotic, tropical, and smooth. It’s also another split roast, featuring both light and dark, to give you an earthy and sweet brew.
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
Next up is the Blonde Espresso Roast from Starbucks, which is easily the most frequently purchased Starbucks Nespresso capsule. It has an intensity of 6, a caffeine content of 72 milligrams, and is a very smooth and sweet Arabica coffee. The 1.35-ounce espresso shot is the perfect way to make your favorite Starbucks drink in the comfort of your own home.
Bianco Doppio
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Moving onto the double espresso options, the Bianco Doppio is a light roast Arabica coffee that contains just under 200 milligrams of caffeine. At 2.7 ounces, this capsule is a sweet brew that Nespresso mentions was designed to pair with milk as the present aromas then melt into caramel and sweet biscuit notes.
Double Espresso Scuro
The Double Espresso Scuro is a medium roast Robust and Arabica coffee that ranks at an intensity of 11 and has 180 milligrams of caffeine. The 2.7 ounces in this brew are dark, bold, and smoky with intense hints of cocoa and vanilla.
Double Espresso Chiaro
A medium roast Arabica from Central and South America, the Double Espresso Chiaro is also high in caffeine, containing 180 milligrams. It’s got an intensity of 8 and pours out at 2.7 ounces. Nespresso describes this pod as having woody and earthy notes that are dense and wild.
Ice Leggero
The last double espresso we’ll mention is the Ice Leggero, a medium roast Arabica with an intensity level of 8. Its 2.7 ounces has a caffeine content of more than 130 milligrams with fruity and light notes of cereal and biscuit. It’s perfect for iced drinks and complements any milk pretty decadently.
Gran Lungo
The second type of Nespresso Vertuo pod we’ll talk about is the Gran Lungo, which is essentially a long shot with 5.07 ounces. These are just gonna give you a bit more coffee than the espresso or double espresso does.
Arondio
A Gran Lungo with an intensity of 6 is the Arondio, which is a mild medium roast coffee blend that contains Colombian Arabica and Guatemalan Robusta. It’s described as being mild and round with smooth notes of cereal and a slight acidity. A light, sweet, nutty, and balanced cup of coffee.
Inizio
Another option with distinct cereal notes to it is the Inizio Gran Lungo, which is a split roast that has an intensity of 4. With the Ethiopian Arabica, there’s a lighter roast for a sweet floral hint, and with the Kenyan coffee, there’s a darker roast for a strong body. It’s smooth, warm, and rich with a delicious combination of floral and cereal flavors.
Fortado
Next is the Fortado capsule, which is a medium roast Gran Lungo that has an intensity of 8 and a rather high caffeine content of 200 milligrams. A blend of Robusta and Arabica coffees provides an intense and full-bodied brew that has hints of cocoa and a woody/earthy undertone. It has only a subtle sweetness, as it’s more strong and rich than anything.
Costa Rica
The last of our Gran Lungo options is a master-crafted single origin from Costa Rica. This is a medium roast Arabica coffee with an intensity of 7, a high caffeine content of 135 milligrams, and a flavor profile that’s malty and sweet. It goes through a specialized fermentation process in hot-spring waters, providing a clean tasting balanced brew.
Coffee/Mug
The category with the most Vertuo capsule options is the Coffee/Mug size, which contains 7.77 ounces of brewed coffee for a classic cup of joe. We’ll just mention a few of the most popular picks.
Solelio
We’ll start off with a light roast Kenyan and Colombian Arabica coffee that has a low intensity of 2. This is a brew that’s well-balanced, smooth, and gentle. With a light body, it has a sweet fruity taste from notes of red fruits and a slight bitterness overall.
Melozio
Moving up on the intensity scale, the Melozio pod is a rather popular medium split roast that sits at a rating of 6. The Arabica coffee contains 165 milligrams of caffeine and there’s even a Melozio Boost which contains 20% more caffeine than the original. It’s smooth, balanced, rounded, and has notes of nuts and cereal.
Odacio
Next, the Odacio coffee/mug capsule is another Arabica medium roast with an intensity score of 7 and a caffeine content of 165 milligrams. Nespresso describes it as bold and lively with intense flavors that are fruity, slightly acidic, and contain notes of cereal once again.
Stormio
A step up to the intensity of 8, the Stormio pod is a dark roast coffee with a high amount of caffeine and a rich, strong flavor. The Arabica coffee’s profile is spiced, woody, and earthy and it’s not a super bitter sip, but rather more smooth.
Intenso
As the name suggests, the Intenso Vertuo capsule is a strong Robusta and Arabica coffee with an intensity of 9. It has a bold bitterness and a dark sweetness from notes of toasted brown sugar and roasted chocolate. This one is definitely for those who crave a more intense and in-your-face cup of joe.
Mexico
One of the master-crafted single-origin coffees available in the mug size is the Mexico medium roast Robusta capsule. It has an intensity of 7, a high caffeine content, and is said to have a flavor profile that’s intense and spicy. This double-washed brew is woody, earthy, and a rather popular one to have in cold coffee drinks.
Colombia
The second master-crafted single origin is the Colombia pod, which is a light roast, washed Arabica coffee with an intensity of 5. It’s got a deliciously sweet and winey flavor profile of fruity notes such as candied apple and red berry. This cup is not too bitter, but it does have a good amount of acidity.
Bianco Forte
The last coffee/mug Vertuo capsule we’ll mention is the Bianco Forte, which is a dark roast Arabica coffee that contains 165 milligrams of caffeine and is listed under Nespresso’s Barista Creations. This option was created to be served with milk as it’s an intense and dark brew that’s balanced, rich, and full-bodied.
Alto
A quick little category we’ll mention is the Alto, otherwise known as the XL coffee, which is a step up from the regular coffee/mug size. This brew contains 12 ounces of coffee, for those needing an extra pep in their step, but can only be used exclusively in Vertuo Creatista, Lattissima, Next, and Pop machines.
Alto Ambrato
Alto Ambrato
Arabica and Robusta coffees give rich warmth to this light-roast large cup. Taste toasted cereal and sweet caramel notes balanced by a fruity touch.
The Alto Ambrato is a light roast XL coffee that has an intensity rating of 4 and is a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffees. It’s described as being honeyed, delicate, balanced, and fruity. The flavor notes include toasted cereal, sweet caramel, and a touch of fruit.
Alto Onice
Alto Onice
A complex blend of several origins—through its Indian beans’ cocoa and spice notes, comes the Colombian Arabica’s shimmer of acidity in a large cup size.
Meanwhile, the Alto Onice is a medium-roasted Arabica coffee with an intensity of 7. The flavor profile is roasted, woody, and earthy, and has notes of cocoa and spice. It’s slightly acidic and a little more bitter than the previous option.
Cold Brew Style Intense
Cold Brew Style Intense
A smooth and silky-textured coffee, with roasted caramel notes, low bitterness and a pleasant acidity that is typical of cold brew extractions.
A newer option is the Cold Brew Style Intense, which is an XL coffee that was designed for iced coffee, featuring cold brew flavors. It’s a medium roast that’s smooth and lightly bitter. The flavor notes of this coffee are cereal, roasted, and caramel.
Carafe
Nespresso Vertuo’s final category of pods is the Carafe, which is a brew that produces 18 ounces and can only be used exclusively in Vertuo Creatista, Lattissima, Next, and Pop Machines. As of right now, there are only two capsules sold by Nespresso for the carafe size.
Carafe Pour-Over Style
The regular Pour-Over Style is medium-roasted coffee that has a flavor profile that is roasted, smoky, woody, and earthy. It’s intense but easy to drink and has a full body. At the top, you’ll find a delicious crown of crema, which gives it a delicious and creamy texture.
Carafe Pour-Over Style Mild
Carafe Pour-Over Style Mild
Smooth, toasted cereal and malted notes grace every last drop of this subtly sweet Latin American Arabica blend coffee inspired by the pour-over method.
Our final Nespresso Vertuo pod pick is the Carafe Pour-Over Style Mild, which is an Arabica coffee that’s more on the lighter side. It’s smooth and balanced with notes of toasted cereal, malt, and nuts. This carafe of deliciousness is slightly sweet with minimal bitterness and acidity.
Wrapping Up
We know, that was a lot of options to go through, and that’s not even all of them! But, hopefully, this list helped to narrow down some for you if you’re looking for a new capsule to try in your Nespresso Vertuo machine or you’re thinking about making the switch.
The great thing about the Vertuo pods is their variety in sizes, roasts, and flavors. There’s practically something for everyone and so many ways to customize your coffee once it’s been brewed. If you can’t find one you’re particularly drawn to here, you can always head over to Nespresso’s website for even more brews.
Happy Caffeinating!
