Best Nespresso Capsules: The DEFINITIVE Guide To Nespresso’s Capsule Universe (Types, Top Picks, Alternatives, Caffeine Content & More)

Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine Capsules

There are two types of Nespresso machines: OriginalLine and VertuoLine.

• OriginalLine machines brew espresso pods
• VertuoLine machines brew both espresso and standard coffee pods

There are other differences to know, so check out our OriginalLine vs VertuoLine guide if you’re unfamiliar with each type.

We also have a Complete Comparison Guide To EVERY Nespresso Machine (both OriginalLine & VertuoLine) if you want to see the differences between each machine.

Another Major Difference: VertuoLine machines incorporate capsule-scanning technology, meaning these machines only work with Nespresso brand capsules. OriginalLine machines don’t scan capsules. This is important when talking about third-party roasters.

Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules

Nespresso OriginalLine machines only use OriginalLine capsules–they’re the boxier looking ones–to brew single-serve espresso. Depending on the machine you have, OriginalLine capsules can be used to brew the following:

• 0.85 oz ristretto
• 1.35 oz espresso
• 3.70 oz lungo

At this time, Nespresso offers 6 different “types” of OriginalLine capsules, each designed for a different espresso-sipping experience:

Here's how each compares.

1. Intenso Capsules

The Ultimate Neopolitan Cups

Intenso capsules are Nespresso’s boldest. They’re all multi-origin blends and mostly 100% Arabica, though the Roma capsule (Intensity: 8) is blended with Robusta. All of these capsules will be strong with intense roasted notes and a lot of deep cocoa. Only the Roma capsule and Ristretto capsule have lighter notes to it.

2. Espresso Capsules

Traditional Is Best

Designed to be smooth and easy-drinking, espresso capsules are on the low-end of the intensity spectrum. They’re all 100% Arabica Central and South American blends with the exception of the Cosi capsule (Intensity: 4), which also has East African coffee blended in. Espresso capsules are specifically designed for 1.35 oz espressos and are not intended to be used for 0.85 oz ristretto or 3.70 oz lungo.

3. Master Origin Capsules

Mastered By Craftsmen, Inspired By The Land

The Master Origin series is really interesting. Each capsule is designed to highlight a unique processing step that defines each region–for example, the Ethiopia capsule above. The end results are impressive, even by non-capsule coffee standards. Processes highlighted include wet-processing (Ethiopia), wet-hulling (Indonesia), and late–harvesting (Colombia).

4. Lungo Capsules

Extended Pleasure Of An Espresso

Lungo capsules are designed for larger 3.70 oz pulls. It’s important to note that the capsules don’t have any more caffeine than ristretto or espresso capsules. They’re just designed to brew more volume without watered-down flavor. Whether you prefer intense or smoother espresso, there’s a lungo capsule for you.

5. Decaffeinato Capsules

Same Character Without Caffeine

Decaffeinato capsules deliver the Nespresso flavor you love without the jitters. They’re designed to be brewed at any volume, and there’s an intensity level for any type of espresso drinker.

6. Crafted For Milk Capsules

Exceptional Coffee Designed For Milk

Crafted For Milk capsules are designed to stand up to added milk for your favorite specialty beverages. This is where you find Nespresso’s vanilla, caramel, and chocolate capsules, though the spicy Corto capsule (Intensity: 11) is an intriguing combination of flavors.

Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules

Nespresso VertuoLine machines only use VeruoLine capsules. VertuoLine capsules feature a barcode around the rim, which the machine uses for two purposes:

• Identify the capsule you’re using and brew with optimal parameters*
• Lock out non-Nespresso capsules

*These parameters include volume, temperature, rotational speed, flow rate, and water contact time.

VertuoLine machines also have the ability to brew standard-sized long coffees in addition to espresso. This means they don’t top out at the 3.70 oz lungo, instead ranging all the way up to 17 oz.

Unsurprisingly, this means there are more different types of VertuoLine capsules.

Note About VertuoLine Machines: While both conventional espresso machines and Nespresso OriginalLine machines use a pump to extract espresso, VertuoLines operate differently. They use Centrifusion–or rapid capsule spinning–to apply pressure. The result is a slightly more whipped beverage with a thicker, foamier crema. I’m partial to the espresso from OriginalLine machines, but to each their own.

At this time, Nespresso offers 8 types of VertuoLine capsules.

1. Espresso Capsules

Traditional Is Best

All of the VertuoLine espresso capsules are blends from Central and South America–there are no African or Asian beans here. And instead of having a separate category for decaf capsules, you can find the Decaffeinato Intenso (Intensity: 7) here.

2. Double Espresso Capsules

Twice Your Espresso

Nespresso offers only a couple of double espresso capsules, and they’re only medium intensity (6-8). Like the espresso capsules above, these are only Central and South American blends with no African or Asian coffees.

3. Gran Lungo Capsules

Extend The Pleasure Of An Espresso

Gran Lungo capsules are in the mild-to-medium intensity range and give you a little more espresso than a lungo shot. Unlike the espresso and double espresso capsules above, there are several Gran Lungo capsules that feature African and Indonesian coffee. There’s also a decaf Gran Lungo capsule available.

4. Coffee Capsules

Coffee For A Longer Experience

Step aside, Keurig. Nespresso is now in the long coffee game. Most people who own a VertuoLine machine got it because of its ability to brew 7.8 and 14 oz coffee and Alto XL pods. As such, there are a ton of coffee capsules to choose from. There’s certain to be something for your palate.

5. Alto XL Capsules

Get Going With The Largest Cup Size

If a 7.8 oz coffee isn’t enough for you (it isn’t enough for me) then Nespresso has you covered with their Alto XL capsules. There isn’t the same variety as the standard coffee capsules above–at this time there are just two Alto XL capsules available–but still, it’s still another option for coffee lovers.

6. Master Crafted Single Origin Capsules

Mastered By Craftsmen, Inspired By The Land

Just like the OriginalLine version of these capsules, Nespresso wants to highlight regions and processes in these single-origin roasts. At the time of this writing, they are featuring Mexico’s double washed Robusta bean and Colombia’s (Intensity: 5) “tweaked” high-altitude washed Arabica.

7. Crafted For Milk Capsules

Exceptional Coffee Designed For Milk

Crafted For Milk capsules are designed to punch through the thick milkiness of specialty beverages. The Bianco Forte capsule (Intensity: Not Listed) is designed for a Reverso while the Bianco Leggero capsule is designed for a robust double cappuccino.

8. Nespresso Exclusives

Limited Releases With Unlimited Flavor‍

Nespresso Exclusives won’t be here forever, so try them now while you can. These capsules can brew a variety of different coffee sizes (depending on the capsule you choose) and mostly sit in the medium intensity range. Several of these capsules are on the sweet/dessert end of the coffee spectrum.

Reusable Capsules for Nespresso OriginalLine Machines

If you prefer to grind your own coffee beans at home, you can still use a Nespresso machine. For those in the OriginalLine universe, you’ll need a reusable capsule system like the following from SealPod (my favorite).

Reusable Capsules for Nespresso VertuoLine Machines

VertuoLine users can’t buy third-party capsules, leaving them stuck with the higher cost of daily use–usually over $1.00 per VertuoLine capsule. However, there is a (less than elegant) solution: recapping used VertuoLine pods.

To do this, you’ll need to buy these resealable lids from MyCaps.

How much caffeine does a Nespresso capsule have?

To answer this question, I had to go through Nespresso’s Taiwan site, which actually lists caffeine content by capsule (something their US site doesn’t do).

Unfortunately, they only seem to offer OriginalLine machines and capsules in Taiwan, so I don’t have any caffeine information on VertuoLine capsules.

And that wraps up the best Nespresso capsule guide on the Internet. Hope you enjoyed!