Nespresso machines are like heaven on earth – you get the barista-style cup of coffee right in the comfort of your home. This experience can become even more pleasant if you have Nespresso VertuoLine machines, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of coffee styles and cup sizes!
However, with so many Nespresso pods, how will you know which Nespresso VertuoLine pods are right for you? As always, I have got you covered!
This post will detail my top 9 picks for the Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods and a detailed buying guide to cover all your needs.
Keep Reading!
Why Should You Trust Us?
I love experimenting with Nespresso coffee capsules and machines, so I decided to try to pick the Best Nespresso VertuoLine pods for all coffee enthusiasts. I spent far too long brewing too many Vertuo pods to help curate the most thorough review possible. I tested the Nespresso pods based on their flavor, quality, and intensity.
Now without further adieu, let’s dive into the products!
1. Vanilla Custard Pie
Overview
| Roast: | Mild | |
| Intensity: | 6 | |
| Caffeine: | 170-200mg | |
| Type: | Arabica & Robusta | |
| Cup Sizes: | 7.8 oz |
We’re starting the list with these subtle and sweet Vertuo pods; Vanilla Custard Pie! Like the name, these Nespresso capsules have a desert-like vanilla flavor that is a treat to your taste buds every time! With mild intensity and roast, this flavored coffee will also give you subtle hints of hazelnuts and sweetness.
Honestly, the coffee with these capsules was full-bodied, smooth, and super velvety. I loved the aroma the most – it felt like I was sitting in a vanilla factory! There was some bitterness, but nothing too acidic or overpowering. This one is my favorite!
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The pods are recyclable
Not suitable for people who like their coffee very bitter2. Double Espresso Chiaro
Overview
| Roast: | Medium | |
| Intensity: | 6 | |
| Caffeine: | 135mg | |
| Type: | Arabica Beans | |
| Cup Sizes: | 2.7oz |
Next on the list are these wild and intensely roasted coffee capsules for Nespresso Vertuo machines; Double Espresso Chiaro! These Nespresso capsules can brew 2.7 oz of coffee and are less intense. Also, the coffee had heavenly-tasting woody and earthy notes.
I also tried brewing a Latte with the Double Espresso Chiaro capsules, and the result was surprisingly delicious and creamy with subtle hints of caramel flavor. The coffee was very balanced in terms of bitterness and acidity.
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3. Nespresso Melozio
Overview
| Roast: | Medium | |
| Intensity: | 6 | |
| Caffeine: | 130 to 200mg | |
| Type: | Arabica & Robusta | |
| Cup Sizes: | 2.7oz |
The Nespresso Melozio Vertuo pods are one of the best-selling products from the brand, and for all the right reasons! This medium roast blend is perfect for plain espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. Of course, I tried all three coffee types with these pods – thanks to my Aeroccino milk frother!
Now, it was simply delicious to taste these unflavored Vertuo coffee pods! The coffee was balanced, smooth, and well-rounded. The biscuity and earthy notes were a treat to the taste buds! Also, there was a weird combination of sweetness and bitterness that I loved!
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4. Nespresso Scuro Capsules
Overview
| Roast: | Dark | |
| Intensity: | 8 | |
| Caffeine: | 120 to 200mg | |
| Type: | Arabica & Robusta | |
| Cup Sizes: | 2.7oz |
Next on my list is the bold and dark-roasted coffee, the Nespresso Scuro! These pods brew a 2.7 oz cup of coffee, making for a robust and intense shot! Trust me. These coffee pods really opened my sleepy eyes in the morning!
The coffee was very bold, with a bit of smokiness and bitterness. Also, the aroma contained pleasant hints of vanilla and cocoa notes. I also tried these Vertuo capsules for milk-based drinks; the results were creamy, velvety, and delicious!
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5. Nespresso Stormio
Overview
| Roast: | Dark | |
| Intensity: | 8 | |
| Caffeine: | 160 to 200mg | |
| Type: | Arabica | |
| Cup Sizes: | 7.8oz |
The Nespresso Stormio combines dark roasted Guatemalan and Nicaraguan Arabica beans to provide the most remarkable taste! According to Nespresso, the Stormio pods are robust and bold, blending different exciting flavors – all in one!
The first sip of the Stormio coffee capsules felt like a combination of spicy and sugary notes and a subtle woody flavor. Despite being a dark roast coffee, the bitterness and aftertaste were very modest. Also, the aroma and the thick layer of crema were the cherries on top!
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6. Nespresso Intenso
Overview
| Roast: | Dark | |
| Intensity: | 9 | |
| Caffeine: | 165mg | |
| Type: | Robusta & Arabica | |
| Cup Sizes: | 7.8oz |
As the name suggests, Intenso Vertuo pods will give you the most intense, rich, and robust coffee! With an intensity of 9, these pods are a dream come true for every dark roast lover! These pods are washed thoroughly to reduce acidity and enhance the sugary taste.
The first sip of the coffee brewed with Intenso capsules was genuinely magical – there were hints of brown sugar, a robust bitterness, and a delicious aftertaste. The crema on the coffee was also thick, velvety, and rich. The distinctly sweet aroma freshened my mind and soul!
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7. Nespresso Odacio
Overview
| Roast: | Dark | |
| Intensity: | 7 | |
| Caffeine: | 165mg | |
| Type: | Arabica | |
| Cup Sizes: | 7.8oz |
Are you someone who likes subtle fruitiness in their coffee? If so, these Odacio Nespresso pods will be the perfect pick for you! These pods blend dark-roasted Nicaraguan and Ethiopian beans to give a strong and intense shot of coffee! Also, you can brew a full 7.8 oz cup of coffee with one pod of Odacio!
The first sip of coffee felt like a perfect balance between boldness, intensity, and fruitiness. There was some acidity, but it wasn’t overpowering. All in all, the Odacio Nespresso capsules produced a full-bodied and robust coffee with a delicious taste.
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8. Nespresso Voltesso
Overview
| Roast: | Mild | |
| Intensity: | 4 | |
| Caffeine: | 85mg | |
| Type: | Arabica | |
| Cup Sizes: | 1.35oz |
Next on the list are these sweet and light Nespresso VertuoLine pods by Nespresso; Voltesso! These capsules are a light roast with an intensity level of 4 and can brew 1.35 oz of espresso individually. Despite being less intense, the pods have enough caffeine to wake you up in the morning!
The thing I love the most about Voltesso is that the capsules contain hints of different flavors. I tasted biscuits, sharpness, and sweetness – all in one! Also, there was near to no acidity or bitterness in the coffee. If you like your coffee light, Voltesso is the one for you.
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9. Nespresso Mexico
![Nespresso VertuoLine Mexico Coffee (7.7 ounce), 20 Count [ Import from EU and UK ]](https://coffeecredible.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/31-Bf3hL80L._SL500_.webp)
Overview
| Roast: | Medium | |
| Intensity: | 7 | |
| Caffeine: | 200mg | |
| Type: | Robusta & Arabica | |
| Cup Sizes: | 7.8oz |
Ending my list with this unique blend of Arabica and Robusta beans with an intensity of 7 – the Nespresso Mexico VertuoLine pods! One Mexico Vertuo pod contains 200 mg of caffeine, which will undoubtedly boost energy and alertness in the morning!
The coffee brewed with these Nespresso capsules contained earthy and woody taste notes with subtle spice and bitterness. Despite being high in caffeine, I didn’t feel as if it was overly acidic. The coffee also had a very delicious aftertaste. Not to forget, the sweet and earthy aroma of these Nespresso pods was to die for!
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What is the Difference Between Nespresso OriginalLine and VertuoLine?
Nespresso machines come in two signature lines; Original and Vertuo. Both these machines have different specs, features, and brewing mechanisms. The OriginalLine machines use the standard 19-bar pressure system to extract coffee from pods. In contrast, VertuoLine machines use a unique technology called Centrifusion, which extracts the shots by rapidly spinning the capsules.
That said, the Nespresso capsules for these machine lines are also different, and Vertuo capsules won’t work with the Original machines and vice versa.
The OriginalLine pods have the classic cylindrical shape and are best for espresso drinks like double espresso, simple espresso, etc. Also, OriginalLine pods are relatively cheaper than Vertuo ones.
While on the other hand, VertuoLine pods are round and a bit larger than the Original pods. They are best for larger coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Moreover, these capsules use the barcode scanning system to identify the coffee’s flow, speed, temperature, and cup size. Vertuo Capsules are known to be a bit on the expensive side.
Things You Should Consider Before Buying Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Finding the Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods on the market can be tedious. I have tried my best to give you all the information you’d need to make your decision, but plenty of other factors still go into it. Make sure to weigh all the factors and purchase according to your personal preferences and needs.
These factors are the most important when picking the best Nespresso pods for your Vertuo machine!
Roast
Nespresso Vertuo pods come in different roast levels; similarly, people have different roast preferences. So, first, you need to identify what type of roast you like. Is it dark, light, or medium roast?
Dark roasts will be a little bitter, medium roasts will be less bitter, and light roasts will obviously be very light and not bitter at all.
Trust me; a light roast lover will never love a dark roast. So, make sure to purchase according to your preferences.
Type of Coffee Beans
You will find many coffee bean options in Vertuo Pods; Costa Rican coffee beans, Colombian arabica beans, and a wide variety of Robusta beans. Sometimes you will also find a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, just like a few mentioned on this list.
Now, the decision of what coffee beans to opt for totally depends on your personal preferences.
Arabica beans are high quality and less bitter, while Robusta beans are very bitter. However, both beans can produce a good cup of coffee – you need to identify your preference and then make a purchase accordingly.
Flavor
After going through the list, you may have an idea of how many flavor options are available while looking for Vertuo pods. There are fruity notes, cereal notes, chocolaty notes, earthy and woody notes, and much more.
All you have to do is choose flavors you love and enjoy. If you are someone who wants to experiment with different flavors, you can opt for a variety pack and see what flavor you love the most!
Caffeine
Some Nespresso pods have a considerable amount of caffeine, while some have significantly less. So, identify how much caffeine you can handle and then make the purchase. I know many people who face side effects like jitters and anxiety after consuming too much caffeine.
Opt for pods with less caffeine content if you deal with side effects. However, if you are a caffeine addict like me, you can go for pods with high caffeine content!
Intensity
Nespresso has an intensity scale for VertuoLine pods ranging from 5 to 11, and all its pods lie on this scale. If you are a strong coffee lover, you can opt for pods with intensity levels from 8 to 11. However, if you don’t like your coffee very strong, I recommend staying in the range of 5 to 7.
Process
The next important thing you need to consider is the process of how Vertuo brews the coffee. Vertuo capsules rapidly spin to blend the grinds in water – therefore, the flavor of the coffee will be more intense, and the crema will be thicker and richer than what you get with OriginalLine capsules. So, keep that in mind while looking for Vertuo Nespresso pods.
Recycling
All VertuoLine pods are made of aluminum and are fully recyclable. Also, Nespresso offers a free recycling program where customers can drop off their used pods at different locations.
Just put the used capsules in the recycling bag given by Nespresso, and you will be good to go! Nespresso will later recycle the pods instead of letting them go to waste.
You can also sign up for a program where Nespresso picks up the used capsules from your doorstep every month.
Tips to Get the Most from the VertuoLine Capsules
VertuoLine Capsules make great coffee, and there is no denying that. However, what if I told you I have some secret tips to help you get the most from your Vertuo pods? Yes, you heard that right!
Let’s dive into those secret tips now!
1 – Regularly Clean the Machine!
The taste of your coffee depends not only on the pods but also on how clean the machine is. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly clean and descale your Nespresso machine to get the best taste from your Vertuo capsules.
Also, make sure to clean the capsule container and drip tray more frequently. Regular cleaning will also increase the durability of your machine.
2 – Warm Up the Cup and Machine!
Warm up your coffee for at least 5 minutes before putting the pod inside. Doing this will help the machine to heat up perfectly for the brewing session.
Not just the machine, you also need to warm up your cup. Before putting the capsule inside the machine, pour a little hot water into the cup, which will help warm up the cup and set a suitable temperature for your coffee.
3 – Filtered Water Only!
Try only to use bottled or filtered water to brew the coffee. This will keep your coffee free from impurities, bacteria, and germs!
The Bottom Line
I hope my recommendations, buying guide, and tips made finding the best Nespresso Vertuo Pods easier for you.
My top pick is the Vanilla Custard Pie capsules. They are sweet, mildly intense, and of excellent quality!
No matter what product you choose from the above list, make sure to purchase after thoroughly considering the essential factors and your taste preferences. Happy Shopping!
FAQs
What is the stronger Vertuo Pod?
The Nespresso Intenso is the strongest Vertuo pod on this list.
Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods vegan?
Yes, all Nespresso Vertuo pods are vegan and do not contain any animal products.
Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods kosher?
Yes, all Nespresso VertuoLine pods are Kosher and Halal, considering the Jewish and Muslim religious requirements.
How many calories are in Nespresso Vertuo Pods?
Nespresso Vertuo Pods contain approximately 2 calories individually.
Can you reuse Nespresso Vertuo Pods?
Yes, you can reuse Nespresso Vertuo pods by refilling the pod with ground coffee and covering it with foil. However, it is not recommended to use the same Nespresso pod twice.
Does a high-intensity score mean there is a lot of caffeine?
No, intensity and caffeine are two completely opposite characteristics. A very intense coffee can have a low amount of caffeine content, and a coffee with high caffeine content can have a lower intensity. The intensity only determines how strong, bitter, and acidic the coffee will be.
What are the benefits of using a Nespresso Vertuo Pod?
Nespresso VertuoLine pods offer a variety of cup sizes and coffee types to choose from. Also, Nespresso Vertuo capsules provide a thick and rich crema! Moreover, you can also adjust the brew time, length, and temperature of your coffee.
Can I use Starbucks pods in Nespresso Vertuo?
Yes, you can use Starbucks pods with your Nespresso Vertuo machines. However, make sure that those pods are specifically for VertuoLine machines.
