A Nespresso machine truly gives you the perfect barista experience – you can conveniently try a wide range of coffee beverages at home with an effortless interface.
However, sometimes nausea, anxiety, and tremors can be side effects of too much caffeine. This is where the decaf Nespresso pods come to the rescue. They give you all the health benefits of coffee minus the crazy side effects!
In this post, we share our top 8 picks for the best decaf Nespresso capsules and a detailed buying guide to help you make the best pick. Read on!
A dark roast and delicious decaf coffee by Starbucks, compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine machines.
A Nespresso Original decaf coffee with citrus and cocoa flavors, compatible with OriginalLine machines.
A medium-intensity decaf coffee, compatible with OriginalLine machines.
A high-intensity decaf coffee with exceptional flavor for OriginalLine machines.
A low-intensity decaf coffee with balanced bitterness and acidity for OriginalLine machines.
Nespresso brand capsules for VertuoLine machines with high intensity and malty sweetness.
Nespresso brand capsules for VertuoLine machines with medium intensity and smoothest coffee.
Another medium-intensity coffee with a creamy and smooth texture for OriginalLine machines.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Coffee Credible is a trusted source to solve all your coffee problems! We have a team of coffee enthusiasts who test and experiment with Nespresso machines and coffee pods to curate detailed and honest reviews for all coffee lovers!
All the products in this post were thoroughly tested to ensure the best review possible.
Let’s dive into the best decaf Nespresso capsules!
1. Starbucks by Nespresso, Decaf Espresso Dark Roast
- Intensity: 11
- Roast: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Decaf Espresso Dark Roast
- Serving Size: 0.80 or 1.35 oz
- Line: OriginalLine
Starbucks capsules are known for their flavor and perfect intensity, and these decaffeinated espresso dark roast pods don’t disappoint. Nespresso partnered with Starbucks to make these pods, so we knew the quality would be excellent.
The flavor of the coffee contained subtle hints of molasses and caramel, along with a touch of fruitiness. Honestly, these capsules are heaven for every dark roast lover out there! Despite the high intensity, the coffee had a balanced acidity and bitterness. Since it was decaffeinated, we found no coffee-related side effects during the test!
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Pleasant and rich flavor
Very expensive2. Arpeggio Decaffeinato
- Intensity: 9
- Roast: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Arpeggio Decaffeinato 50 caps
- Serving Size: 0.85 and 1.35 oz
- Line: OriginalLine
Next on our list are these Nespresso brand decaffeinated pods – the Arpeggio Decaffeinato. These capsules are specifically for Nespresso OriginalLine machines and come in elegant packaging. They blend two types of dark-roasted Arabica beans, and the flavor contains cocoa notes and subtle hints of citrus fruits.
From our experience, the coffee had a rich and silky texture with a pleasant aroma and heavenly flavor. The coffee had some bitterness and acidity but nothing too problematic. Since they are Nespresso original capsules, the taste and quality are excellent.
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3. Lavazza Decaffeinato Ricco
- Intensity: 6
- Roast: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Decaffeinato Ricco 60 Caps
- Serving Size: 1.35 oz
- Line: OriginalLine
Lavazza is an Italian brand that has been providing premium-quality espresso capsules for decades, and these decaffeinated Ricco pods are no exception. It contains dark-roasted coffee beans with an intensity level of 6, ideal for morning and afternoon drinkers.
The capsules brewed coffee with a delicious smoky flavor and subtle hints of caramel and nuts. Also, the coffee had a very smooth texture, and the crema was to die for. We recommend these pods for all decaffeinated coffee lovers!
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4. Peet’s Coffee Decaffeinato
- Intensity: 9
- Roast: Medium Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Decaffeinato Ristretto 50 caps
- Serving Size: 1.35 oz
- Line: OriginalLine
Peet’s Coffee has been manufacturing high-quality Nespresso-compatible pods for years, so adding their coffee decaffeinato to this list was a must! These capsules are one of the very few decaffeinated options from the brand and are indeed a delight!
The capsules had a very sweet yet bold flavor with an intensity level of 9. There were notes of nuts and almonds, and the foamy crema made the coffee delicious. The bitterness was also very balanced and bearable.
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5. L’Or Decaf
- Intensity: 6
- Roast: Medium Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Espresso
- Serving Size: 0.8, 1.35, and 3.70 0z
- Line: OriginalLine
Now, we have some premium-quality and high-end decaf Nespresso-compatible pods for the OriginalLine machines – the L’Or Decaf. The capsules contain medium-roasted coffee beans that smell and taste heavenly!
Now, the taste was not too intense but not very low either. The acidity and bitterness were also mild and balanced, and the coffee was super rich and creamy with the subtle flavor of almonds. Since the coffee was decaffeinated, we didn’t feel any side effects!
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6. Altissio Decaffeinato
- Intensity: 9
- Roast: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Serving Size: 1.35 oz
- Line: VertuoLine
The Altissio Decaffeinato capsules are designed explicitly for VertuoLine machines and contain a blend of dark-roasted Brazilian Robusta, Latin American, and Costa Rican Arabicas beans. These pods are a dream come true for decaffeinated coffee lovers!
The coffee was full-bodied and had delicious creamy cereal notes that were a treat to my taste buds! There was a thick and velvety crema on top, and the room was full of a pleasant chocolaty aroma!
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7. Melozio Decaffeinato
- Intensity: 6
- Roast: Medium Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Melozio Decaffeinato
- Serving Size: 7.8 oz
- Line: VertuoLine
The Melozio Decaffeinato is one of Nespresso’s best-selling and most famous capsules, specially designed for VertuoLine machines. Even without caffeine, these coffee pods are genuinely delicious and eye-opening.
These decaf pods blend Central American Arabica and Brazilian Bourbon coffee beans. Honestly, they brewed balanced and smooth coffee with the signature thick Nespresso crema. The flavor was also remarkable!
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8. Bestpresso Espresso Decaffeinato
- Intensity: 7
- Roast: Dark Roast
- Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
- Flavor: Decaffeinato
- Serving Size: 3.74 oz
- Line: OriginalLine
Bestpresso has been a well-known brand providing high-quality Nespresso-compatible pods for years now. These capsules from their decaffeinated range are specifically for OriginalLine machines with a very affordable price tag and intense flavor.
The coffee had a creamy and smooth texture, and there was a chocolaty flavor and aroma – truly a treat to my nose and taste buds. Also, the bitterness and acidity were balanced, with nothing too overpowering.
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What Should You Consider Before Buying Decaf Nespresso Pods?
Now that we have gone through our top 8 picks for the Best Decaf Nespresso Pods, it is time to go through the science. Finding the best options in the market is one thing, but you must also consider some essential factors before making your purchase.
To give you a hand, here is a detailed buying guide:
What is Decaf Coffee, and How is it Made?
Decaf coffee is coffee that has the minimum amount of caffeine. In short, most of the caffeine from the beans is removed. Decaf coffee is specifically for people who get side effects from caffeine. The side effects include racing heartbeat, insomnia, or severe anxiety or panic attacks. By consuming decaf coffee, people can still enjoy the benefits and taste of coffee without the side effects.
Now, we know that coffee beans naturally have a good amount of caffeine in them. So, coffee manufacturers opt for several ways to minimize the amount of caffeine and make decaffeinated coffee pods.
Usually, manufacturers remove the caffeine by steaming the coffee beans and later washing them with chemical solvents. Some natural processes do not involve chemicals, but they can be time-consuming. Using these processes remove all the side effects of caffeine, but the taste and benefits of the beans stay intact.
However, remember that no process can bring down the caffeine content to 0, and this process only minimizes the caffeine content to 10 to 12 mg.
Why Is Decaf Coffee More Expensive?
Decaf coffee is relatively more expensive than standard caffeinated pods. However, there is logical reasoning behind this price change. The coffee beans go through an additional and intensive process to become decaffeinated. Hence, more labor and effort means more cost; thus, they are slightly more expensive than the standard pods.
OriginalLine vs. VertuoLine Caffeine
The most important thing you need to consider before purchasing decaf pods is what kind of Nespresso machine you have. OriginalLine or VertuoLine? Both these machine types have different brewing mechanisms; OriginalLine machines use the traditional pump and pressure method, while VertuoLine machines use the centrifusion method. Similarly, both machines use different kinds of pods.
With that being said, both capsule types have different amounts of caffeine. Generally, VertuoLine decaf pods have more caffeine as compared to the OriginalLine ones.
Does Nespresso Make Decaf Coffee Capsules?
Yes, Nespresso has manufactured a line of Decaf Nespresso Capsules for both their machine lines, OriginalLine and VertuoLine. Here is a complete list of capsules from their decaf range:
VertuoLine Decaf Pods:
OriginalLine Decaf Pods:
- Inspirazione Firenze Arpeggio Decaffeinato
- Inspirazione Ristretto Italiano Decaffeinato
- Volluto Decaffeinato
However, keep in mind that Nespresso Decaf Pods are on the expensive side.
What About Alternative Decaf Nespresso Capsules?
Apart from Decaf Nespresso Capsules, you can also use third-party Nespresso-compatible decaf capsules. These third-party alternative decaf capsules are more affordable than the Nespresso pods and offer various flavors and roasts.
We added many third-party options to this list, each with excellent quality and flavor.
However, remember that you can use alternative brands only if you have an OriginalLine machine – they are not compatible with Nespresso VertuoLine machines. If you have a Vertuo machine, you are only stuck with authentic Nespresso pods.
FAQs
What is the difference between intensity and caffeine?
Some people think that caffeine and intensity are identical. However, that is not the case. Caffeine content and intensity levels are two different things, intensity level, how full-bodied and strong the coffee is, and caffeine content refers to the amount of caffeine. Coffee without the least amount of caffeine can still be very intense.
Is Nespresso discontinuing decaf?
Nespresso is planning to continue its decaf range for a while. However, they stopped producing one decaf flavor; the Nespresso Vivalto Lungo Decaffeinato.
How does Nespresso process decaf?
Nespresso uses the Swiss Water Process to decaf their Nespresso Pods. They soak the raw coffee beans in water before roasting and grinding and then steam them. After taking the beans out of the water, they filter the caffeine using active carbon. Then, they dry the beans and finally roast and grind them.
