All coffee lovers appreciate the importance of the Nespresso machine in their kitchen. Its convenience of making good quality coffee makes it a modern necessity. They make not only the machines but also the equivalent capsules. The capsules are also made by other third party companies besides Nespresso.
This article will guide you through the overview of the best Nespresso capsules for latte and cappuccino. It will also take you through the Nespresso capsules buying guide. It is going to end with a few frequently asked questions that will also make things easier for you as you shop to enjoy your favorite beverage.
At a Glance: Our Top 5 Nespresso Capsules for Latte
- Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso Altissio
- Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso Diavolitto
- Nespresso Decaffeinato Intenso
- Nespresso OriginalLine Variety Pack
- Nespresso OriginalLine Flavored Variety Pack
Nespresso Capsule Types
There are two types of Nespresso machines. The two are OriginalLine and VertuoLine. The capsules are designed for a specific “line”. This means that it wouldn’t work when deployed in the wrong machine. It is essential to take note of the device that you have as you prepare to shop for your Nespresso capsule.
Top 5 Nespresso Capsules for Latte and Cappuccino
There are many types of capsules to make your flavorful cup of latte or cappuccino. We decanted the top flavors and came up with the following compilation.
1. Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso Altissio
The Nespresso Altisso is a robust and balanced espresso blend. This capsule works with the VirtualLine system. This then means that it won’t work on the Nespresso OriginalLine machines.
It has a unique barcode printed on its side to guide the system to guide the water temperature for the equivalent capsule brand. The barcode on the capsules is common for all from Nespresso VertuoLine.
The espresso acts as a base for a latte when it is at 1.53 ounces.
The Nespresso Altisso capsule is from highly roasted Arabica beans from Costarica and South America.
It makes for a full-bodied, intense but creamy espresso. Adding milk to the base complements its natural full body.
Some users find it over-roasted or too burnt. When consumed more than twice a day, it is more likely to cause stomach upsets.
The capsules contain 70-100 milligrams of caffeine.
All the Nespresso Altisso capsules are made of 100% recycled aluminum. This serves to protect the contents therein efficiently.
Pros
- Effective in fostering wakefulness in a user
- Bold
Cons
- May be too intense for some
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso Diavolitto
The Nespresso Diavolitto makes high-intensity espresso. It is for the Nespresso VertuoLIne machines meaning that it won’t work with Nespresso OriginalLine Machines.
It is relatively expensive.
Its flavor is strong and highly intense. It has a creamy texture that is linked to the aromas oak and leather.
The Arabica in the content comes from Latin America. It is also responsible for the oak and leather flavor. The Robusta component is from Guatemala and it is accountable for smoothing out the blends and also adding to the creaminess.
The darkness in the flavor may be a bit too much for some coffee lovers, though.
The capsule has a barcode that helps guide the machine to adjust its treatment to it to make it achieve the right cup of coffee,
The Nespresso Diavolitto capsule is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum. This is environment-friendly and also effective in maintaining the freshness of its flavor.
To get a traditional latte, use the milk frother.
The Diavolitto capsules are best gotten from Nespresso. Few other third-party sellers sell the same and of reliable quality. The latter option ensures that you get those that are fresh and thus have a longer shelf life.
Pros
- Very strong
- Bold and intense
Cons
- May be too intense for some users
3. Nespresso VertuoLine Decaffeinato Intenso
As the name may have hinted, this is a decaffeinated capsule. This means that it has no caffeine but still has the same dense flavor of coffee.
It has a barcode attached on its side to enable the machine to adjust accordingly to its temperature for a perfect brew.
The capsules are made from a blend of Brazillian and Columbian Arabica together with Robusta from Asia. The resultant brewed coffee releases cocoa and fruity notes.
Adding milk to it will have a sweet and add a creamy texture. The dark and smooth drink also forms a nice crema at its top. Just like with the other Nespresso brand capsules, it is made of 100% recycled aluminum.
The capsule carries a strong flavor for the latte as much as it is decaffeinated.
The capsule is also under the AAA which is a sustainability quality program that helps support small farms and protects the environment.
Prioritize to order the capsules from legit Nespresso vendors or from reputable sources.
Pros
- Great smooth flavor
- Suitable for those who want latte flavor and not caffeine
Cons
- High chance of the capsules arriving while smashed
4. Nespresso OriginalLine Variety Pack 100 Capsules
These capsules are compatible with OriginalLine systems only. The roast of this capsule is an enjoyable medium. The capsules in the package are a hundred meaning that they will allow you a long time of use of the different lattes.
The content of this capsule also comprises Capriccio, Vivalto Lungo, Ristretto, Livanto, Ristretto Decaffeinato, and Valluto.
The capsules are fully recyclable as they are made of aluminum. The freshness of the flavor is kept in tip-top all year long.
Pros
- Comes with 3 flavors
- Ideal for latte lovers
Cons
- Not compatible with other machines
5. Nespresso OriginalLine Flavored Variety Pack
This variety pack includes 50 capsules for Nespresso OriginalLine blends. The flavors are Roma, Capriccio, Livanto, Arpeggio and Risteritto.
The capsules are made from the finest grade Arabica and Robusta beans. The bundle that has variety facilitates you to get a fresh start every single day of the week.
The capsules are made of 100% recycled aluminum.
Pros
- Has 50 capsules in a pack
- It has 5 of the best selling flavors from Nespressos OriginalLine
- Has 100% recyclable aluminum capsule
Cons
- Incompatible with VertuoLIne machines
How to Choose the Best Nespresso Capsules [Buying Guide]
There are many factors to look at when buying your favorite choice of your Nespresso pods for latte and cappuccino.
From the compatibility with your machine, intensity level, roast, coffee bean origin, and the number of capsules on the package. Here is a look at some of them in detail.
Machine Compatibility
Nespresso capsules are prepared ready to be compatible with 2 lines of Nespresso machines.
The line of products on the Nespresso OriginalLine are like Essenza Citiz, Inissia, and Pixie.
Nespresso VertuoLine line of superior blends are VertuoPLus, Evoluo, Vertuo, and Barista Recipe Maker.
Nespresso makes capsules for their OriginalLine machines but some third party vendors do that too.
The third-party vendors do not have the VertuoLine pods yet.
Please note that the OriginalLine capsule won’t work on a VertuoLine machine and the opposite is also exact.
Intensity Level
The intensity level of your favorite latte or cappuccino is a result of the combination of body, roast and bitterness.
It should be noted that the intensity levels do not correlate to the amount of caffeine in the capsule. This means that a high-intensity rating doesn’t mean that it has higher levels of caffeine compared to the capsule with a lower intensity rating.
Roast Level
The roast level affects the taste of the brew and the caffeine level too.
Light Roast
The light toast has the beans being bright brown color and with more acidity.
These qualities then lead to crisp and bright flavors.
Medium Roast
The medium roast has a darker brown color. They also have an oily surface on the beans.
They have a medium acidity. Their flavor profile is more balanced.
Dark Roast
The dark roast has the most colored beans. They have the lowest acidity. The flavor from this roast is deep and dark.
Coffee Origin
The taste of the brew is tied to the origin of the beans. Single sourced coffee beans highlight what tastes good on its own.
Blends are created from multiple sources to capture a specific desired taste.
Arabica tends to have a softer, sweeter taste. (with hints of sugar, fruit, and berries)
Robusta, on the other hand, tends to have a stronger harsher taste.
Nespresso capsules use the Arabica, robusta, or a blend of the two.
The Number of Capsules in The Pack
The number of capsules per box or container of Nespresso in the market varies a lot. There are those with a little as ten capsules to those with as much as a hundred and twenty.
If you are a coffee head, purchasing more capsules is a good idea since you won’t run out of them.
Most Nespresso brands tend to have 50 capsules as the number in the pack. That means that it is 5 packs with 10 pods each. With this arrangement, it means that it can sustain you for two months.
If you fancy the idea of sampling a few, you can have several brands of the 10 capsule packs.
If you are a heavy coffee user, you can use the 120 capsule pack of your preferred brand.
Extra Features
Some capsules have the same additional features that may excite or turn you off.
The type of packaging that the capsules are employed to dictate its usability.
Dented or crushed capsules may be problematic in working with some machines.
Some capsules have some added flavors, e.g- Vanilla.
Storing your capsules is important. It will help you to find them easily and it also decorates your kitchen. Here are some Nespresso Pod Holders for you.
How else can I froth milk, If I don’t have the Nespresso Aeroccino?
You can purchase a separate milk frother. We have reviewed some best milk frother to help you. You can choose one from them.
The other cheaper option is using a jar from your kitchen. Pour milk to not more than a third of its full capacity. Tightly screw the lid and vigorously shake the jar for 40-60 seconds. The milk should be frothy and roughly doubted in volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here the answers to the questions which we frequently get from people. They will make everything more clear:
Which Roast Level Results In Mild Taste?
Medium roast is good to pick for those who prefer a drink that ain’t too acidic nor too dark.
Do Nespresso Capsules Contain Any Allergens?
No. these capsules don’t contain any common food allergens. This includes dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and beans. The references that are on the labels and packaging are just components of their aromatic profiles and not an indication of their presence in the coffee.
Why Are The VertuoLine Espresso Capsules Priced Higher Than OriginalLine Capsules?
The VertuoLine came after the OriginalLine machines. The higher price tag in the VertuoLine is because of the innovative technology that is in the device. The versatility in it enables it to produce a range of coffee varieties without compromising the quality.
The Vertuoline capsules have barcodes incorporated on them to enable the machine to apply the specific treatment that it was made for.
Why Are The Coffee Blends Different For VertuoLine Versus The OriginalLine?
Each of the blends is explicitly created in consideration of the brewing capabilities of the machines. As the parameters of the two different devices differ, the same applies to the combinations. The Vertuoline capsules have barcodes incorporated on them to enable the machine to apply the specific treatment that it was made for.
Why Does Nespresso Use Aluminum Capsules?
It is because of two main reasons.
One, aluminum has proven to be the most effective in maintaining the aroma and freshness of the coffee for the longest time possible. While at it, it has proven to be friendly in interacting with the Nespresso machines without affecting the high-quality contents of the capsule.
Two, aluminum is also 100% recyclable. This saves on the impact on the environment. It also eliminates the need for extra packaging on the capsule to protect its freshness.
A food grade lacquer separates the coffee from the aluminum within the capsule.
Conclusion
The descriptions have made you settle on the best Nespresso pod brand for your latte or cappuccino. You are thoroughly informed beyond their names. You also know the buying guide to the capsules and the answers to the frequently asked questions.
Feel free to share this blog with your fellow coffee heads.
A. I. Moon
A.I. Moon, an experienced SEO Pythonista, spends his days coding and developing web applications to help business owners. A passionate coffee enthusiast, he believes that drinking coffee fuels his creativity and productivity. His day isn't complete without the rich aroma and invigorating warmth of a perfectly brewed cup. This love for coffee inspired him to found EspressoRivo, a platform dedicated to sharing his coffee knowledge and fostering a community of passionate aficionados.
