The story began in the Swiss Alps in 1975. When Eric Favre, a Swiss engineer, was working for Nestlé, his wife, Anna-Maria, said that her native Italy produced considerably better coffee. Favre began constructing the first pod-based espresso maker out of sheer inspiration or a sense of competition. During the prototype phase, the married pair traveled around Italy to learn all things coffee. As a result, Nespresso was born.
It’s now one of the world’s largest coffee producers, renowned for its convenience and craftsmanship. The company’s distinctive capsules are available in a variety of mixes, ranging from light roast to dark roast to decaf, and we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites below. Newer Nespresso consumers should double-check their machine type, as VertuoLine devices only accept Vertuo pods and OriginalLine machines only accept Original pods.
It’s not easy to find the best Nespresso capsules. The sheer amount of choice is dizzying, with over thirty conventional Nespresso variations and an equal number of Vertuo-specific capsules accessible. Each series includes capsules with distinct flavor profiles. With so many options, it’s understandable that finding pills that appeal to you can be tough, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine for you to choose from below.
Contents
Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules and Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules
Nespresso pods are only available in sleeves of ten, whether purchased directly from Nespresso or through third-party vendors, so you risk being stuck with a bunch of capsules you don’t like. For its Vertuo machines, Nespresso offers nine flavor lines, while its Original machines provide seven.
There are only two types of Nespresso Brewing machines which are the OriginalLine and the VertuoLine. Espresso pods are brewed in OriginalLine machines while VertuoLine devices can brew espresso as well as regular coffee capsules.
The key difference is that the VertuoLine machines have capsule-scanning technology, which means that they can only use Nespresso capsules. Capsules are not scanned by OriginalLine machines. When it comes to third-party roasters, this is crucial.
The Different Types of Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules
Original capsules, which come in a variety of blends and flavors which are the company’s signature. These original capsules (also known as pods) are composed of aluminum to preserve the coffee’s rich flavors and enticing aroma. The pods are also recyclable through Nespresso’s recycling program. As a result, it will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help to conserve the environment.
The Espresso Capsules
The pods are the first Nespresso pods. Espresso capsules are the ideal to include in your daily routine if you enjoy black coffee. You can also try out the different mixes, like Livanto, Capriccio, Volluto, and New Cosi. This standard shot with a longer extraction time is one that we’re all familiar with. They usually contain more caffeine than a ristretto and have a richer flavor.
Nespresso’s espresso capsules come in a variety of flavors. You can savor each of them in a 40ml cup, or 1.35 oz, whether sweet or lemony, distinct or balanced, light or rich.
The Ristretto Capsules
Nespresso’s Ristretto capsules are a blend of South American and East African Arabicas with a touch of Robusta. In a 25ml cup or 0.85 oz, the citrus scent makes the coffee unique. It is smaller and less caffeinated than an espresso, but with a greater scent.
The ideal Italian-style coffee has a finely ground texture and a strong, full-bodied, and rich flavor. The tangy and fruity flavor comes from the long roasting of the beans. Additionally, chocolate notes are used to soften the strong roasted ones.
The Lungo Capsules
Lungo is an Italian word that means “long.” To put it another way, water is allowed to pass through the finely ground, richly flavored coffee for a longer period of time. As a result, you’ll get a powerful coffee with a high scent content. This is an espresso that has been stretched by adding more water. This style of brewing includes more caffeine than the usual espresso and is frequently served with milk.
Envivo Lungo, Fortissio Lungo, Vivalto Lungo, Vivalto Lungo Decaffeinato, Linizio Lungo are some of the flavor profiles available. In your long 110ml or 3.7 oz cup, we assure you that each capsule is a different experience.
The Best Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine to Try in 2024
10. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Ispirazione Variety Pack
- Brand: Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Variety Pack
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 50 Count
This flavored Nespresso OriginalLine espresso pod is part of the flavored range and makes a 1.35 oz cup of delicious coffee. The coffee beans are from the best Arabica and Robusta beans from around the world, and this variety pack includes the best-selling Nespresso pods (10 each) of all time. This pack is best for those looking to try a range of different Nespresso roasts.
Capriccio is a rich and distinct coffee blend (Intensity 5) made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from South America, and Ispirazione Genova Livanto is a round and balanced coffee blend (Intensity 6) produced entirely of Arabica beans from South and Central America.
While the Ispirazione Roma is a full-bodied, well-balanced coffee mix (Intensity 8) made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from South and Central America, with the Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio (Intensity 9) being a rich and creamy coffee mix made entirely of Arabica beans from South and Central America. And lastly, the Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano is a strong and contrasting coffee mix (Intensity 10) that combines Arabica and Robusta beans from South America too.
What we like:
- A variety of roasts in one pack (Intensity 5 to 10)
- Great for those wanting to try new flavors
What we don’t like:
- More on the expensive side
- Reports of damaged capsules
9. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine Ristretto Intenso Coffee Pods
- Brand: Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Dark Roast Espresso Coffee
- Roast Level: Dark roast
- Size: 50 Count
If you are looking for a more of a dark roast variety, then this pack is definitely for you. The Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine Ristretto Intenso delivers a robust coffee blend with subtle contrasts in strength and bitterness, as well as acidic and fruity overtones, all in convenient Nespresso pods.
This coffee blends some of the best South American Arabicas from Colombia and Brazil with superb, moderately acidic East African Arabicas and a hint of Robusta for extra zing. This pack is part of the espresso collection, and it will brew a 1.35 oz serving of typical espresso coffee. All Nespresso pods are recyclable too.
What we like:
- A wide range of different dark roasts (Intensity 10)
- Perfect for those who usually enjoys darker coffee
- Strong and distinctive flavor
What we don’t like:
- Pricier than others
- Reports of shipping problems
8. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Espresso Variety Pack
- Brand: Nestle Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Medium Roast
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 100 Count
With this unique variety pack from Nespresso, you can taste all the different OriginalLine flavors they have to offer. The Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine Espresso Variety Pack includes 10 pods of Capriccio, Stockholm Fortissio Lungo, Tokyo Vivalto Lungo, Volluto, Cosi, Roma, Arpeggio, Ristretto, Ristretto Decaf, and Genova Livanto each.
These flavored Nespresso OriginalLine pods give a 1.35 oz cup of a wonderful coffee beverage. Nespresso OriginalLine offers a variety of coffee in a cup options, ranging from a softer fruity espresso to a shorter Ristretto in the Neapolitan fashion, with or without milk. VertuoLine machines do not work with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.
Nespresso aluminum capsules are totally recyclable and ensure coffee freshness. They provide a variety of recycling alternatives for your old aluminum coffee pods as part of their collaborative commitment to environmental protection.
What we like:
- Has almost all the available OriginalLine flavors (Intensity 5 to 12)
- Great for people who likes all kinds of roasts
- Includes a decaf option
What we don’t like:
- Great value for price
- Only compatible with OriginalLine machines
7. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Barista Flavored Pack
- Brand: Nestle Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Barista Flavored Variety Pack
- Roast Level: Light roast
- Size: 30 Count
While most of the packs mentioned before are more on the darker side, we’ll move on to a lighter note. New flavored Nespresso coffee blends inspired by traditional favorites are now available. This selection of Nespresso OriginalLine espresso coffee pods includes 10 Vanilla Éclair, 10 Caramel Crème Brulée, and 10 Cocoa Truffle Nespresso capsules.
The Barista Creations variety pack took inspiration from beloved desserts by many. The Vanilla Éclair gives a velvety touch to the coffee, and the Caramel Crème Brulée adds a creamy richness to the usual light roast enjoyed by many around the world. And the Cocoa Truffle adds a sweet memory of dark chocolate truffle to the lightness of the coffee. All used pods are recyclable.
What we like:
- Heaven for light roast lovers (Intensity 6)
- Goes great with their inspired desserts
- Used pods are recyclable
What we don’t like:
- Might be a bit expensive
- Might be too light for some people
6. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Kazaar Intenso
- Brand: Nestle Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Dark Roast Brazilian & Guatemalan Robusta Coffee
- Roast Level: Dark roast
- Size: 50 Count
Moving back to the dark side of the coffee roasts scale, the Nespresso OriginalLine Pods Kazaar Intenso pack is perfect for dark coffee consumers looking for something new. This Nespresso coffee combines two Robustas from Brazil and Guatemala, as well as a separately roasted Arabica from South America, to create a coffee with incredible strength.
These Nespresso OriginalLine Espresso pods produce a 1.35 oz serving of a typical espresso coffee beverage and are part of the Espresso collection. The collection was inspired by the different cities of Italy and their distinctively different ways in brewing their beloved coffee every morning. The Kazaar Intenso coffee mix produces a strong bitterness and pepper overtones, which are balanced by a rich and creamy texture, all in Nespresso Capsules that are simple to use.
What we like:
- Great dark roast range (Intensity 12)
- Intense and syrupy taste
- Recyclable capsules
What we don’t like:
- Might be too dark and bold for some
- Reports of damages to packaging and pods
5. Peet's Coffee Espresso Capsules, Ricchezza
- Brand: Peet's Coffee
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Ricchezza
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 50 Count and 100 Count
Finally, a recommendation from a brand that isn’t Nestle Nespresso. Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza is perfect for those who like a unique kick in their daily cup of joe. The allure of the Ricchezza is its richness of blossom, berry, and brown sugar rather than its power. It’s like diving into the soft, rich textures of a sophisticated espresso with a wine-like tinge.
What’s even greater about these pods is that they are compatible with many brewers, not just the Nespresso OriginalLine machines. The Essenza Mini, Essenza Plus, Pixie, CitiZ, Lattissima, KitchenAid, and Creatista Nespresso Original machines are compatible brewers for the capsules that provide high-pressure extraction, an accurate draw, and a constant thick crema, but Nespresso Vertuo machines are not compatible.
What we like:
- Berry and Brown Sugar flavors (Intensity 8)
- 100% Arabica Coffee
- Compatible with many different types of machines
What we don’t like:
- More expensive
- Reports bland tasting coffee
4. Lavazza Espresso Capsules Variety Pack
- Brand: Lavazza
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Variety Pack
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 60 Count
Lavazza has been selecting the highest quality coffee beans and skillfully blending them for over 120 years to provide coffee enthusiasts with a genuine Italian coffee experience. So this variety pack from Lavazza is an exciting one that you shouldn’t miss out on.It comes in a variety of flavors, from dark roasts with cereal and caramel tones to medium roasts with fruity and floral undertones.
This box contains 20 Lavazza Armonico Espresso dark roast coffee pods with toasted cereal and caramel notes, 10 Lavazza Decaffeinato Ricco Espresso dark roast decaffeinated coffee pods with cereal and dried fruit aromas, 10 Lavazza Avvolgente Lungo dark roast coffee pods with overtones of cocoa and spices, 10 pods of Lavazza Leggero Lungo medium roast coffee mix with fruity and flowery undertones, and 10 Lavazza Deciso Espresso dark roast coffee pods with cocoa and wood overtones.
We understand the paragraph above might be overwhelming for you but do trust us on the fact that you won’t regret trying this Lavazza pack out. With a Lavazza OriginalLine machine and these blends, you may make a range of deliciously sippable cups of coffee. Enjoy a real Italian flavour that is just Lavazza.
What we like:
- Large variety of unique coffee flavors (Intensity 4 to 10)
- Has decaffeinated option
- Blended and roasted in Italy
What we don’t like:
- Great value for price
- Flavors might be too wild for those who enjoy simple coffee
3. Starbucks by Nespresso, Intense Variety Pack
- Brand: Starbucks by Nespresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Intense Variety Pack
- Roast Level: Dark roast
- Size: 50 Count
Here comes another variety pack perfect for dark coffee lovers, the Starbucks by Nespresso Intense Variety Pack. Nespresso now makes the same high-quality Starbucks coffee you know and love for you to enjoy at home. Furthermore, these capsules are made of aluminum, making them 100% recyclable and ensuring coffee freshness. With this variety pack, you may sample five of your favorite Starbucks roasts.
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, Pike Place Roast, House Blend, Single-Origin Colombia, and Caffè Verona are among the possibilities, which range from Starbucks Blonde Roasts to dark roasts. Starbucks Nespresso Capsules, like all Starbucks at-home coffee products, are crafted with 100% arabica coffee grown with sustainable techniques.
Finally, Nespresso allows you to enjoy your favorite Starbucks roasts as espresso. Enjoy thick coffee crème and high-pressure extraction formerly exclusively available at Starbucks. Alongside the Nespresso OriginalLine machine, the Essenza Mini, Pixie, CitiZ, Expert, Lattissima, KitchenAid, Creatista are also compatible machines for these capsules.
What we like:
- Includes top 5 Starbucks roasts (Intensity 7 to 11)
- 100% Arabica beans
- Compatible with many machines
What we don’t like:
- More on the expensive side
2. Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Original Machine
- Brand: Bestpresso
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Variety Pack
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 120 Count
Bestpresso uses only the finest coffee beans to create an espresso that truly captures the essence of coffee. With no preservatives, sugar, or flavoring added, their balanced and sensitive grinding process enriches the unique flavors. They are dedicated to supplying sustainable coffee and assisting small coffee producers in earning a living from their labor. This is their recipe for the ideal espresso.
This pack contains six variations that were made with the true coffee flavor in mind. An encounter that stimulates all of your senses and invites you to go on an adventure of happiness. This edition is designed for coffee fans who appreciate the tenacity of the Ristretto, the intensity of the Intenso, the Arabica blend, the balance of the Espresso, the depth of the Lungo, and the Verona character.
What we like:
- Classic roasts enjoyed by many (Intensity 6 to 12)
- No preservatives
- Certified kosher by the Orthodox Union
What we don’t like:
- Reports of pods exploding inside the machine
1. L'OR Espresso Capsules, 50 Pods Variety Pack
- Brand: L’OR
- Item form: Pods
- Flavor: Assorted
- Roast Level: Medium roast
- Size: 50 Count
Arriving at the last recommendation of the article is the L’OR Espresso Capsules Variety Pack. Immerse yourself with L’OR Espresso’s gold standard. Choose your favorite flavor from a variety of different flavors and intensities in the Variety Pack.
Their Variety Pack has a wide range of espresso flavors and intensities to appeal to a wide range of palates. Choose between the fiery Profondo, the complex Columbia, the elegant Or Absolu, the potent Ristretto, or the intense Onyx. Enjoy a latte, Americano, or cappuccino with milk or your favorite non-dairy creamer.
L’OR has hand-picked the coffee beans for an extra-special rich espresso experience. For the L’OR gold standard body, intensity, and crema, aluminum capsules help maintain and keep the freshness of the coffee inside. These pods are compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine machines but not the Vertuoline machines.
What we like:
- Classic flavors (Intensity 8 to 12)
- 100% UTZ CERTIFIED Arabica roast and ground coffee
What we don’t like:
- Reports of flavorless coffee with a bad aftertaste
Buying Guides To Choose The Best Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine in 2024
Cost
Nespresso capsules, despite being reasonably inexpensive for the most part, can quickly add up in expense, especially because they’re more expensive per serving than regular coffee. Prices vary depending on the brand and retailer, but buying in bulk, like with other non-perishables, can save money. In addition, these pods preserve their freshness and flavor in your cupboard for months.
Variations
More than only coffee can be made with capsules. Tea lovers, hot chocolate addicts, and even those who enjoy hot apple cider can choose from a selection of beverages. The flavor, like that of coffee Nespresso Capsules, may not be as good as the real thing. However, on the other hand, compared to the speed and convenience with which Nespresso OriginalLine machines prepare your coffee, the little difference in taste won’t be that big of a deal.
Roasting and Flavor
Choosing your favorite roasts, such as light, medium, or dark roast, is a wonderful place to start when trying out a new capsule. It can, however, get considerably more difficult. Keep an eye out for a coffee’s taste notes, which can be found on the box or in the product description online. You might like a dark roast with chocolate overtones but no smokiness, or vice versa. You can also go for a mild roast with a sweet note, such as one flavored with caramel or vanilla.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the best Nespresso capsules on the market?
Because everyone’s tastes are different, there is no proper response to this question. The greatest coffee can only be made with fresh beans. Order pods directly from roasters who roast the beans in small batches to assure the freshest product possible.
Can the capsules be recycled?
As mentioned above, most Nespresso Capsules are recyclable. Aluminum capsules from Nespresso are 100% recyclable and preserve coffee freshness. As part of their shared commitment to environmental conservation, they offer a choice of recycling options for your old coffee pods.
Will the Nespresso capsules expire?
Although there is no expiration date on the pods, they do have a “best brew” date. They’re typically written on the sides of cups. As a result, they can last longer than packed coffee grounds, but they may become weak or stale after a period of time. Of course, brewing a capsule a few minutes later than recommended won’t hurt you, but it won’t taste as wonderful.
Conclusion
With this list, we aim to ease some of the stress associated with choosing the best Nespresso coffee pods, and we look forward to the fun of brewing your own coffee. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in beginning your capsule collection!
Reference
- Best Nespresso Pods – Top Picks | FriedCoffee | Amit
- The 11 Best Nespresso Capsules in 2024 | The Spruce Eats | Donna Currie
- Best Nespresso Capsules: The DEFINITIVE Guide To Nespresso’s Capsule Universe (Top Picks, Alternatives, Caffeine Content & More) | The Coffee Maven | Bryan De Luca
Check out: Nespresso Original Line Capsules | Original Line Favorite Pods By Alex Mojica