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Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating

98 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Lisbon Bica leads at 3.9 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.

Line
All 98Original 40Vertuo 58
Status
All 146Currently sold 98

98 capsules ranked

  1. Lisbon Bica

    3.9/5 from 18 opinions

    Original Intensity 10 Price in United States: not sold here

    Summary of what people say: Lisbon Bica is generally praised as a strong, dark and distinctive Original Line espresso, often with spicy, nutty, fruity, earthy or smoky notes. Some drinkers find it too bitter, soapy, dusty or flavorless, and preparation as a ristretto or with sugar or milk often matters.

    • Strong, dark and distinctive espresso
    • Spicy, nutty, fruity or smoky notes

    • I just tried this and really liked it. I can't stand sour coffee, and this is not sour at all. I also like coffees that are not overly bitter.

      Source

    • I had my first Lisbon Bica the other day and really liked it. (I drink mine black.) Will be adding more sleeves to my next order.

      Source

  2. Roma

    3.9/5 from 18 opinions

    Original Intensity 8 Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: Roma is often described as a versatile Original espresso. People mention it as a smooth choice for cappuccino, a stronger straight espresso and a regular favourite. Other opinions call it sour, bitter or too intense, so it is not a universal choice.

    • Smooth for some in cappuccino
    • Chosen for straight espresso and stronger flavours
    • Often described as versatile or a favourite

  3. Tokyo Lungo

    3.9/5 from 17 opinions

    Original Intensity 6 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: Tokyo Lungo divides opinions: many describe it as a pleasant, light and nuanced lungo, sometimes a favourite or a good partner for milk and oat milk.

    • Pleasant light and nuanced flavour
    • A favourite or regular choice for some
    • Works for some with milk or oat milk

  4. Livanto

    3.9/5 from 16 opinions

    Original Intensity 6 Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: The balanced middle of the Original range, and the capsule most often suggested to someone who found the dark roasts too much. People who like it describe it as smooth and well balanced enough to serve to guests or drink black all day; the dissent is consistent and specific — those who want more intensity find it…

    • Balanced, with little bitterness
    • Works black or with milk
    • A safe choice to serve guests

    • Genova Livanto is a favorite; it’s medium to light and I always have it in hand. ... So… my vote is Livanto, then Paris, then Roma

      Source

    • I haven’t found a capsule I love as much as the Livanto. ... I stick with the only capsule I love but if Nespresso discontinued that capsule I would probably move on from Nespresso.

      Source

  5. Shanghai Lungo

    3.9/5 from 15 opinions

    Original Intensity 5 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: Shanghai Lungo is often praised as a light, complex Original Line lungo with fresh-roast, tea-like and layered flavors, especially when brewed shorter. Some find it dilute, bland or among the worst, and preparation or cream can change the result.

    • Layered, light and complex flavor for many drinkers
    • Fresh-roast and slight tea notes are recurring positives
    • Often recommended as a favorite, especially with a shorter brew

  6. Fortado Decaffeinato

    3.9/5 from 14 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 8 Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Fortado Decaffeinato is a substantial Vertuo decaf with woody, cocoa and roasted notes. Many drinkers value its bold body, smooth crema and ability to stand up to cream; it also works in richer drinks such as an eggnog-and-bourbon latte. The profile is divisive: some find it delicious and dependable, while others…

    • Woody, cocoa and roasted depth
    • Full body and crema that hold up to cream
    • Works in rich seasonal drinks as well as black coffee

  7. Oatly Barista Edition

    3.9/5 from 9 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.55

    Summary of what people say: Oatly Barista Edition is a soft, slightly sweet Vertuo double espresso with cereal, nutty and malty notes. Many drinkers like it with oat milk or in a latte, while others taste little difference from an ordinary double espresso or find it slightly bitter. A modest amount of milk helps keep the coffee flavour clear.

    • Soft, slightly sweet cup
    • Cereal, nutty and malty notes
    • Works with oat milk or in a latte

  8. Café Joyeux

    3.9/5 from 7 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 5 Price in United States: $1.50

    Summary of what people say: Café Joyeux Vertuo is usually described as mild, smooth and easy to drink, with bright notes that make it a pleasant change of pace. Some drinkers keep it in regular rotation or enjoy it black, although a side-by-side comparison found the Vertuo version less distinctive than the Original Line version.

    • Mild, smooth and easy to drink
    • Pleasant black or as an everyday coffee

  9. Active

    3.8/5 from 16 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.50

    Summary of what people say: Active works especially well in iced drinks, where its almond-vanilla character can taste sweet and refreshing. It can also seem bitter or vitamin-like, and the profile is not for every palate.

    • Works especially well over ice
    • Almond-vanilla profile appeals to many
    • Often chosen as a favorite

  10. India

    3.8/5 from 12 opinions

    Original Intensity 11 Price in United States: $1.00

    Summary of what people say: India is sharply divided.

    • Dark, smoky and strong profile for many drinkers
    • Frequently kept as a favorite or go-to

  11. Café Joyeux

    3.8/5 from 11 opinions

    Original Intensity 5 Price in United States: not sold here

    Summary of what people say: Café Joyeux Original is generally smooth and biscuit-like, with a mild, easy-drinking profile and enough acidity to keep it lively. It works well black or with milk; some drinkers find it less distinctive or prefer other coffees, while a restricted ristretto brings out a stronger character.

    • Smooth, biscuit-like profile
    • Works well black or with milk

  12. Sweet Vanilla

    3.7/5 from 34 opinions

    Vertuo Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: Sweet Vanilla is often chosen for sweet, flavoured drinks and combinations with milk.

    • Works well with milk or over ice
    • Gives some drinkers a clear vanilla note

    • Same! I really love vanilla, but their sweet vanilla pods are meh to me, which is annoying since it's a permanent flavor. Oddly enough, limited edition pods with vanilla notes seem to taste better…

      Source

    • I would add the bianco dopio!!! That’s a tasty one too, the dolce is my personal favourite though 👌🏼 I also have the same picks (sweet vanilla iced leggero). I exclusively make iced drinks with my…

      Source

  13. Melozio

    3.7/5 from 23 opinions

    Vertuo Intensity 6 Price in United States: $1.40

    Summary of what people say: The default Vertuo coffee, and treated as such: many people call it their everyday cup and praise it as smooth and unchallenging. It also draws the most "just fine" verdicts of any capsule here — Some drinkers describe it as watered down, too light, or simply unremarkable next to the rest of the range.

    • Smooth, with little bitterness
    • A reliable everyday cup
    • A good base for milk and syrup

  14. 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

  15. Nocciola

    3.7/5 from 20 opinions

    Original Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: Nocciola is a bold, strongly hazelnut-forward Original Line flavoured capsule. Its rich, sometimes sweet or Nutella-like aroma can make it a favourite, but the flavour may overpower the coffee or feel cloying, artificial or chemical.

    • Pronounced roasted hazelnut aroma and taste; some perceive sweetness
    • Works as espresso, cappuccino or latte, iced drinks and dessert recipes
    • Some drinkers call it a favorite or go-to

  16. Caramello

    3.7/5 from 18 opinions

    Original Intensity 6 Price in United States: $0.90

    Summary of what people say: Original Line Caramello is mostly liked as a mild, toasted-sugar and caramel capsule for lattes, lungos and milk recipes. Some people call it a favorite, but others find it weak, artificial or sickly sweet, especially compared with earlier Caramelito or Crème Brûlée versions.

    • Mild toasted-sugar and caramel profile
    • Works well in lattes, lungos and con leche drinks
    • Many describe it as a favorite or a go-to

    • Its not intense but its delicious. Double shot Caramello latte hits the spot!

      Source

    • for iced lattes my “recipe” is I fill ice cubes in the 20oz travel mug and brew 1 OL caramello pod on lungo and 1 OL vanilla on regular directly into the mug.

      Source

  17. 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

    • i didn’t like this hot, but it is very nice iced! maybe try that

      Source

  18. 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

    • 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

  19. Rio de Janeiro Espresso

    3.7/5 from 7 opinions

    Original Intensity 9 Price in United States: $0.95

    Summary of what people say: Rio de Janeiro Espresso is a polarizing Original Line espresso with woody aromatic character, subtle acidity and low bitterness. The profile can feel delicious and distinctive to some, but others find it weird, ashy or bitter.

    • Woody aroma and subtle acidity appeal to some
    • Some call it delicious, a keeper or a favorite
    • The espresso format suits drinkers seeking an aromatic profile

  20. 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

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