If you’re looking for the best pod variety to make espresso with your Nespresso machine, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve compiled a selection of my favorite pods that will give you delicious, rich espresso every time.

Whether you’re a fan of intense flavor or something a little more mellow, I’ve got you covered!

So read on to find out more about my top picks for the best Nespresso pods for espresso.

The best Nespresso pods for espresso: An overview

Before starting the article, I would like to show you an overview of all the best Nespresso pods for espresso covered in this article:

Best overall
Nespresso Altissio

Nespresso Altissio

  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 9
  • Origin: South America and Costa Rica
Runner up
Nespresso Voltesso

Nespresso Voltesso

  • Roast level: Blend of light and medium roasts
  • Intensity: 4
  • Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Best light roast
Nespresso Capriccio

Nespresso Capriccio

  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 5
  • Origin: South America including Brazil
Best dark roast
Nespresso Diavolitto

Nespresso Diavolitto

  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Origin: Brazil, Central, and South America
Best medium roast
Nespresso India

Nespresso India

  • Roast level: Medium roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Origin: India
Best low intensity
Nespresso Cosi

Nespresso Cosi

  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 4
  • Origin: Kenya and Costa Rica

How do you pick the right Nespresso pod for espresso?

To pick the perfect Nespresso pod for your tastes, there are a few key points to consider:

  • Intensity. Do you like a more balanced and laidback flavor, or do you prefer the strongest coffee pod there is?
  • What machine you have. Do you have the Original or Vertuo Nespresso machine?
  • Your preferred flavor profile. Do you like a more fruity and creamy flavor profile, or does a full-bodied and woody coffee sounds good?

The above-listed questions should all be considered when purchasing Nespresso pods. In the article, I’ll go over all the points mentioned above for each coffee pod.

To save you some time, I’ll start with these key points before going in-depth about each coffee pod.

That way, you can skip the ones that are not in your preferred intensity, flavor profile or are not fitted for your machine.

Why trust me with your Nespresso pod choice?

There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right Nespresso pod for your needs, and it can be tough to know who to trust with such an important decision.

However, I’m confident that I can help you make the best choice for your unique situation because I’ve personally tested every single Nespresso pod on the market:

All Vertuo Nespresso pods that I tested and reviewed

The 6 best Nespresso pods to make espresso at home

Ready to learn more about the Nespresso pods mentioned above?

I have compiled this list by tasting each Nespresso pod on the criteria for great Nespresso coffee, such as:

  • Taste
  • Intensity level
  • Roast
  • Pricing
  • Machine compatibility
  • Serving size

I’m hoping to make this list as valuable as possible, so for each one of these pods, I will:

  • Include an image of the pod and brewed coffee. So you can see if it’s something for you or not.
  • Have all the key information about the coffee pod at the start, so you don’t have to waste any time going through all the coffee pods that are not suited for you.
  • Include a link to their website. You will be able to either click on the title or on the product info box to check out the website.
  • Give you the pros & cons. This will help you to make an educated decision about which coffee pod to pick.
  • Tell you about the price. So you will know what to expect when you’ve found the right coffee pod for you.

Let’s get started:

1. Nespresso Voltesso

Image of two Voltesso Nespresso pods.

The best way I can describe the taste of the Voltesso is that it’s sweet and mild with a slight acidity. The roast level is a blend of light and medium roasts, and the intensity is 4.

The light and medium roasts give it a smooth body, while the 4 intensity level provides a noticeable but not overwhelming flavor.

Because of its light flavor, this is the perfect espresso if you prefer a not-so-strong drink.

And finally, the origin of the beans – Brazil and Colombia – gives this coffee its distinctive character.

Good to know about the Voltesso

  • Taste notes: Sweet and mild coffee with slight acidity
  • Roast level: Blend of light and medium roasts
  • Intensity: 4
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: Brazil and Colombia

You can read my pros and cons of the Voltesso below:

Pros
  • Sweet and mild coffee
  • Balanced flavor profile
Cons
  • Might be a bit underwhelming
  • Coffee flavor can go unnoticed if you like to add a sweetener to it

Which Nespresso machine is the Voltesso compatible with?

The Voltesso pods are specifically designed for use with the Vertuo machine.

Pricing

The Voltesso costs you $0.95 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $9.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso Voltesso

  • This Nespresso coffee is lightly roasted for a coffee that reveals biscuity notes and pronounces a distinctly sweet aroma thanks to its South American Arabica coffee beans

2. Nespresso Capriccio

Image of two Capriccio Nespresso pods.

The next espresso on the list is the Capriccio. With an intensity of 5, it’s among the least strong espresso coffees on this list.

The coffee beans are light roasted, giving the right amount of flavor to the espresso without overdoing it.

With a light roast comes a bit of acidity that is definitely noticeable, but it makes the coffee perfectly rounded.

Good to know about the Capriccio

  • Taste notes: Rich-tasting coffee with light acidity
  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 5
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: South America, including Brazil

Check out the pros and cons of the Capriccio espresso below:

Pros
  • Light acidity for a balanced flavor
  • Intensity of 5 for easy sipping
Cons
  • It has a distinctive flavor that not everyone likes

Which Nespresso machine is the Capriccio compatible with?

The Nespresso Original machine is the only machine that is compatible with the Capriccio pods.

Pricing

The Capriccio costs you $0.75 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $7.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso Capriccio
  • This Nespresso coffee blends Arabicas from South America, giving this blend a light acidity, which is balanced with the perfect amount of Brazilian Arabica and a touch of Robusta

3. Nespresso Diavolitto

Image of two Diavolitto Nespresso pods.

Next up is another great coffee pod with an intense flavor. It’s the Diavolitto!

The espresso is quite powerful, but it’s balanced out by the woody and chocolaty notes with a creamy texture. The flavor notes of leather help to round it out and make it more enjoyable.

It also has low acidity, so if you’re looking for the best Nespresso pod for espresso that is compatible with the Vertuo machine, this is the one.

Good to know about the Diavolitto

  • Taste notes: Intense flavor with woody notes
  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: Brazil, Central, and South America

Below, you can read about the pros and cons of the Diavollito coffee:

Pros
  • Powerful with low acidity
  • Creamy texture
Cons
  • If you're not a fan of woody/earthy coffee notes, this coffee might not fit your preference

Which Nespresso machine is the Diavolitto compatible with?

The Diavolitto pods are specifically designed for use with the Vertuo machine.

Pricing

The Diavolitto costs you $0.95 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $9.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso Diavolitto
  • This Nespresso coffee features an energized espresso from a blend of Brazilian coffee with an aroma that hints at oak wood and leather with a creamy texture that balances out this powerful espresso coffee

4. Nespresso India

Image of two India Nespresso pods.

The Nespresso India espresso is the next coffee on this list. It has an intense aroma that tastes delicious in espresso form.

Although you could also serve this coffee as a lungo 3.7 oz (110 ml), it tastes much better in espresso form, in my opinion.

The medium roast level provides enough flavor without overdoing it, developing a well-balanced and woody flavor profile.

Good to know about the India coffee

  • Taste notes: Powerful coffee with woody notes
  • Roast level: Medium roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: India

Below, you can read about the pros and cons of the India espresso:

Pros
  • Low acidity
  • Can also be brewed as Lungo
Cons
  • Intense flavor might be too strong for some

Which Nespresso machine is the India coffee compatible with?

The Nespresso Original machine is the only machine that is compatible with the India coffee pods.

Pricing

The India espresso costs you $0.85 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $8.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso India
  • This Nespresso coffee gets its intense, woody, spicy aromatics from the monsooned Robusta blended into Indian Arabica

5. Nespresso Cosi

Image of two Cosi Nespresso pods.

The Cosi espresso from Nespresso is a great example of a light roasted coffee with a delicate sweetness.

Espresso can be quite strong, but this coffee is perfectly rich in flavor and has a light fruitiness.

The Cosi is an espresso to consider if you love to drink espresso without the punch.

Good to know about the Cosi

  • Taste notes: Mild coffee with fruity notes
  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 4
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: Kenya and Costa Rica

Check out the pros and cons of the Cosi espresso below:

Pros
  • Mild coffee
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Might be too mild for some espresso lovers

Which Nespresso machine is the Cosi compatible with?

The Nespresso Original machine is the only machine that is compatible with the Cosi pods.

Pricing

The Cosi costs you $0.75 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $7.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso Cosi
  • Arabicas from Costa Rica give this Nespresso blend its characteristic cereal and lightly toasted notes, while the finest Arabicas from Kenya bring out its delicate fruit notes, both harmonized by Latin American Arabicas

6. Nespresso Altissio

Image of two Altissio Nespresso pods.

The Altissio coffee has strong flavors of dark chocolate and roast. The body is heavy and syrupy, with low acidity. There is a long finish with flavors of dark chocolate, and is creamy.

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something different, as its origins are South America and Costa Rica.

So if you’re looking for a coffee with a kick, this is the one for you.

Good to know about the Altissio

  • Taste notes: Chocolate, smooth, long finish
  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 9
  • Serving size: 1.35 oz (40 ml)
  • Origin: South America and Costa Rica

Below, you can see the pros and cons of this coffee that I got while tasting it:

Pros
  • Low acidity
  • Strong flavor
Cons
  • Might be too strong for some

Which Nespresso machine is the Altissio compatible with?

The Altissio pods are specifically designed for use with the Vertuo machine.

Pricing

The Altissio costs you $0.95 per pod at Nespresso.com. That means that a sleeve of 10 capsules costs $9.50.

For more information, click on this link here!

Nespresso Altissio
  • This Nespresso coffee is made from highly roasted Arabica Coffee from Costa Rica and South America for a smooth espresso coffee with notes of cereal for a full bodied coffee drink

Nespresso pods for espresso FAQs

This article should have helped you to find some amazing Nespresso pods for your espressos at home.

However, you might be left with a few questions related to making espresso with your Nespresso machine!

If you are interested in using your Nespresso machine correctly, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Which Nespresso machine makes better espresso?

Both the Original and Vertuo Nespresso machines make excellent espresso coffee. You can choose which machine suits you better depending on your budget, preferred features, and design.

Which button is for espresso on Nespresso machines?

On most Original line Nespresso machines, the button on the left is for espresso, while the right one is for Lungo. On the Vertuo Nespresso machines, you just have to press one button that is situated at the top.

Other great Nespresso pods

Not sure yet about making an espresso with the Nespresso pods mentioned in this article? Or just curious to see which Nespresso pods are out there?

I’ve got you covered! Check out the lists below to find great Nespresso pods for different recipes:

Final verdict

That was it!

Hopefully, you’ve been able to find an amazing Nespresso pod to make espresso on this list.

So, what is the final verdict?

What is the best Nespresso pod for espresso in 2023?

In my opinion, this year’s best Nespresso pod for espresso is Altissio! You can click here to buy it!

If you’re still second-guessing, you can take a look at the overview from earlier:

Best overall
Nespresso Altissio

Nespresso Altissio

  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 9
  • Origin: South America and Costa Rica
Runner up
Nespresso Voltesso

Nespresso Voltesso

  • Roast level: Blend of light and medium roasts
  • Intensity: 4
  • Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Best light roast
Nespresso Capriccio

Nespresso Capriccio

  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 5
  • Origin: South America including Brazil
Best dark roast
Nespresso Diavolitto

Nespresso Diavolitto

  • Roast level: Dark roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Origin: Brazil, Central, and South America
Best medium roast
Nespresso India

Nespresso India

  • Roast level: Medium roast
  • Intensity: 11
  • Origin: India
Best low intensity
Nespresso Cosi

Nespresso Cosi

  • Roast level: Light roast
  • Intensity: 4
  • Origin: Kenya and Costa Rica

I hope to have guided you to the perfect coffee pod that you like the most. It can be hard to choose a coffee pod without knowing much about it, which is why I’ve written this article!

Picture of Jeffrey, Author at Your Dream Coffee
Author

On my coffee blog you will find everything you need in order to start brewing coffee at home. Ranging from the basics; to the newest coffee recipes everybody talks about! You can learn more about me here.

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