Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating

58 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Ice Forte leads at 3.7 out of 5.

Each score is the mean of opinions read in full from public sources, counted once per author. A capsule appears only once at least five independent authors have been read, so a capsule missing from this list is one we have not gathered enough evidence about — not one that scored badly. Every excerpt links to where it was published.

58 capsules ranked

  1. Ice Forte

    3.7/5 from 21 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Ice Forte is a full mug designed to be poured over ice, with a darker and more peppery character than its paired capsule. It can also work hot, although its profile is strongest when served cold.

    • Darker and more peppery than the other iced capsule
    • Some people prefer it hot
  2. White Chocolate & Strawberry

    3.7/5 from 12 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.60

    Summary of what people say: White Chocolate & Strawberry is highly preparation-sensitive. As a hot black coffee it can seem lacklustre, artificial or unable to show its advertised flavours, while espresso mode, milk, white-chocolate sauce or a cold iced preparation can make it much more appealing. The strawberry note is more convincing with…

    • Milk can bring out a sweet strawberry note
    • Double espresso with white-chocolate sauce can work well
    • Cold or iced preparation may taste better than a hot cup
    • Verdict: it does give a sweet hint of strawberry so I prefer it with milk. Would I buy another sleeve? Hhhmmm… hard to say, but I might try and add it to my milkshake and see.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • i didn’t like this hot, but it is very nice iced! maybe try that

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  3. Colombia

    3.7/5 from 7 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.50

    Summary of what people say: Colombia receives a mixed but slightly favorable reception among Vertuo drinkers. The capsule is therefore a reasonable everyday option for people who enjoy a brighter profile, but not a safe universal recommendation.

    • Some rankings place it around 8/10 or describe the cup as less bitter than alternatives
    • Update: I tried the Colombia coffee as I had the box of 12 different coffee.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • I just bought a Vertuo Plus Deluxe and my favorite pod in the sampler was the Colombia. Are there any other flavors that you all think I might like based on that? I need to use up my $10 coupon soon!

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  4. Starbucks® Espresso Roast

    3.7/5 from 7 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 11 Price in United States: $1.30

    Summary of what people say: Starbucks Espresso Roast for Vertuo gets a mixed but generally positive reaction. Some drinkers value its intense coffee character and use it in milky or iced drinks, while others find the cup watery after milk and sugar. It suits people who want a forceful coffee base rather than a delicate profile.

    • Intense coffee character
    • Works as a base for milky and iced drinks
    • A strong single-pod option for some drinkers
  5. Bianco Forte

    3.6/5 from 21 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: The split follows how it is served almost exactly — people who add a good deal of milk tend to like it, people who drink it black tend not to, and one of its strongest defenders drinks it black and says so as if it were a confession.

    • Strong enough to hold up under plenty of milk
    • Thick crema
    • I loved the sample of Bianca Forte and I was wondering if anybody knew when/if it would be abc, in stock

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • Bianco Forte is my all time favorite and don’t understand how more people don’t like it! Maybe it’s because I drink it black.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  6. Stormio Go

    3.6/5 from 9 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 8 Price in United States: $1.55

    Summary of what people say: Stormio Go is a full-bodied black Vertuo coffee with a loyal following and a noticeable caffeine-focused appeal. Some people find it a dependable favourite, while others dislike the taste or notice little difference from regular Stormio; it is therefore a distinctly personal choice.

    • Full-bodied black coffee
    • Extra caffeine appeals to some drinkers
    • A strong favourite for some
    • If you’re looking for more of a kick I would try to melozio boost or the stormio boost. I like both of these black and they have extra caffeine

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • I’m grateful for the option and not being stuck with Stormio Boost. That stuff’s disgusting.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  7. Sweet Vanilla Decaffeinato

    3.6/5 from 7 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.45

    Summary of what people say: Sweet Vanilla Decaffeinato divides opinion more than its name suggests: some find it comforting, enjoyable with creamer, and a good evening decaf, while others find the vanilla weak or the cup unpleasant. The flavour stays close to the regular Sweet Vanilla profile, so its appeal depends on whether that profile suits…

    • Comforting evening decaf for some drinkers
    • Works well with creamer for some
  8. Orafio

    3.5/5 from 16 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 6 Price in United States: $1.08

    Summary of what people say: Orafio is appreciated by many for a mid-intensity single espresso with cereal and caramel-like notes, especially in lattes or with milk.

    • Easy to drink as a mid-intensity espresso
    • Works well in lattes, with milk or over ice
    • Some find the cereal and caramel character appealing
  9. Inizio

    3.5/5 from 10 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 4 Price in United States: $1.35

    Summary of what people say: Inizio is a light, gentle Vertuo Gran Lungo with a clean, familiar coffee profile. It can be pleasant hot and pairs with salted caramel and oat milk, but over ice or as a long black it may taste weak, chemically sharp or overly foamy; a darker drinker may find it lacking depth.

    • Light but recognizable coffee flavour when served hot
    • Works with salted caramel and oat milk
    • Gentle alternative to heavier Gran Lungos
    • I also think inizio and Ethiopia (both are gran lungos) might take them all in a race. Only sucks that they’re 5oz.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • I've tried several original flavors and even Vertuo (I really like Inizio) but now I went and they told me that it's being phased out because it's a special edition.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  10. Cinnamon and Candied Tamarind

    3.4/5 from 57 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: not sold here

    Summary of what people say: Cinnamon and Candied Tamarind divides opinion. Some people enjoy its sweet cinnamon profile, especially with milk, sugar or a shorter espresso-style brew. Others find the tamarind note watery, sour or medicinal and prefer it with additions such as milk, sugar or syrup.

    • A sweet cinnamon note comes through for some drinkers
    • Works for some with milk or sweetener
  11. Cold Brew Style Intense

    3.4/5 from 10 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.65

    Summary of what people say: Cold Brew Style Intense is a large Vertuo coffee designed for a smooth iced drink and a generous serving. Its profile can be refreshing, lightly acidic, earthy and caramel-toned with a soft, velvety texture. Some drinkers like the amount it produces, while others find it watery, too mild or too weak to stand up to…

    • Smooth, low-acid iced-coffee style
    • Generous serving that can be shared
    • Earthy and lightly caramel-toned notes
  12. Golden Caramel

    3.3/5 from 18 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Golden Caramel is sharply polarizing. Many like its pronounced caramel, subtle sweetness and usefulness in milk or iced drinks, while others find it artificial, spicy, bitter or effectively undrinkable.

    • Pronounced caramel or buttery and biscuity character for some
    • Works in iced drinks and milk recipes
    • Some people call it a favorite
    • I personally was not a big fan of the golden caramel. It has a strong spice in it that I can't quite pinpoint but it reminds me a bit of the gingerbread from the holidays.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • I had all these samples of golden caramel and I decided to make a cup today. Omg it’s so good.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  13. Roasted Hazelnut

    3.3/5 from 15 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Roasted Hazelnut has an especially divided reception among flavored Vertuo capsules. The contrast is central to the product profile.

    • Supporters perceive recognizable hazelnut aroma and a rich, non-bitter cup
    • Works for some black, milk-based or iced preparations
    • e, I’ve been enjoying making coffee at home and checking out all the recipes on here. Sadly, I absolutely can’t stand these pods and the flavor. I have an unopened sleeve and about 2-3 extra pods…

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • I tried the Roasted Hazelnut pods twice now on my Vertuo plus.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  14. Tropical Coconut Flavour over Ice

    3.3/5 from 12 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.60

    Summary of what people say: Tropical Coconut Flavour over Ice is a highly polarizing Vertuo flavored capsule.

    • Light coconut notes can work very well in iced coffee and with cream
    • Some drinkers enjoy it hot despite the intended cold preparation
    • Some drinkers call it a favorite or prefer it to newer coconut versions
    • For me, the Tropical Coconut pod they sold last year is hands down significantly better than the Coconut Vanilla they sold this year. I have 2 pods left of last years version and a f

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • Just got my Coconut Vanilla Over Ice in yesterday.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  15. Maple Pecan

    3.3/5 from 8 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Maple Pecan is more reliable as a concentrated or milk-based drink than as a full coffee. Shorter preparations can bring out its sweet maple-and-pecan character, while a large cup may taste weak or watery.

    • Distinct maple and pecan notes can come through
    • Shorter or concentrated preparation can work well as a latte
    • Can taste delicious, great or like a favourite flavour
    • It tastes great. The pecan nuttiness comes through. I am going to really enjoy these while they last!

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • After seeing the hype for maple pecan and finally having the chance to buy it in the states, I have to say I'm a little underwhelmed by the coffee flavor in the pod.

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  16. Pumpkin Spice Cake

    3.3/5 from 7 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.60

    Summary of what people say: Pumpkin Spice Cake is more dependable for people who like a subtle seasonal profile and are willing to adjust it with milk or sweetener than for those seeking a rich dessert coffee.

    • A distinct pumpkin note can come through
    • The spice can taste subtle rather than overpowering
    • Milk, lightener or sweetener can improve the balance
    • ou notice a difference between the OL and the VL pumpkin spice cake pods? Im liking the OL much better than the Vertuo. I find the Vertuo one tastes a bit artificial compared to the OL

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • does anyone else find this year’s pumpkin spice Vertuo pods much lighter and almost fruity compared to last year’s, or am I crazy?

      Source (opens in a new tab)
  17. Rich Chocolate

    3.1/5 from 26 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: People who like it almost always drink it with milk or a chocolate sauce; people who dislike it most often tried it black and hot.

    • Reads as a mild mocha rather than a sweet one
    • Better with milk or a chocolate sauce
    • Also works over ice as a dessert drink
  18. Gingerbread

    2.8/5 from 31 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: not sold here

    Summary of what people say: Gingerbread divides opinion. Some people enjoy its clear seasonal gingerbread and spice character, while others taste little or no gingerbread at all and describe the cup as bland, bitter or unpleasant. It can work better with milk, sugar or creamer, but it is a risky choice if you expect a strong, dessert-like…

    • A clear gingerbread and spice character for some drinkers
    • Some people enjoy it with milk, sugar or creamer

Excerpts are quoted from public sources and belong to their authors. Follow the source link for full context.