Best Nespresso capsules, by community rating
146 capsules rated from published opinion, best first. Caramelito 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.
146 capsules ranked

Caramelito
Caramelito is a sweet, milk-friendly Original Line flavored capsule with a strongly split reception. Fans call it a favorite, a best variation or a nutty, sweet and rich drink, and it can work iced or in recipes.
Source (opens in a new tab)Never been a fan of the Caramelito... always preferred just using a syrup.
Source (opens in a new tab)Caramelito is the best of the variations

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.

Sweet Almond & Hibiscus
Sweet Almond & Hibiscus has a pronounced floral character, while the almond can be subtle rather than pastry-like. Some enjoy it with milk, syrup or ice; others find the floral aroma perfumed or too strong, so this flavour is particularly divisive.
Source (opens in a new tab)I liked this one (well, the one in my OL advent calendar) so much I ordered more!
Source (opens in a new tab)I’m doing the advent calendar with some friends and it tasted like perfume to me, but they apparently liked it.

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?

Milano Intenso
Milano Intenso is sharply divided. Supporters describe a fruity, spicy, rye-like and distinctive Original Line espresso, often better as espresso than lungo; detractors find it generic, bitter, meh, or actively dislike it.
Source (opens in a new tab)Didn't love it. Tasted pretty bitter and kind of just like generic pod coffee to me.
Source (opens in a new tab)Not the best, but better than JBM, which I didn’t care for at all.

Cinnamon & Candied Tamarind
Cinnamon & Candied Tamarind is sharply divided. Some drinkers enjoy it as a double espresso with frothed milk and sugar, while others dislike it black or find it bitter, watery or less convincing in a large preparation. It is preparation-sensitive rather than universally appealing.
Source (opens in a new tab)Not complaining as I love the flavor, just something I noticed now since I’m on my second sleeve of these.
Source (opens in a new tab)Oh man, I go to my local boutique to sample every new flavor, and this is the first time I have found a flavor that I absolutely hated! I drank it black like every other coffee I have

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.

Ciocattino
Ciocattino has a light, fudge-like chocolate character that can work black, with milk or in lattes. The chocolate may also seem too plain, hard to taste or less convincing than newer flavoured capsules.
Source (opens in a new tab)I just received my order of 30 sleeves of the Ciocattino...it is the only flavored Nespresso I drink black.
Source (opens in a new tab)Ciocattino pods (original, not Vertou), so I decided to combine them. Basic double shot latte, made with chocolate milk in the Aeroccino. Tasted amazing, would highly recommend.

Cioccolatino
Original Line Cioccolatino divides opinion. Supporters like its strong bittersweet chocolate character, especially in iced lattes or milk drinks, while others find it weak, bitter, chemical-tasting or less chocolatey than earlier versions.
Source (opens in a new tab)The only ones I truly dislike are the Cioccolatino and Vaniglia.
Source (opens in a new tab)These two pods are my absolute favourite and I love to mix them

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!!!
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