Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating

98 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Fortado leads at 4.3 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.

98 capsules ranked

  1. Fortado

    4.3/5 from 31 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 8 Price in United States: $1.35

    Summary of what people say: Fortado is a dark, smoky gran lungo with real body that holds up in a large milky cup. The smokiness can read as bitter or rubbery, and the default volume may feel thin; it suits people who enjoy a pronounced profile.

    • Dark and smoky, with real body
    • A large capsule that can also work black
    • Holds up in a large milky cup
  2. El Salvador

    4.3/5 from 28 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.50

    Summary of what people say: People often describe it as smooth, balanced and easy to drink black or in a large cup; some call it a favourite or a regular coffee. Some people find it weaker than expected or simply do not enjoy it.

    • Smooth and balanced for many people
    • Works black and in a large cup
    • Often described as a favourite or regular coffee
  3. Paris Espresso

    4.3/5 from 26 opinions

    Original Intensity 6 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: Paris is broadly well liked as a versatile Original espresso. People call it a favourite, a go-to or a daily coffee and describe it as balanced, smooth or dark enough without excessive bitterness. Some mention citrus, fruit or cereal notes and use it black, with foam or milk, in short lattes, iced drinks or an…

    • Balanced and smooth for many
    • Works black, with milk or foam, or in iced drinks
    • Often a favourite or daily coffee
  4. Stockholm Lungo

    4.3/5 from 21 opinions

    Original Intensity 8 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: The main limitation is extraction and dilution: some find it weak or watery when extended to a large lungo or combined with substantial milk, while a careful shorter extraction can preserve more body and smoothness.

    • Smooth, balanced and relatively low-acid profile
    • Frequently described as a favorite or preferred daily cup
    • Can work black, with milk, as a shorter espresso or in iced drinks when prepared carefully
    • is definitely a lower intensity beverage, or iced coffee recipe, not an iced latte. But it was so good! The Stockholm capsule goes well with Irish Cream and isn't completely washed out with ice/ cr

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    • Stockholm lungo, with a dash of Silk oat sweet cream creamer is my preferred daily cup.

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  5. Indonesia

    4.3/5 from 20 opinions

    Original Intensity 8 Price in United States: $1.00

    Summary of what people say: Indonesia is generally liked for a distinctive, low-acidity profile. People mention tobacco and woody notes and often describe it as rich, smooth or a favourite; several use it with milk, in a flat white or as a lungo. Some people find the profile difficult to enjoy or simply not to their taste.

    • Distinctive tobacco and woody notes
    • Rich or smooth for many
    • Works for some with milk, in a flat white or as a lungo
  6. Half Caffeinato

    4.3/5 from 12 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Half Caffeinato is a mild, smooth Vertuo mug with a familiar, balanced coffee profile. It works well with milk, sugar or ice, but some cups come across as thin or watery and lack depth for people who prefer darker, richer coffee.

    • Smooth and balanced everyday profile
    • Works with milk, sugar or ice
    • Mild character for drinkers who prefer a gentler cup
  7. Buenos Aires Lungo

    4.3/5 from 11 opinions

    Original Intensity 4 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: Buenos Aires Lungo is generally liked for buttery, toasted or popcorn-like sweetness, especially when extracted shorter or combined with milk and sugar. Some people call it a favorite or fantastic, while some find the full 110 ml brew less pleasant and prefer a shorter extraction.

    • Buttery, toasted and popcorn-like notes
    • Can be especially good at a shorter extraction
    • Works with milk, sugar or creamer and is often called a favorite
  8. Scuro

    4.3/5 from 10 opinions

    Original Intensity 8 Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: Original Line Scuro is strongly favored for milk drinks, cappuccinos and macchiatos, with some people calling it a favorite. Some find it roastier than preferred or weaker than the Vertuo double-espresso version.

    • Stands up well in milk drinks
    • Popular for cappuccinos and macchiatos
    • Often described as a favorite
    • I’m new to the coffee world but I’ve really enjoyed capsules such as Scuro and Vanilla Eclair as they blend well with milk and syrups (I’m a latte/cappuccino person) but still serve as a good and…

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    • For Original Line I live Scuro & Cocoa Truffle together.

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  9. Arpeggio Extra

    4.3/5 from 9 opinions

    Original Intensity 9 Price in United States: $1.00

    Summary of what people say: Arpeggio Extra is strongly liked as a dark, full Original Line espresso with cocoa notes and light acidity. It is often treated as a favourite, while the difference from regular Arpeggio can be subtle when the two are tasted side by side.

    • Dark, full-bodied espresso
    • Cocoa notes and light acidity
    • Frequently chosen as a favourite
  10. Coconut Flavour over Ice

    4.3/5 from 7 opinions

    Original Price in United States: not sold here

    Summary of what people say: This Original Line iced coffee is driven by a clear coconut flavour with a light, relatively subtle coffee base. It can show raw-coconut, woody and cereal notes, and works especially well over ice with milk or a sweetener; some cups instead taste bitter and show little coconut.

    • Clear coconut flavour over ice
    • Woody and cereal notes add dimension
    • Works well as a latte or with sweetened additions
  11. Stormio

    4.2/5 from 39 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 8 Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: A dark, smoky Vertuo mug coffee that people name alongside Intenso and Odacio whenever the question is which pod makes the best large black cup.

    • Strong enough for a large black cup
    • Often kept in permanent rotation
  12. Nicaragua

    4.2/5 from 23 opinions

    Original Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.00

    Summary of what people say: Nicaragua is a smooth Original coffee with little acidity and works with milk, in a latte, or as espresso rather than a long lungo. It can also seem watery, bitter or lacking in character, so the cup is not for everyone.

    • Smooth and not sour for many
    • Often a favourite, staple or regular coffee
    • Works for some with milk, as espresso or lungo
  13. Vivida

    4.2/5 from 22 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 6 Price in United States: $1.55

    Summary of what people say: Vivida is strongly liked but not universal. Its sweet, cereal and fruity notes make it an easy everyday or morning coffee for some, while others find the cereal profile boring, the flavour strange or the stimulation too strong.

    • Sweet and cereal notes suit its fans
    • Often described as an everyday favourite or morning coffee
    • Fruity undertones and an easy-drinking character
  14. Arondio

    4.2/5 from 20 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 6 Price in United States: $1.35

    Summary of what people say: Arondio is widely liked as a smooth, mid-intensity Gran Lungo that works for a shorter coffee, often with milk or cream. Many call it a favorite or go-to, but some find it too weak, lacking sweetness with milk, or simply dislike it.

    • Smooth, mellow and easy to drink for many people
    • Useful Gran Lungo size and less diluted than a full mug coffee for some
    • Works black, with milk or cream, and can be brewed shorter
  15. Cosi

    4.2/5 from 20 opinions

    Original Intensity 4 Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: Cosi is generally described as a mild, light Original capsule with light or fruity flavours. People use it with milk, over ice or for cappuccino, and some choose it as a regular afternoon coffee. Several call it a favourite or their best light roast, while some people find it too mild, bland or lacking character.

    • Mild, light or fruity profile
    • Works with milk, in cappuccino or over ice
    • Often a favourite or regular coffee
  16. Ethiopia

    4.2/5 from 11 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 4 Price in United States: $1.45

    Summary of what people say: Ethiopia-7017 has a light, floral or sweet character that suits people seeking a less heavy coffee. The gran-lungo format works for morning drinking and milk recipes, while the Vertuo version can taste more roasted and less impressive than the Original Line version.

    • Light, floral or sweet character
    • The gran-lungo format works for morning drinking and some milk recipes
    • Can be a reliable everyday choice for people who prefer lighter coffee
    • I am loving the Ethiopia that just came back in stock and the new Oatley double shot! I’m excited for the white chocolate strawberry that is coming out!

      Source (opens in a new tab)
    • espresso vertuo machine for a little more than a year. We tried multiple pods but decided that our favourite is ethiopia and have been consistently buying that. However, for a few weeks now ethiopia…

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  17. Samra Togetherness Blend

    4.2/5 from 11 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 7 Price in United States: $1.45

    Summary of what people say: Samra Togetherness Blend is a creamy, easy-to-like Vertuo double espresso with a subtle spice and chicory character. The spice and chicory stay restrained rather than taking over, and the capsule works especially well over ice with milk, vanilla-caramel syrup and a little honey; its flavour may be too quiet for…

    • Creamy texture in iced milk drinks
    • Subtle spice and chicory character
    • Works with vanilla-caramel syrup and honey
  18. Altissio Decaffeinato

    4.2/5 from 10 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 9 Price in United States: $1.15

    Summary of what people say: Altissio Decaffeinato is a short Vertuo espresso with a cocoa-led profile that many drinkers prefer in creamy drinks, affogato, or as a double-shot base. Its aroma can be smooth and chocolatey, while the black cup may deliver a pronounced bitterness; milk softens it but can also reduce the cocoa finish.

    • Pronounced cocoa character
    • Works well in creamy drinks and affogato
    • Many drinkers find it satisfying as a decaf espresso
  19. Melozio Decaffeinato

    4.2/5 from 10 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 6 Price in United States: $1.45

    Summary of what people say: Melozio Decaffeinato is a full-size Vertuo decaf that many drinkers use in the afternoon or evening. Its smooth, nutty and cereal-like profile can work on its own, with milk, or as the base of a mocha; some people find it too mild or watery, while others simply dislike the flavour.

    • Full-size decaf for afternoon or evening
    • Smooth nutty and cereal character
    • Works with milk and as a mocha base
  20. Tanzania

    4.2/5 from 6 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.55

    Summary of what people say: Tanzania for Original Line has a fresh, citrusy and sometimes fruity profile. It works black and in iced drinks with caramel and milk, but its acidity may not suit people who prefer a softer cup.

    • Fresh, citrusy and sometimes fruity character
    • Works black and in iced or caramel-and-milk preparations

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