Nespresso machines are an excellent appliance for those who love the modern convenience of homemade coffee drinks. The different Nespresso coffee machines work with a wide range of capsules produced by both Nespresso and third-party companies, providing the user with a multitude of choices for their perfect drink.
We spent numerous hours going over the specifications of various Nespresso capsules for both the Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines, comparing their product features and reading every customer review to help you pick the capsule which will best fit your needs and palate. When reviewing the best Nespresso-compatible capsules for latte it’s important to look at which machines they’re compatible with, as well as the contents of the capsules and the strength of the drink it makes.
More features: brews 1.35 oz. cup of coffee
Nespresso Altissio is our Editor’s Choice for a reason.
It’s a balanced but strong espresso blend that works in the Nespresso VertuoLine system. Which means it, unfortunately, will not work in Nespresso OriginalLine machines. The great thing about the VertuoLine capsules is that they are all printed with a unique barcode that is read by the Vertuo machine, ensuring the perfect temperature, amount of water, and therefore a cup of coffee is brewed.
Each capsule brews a 1.35-ounce cup of espresso which is the base for a latte, though the VertuoLine machines are designed to offer larger cups of coffee if the user desires.
The Nespresso Altissio capsule is highly roasted, making for a full-bodied espresso from Arabica from Costa Rica and South America. It has a hint of Robusta which contrasts with smooth cereal notes. If the user adds milk, it will complement its natural full body.
Altissio is shortly roasted which leads to an intense, yet full-bodied and creamy espresso, though some users might find it taste too burnt or over-roasted, and drinking it more than twice a day (which is generally true for any sort of coffee) may cause stomach upset if you have a sensitive stomach. The capsules, when brewed, will contain between 70 and 100 mg of caffeine.
All Nespresso Altissio capsules are part of the AAA Sustainable Quality Program which empowers farmers and protects the environment. The capsules are made from 100% recycled aluminum, which effectively protects the contents of the capsules.
More features: oak and leather aromas; smooth and creamy texture
The Diavolitto Nespresso capsule results in a high-intensity espresso for true coffee fans.
This capsule is for the Nespresso VertuoLine which means it will not work in Nespresso Original machines and may be a little too expensive for some people.
The flavor profile of this capsule is powerful and highly intense. It’s a dark roast with an 11 for intensity. Aromas of oak and leather add to the creamy texture of the drink. The oak and leather notes come from the Latin American Arabica in the contents, and the Robusta from Guatemala smooths out the blend and adds creaminess. The flavor is strong and dark, though it may be too dark for some drinkers.
Like all official Nespresso capsules, it is made from 100% recycled aluminum for an eco-friendly option, and the barcode on the capsule makes it so the machine can brew the perfect drink every time.
For users who would rather drink a strong coffee instead of an espresso or latte, you can use the capsule twice for a full cup of coffee. Otherwise, use the milk frother to create a smooth traditional latte.
All Nespresso capsules have a 12-month shelf life for optimal freshness, though third-party sellers may sell boxes that are already past the “best buy” date so consider getting your capsule directly from Nespresso if you’re interested in the Diavolitto capsules.
More features: release cocoa and fruity notes
This is a decaffeinated capsule for those looking for a dense blend without the harm of caffeine. Like all capsules for the Nespresso VertuoLine, these ones have a barcode which tells the machine the right temperature and water to brew the perfect drink.
Made from a blend of Brazilian and Colombian Arabica and Asian Robusta, this is a dark roast with an intensity of 7. When brewed, the capsule will release fruity and cocoa notes, and once milk is added, the brew will have a sweet taste and creamy texture. The smooth, dark drink will leave a nice crema.
Like all Nespresso brand capsules, they are made of 100% recycled alumni, and the capsules are, in turn, also recyclable. The aluminum capsules keep the product fresh for up to a year, and the AAA sustainability quality program helps support small farms and protects the environment.
People should make sure they are ordering from a reputable source, too, so their capsules arrive safely intact.
And while this capsule is decaf, meaning no caffeine, it still carries a robust flavor like the caffeinated blends and makes a great latte.
More features: blossom, berry, brown sugar-richness
The Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza can be used with the Nespresso Original machines, and not the Nespresso VertuoLines, so if you have the newer machine, you will be unable to use these capsules.
The Ricchezza capsule is for fans of Peet’s signature dark espresso. This 100% Arabica blend creates an intense espresso, for people who enjoy dark coffees, espressos, and lattes, though, with an intensity level of 8, people who prefer strong flavor might find it a bit watery.
Also, some users complained that the capsules did not work seamlessly with their Nespresso Original line machines: the capsules would be crushed instead of punctured, though some users hand-punched the capsule with a needle before inserting the pod and that fixed the issue. The package only ships with 10 capsules, though, which makes it easier to check to see if your machine will have the crushing issue without having to purchase a lot of capsules.
Ricchezza aims for a wine-like nuance, with notes of berry, blossom, and brown-sugar richness to add layered, plush textures and complexity to a drink without bitterness. The price can be high, but they are often on sale which is why they are our budget pick for best Nespresso compatible capsules for latte.
Aluminum capsules help preserve the flavor of the capsules, longer and these capsules are designed for espresso shots, though they may make a weaker lungo cup as well. The individual capsules are not recyclable. However it may be something Peet’s changes at a later date.
Again, these packages only come with ten capsules so you may need to buy more than one if you drink a lot of coffee.
More features: smooth and sweet tasting notes
Starbucks by Nespresso capsules feature Starbucks Blonde roast which is Starbucks’ lightest roast option. These capsules were developed with Nespresso to work with their OriginalLine machines. This roast has a more mellow and approachable flavor, especially for those people who don’t always drink a lot of espressos and lungos. For those people who do drink a lot of coffee, especially darker roasts or drinks with higher intensity, they may find this flavor too light for their palate.
The coffee is made from 100% Arabica and features the intensity level of 6, which means the brew will be softer and more balanced, and will also contain sweet vibrant notes.
Like all Nespresso brand capsules, these are made from 100% recycled aluminum for better eco-conscience as well as better product storage, and the capsules can also be recycled as well.
For latte drinkers, these capsules are a great choice because the soft and balanced brew is made to highlight the sweeter aspects of milk, making espresso drinks extra smooth while still having a more roasty edge. Starbucks by Nespresso are Kosher certified.
More features: vanilla flavored
This is a vanilla-flavored espresso blend, made from Central and South American Arabicas. It’s a medium roast blend, with an intensity of 6 and has only five calories per capsule, even with the sweeter taste because of the vanilla flavoring.
This blend is a perfect match for those looking for a drink that is strong, and yet not too strong, and who also prefer the sweetness of vanilla flavoring. This blend, because of the vanilla, can also make an excellent homemade pumpkin spice latte.
Buyers will want to make sure to purchase these capsules from a reputable source. Otherwise they risk the capsules arriving crushed or damaged in the mail, and therefore unusable in their machines.
Finally, because this is a Nespresso brand product, the capsule itself is made from 100% recycled aluminum which is also recyclable and is great for the eco-conscience person, as well as perfect for keeping the product fresh
More features: certified Kosher by the orthodox union
The Bestpresso Coffee Nespresso capsules function in all Nespresso Original Line machines but will not work in Nespresso VertuoLine machines.
Bestpresso Coffee capsules are certified Kosher by the orthodox union, which makes them a great choice for people who are looking for Kosher capsules to use in their Nespresso Original Line machines.
Bestpresso uses over 50% sustainable coffee certified by the Rainforest Alliance, in support of small coffee producers.
Created from 100% Arabica these capsules have an intense and delicate flavor. It has a citrus and slightly flowery scent, and the medium roast has a touch of acidity for a light and sweet, creamy body, and would be a great capsule choice for those people who prefer a slightly more “milky” latte making this product the best Nespresso compatible capsules for latte.
Because Bestpresso cares about the environment, their capsules are made to all be recyclable. They are made from plastic, though they are completely safe and free from BPA.
Each package comes with 20 capsules, but when shipped with six packages, you will get 120 capsules total, which makes this option a great value for the money.
Many people love the taste of coffee in the morning and have specific drinks they drink every day. Because of this, single serve coffee machines, like Nespresso, have become more popular. Knowing which Nespresso capsules will best work to make your favorite drinks is really important. If you’re considering which capsules to purchase, the following guides can help you in your decisions.
Nespresso is a Switzerland based unit of the Nestle Group brand. They’ve been wildly popular in Europe and starting to make their way higher in the American market. Nespresso machines are single-serve coffee machines, which means they rely on coffee grounds inside capsules or “pods” which are then placed in the machine to brew your beverage of choice.
Many capsules are produced by the company that makes the machines, but there are also some third-party capsules that may or may not work in your existing machine. For Nespresso VertuoLine machines there’re no options apart from the original Nespresso pods while in case with Nespresso Original coffee makers, there’s a wide choice of products including both manufactured by Nespresso and third-party companies.
Nespresso pod coffee machines can make a drink in just a few moments, compared to the amount of time brewing an entire pot can take. And often they are cheaper than going to your favorite coffee place to stand in line. If you’re looking for convenience, then a Nespresso pod coffee machine may be a perfect fit for you.
The best Nespresso capsules for latte to purchase are ones that meet all your needs, including compatibility with your machine, intensity level, roast, coffee bean origin, and amount of capsules in the package. The below qualities will help you choose the best Nespresso capsules to make you the perfect latte, espresso, or another drink of your choice.
Nespresso capsules come compatible with two “lines” of Nespresso machines. There’s the Nespresso OriginalLine, which includes Essenza, CitiZ, Inissia, and Pixie. Then there’s the Nespresso VertuoLine, which is a newer range of machines, including the VertuoPlus, Evoluo, Vertuo, and Barista Recipe Maker.
Currently, Nespresso makes capsules for their OriginalLine machines, and so do some third-party vendors. Keep in mind that the OriginalLine capsule by Nespresso or third parties will not work with a Vertuo machine. Nespresso makes capsules for their VertuoLine machines as well, and currently, there are no third-party Vertuo pods yet.
The intensity level of the Nespresso capsule is a combination of body, roast, and bitterness. It does not correlate to the amount of caffeine in the capsule (meaning, just because a capsule has a high-intensity rating does not mean it has higher levels of caffeine than a capsule with a lower intensity rating.)
If you’re looking for a high-intensity rating, check out the Nespresso Diavolitto which has an intensity rating of 11. Or if you’d prefer something not as intense, both the Nespresso Vanilio and the Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso have an intensity rating of 6.
Roast level affects the taste of the brew as well as, sometimes, the caffeine level. Light roast is a light brown color and typically has more acidity, which leads to crisp, bright flavors. Medium roast is a darker brown color and typically has an oily surface on the beans. They tend to have a more medium acidity and a more balanced flavor profile. Dark roast is the darkest beans, and they have the lowest acidity, and deeper, darker flavors.
If you’re looking for a dark roast, try any of the Nespresso brand capsules, such as the Nespresso Altissio which is our Editor’s Choice. Or for a light roast, try the Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso.
A coffee’s origin often can give you hints as to what your brew will taste like. Single source coffees can highlight coffees that taste great on their own, whereas blends are created from multiple sources to capture a specific taste. Neither is better than the other, it just depends on what you’re looking for in regards to your drink. Most of the Nespresso capsules use either Arabica, which tends to have a softer, sweeter taste with hints of fruit, berries and sugar, Robusta, which has a stronger, harsher taste and nuttier afternotes, or a blend of both.
If you’re looking for an Arabica source, check out our Budget Pick of Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza, or if you’re looking for a blend of Arabica and Robusta, try our Editor’s Choice of Nespresso Altissio.
The number of capsules per package or container can vary widely. If you’re someone who drinks a lot of coffee, purchasing more capsules will mean you will not run out of them for long. All Nespresso brand capsules listed come with 50 capsules (5 packs with 10 pods in each), which is almost a two-month supply if you use one a day. Meanwhile, the Bestpresso Coffee Nespresso Capsules will arrive in a total of 120 capsules, making it great for the heavy coffee drinker. Or if you’re just looking to sample a few, the Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza comes with only 10 capsules.
Finally, extra features can make or break a great or mediocre capsule. If you need Kosher certificating, then look no further than the Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso or the Bestpresso Coffee Nespresso. The type of packaging the capsules use is important as well, since the capsules can easily be dented or crushed and no longer work in your machine. Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza has exceptional packaging and does the best at protecting their capsules. And if you’re looking for a Nespresso capsule that has added flavorings, check out the Nespresso Vanilio capsules which has an added vanilla taste.
A latte is a blend of an Espresso with milk and topped with creamy milk foam. To make a latte follow the below steps:
Nespresso capsules can help you make the perfect single serve coffee drink whenever you want, as long as you choose the right one for your needs.
Our best-rated Nespresso capsules are the Nespresso Altissio, which is also our Editor’s Pick. These capsules are designed to use with Nespresso VertuoLine machines and will make a bold drink without being super bitter. And because they’re Nespresso brand, they’re made from recycled materials.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then check out the Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Ricchezza. These capsules are also made from aluminum, which means the flavor and aroma is better protected. Though for those eco-minded, the capsules are not yet recyclable. However, these 100% Arabica pods have an intensity rating of 8, so not too dark, or too light – ideal for lattes.
And finally, for those looking for an intense experience, try the Diavolitto Nespresso capsules, which have an intensity rating of 11. It’s an Arabica and Robusta blend, and the flavor is powerful and very strong, great for fans of dark roasts.
