If you own a Nespresso machine, you might want to mix things up and try different coffee capsules.
Or, you may want to move away from Nespresso completely and experiment with different coffee pod brands.
Quick Answer: What are the best Nespresso alternatives?
The best Nespresso alternative for most people is Bestpresso. It’s more affordable than Nespresso pods and comes in a variety of coffee capsules. It offers 12 coffee blends, each with varying intensities and flavors.
The only instances in which I wouldn't recommend Bestpresso are if:
- You want bolder, stronger flavors. In this case, purchase Lavazza.
- You want eco-friendly capsules. You should try Colonna instead.
- You want crema in your cup. Go with Illy coffee capsules.
In this article, I’ll guide you through what to consider when purchasing a Nespresso-compatible coffee pod.
Let’s go more in-depth now!
Note: Most Nespresso-compatible capsules work with Nespresso OriginalLine machines, not Vertuo.
Best Nespresso alternative: Bestpresso
Bestpresso sells Nespresso Original-compatible capsules (and also sells separate K-Cup pods for Keurig), so make sure you're buying the version that fits your machine.
There are 12 coffee blends to enjoy, each with its own unique flavor and intensity.
These include the following:
- Ristretto. This high-intensity coffee pod will provide you with a much-needed caffeine boost in the morning.
- Espresso. This blend offers a combination of chocolate and floral flavors, allowing you to choose from various options.
- Arabica. This low-intensity pod is a light coffee with a sweet, citrusy burst of flavor.
Pros
- Rainforest Alliance certified. Bestpresso adheres to sustainable forestry practices throughout the cultivation, harvesting, and procurement of its products.
- Very similar to Nespresso. If you love Nespresso capsules, you’ll love that Bestpresso is almost the same.
- Competitive prices. Bestpresso capsules are more affordable than those offered by Nespresso.
- Natural ingredients. Bestpresso capsules don’t contain preservatives or added flavors.
Cons
- Not as strong. Some people claim that Bestpresso pods aren’t as intense as those of other brands.
Try: Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Pods
These Bestpresso Coffee Pods are caffeinated Italian espresso coffee.
They come in a variety pack containing:
- Ristretto
- Arabica
- Intenso
- Decaffeinato
- Espresso
- Lungo
This is a high-quality coffee pod variety pack that's great for you if you want to try different coffee styles and give pods a try.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 2.5lbs (1.1kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best all-around coffee pod: Peet's Coffee
Peet's Coffee offers two types of pods to meet your caffeine requirements, so it's versatile depending on what type of coffee machine you have at home.
These pods are:
- Espresso capsules. These are complex, delicious dark espresso coffee capsules that are compatible with your Nespresso Original coffee machine. They come in a variety of styles, such as decaffeinated and ristretto.
- K-cup pods. Peet's Coffee also provides capsules that are compatible with Keurig machines. These come in a variety of exciting flavors, such as hazelnut mocha and vanilla cinnamon.
Pros
- Subscription service provided. If you want your favorite Peet's Coffee pods delivered straight to your door, you should sign up for their subscription service.
- 100% Arabica coffee. The capsules compatible with Nespresso machines are made from Arabica coffee, which is smooth and delicious.
- Aluminum capsules. These capsules provide a bold flavor and creamy foam.
- Versatile. They work with a variety of coffee machines, such as CitiZ and Essenza Plus.
Cons
- It could be too strong. Some people have said that these coffee pods are too intense in flavor.
Try: Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast K-Cup Pods
One box of Peet's Dark Roast K-Cup pods contains 32 pods. It's a rich, dark roast that's made with 100% Arabica coffee.
These pods are compatible with all Keurig coffee makers. The coffee is full of flavor and doesn't leave behind a bitter taste.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Dark |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 1.37 lbs (0.6kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best for K-Cup lovers: Gourmesso
If you love your Nespresso machine and don't want to get rid of it, consider purchasing Gourmesso coffee pods.
This company offers Nespresso-compatible pods and K-Cups, making it one of the top alternatives to Nespresso.
The coffee pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines include the following:
- Espresso. You can choose from 12 espresso blends.
- Lungo. These are sourced globally and maintain Fairtrade practices.
- Flavored. Deliciously flavored capsules include Coconut Espresso and Hazelnut.
- Decaf. If you want great taste without caffeine, the Gourmesso decaffeinated pod is the ideal choice.
Pros
- Compostable K-Cups. You can buy fully compostable pods from the range, which are great for the environment. Unlike other coffee pods on the market, Gourmesso pods don't contain any plastic or aluminum.
- Sugar-free and gluten-free. The flavored espresso capsules are free of both sugar and gluten.
- USDA-organic pods. You can choose from a variety of USDA-certified organic coffee pods.
- Bundles available. You can purchase bundles of Gourmesso pods, and some packs contain different blends you can try.
Cons
- Difficult for machines to puncture. Pods that are made entirely of plastic can be difficult for your coffee machine to puncture.
- Not many K-Cup choices. Although the company offers K-Cups, there aren't many.
Try: Gourmesso 50ct Flavored Espresso Pods
This variety pack includes the following five pod flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Coconut
- Caramel
- Hazelnut
These capsules are sourced sustainably and are up to 30% cheaper than Nespresso pods.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 1.19lbs (0.54kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic and aluminum foil |
Best value for money: Lavazza
Lavazza offers a variety of coffee pods and K-Cups that are made with high-quality coffee.
However, one of the primary reasons you might want to choose them over Nespresso pods is that they contain more coffee.
While there is 5g (0.17oz) of coffee in a Nespresso Espresso Pod, there is 7.5g (0.3oz) of coffee in a Lavazza pod.
Lavazza prioritizes quality, which is evident in its dark roast espresso offerings.
Although it's a strong blend, it doesn't leave behind a bitter taste that's common in many other dark roasts on the market.
Lavazza offers the following pods:
- Keurig K-Cups. These come in various blends, including espresso and decaf.
- Pods compatible with Nespresso original machines. These are blends such as decaf, lungo, and ristretto.
- Expert capsules. These capsules make it easy for anyone to brew a delicious espresso. They are packaged to preserve freshness and maintain flavor.
- Blue capsules. These coffee capsules are compatible with the Lavazza Blue coffee machines.
- Espresso point capsules. These coffee capsules are compatible with Espresso Point machines.
Pros
- Lots of crema. Lavazza coffee pods produce espresso with a thick crema.
- Blue capsules are intense. These capsules have a bold flavor, while Nespresso pods can be milder.
- Carbon-neutral aluminum. The coffee capsules have carbon-neutral aluminum.
Cons
- Limited use. The aluminum carbon-neutral pods are only compatible with Original Nespresso machines.
Try: Lavazza Variety Pack Single-Serve K-Cups
This variety pack of coffee pods contains a range of coffee blends, such as:
- Italiano medium roast coffee blend. It has delicious flavors of flowers and fruit.
- Gran Selezione. This is a dark roast blend with subtle hints of chocolate.
- Perfetto. This espresso roast blend has notes of caramel.
- Gran Aroma. This is a medium-roast coffee with notes of chocolate and citrus.
- Classico. This is a medium roast blend.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Varied |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (0.7kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best for crema: Illy
Illy is renowned for its smooth coffee, which is made with 100% Arabica beans. Its capsule line is called iperEspresso, which has the following flavors/blends:
- Decaffeinated. It is not just free of caffeine but also has a caramel flavor.
- Medium roast. This offers a balanced flavor, combining chocolate and caramel.
- Dark roast. This is great for you if you want a stronger coffee. It also has a cocoa flavor.
- Lungo. This coffee capsule is similar to the medium roast but provides you with more coffee.
Illy offers two other capsule lines. These are:
- Arabica Selection Origins of Taste. This features single-origin coffee blends, including beans from Colombia and Brazil.
- Idillyum capsules. These coffee capsules are made from coffee beans in El Salvador and feature flavorful blends that incorporate notes of fruit and chocolate.
Pros
- Two-stage process. These capsules are made with a two-stage process that forms a rich crema on coffee. To find out more about the Illy vs. Nespresso debate, read my in-depth guide, “Illy vs. Nespresso Pods: Which Coffee Pod Tastes Better?”
- K-cups are available. Illy provides K-Cups for Keurig lovers.
- Made from recyclable plastic. These capsules are made from recyclable plastic, allowing them to fit seamlessly into your sustainable lifestyle.
Cons
- Restricted to Illy machines. You can't use all Illy pods in other coffee machines, so the selection is limited.
Try: Illy iperEspresso Medium Roasted Coffee
These capsules are medium-roasted espresso capsules made from 100% Arabica coffee, resulting in a smooth and rich coffee experience.
It's a four-pack containing 21 coffee capsules that feature nine of the world’s best coffees.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium |
| Package | Tin |
| Weight | 5 oz (0.3 lbs) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best for coffee subscriptions: Atlas Coffee Club
If you're unsure what coffee pod you like, trying Atlas Coffee Club's coffee capsules is a good idea.
This coffee brand differs from other coffees on the market because it offers customers a monthly coffee subscription service, so you can try out different coffees every month to see what you like.
When you subscribe to this service, you'll receive the following:
- Single-origin coffee beans originate from various locations worldwide, including Ethiopia and Burundi.
- Postcards from the country of origin.
- Information about brewing tips so you can make delicious coffee at home.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee. If your coffee isn't tasting fresh, Atlas Coffee Club offers a money-back guarantee of freshness.
- Recyclable K-cups. These capsules are compatible with Keurig coffee machines.
- Customized orders. You can customize your order by selecting the delivery frequency and specifying your roast preference.
Cons
- Shipping payment is required. You will need to pay for the shipping of your coffee pods.
Although you can sample Atlas Coffee on Amazon, you can't purchase a variety pack of the company's coffee pods.
You can only purchase a subscription from their website.
Best for interesting flavors: Don Francisco's Coffee
Blueberry-flavored coffee pods? If you're eager to try a variety of coffee pods, you might want to check out Don Francisco's coffee capsules.
These come in a variety of flavors, including hazelnut and blueberry, vanilla nut, and double-French pods.
You can also choose from a variety of coffee roasts, such as medium and medium-dark roasts.
Pros
- Compatible with Nespresso. Don Francisco's coffee pods are compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines.
- Recyclable. The coffee pods can be recycled after use.
- 100% Arabica coffee. These coffee capsules contain 100% Arabica coffee, which has a sweeter and smoother taste than other beans.
- Different coffee origins. These capsules contain coffee from various locations, including South America and East Africa.
Cons
- Varied Nespresso compatibility. Not all the pods are compatible with Nespresso machines.
Try: Don Francisco’s Vanilla Nut Flavored Coffee Pods
This delicious vanilla and nut-flavored coffee is free of artificial flavors and made with 100% Arabica coffee.
It boasts a creamy and smooth texture and comes in a pack of 100 pods.
The pods are compatible with K-Cup Keurig machines, including the 2.0 model.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 2.09 lbs (0.95kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best for the planet: Colonna Coffee
When you first see the packaging of these coffee capsules, you'll notice how sophisticated they look, and they have names to match, such as Tesfaye Bekele Anaerobic Lungo and Fazenda Recreio Lungo.
Inside, they're filled with eco-friendly features. These coffee capsules come from a variety of locations around the world, such as:
- Brazil
- Ethiopia
- Colombia
- Peru
- Panama
Pros
- Fully recyclable. Some of the coffee pods are made out of aluminum, which is completely recyclable.
- Compostable range. Colonna features compostable capsules that come from American and African locations.
- Compatible with Nespresso. Colonna coffee capsules are compatible with Nespresso Original machines (lever/drop-down style).
Cons
- Not compatible with all Nespresso machines. These coffee capsules are not compatible with built-in and commercial Nespresso coffee maker models.
Try: Atsabe Natural Espresso
Since it's in an aluminum capsule, this coffee has a sweet, smooth texture. It's one of the best pods to try if you’re looking for a burst of fruity sweetness.
It's zesty and vibrant, and works well in a variety of drinks, such as cappuccinos or lattes.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | N/A |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | N/A |
| Capsule material | Aluminum |
Best affordable Nespresso alternative: L'OR
L'OR provides not only coffee machines but also delicious pods that are compatible with your L'OR Barista coffee maker, as well as some Nespresso machines.
This brand offers a variety of capsules, such as those for making ristretto and cappuccino coffees.
Some of the most delicious flavors that you can enjoy with L'OR capsules include the following:
- Espresso caramel
- Espresso vanilla
- Espresso chocolate
- Espresso decaffeinated
Pros
- Airtight aluminum construction. This ensures that the flavor and aroma of the coffee capsules are preserved.
- Recyclable pods. The aluminum can from coffee pods is recyclable.
- Affordable. These pods are more affordable than Nespresso pods.
Cons
- Online-only pods. Some of the L'OR pods are only available for purchase online through the company's website.
- Difficult to puncture. Some coffee machines struggle to puncture these coffee pods.
Try: L’OR Espresso Capsules
This 50-pack of espresso capsules has a variety of blends, from medium to dark roasts.
The capsules are made of aluminum and can be recycled. This material also preserves the freshness of the Robusta and Arabica beans.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium to dark |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 1.04 lbs (0.47kg) |
| Capsule material | Aluminum |
Best organic coffee pods: Meseta
If you love sustainable, organic coffee, Meseta coffee pods are a good choice.
These pods are Easy-Serving Espresso pods that contain seven grams (0.25oz) of ground coffee in every container, which is held between two thin layers of filter paper.
The pods come in three main varieties:
- Classico. This espresso capsule is made from Robusta coffee sourced from various locations.
- Forte. This coffee blend is a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans.
- Decaffeinated. You can enjoy caffeine-free coffee by choosing this pod.
Pros
- Aluminum pod range. One pod range offers pods made with aluminum, making them planet-friendly.
- Nespresso capsule machine compatible. This pod range contains plastic pods that are compatible with Nespresso capsule makers.
- Compostable pods. Meseta offers a compostable range that can be put in your organic waste collection.
- Compatible with other brands. You can find Meseta pods that are compatible with other coffee makers, such as Lavazza Blue and Caffitaly Standard.
Cons
- Limited availability on Amazon. Although you can find other coffee capsule brands on sites such as Amazon, only one organic product from Meseta is available.
Try: Nespresso Compatible Meseta Coffee Capsules
This 100-pack of Meseta capsules is compatible with a range of machines as long as they can accommodate Nespresso Original capsules.
This coffee is a Fairtrade-certified Arabica blend. It's got a delicious espresso flavor.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 1.85 lbs (0.84kg) |
| Capsule material | Plastic |
Best for variety: San Francisco Bay Coffee
This is another high-quality coffee brand that offers pods made from plant-based, compostable materials, ensuring your coffee is not only good for you but also good for the planet.
Known as OneCUP pods, these come in a variety of roasts and flavors to meet your coffee requirements.
Whether you love French roast coffee or coffee with a burst of French vanilla flavor, you will find what you need.
Best of all, San Francisco Bay Coffee is a great choice if you’re a fan of Donut Shop coffee pods.
Pros
- Nespresso-compatible. There's a range of coffee capsules that are compatible with Nespresso machines and come in K-Cups.
- The paper lid reduces plastic, but some versions still have a plastic rim; check local recycling/compost rules.
- Donut shop coffee pods are light. These pods are a blend of Arabica beans that originate in Central America and Africa, producing a light, bright, medium-bodied roast.
Cons
- It is not always compatible with Keurig machines. These pods don't always work well in Keurig coffee machines.
Try: San Francisco Bay Coffee OneCUP
This coffee pod variety is compatible with K-Cup single-serve brewers.
It's made with 100% Arabica coffee, and the beans are Kosher-certified. In this pack, you'll get the following blends:
- Breakfast blend (medium roast)
- Fog chaser (medium dark roast)
- Organic rainforest blend (medium dark roast)
- French roast (dark roast)
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Roast level | Medium-dark |
| Package | Box |
| Weight | 0.47 oz (13.3g) |
| Capsule material | Plastic (around the rim) |
Factors to consider
When choosing from these best Nespresso alternatives, there are some important factors to consider to ensure you get a delicious, easy-to-use coffee pod:
- Arabica vs. Robusta beans
- Sustainability
- Machine compatibility
- Exciting flavor
- Affordability
Arabica vs. Robusta beans
One of the most significant factors to consider when selecting the best coffee pod is choosing between Arabica and Robusta beans.
Arabica beans are generally considered to be tastier than Robusta.
I've featured some of the best coffee pods that contain 100% Arabica coffee, such as Peet's Coffee.
This provides smooth, rich-tasting coffee.
That said, Robusta coffee blends are also worth trying, especially if you prefer a less sweet-tasting coffee.
You can also find coffee pods that contain the best of both Arabica and Robusta coffee.
A good choice is Meseta, which blends Arabica and Robusta coffee to produce a delicious result.
Sustainability
Your lifestyle should be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible, including your coffee pods. Single-use coffee pods can be bad for the environment when they contain plastic.
Aluminum coffee pods are better for the environment as they can be recycled, but compostable pods are even better.
An example is San Francisco Bay Coffee’s plant-based coffee pods, which are compostable.
Machine compatibility
When choosing coffee pods, you'll naturally want to ensure they are compatible with your current coffee maker.
If you've been using a Nespresso coffee machine, you may want to try other compatible brands of pods.
This is why it's essential to research the machines the pods can be used with and puncture them properly.
- If you love K-Cups, for example, Gourmesso pods are ideal because they are compatible with Keurig machines.
- If you have a Nespresso Original machine, you can use pod brands such as Lavazza.
Exciting flavor
This is a matter of preference. You may want to consider a coffee brand that offers a variety of delicious and creative pods.
If this sounds appealing to you because it disrupts your coffee-drinking routine, coffee brands like Don Francisco's Coffee are a good choice.
They offer a range of unique coffee pod flavors that will elevate your coffee experience.
Affordability
If you're looking for an alternative to Nespresso coffee pods, you have many alternatives at your disposal, and many of them will work in your Nespresso coffee machine.
However, ensure that it's more affordable than Nespresso.
Gourmesso pods are cheaper than Nespresso pods. Nespresso capsules cost between $0.78 and $1.20, whereas Gourmesso capsules cost between $0.35 and $0.65, so you save a lot of money per pod.
However, a subscription service that delivers your favorite pods to your door can also help you save money.
One of the best is Atlas Coffee, which delivers beans from all around the world. There are different subscription plans:
- 72 cups for $24.50 per month. This works out to $0.34 per cup.
- 48 cups for $19.50 per month. This is $0.40 per cup.
- 24 cups for $14.50 per month. This is $0.60 per cup.
Key takeaways
If you want to try a new coffee pod, consider moving away from Nespresso and exploring some delicious alternatives.
The best alternative to start with is Bestpresso. These pods are very similar to Nespresso pods in terms of taste, and are also slightly more affordable.
