Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating
78 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Orafio leads at 3.5 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.
78 capsules ranked

Orafio
Orafio is appreciated by many for a mid-intensity single espresso with cereal and caramel-like notes, especially in lattes or with milk.
Source (opens in a new tab)I wasn’t impressed by this espresso either on first impression.
Source (opens in a new tab)My fave is Orafio! Even the pic looks delicious!

Inizio
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)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.

Cinnamon and Candied Tamarind
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)Since Herme Raspberry, this is my favorite.
Source (opens in a new tab)I don’t love it, but I think it is palatable with steamed whole milk and a dash of heavy whipping cream.

Vanilla Custard Pie
Vanilla Custard Pie divides opinions sharply. Some people treat it as a favorite or staple and enjoy its dessert-like profile, while others find the vanilla too subtle, sour or burnt and some cannot finish the cup.
Source (opens in a new tab)Melozio/Odacio and Vanilla Custard Pie. In that order, ish. Favorite overall is Bianco Leggero
Source (opens in a new tab)Stormio and Vanilla Custard Pie are staples in our rack

Cold Brew Style Intense
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…
Source (opens in a new tab)I liked it, it wasn’t too strong in my opinion. I really like their iced offerings.
Source (opens in a new tab)Not a fan of the cold brew style, sadly. It tasted watery.

Golden Caramel
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)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.

Roasted Hazelnut
Roasted Hazelnut has an especially divided reception among flavored Vertuo capsules. The contrast is central to the product profile.
Source (opens in a new tab)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.

Tropical Coconut Flavour over Ice
Tropical Coconut Flavour over Ice is a highly polarizing Vertuo flavored capsule.
Source (opens in a new tab)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.

Alto Intenso
Alto XL Intenso is a large 14-ounce Vertuo coffee: the extended mug format can deliver a dark, substantial cup and works over ice, but it may become watery or weak and can show burnt, stale or cigarette-like notes.
Source (opens in a new tab)ffee, as I like intense coffee. Intenso offers that, and brings with it beautiful flavour. The Alto Intenso was too large and watery for my liking. Not sure if it was exactly the same coffee…
Source (opens in a new tab)that CS let us keep. Funny twist, our favorites are the ones from the other order (Melozio, Alto Intenso, Half Caff, and Odacio) Is there a place I could go to sell the ones that we aren’t going to…

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

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

Rich Chocolate
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.
Source (opens in a new tab)Me either, the concept sounds delicious but execution def lacking. Nespresso should redesign the flavor profile.
Source (opens in a new tab)I haven't been enjoying Rich Chocolate as much as I thought I would. I prefer the Roasted Hazelnut.

Forest Fruit Flavour
Forest Fruit Flavour has a strongly split reception. Some Vertuo drinkers enjoy its jammy, berry-led character, especially with milk or sweetening, while others find the fruit flavour medicinal, too subtle, or simply unpleasant. It is best suited to people looking for a distinctly flavoured seasonal coffee rather…
Source (opens in a new tab)I was surprised to find I really did like the Forest Fruit.
Source (opens in a new tab)I have one sleeve and wasnt impressed enough to get a second one.

Gingerbread
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…
Source (opens in a new tab)I liked it! But I am taking the other suggestions to try, also!
Source (opens in a new tab)Forest fruit, chocolate fudge, and gingerbread!!!

Whisky Essence
Whisky Essence divides opinion: some drinkers enjoy its whisky-like character and cacao notes, especially over ice or with cream, while others find the flavour too strong or unpleasant. It suits people who enjoy an intense flavoured coffee or a softer milk-based version.
Source (opens in a new tab)It pairs great with brown sugar. I do that with some half n half over ice.
Source (opens in a new tab)I’ve been drinking it over ice, as the box suggests possibly doing, and it’s been fabulous. I finished my first box today and I believe it to be the best of my past order.

Chocolate Fudge
Opinions on Chocolate Fudge are sharply divided. Some people find the chocolate note weak, waxy or almost fermented, while others enjoy it with ice, sweet creamer or cold foam.
Source (opens in a new tab)I bought 2 sleeves and can’t make myself drink them.
Source (opens in a new tab)Hi! I’ve had both the chocolate & the peppermint. In my opinion the peppermint is extremely good and the chocolate is just so so.

Hazelino Muffin
Hazelino Muffin is a strongly polarising flavoured coffee: some people enjoy its sweet hazelnut character, especially with milk, while many describe an artificial, burnt or unpleasant aftertaste. It is a poor fit for people who dislike flavoured coffee or burnt aftertaste.
Source (opens in a new tab)I'm experiencing the same with Hazelino specifically. I thought I was crazy, but I've made it multiple times with all different variables: iced, hot, sweet creamer, not as sweet creamer.... and it…
Source (opens in a new tab)It’s the only pod I can’t drink. It’s disgusting

Caramelizio
Caramelizio has a strongly negative and formulation-sensitive reception. The coffee is often described as bland, underwhelming or actively unpleasant, although oat milk with extra caramel can make it more appealing and the capsule works acceptably for some drinkers. The older and reformulated versions are described…
Source (opens in a new tab)I, as well as my friends and others' comments I have read, are extremely disappointed by the change to the Carmelizio pod.
Source (opens in a new tab)I did think the Intenso, Melozio, and Caramelizio capsules weren’t bad - but I’d still take one of the espresso capsules as a latte or cappuccino over them 9/10 times.
Excerpts are quoted from public sources and belong to their authors. Follow the source link for full context.