12 Best Nespresso Pods – OriginalLine vs. VertuoLine: Which Coffee Capsule Suits You More?

Before we jump into the best Nespresso capsules to get your hands on, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the two Nespresso machines – the OriginalLine and VertuoLine.

We’ll let you in on their differences to help you determine which of these Nespresso machines and corresponding Nespresso capsules best suit you.

You’ll find more info about the machines further down. But first, here are 6 of the best Nespresso capsules for the OriginalLine, and another 6 for the VertuoLine you should consider.

6 Best Nespresso Pods – OriginalLine

1. Nespresso Ristretto Intenso – Top Pick for OriginalLine

Fancy yourself a strong brew? Nespresso Intenso capsules go from an intensity of 7 to 12. The Ristretto? Right up your alley if you need that extra dose of energy!

Specs:

• Intensity: 10
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

The Ristretto is our top pick among the best Nespresso capsules under the Intenso category. 

Every sip is bold, powerful, and contrasting. A pack of 50 of these Nespresso capsules is sure to put you in good moods and supply you with high productivity levels for days.

It is a rich and full-bodied espresso. The Ristretto Nespresso capsule offers a quality blend of South American Arabicas, East African Arabicas, and Robusta beans. 

Arabica coffee beans are roasted to taste fruity and lightly acidic. 

The hint of Robusta is roasted separately to give it a note of chocolate to contrast the arabica’s flavors.

A clash of strength and bitterness and acidic and fruity notes simply makes sense for these coffee capsules.

Being on the higher end of the intensity scale at 10, this Nespresso pod is not for the light of heart.

Is Risretto Intenso for You?

What sets the Ristretto Intenso Nespresso pod apart is its strong, contrasting, high-intensity flavors. 

There’s nothing quite like it. It’s the best Nespresso pod to consider when you need to pull an all-nighter or a long busy work week.

Lift the Nespresso cap, pop the pod right in the OriginalLine machine, and you can make yourself a 25 ml or 40 ml cup of joe in an instant.

This coffee blend is among the best Nespresso capsules used to create traditional Italian brews too. It’s quite popular, and you’ll have a lot of recipes to work around with. Lattes and cappuccinos are among the favorites.

If you have not built a caffeine tolerance, or have just started your interest and search for the best Nespresso capsules, we suggest you try a sample before committing to a pack of 50.

2. Nespresso Arpeggio Intenso

Arpeggio Intenso is our second Intenso on the list of best Nespresso capsules. This dark roast is a powerhouse for those who prefer a strong yet creamy profile. It’s the milder sibling to the Ristretto.

Specs:

• Intensity: 9
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

 Every Latin American should be proud of producing some of the best coffee beans in the world!

The Arpeggio Intenso falls in the same family as the Ristretto. You get to enjoy similar full-bodied flavors. But this time, the blend is from a selection of the best arabicas from Central and South America.

These Arabicas go through fine grinding and a tedious roasting process, producing a taste of balancing cocoa notes.

The Arpeggio Nespresso pod also has a distinctly fruity and malty taste, often traced from the beans of Costa Rican origin.

At an intensity level of 9, make sure your taste buds are up to par with these espresso shots.  

Is Arpeggio Intenso for You?

If you’re looking for a harmony of woody, grilled overtones, and subtle chocolate flavors in your espresso, Central and South American Arabica beans are your best best.

This well-rounded coffee capsule is versatile. It can serve cup sizes in 25 ml, 40 ml, or 150 ml.

Again, this one may be too strong for coffee newbies. If you’re still in search of the Nespresso capsule of your dreams, getting a variety pack with different types of capsules, OriginalLine, is a wise purchase.

3. Nespresso Roma Intenso

Full and balanced, that’s what the Roma Intenso is all about. We only hope we could say the same thing so easily about our everyday lives. 

Specs:

• Intensity: 8
• Roast: Medium Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

This espresso comes from a blend of Central American Arabica and Robusta from Brazil.

The Roma espresso capsules leave a satisfying and lingering aftertaste on your palate. It’s mild enough to suit many coffee aficionados, with its woody and roasted notes.

This coffee drink carries with it strength, fullness, and finesse. Rather than a robust espresso like the Ristretto and Arpeggio, this one still has a kick yet has a more delicate delivery.

The Roma Nespresso capsule rates an intensity of 8, ideal for those looking for milder flavors.

Is Roma Intenso for You?

Do you want to have a powerful yet subtle espresso? Save yourself a trip to the coffee shop. You can whip yourself one with the Roma Intenso.

Designed for those who prefer a short espresso, these Nespresso capsules are hot on the market.

These Nespresso capsules can make 25 ml, 40 ml, or 150 ml cup sizes. 

With a pleasant sweet & woody aftertaste, you won’t regret getting the 50-capsule pack.

4. Nespresso Volluto

Sweet and light, like a fairytale love story, the Volluto has gained itself to be a crowd favorite. It’s so good you can have as much as 2 to 3 cups a day without getting wired.

Specs:

• Intensity: 4
• Roast: Light Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

The Volluto Nespresso pod combines Brazilian and Colombian Arabica coffees for a lightly roasted espresso. These coffee beans are grown on small-scale plantations and have genuinely helped sustain independent farmers.

The Volkuto Nespresso has a fruity, sweet biscuit, and cereal flavor. It is neither full-bodied nor acidic. It has a great aroma to it, too, leaving you wanting more!

At just an intensity level of 4, the Volluto Nespresso capsules are easy on the palate.

Is Volluto for You?

Volluto is the type of coffee you can drink every day. It makes for a pleasant breakfast or, if you wish, pair it with an Italian biscuit while reading and listening to some relaxing music.

It’s a must-have for owners of espresso machines. And it’s a great choice if you’re still new to the Nespresso capsule scene.

You can make standard 25 ml and 40 ml drinks with this capsule.

Knowing you can consume more than one capsule in a day because of its tolerable caffeine content, a box of 50 aluminum capsules is an easy buy.

5. Nespresso Fortissio Lungo

Talk about the best of both worlds. The Fortissio Lungo Nespresso capsule is quality coffee made from India and South America’s best coffee beans. Thank you to the sailing ships of days old past!

Specs:

• Intensity: 8
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 3.7 oz

Origin and Flavor

Among the 3 OriginalLine Lungo capsules, Envivo, Vivalto, and Fortissio, the Fortissio would be the strongest.

Like most of our Nespresso capsule options, South American Arabica beans pioneer the coffee flavor. For the Fortissio, yes, we can still find this in the blend for intensity and full-bodied taste.

What makes the Fortissio Nespresso capsule stand out is its mix of West Indian Monsooned Malabar Arabica beans. This delivers the most aromatic profile with rich cereal notes.

South American and Indian coffee beans undergo split roasting to create a distinct dark roast with a round and smooth texture.

It has sweet cereal and malty toasted overtones that counter against the bitterness of the strong lungo.

Is Fortissimo Lungo for You?

The Fortissimo Lungo capsules carry elegance and class. West India and South America’s balanced flavors give it a rich pleasant flavor that fills your palate with fullness and delight.

As with all Lungo capsules, these are best served in 110 ml cups.

6. Nespresso Vivalto Lungo

Here is a lighter Lungo capsule for those who prefer a milder espresso. This aromatic and floral option is our last pick for the best Nespresso capsules that should not be missed!

Specs:

• Intensity: 4
• Roast: Medium Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 3.7 oz

Origin and Flavor

The Arabica coffee beans used in the Vivalto Lungo blend are grown in high altitudes of South America. The result is a slight sourness to the taste.

Brazilian “Cerrado” is also added to the mix for a mild bitterness and strong flavor.

Lastly, Arabica from Ethiopia, East Africa, marries it all with a nice subtle floral touch.

Even though these undergo a separate roasting process, each coffee component enhances the character of every coffee origin.

The perfect result of this marriage of flavors is a roasted, lightly woody, sweet cereal, and a subtle floral note. With an intensity of 4, this is an easy brew to love.

Is Vivalto Lungo for You?

No doubt, this complimenting trifecta of quality beans from around the world is going to capture your tastebuds.

This complex and balanced coffee is one of the highly reviewed and quick-selling products in the market. I’m sure you won’t mind 50 capsules in a box. 

It’s worth noting that Lungo Nespresso capsules are ideal for bigger portions. You can also serve it with milk and it brews perfectly for a 110 ml cup.

6 Best Nespresso Pods – VertuoLine

Below, you’ll find reviews of our top picks for Nespresso’s VertuoLine machines.

Nespresso VertuoLine machines have a slightly different flavor offering than the Original Line, but they both have over two dozen different options.

1. Giorno Coffee – Top Pick for VertuoLine

Giorno coffee produces floral and velvety notes. When you hear those words, you know it can bring about a good day. As a breakfast blend, Giono Coffee is the perfect cup to have. 

Specs:

• Intensity: 4
• Roast: Medium Roast
• 10 or 30 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 7.8 oz

Origin and Flavor

The moment you take a sip of this lightly roasted brew, you are first welcomed by lovely toasted cereal tones. It is then followed by a white floral flavor coming from the Ethiopian arabica.

Kenyan Arabica is also blended in the coffee for some acidity. If you prefer your coffee with milk, this pairing brings about a smooth sweetness to the acidic taste.

These beans are split-roasted to maintain the optimal flavor profile of their coffee origins.

The floral notes are widely due to the two Ethiopian Arabicas: washed Sidamo beans and unwashed Mokaboji beans. 

They smell just like honeysuckle, dandelions, and a whole lot of petals.

With the Giorno coffee capsule having an intensity level of 4, it’s just as easy to love as an everyday go-to for those who prefer milder espressos.

Is Giorno Coffee for You?

If you fancy an easy on the palate drink, this is a good option. The Giorno is on top of our list for best VertuoLine Nespresso pods, mainly because of the full experience it delivers.

It tastes good and smells divine. What more can you ask for?

These come in a choice of either 10 or 30 capsules a box and serve a large 7.8 oz cup of coffee per capsule.

2. Melozio Coffee

Who doesn’t love honey and biscuits? Take the Melozio with you for breakfast or over a snack!

Specs:

• Intensity: 6
• Roast: Medium Roast
• 10 or 30 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 7.8 oz

Origin and Flavor

Lightly roasted Brazilian Bourbon beans incorporate smooth flavors of honey and biscuit. With Central American Arabicas in the mix, the Melozio is well-rounded and perfectly balanced.

If you prefer coffee with milk, the Melozio coffee is an excellent pair seeing how it carries out the coffee’s sweetness and enhances the biscuit notes.

This VertuoLine favorite is at the mid-level intensity of 6. With a smooth and balanced texture in every sip, it just might be the right cup you’ve been craving for.

Is Melozio Coffee for You?

This VertuoLine coffee capsule is one reason many were tempted to get coffee machines for their homes.

The VertuoLine coffee series is a hit seller indeed. Being easy on the palate that serves a large 7.8 oz, the Melozio coffee is preferably taken as a morning coffee.

3. Stormio Coffee

Rich and strong is how we would describe the Stormio. Don’t we all wish we could be the same? Maybe a cup of this quality brew could do the trick!

Specs:

• Intensity: 8
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 10 or 30 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 7.8 oz

Origin and Flavor

The Stormio coffee is one of the more intense options on the VertuoLine Coffee series.

Heavily roasted washed Arabicas from Nicaragua and Guatemala bring about intense flavors to your cup of joe, making it responsible for its spicy, cereal, and woody notes.

This process involved intense exposure to high temperatures that create the body of the coffee and its singular notes.

Adding milk also softens the drink’s intensity, yet its roasted notes still stand out.

Is Stormio Coffee for You?

VertuoLine drinks are meant for longer coffee drinking experiences. It serves 7.8 oz cups.

With a stronger option like Stormio, this works well if you intend to work longer shifts or study for a difficult exam. 

4. Diavolitto Espresso

By far, the VertuoLine Diavolitto is the highest rated in terms of intensity range on our list. It’s an espresso shot that will surely keep coffee lovers energized for anything!

Specs:

• Intensity: 11
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

This intense and potent espresso is for hardcore coffee lovers. Its intensity is at 11 or 12 being the highest. 

The Diavolitto made for the VertuoLine Nespresso machine is a blend of highly roasted Robusta from South and Central America, and Brazilian Arabica beans. 

Split roasting was done to unveil the individual aromas of each bean origin. Overall, it tastes bitter and full-bodied.

Although it has a rich and dark taste, it does not have a harshness to it. It’s rather smooth and creamy with oak wood and leather essences.

This is possible due to the pre-wetting process of Robusta beans.

Is Diavolitto Espresso for You?

Die-hard coffee lovers would at least once in their life, wish to have a taste of the Diavolitto. 

It is not for the lighthearted, nor any beginner coffee drinker. Bitter coffee is not for everybody. However, for one who loves their coffee black, you will love this to kickstart your mornings.

They come in the standard espresso size and are sold in boxes of 50 capsules.

5. Altissio Espresso

Another VertuoLine Espresso series on the list, the Altissio is a milder option to your Diavolitto.

Specs:

• Intensity: 9
• Roast: Dark Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

This Nespresso coffee capsule contains the best quality blend of highly roasted Arabica beans from Costa Rica and South America.

A hint of Robusta is also added to the mixture to contrast the bitterness with smooth malty cereal notes.

It is intensely and shortly roasted for the ultimate flavorful coffee experience in wonderful layers of crema in every sip.

With the addition of milk, its natural full body of flavors can shine.

The Altissio has an intensity level of 9. Although it’s on the higher end of the scale, it’s as full-bodied as the Diavolitto and even creamier.

Is Altissio Espresso for You?

If you love strong coffee any time of the day, yet prefer it more creamy or with a hint of sweetness, the Altissio is a great choice.

It’s great to have with milk and complements well with a biscotti or any biscuit you desire.

It serves a standard espresso of 1.35 oz and can be purchased in boxes of 50 capsules too.

6. Voltesso Espresso

Coming in last as one of the best VertuoLine Nespresso capsules is the Voltesso. With a lower intensity and milder flavors, this coffee can suit a lot of caffeine drinkers.

Specs:

• Intensity: 4
• Roast: Light Roast
• 50 Count Coffee Pods
• Brews 1.35 oz

Origin and Flavor

Lightly roasted Brazilian Bourbon beans are the reason for the Voltesso’s sweet taste and biscuity aroma. 

Beans from the highlands of Central Colombia also add hints of acidity to it.

All in all, this mild delight of a drink has a taste and fragrance of hazelnut, brown sugar, and a tinge of biscuit.

It is only at 4 on the intensity scale, thus has lower caffeine contents. With milk, it’s even smoother and more enjoyable.

Is Voltesso Espresso for You?

Even coffee fans with a low tolerance for caffeine can find joy in this light and sweet espresso. What’s great about these Nespresso brand capsules is discovering a whole world of all flavors and intensities. 

In our opinion, the Voltesso holds a strong spot in customer favorites. It may not be the strongest espresso, but it appeals to many.

What Are Nespresso Pods?

Nespresso pods are packed coffee grounds in convenient aluminum capsules for single-brews. There’s a wide variety of coffee beans and added flavorings for you to choose from.

Every capsule can be easily popped in its corresponding Nespresso compatible machine. 

These capsules are pierced and then added with water through a heating and pressure element to produce a nice warm cup.

History

Nespresso pods are a product of Nestle, Switzerland. Back in the 1970s, they invented the Nespresso machine and sold it to the market.

It made waves in Europe in the late 80s, and in America in the early 90s. Since coming into existence, Nestle’s Nespresso showed no signs of frailty.

In 2014, they released the VertuoLine to cater to the larger servings preferred by American consumers. At this point, they started to coin the younger machines OriginalLine to distinguish one from the other.

Nespresso Pods Buying Guide

Before discussing capsules, we need to know the main differences between the machines that will process them.

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As devoted coffee lovers, we simply cannot enjoy Nespresso pods without an overview of the machine that works the magic.

To help you decide which suits you better, here are the main differences between the OriginalLine and VertuoLine:

Type of Drink

The OriginalLine brews espresso or lungo only. These are widely sold in Europe.

The VertuoLine offers a broader assortment of drinks. They can brew espresso, lungo, or straight coffee. These are widely sold in America since it was dedicated to serving its market’s needs.

We’ll distinguish the different types of drinks per category in the next section of this article.

Nespresso Capsule Brewing Technology

The OriginalLine machines work just like any regular espresso maker.

Hot water and pressure are imposed on ground beans, resulting in much better tasting traditional coffee.

With the VertuoLine, however, centrifugal force and infusion are used instead. It spins the pod 7,000 RPM to blend water and the grounds. You’ll have to use Nespresso compatible capsules with VertuoLine machines.

Nespresso VertuoLine capsules are also barcoded to pre-determine its exact brewing method required. 

Experts still prefer the OriginalLine as the VertuoLine tends to have a weaker taste, and the beverage comes out lukewarm.

Nespresso Capsules

Do keep in mind that Nespresso capsules are a lot pricier than ground coffee beans. That’s because they’re more convenient.

Nespresso capsules save you the time and effort of traveling to a coffee shop while delivering the same quality at home.

The OriginalLine and VertuoLine use different Nespresso pods. They have different sizes and brewing methods; thus, they are machine-specific and non-interchangeable.

You have to be critical before you choose which machine to invest in.

The Vertuo is a relatively younger product, so the pod choices are limited.

Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules

There are 6 Grand Cru collections and occasional Limited Editions:

Espresso

This is your regular espresso, best served in 40 ml cups. There are 4 blends for you to choose from.

As compared to the Intenso, these are milder and more balanced. 

Although, the capsules come in an array of varying intensities, textures, aromas, and flavors.

Intenso

These are highly rich and intense short drinks. Each capsule serves around 25ml. 

It produces a syrup-like liquid. As the name suggests, Intenso is one of the strongest capsules you can get your hands on.

These are blended origin coffees for coffee lovers who like robust and full-bodied convenient brews.

Lungo

Lungo blends are similar to an espresso but with twice the amount of water. Use a 110ml (or about 3.7 ounces) cup for the best long coffee. 

These capsules suit coffee drinkers who prefer a less intense kick, without foregoing flavor and aroma.

Pure Origin

Unlike the previous Grand Crus that contain blends, Pure Origin comes from a single country.

These countries include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and India.

These brews have rich varying tastes as they come from around the world. Surely, you’ll find one you will love.

Decaffeinato

For anyone who likes the taste of coffee but does not wish to benefit from its kick, 4 rich decaffeinated versions are also available.

It’s an excellent way for anyone who has medical issues or for whatever reason, wishes to enjoy the great taste of coffee without worrying about the adrenaline kick.

OriginalLine Pod Variations

These are Livanto inspired blends but infused with flavors. These capsules have caramel sweetness, chocolate, or vanilla.

It’s a fun addition to the line for those who want to change up their regular coffee drinks from time to time.

Limited-Edition Pods

Keep an eye out for these limited edition capsules.

The cost per serving of this capsule may triple that of most ground coffees. More importantly, the label “Limited Edition” appeals to many more due to its scarce or limited supply.

Limited editions aren’t always necessarily better than original product offerings. Sometimes, it’s just psychology.

Nonetheless, limited editions are great gifts or are perfect for adding to your Nespresso capsule collection.

VertuoLine Nespresso Capsules

The VertuoLine was introduced back in 2014. There are fewer Grand Cus available. Unfortunately, you won’t find decaffeinated blends available for this machine.

If you prefer a much bigger serving of your cup of coffee, here are the 3 Nespresso VertuoLine Grand Cus:

Espresso

The Espresso collection has 4 blends you can enjoy in 40ml cups. It’s very similar to the OriginalLine, except its brewing technology does not use the same heat and pressure.

If you are an espresso lover, we suggest sticking to the OriginalLine. The water temperature used to brew VertuoLine espressos will produce a lukewarm drink.

Coffee

Most of the best Nespresso VertuoLine capsules belong in this series.

It has a wider choice of 12 blends with a full range of flavors and concoctions. There’s a lot you can do with this collection; however, for a creamier, richer taste, we suggest pairing it with milk.

Alto

This collection has sweet yet intense flavors. You only have 2 Altos to add to the expanding VertuoLine pods. Alto XL is also available for those who prefer a much larger drink.

Best Nespresso Capsules – Our Top Pick

Our pick for the best Nespresso capsules would be the OriginalLine’s Ristretto Intenso.

Nothing beats a good hot cup of espresso to fuel your day. Any coffee expert would vouch that this coffee hits the perfect spot for caffeine intensity and layers of contrasting flavors.

If you prefer a higher coffee volume, our top pick for the best VertuoLine Nespresso capsules is the Giorno Coffee. 

It’s a milder coffee pod choice, and you can take more than one in a day. It’s a hit for both coffee newbies and experts alike for a simple long drink.

Conclusion

It’s all a matter of preference. Taste plays a significant role in whether you should get an OriginalLine or VertuoLine machine and capsule.

We hope our review has been a great help.

Which Nespresso capsules have you given a shot?