Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating
68 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Vaniglia 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.
68 capsules ranked

Vaniglia
Vaniglia is a sweet, floral vanilla-flavoured Original Line capsule with a generally favourable but clearly divided reception.
Source (opens in a new tab)Vaniglia has a very pleasant and floral vanilla taste. Nespresso uses the same natural flavors like they used for the Variation Fleur de Vanille (re
Source (opens in a new tab)Love Intenso and Melozio - not a fan of flavoured coffee but the Vaniglia is tasty. Try Nola next time - it is extraordinarily delicious.

Lisbon Bica
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)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 (opens in a new tab)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.

Roma
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)I have to second Roma, really versatile coffee
Source (opens in a new tab)No. Roma is pretty bitter and intense with a dark chocolate vibe.

Tokyo Lungo
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)my favorite OL pods are Ispirazione Italiano Decafenato, Columbia, Zimbabwe, Tokyo Vivalto Lungo
Source (opens in a new tab)I tried it and it was nice. Quite weak as a lungo so I enjoyed it best without any milk.

Livanto
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…
Source (opens in a new tab)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 (opens in a new tab)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.

Shanghai Lungo
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)Really enjoying it hot. Bet it would be great cold too.
Source (opens in a new tab)And also shanghai lungo and stockholm lungo.

Envivo Lungo
Drinkers describe it as a morning staple, a favorite or a dependable intense lungo, while others find it unpleasant or simply do not love it.
Source (opens in a new tab)Dulsao, Roma, Envivo Lungo, Arpeggio and Ristretto in that order. Really like Indriya and Cafecita de Cuba too. Just orde
Source (opens in a new tab)Welcome to the club. My top 2 are Napoli & Kazaar. My others favs are Scuro & Envivo Lungo. Have fun trying them all.

Pistachio Vanilla
Pistachio Vanilla Flavor Over Ice is a strongly polarizing flavoured Original Line capsule. It is best approached as a cold, recipe-friendly drink, since hot preparation can taste harsher or more artificial.
Source (opens in a new tab)s before i switched to nespresso) and all the negative reviews sounded so offputting. idk, it tastes like pistachio to me and i ordered 3 more sleeves.
Source (opens in a new tab)It’s a solid pod especially over ice and with a splash of vanilla oat or almond milk

Vanilio
Some drinkers find the vanilla weak, awkward or too plain, so the profile is not universally convincing.
Source (opens in a new tab)Vanilio, Arpeggio and Livanto as her favourites
Source (opens in a new tab)love the flavoured ones (cioccatino, vanilio and caramelito)

India
India is sharply divided.
Source (opens in a new tab)I tried to give a shot to Origin India, but I just can't, it got to a point where I don't feel like drink coffee, for some, this might sound ridiculous, but the different is huge
Source (opens in a new tab)It was the only pod that I felt I need to order ASAP.

Café Joyeux
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)I like this one. It tastes a lot like biscuits when you add milk.
Source (opens in a new tab)It’s enjoyable and biscuity is an apt description.

Yemen
Yemen is generally experienced as a light, fruity and floral Original Line limited edition with a smooth or balanced profile; some people enjoy its full-bodied feel despite the light roast and some like it with milk.
Source (opens in a new tab)It’s actually a good blend. Light yet bitter at the same time.
Source (opens in a new tab)I thought the Yemen was hugely dissapointing, really lacked the depth of flavour.

Liminha Over Ice
Liminha Over Ice is a distinctive citrus-and-mint Original Line capsule that works black or in iced recipes with seltzer, tonic, lemonade, milk or syrup. Its recipe sensitivity is central to the experience: the same lime and mint character can taste refreshing and unique or artificial and medicinal.
Source (opens in a new tab)I wish I had seen this first. Tried it this morning and it’s got this awful licorice aftertaste with milk. Soda water sounds like it would be SIGNIFICANTLY better.
Source (opens in a new tab)Lime and mint, love it! Thanks for the info!

Nocciola
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)Agreed, I enjoy the Nocciola, but the PH is more light and creamy
Source (opens in a new tab)most days I fall back on a simple Nocciola pod from the OG line

Caramello
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)Its not intense but its delicious. Double shot Caramello latte hits the spot!
Source (opens in a new tab)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.

Apple Crumble
The capsule seems best suited to drinkers who want a restrained seasonal flavor rather than a strong dessert-like cup.
Source (opens in a new tab)(I tend to have a short coffee with lots of milk (I like my lattes)) Apple Crumble has got a definite apple taste but with a strong cinnamon kick to it.
Source (opens in a new tab)s person that apple crumble sounded horrible. She told me it was the staff favourite and made me try one......it was great! Mild enough to not have an overly apple flavour, but still there. Have to…

La Cumplida Refinada
La Cumplida Refinada has a distinctive fermented-fruit profile with wild-fruit and apricot-like nuances. Some drinkers find it smooth and excellent, including with milk, while others dislike it with milk or find the fruit character unpleasant. It is most likely to suit people who enjoy unusual, fruit-forward espresso.
Source (opens in a new tab)I made a macchiato with a little steamed milk, took one sip and threw it out - I thought my milk had gone off. I'm definitely not doing that again! Straight black espresso until it's gone; not a…
Source (opens in a new tab)I've just had my first latte with it (2 shots with oatly barista) and it's incredible, I was a bit apprehensive too but its so good.

Rio de Janeiro Espresso
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)So disappointed in this one. I also hated the cafenzo do Brazil from a couple years ago, so hearing they are the same
Source (opens in a new tab)Woody notes, especially on the espresso brew

Venezia
Venezia is divisive: some people call it mellow, easy to enjoy, a staple or a favourite, and some like it with cream or as a black espresso. Others find it weak, too bitter or diluted as a lungo, or simply not to their taste.
Source (opens in a new tab)It and Roma have been my favorite so far.
Source (opens in a new tab)Every now and then I also enjoy Paris, Arpeggio or Venezia.

Capriccio
Capriccio is a quiet mid-intensity capsule with a plain, cereal-forward everyday character. That simplicity can feel comforting or dull depending on taste.
Source (opens in a new tab)Capriccio actually - big fan of India as well ... now I need to place an order of India!
Source (opens in a new tab)I like cereal and toasty notes and it has those. ... I’d say Peru organic and Capriccio are in my top faves.
Excerpts are quoted from public sources and belong to their authors. Follow the source link for full context.