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The 10 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods (2024 Guide)

Ashe Samuels
Last Updated: February 8th, 2024

With the Nespresso Original already a breeze to use, the new Nespresso Vertuo pods seem straight out of the future. But, which ones should you add to your kitchen?

Since you’re reading this guide, you’ve likely already considered basic flavors such as vanilla or hazelnut. What makes these coffee capsules truly impressive is how they blend a wide range of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeels into a deceptively simple package. While there aren’t many Vertuo pods on the market yet, we can help you get started with the selections most compatible with your tastes.

We’ve curated the best Nespresso Vertuo pods below so you can start experimenting with your favorite brewing method. We’ll explore supplemental details like ideal recipes or decaff options so you can get the full picture of which pods to buy next!

What’s the Difference Between Nespresso and Vertuo?

An important refresher is to remember Nespresso Original capsules and Nespresso Vertuo capsules are not interchangeable. You have to use them with the appropriate brewing machine!

We’ll look at the subtle differences between the two machines below.

Different Drink Sizes

The Nespresso Original machine pods are longer than the Vertuo. Their classic sizes are able to make traditional cups of espresso:

  • 85 oz
  • 35 oz
  • 7 oz
  • 5oz

The Nespresso Vertuo pods appear smaller thanks to their flat design. That said, they actually can make more coffee. Their sizes come in the following:

  • 7oz
  • 8 oz
  • 18 oz

Unique Scanning Technology

The Nespresso Vertuo pod line-up is unique due to its convenient bar scanning technology. When you pop in a Vertuo pod, the machine will read the barcode and instantly adjust to the best settings.

For example, if you put in a dark roast capsule, the machine will automatically adjust the water flow and temperature to get the best extraction. These parameters will change again if you put in a light roast capsule, then again with a medium roast.

The Nespresso Original line-up doesn’t have this feature, so which one is truly better is up to you. Some drinkers don’t want to fiddle with the settings to make a cup of coffee, thus appreciating the hands-off approach of the Vertuo.

One is Simpler, the Other is Versatile

The Nespresso Original machine offers smaller sizes to better mimic traditional espresso. The Vertuo machine offers much larger sizes so you can get a classic espresso or fill up a coffee pot.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods

IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS
dstblcr-table__imageSolelio
  • Multiple Cup Options
  • Recyclable Capsules
  • Well-Balanced and Lightly Roasted
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dstblcr-table__imageHazelino Muffin
  • Perfect for a Longer Drinking Experience
  • Recyclable Aluminum Capsules
  • Smooth and Sweet Flavored
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dstblcr-table__imageMelozio
  • Rich Flavor and Sensuous Smooth Texture
  • Roasted from High Quality Beans
  • Easy to Use Nespresso Capsules
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dstblcr-table__imageDecaffeinato Gran Lungo
  • Rich and Full-Bodied Coffee Blend
  • Perfect for Any Coffee Drinker
  • Aluminum Coffee Pods
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dstblcr-table__imageDouble Espresso Chiaro
  • Quickly and Intensely Roasted
  • Recyclable Capsules
  • Very Indulgent as a Latte
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dstblcr-table__imageStormio
  • Roasted from Dark and Long Beans
  • Spicy Woody and Cereal Notes
  • Strong and Aromatic Coffee
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dstblcr-table__imageIntense Variety Pack
  • Beans are Crafted and Cared by Farmers
  • Aluminum Capsules
  • Environment Friendly
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dstblcr-table__imageBarista Creations
  • Flavoured Pods
  • Includes 30 Capsules
  • Fits with Nespresso Vertuo Machines
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dstblcr-table__imageIced Coffee Iced Forte
  • Roasted in Two Splits
  • Impactful Aromatic Experience
  • Iced Forte Flavor
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dstblcr-table__imageBlonde Roast Espresso
  • Perfect for the Vertuo System
  • High Quality Starbucks Coffee at Home
  • Blonde Espresso Roast Flavor
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The Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods

What better place to start than with Nespresso’s own line-up? While we’ll take a look at different brands later in the list, the current capsule selection is impressive.

1. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Solelio Mild Roast Coffee

Lightly roasted coffee gives you the ability to enjoy some exceptionally dainty, sweet, or floral flavors. The Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Solelio Mild Roast Coffee is ideal for drinkers who gravitate to more mellow cups of coffee.

With these Arabica and Robusta beans coming from coffee heavyweights Colombia and Kenya, you know you’re in for a real treat. The most prominent flavor notes here are bright red fruit and a toasty aftertaste, all wrapped up in a velvety smooth mouthfeel. These coffee capsules brew 7.8 oz each, making them best suited to a tall black mug or an easygoing cafe au lait.

If you have a sensitive stomach, you’ll also be happy to know this coffee has lower acidity!

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Fans of lightly roasted coffee
  • Anyone who wants to try both Arabica and Robusta coffee
  • Drinkers with sensitive stomachs

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Fans of medium or dark-roasted coffee
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

2. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Hazelino Muffin Mild Roast Coffee

If you could use another suggestion for low-key coffee, the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Hazelino Muffin Mild Roast Coffee will be just what the doctor ordered.

This Vertuo coffee capsule immediately invokes sensations of biting into a fresh, warm pastry straight out of the oven. The dominant flavors are hazelnut and almond with a biscuit-like finish, just the thing with a splash of milk or a little cream.

That said, this coffee is dairy-free, so feel free to use a vegan alternative or leave milk out entirely! The medium roast ensures more bitter or smoky notes are kept at bay.

Consider using these Nespresso Vertuo pods for a mug of black coffee or a simple cafe au lait. If you feel like making an espresso, a dry cappuccino is best suited to this delicate delight. The fluffy, creamy texture will pair well with the pastry-like notes.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer light to medium roasts
  • Anyone who loves nutty or pastry flavor notes
  • People who need dairy-free diets

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer medium to dark roasts
  • Anyone who leans toward more fruit-forward or earthy notes
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

3. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Melozio Medium Roast Coffee

If the Hazelino is a touch too mild and sweet for you, we have a medium roast coffee that kicks things up a notch. The Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Melozio Medium Roast Coffee is a showcase of balanced coffee, never wavering too sweet or too acidic.

These beans hail throughout Central America, combining multiple Arabica beans to create a result that’s both silky smooth and rich with flavor. The most significant flavor notes here bring to mind wheat and cereal, a familiar taste that’ll no doubt be a hit if you like coffee with your breakfast.

If you need decaf options, the Melozio line-up also comes decaffeinated!

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who love a mug of coffee with their breakfast
  • Anyone who craves balanced coffee that isn’t too tart, smoky, or bitter
  • People who only want Arabica beans
  • Dedicated decaf drinkers

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer dark-roasted coffee
  • Anyone curious to try Robusta beans

4. Nespresso Vertuo Fortado Decaffeinato Gran Lungo 30 Count Coffee Capsules

With decaf, you’re able to have several cups of coffee a day without losing out on sleep. Nespresso Vertuo Fortado Decaffeinato Gran Lungo 30 Count Coffee Capsules are one of the tastiest ways to indulge in your habit all day long.

Arabica and Robusta blend together here to give you an array of flavor notes ranging from sharp cocoa to roasted oak. The subtlety of this coffee is impressive enough without touching on the full-bodied mouthfeel and peppered aroma.

This is one coffee you’ll want to keep experimenting with in lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Dedicated decaf drinkers
  • Caffeine drinkers that want to cut back
  • Fans of a balanced, medium-roast coffee

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Exclusive caffeine drinkers
  • People who prefer light or dark roasts

5. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Double Espresso Chiaro Medium Roast Espresso Coffee

When you’re craving a little pop of espresso to kick off your day, these Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Stormio Dark Roast Coffee capsules will more than satiate your appetite. Coming in at just 2.7 ounces per capsule, you’ll be able to create high-quality shots, Americanos, or lattes.

This medium roast is balanced, yet leans toward the slightly more woody and smoky flavors of a darker roast. The 100% Arabica beans craft a creamy mouthfeel that will be fantastic alone or blended into microfoam. If you’re not in the mood for hot coffee, we highly recommend tossing these shots over ice and mixing in your milk of choice.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Fans of very balanced coffee flavors that aren’t too earthy or bitter
  • Drinkers who go for medium or medium-dark roasts
  • Anyone who likes to switch between hot or iced coffee

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Coffee fans that prefer light or dark roasts
  • Drinkers who steer away from woody flavors
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

6. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Stormio Dark Roast Coffee

If lightly or medium roast coffee doesn’t have enough of a kick for you, Nespresso has a range of dark roasted capsules with your name on it. The Stormio Dark Roast Coffee line lives up to its name, delivering a flurry of rich and powerful flavors.

Coffee doesn’t just get its flavor from the soil and climate where it’s grown. The roasting process goes a long way to impart additional notes such as chocolate or smoke. The coffee here hails from Nicaragua and Guatemala, blended together to create a slightly wooden or earthy aftertaste that’ll taste intense alone or even with a splash of milk.

If you’re particularly fond of espresso settings, dark coffee is best suited to this method thanks to having more intense flavors.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who love intense, earthy coffee
  • Vertuo users who almost always use the espresso setting
  • Anyone with a sensitive stomach (since dark roasted coffee is less acidic)

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer light or medium-roasted coffee
  • Vertuo users who prefer black coffee over espresso
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

7. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Intense Variety Pack Dark Roast Coffee

Piggybacking off of the previous list is the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Intense Variety Pack Dark Roast Coffee. This line-up includes the Stormio capsules along with three others to let you inject some variety into your daily coffee routine.

This line-up combines several of the best-selling Nespresso Vertuo pods in one convenient package. Most of them are roasted on the darker end of the spectrum to ensure your espresso tastes as traditional as possible.

You’ll get a plethora of different darker roast levels and origins to shake up your daily routine with, such as:

  • Altissio, a balanced medium roast coffee
  • Odacio, an intense and fruit-forward medium-dark roast coffee
  • Stormio, a bold, smoky, and woody darker roasted coffee
  • Diavollittio, a chocolatey and toasty dark roast coffee

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who love to shake up their roast level and origin
  • Anyone who gravitates to espresso-focused recipes
  • People who want Arabica and Robusta coffee

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer light to medium-roasted coffee
  • Anyone who prefers Arabica to Robusta
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

8. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine European Creations Assortment

This charming Nespresso VertuoLine pack’s design instantly brings to mind chocolatiers or quaint hole-in-the-wall bakeries. As it stands, the coffee itself is meant to fill you with that very nostalgia!

The Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine European Creations Assortment line-up comes in several types of flavored coffee styled after freshly baked pastries, desserts, and treats. All the coffee is roasted at a medium level to keep the flavors balanced and bitterness at bay.

If you view coffee as less of a jolt to your system and more of a cuddly dessert, you’ll be pleased with the following offerings:

  • Vanilla Custard Pie
  • Hazelino Muffin
  • Caramel Cookie

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Fans of balanced and sweet flavors
  • People who gravitate to flavored coffee over unflavored varieties
  • Drinkers who love to dollop sugar or cream into their cup

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer more fruit-forward or bitter flavors
  • Fans of light roast or dark roast coffee
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

9. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Iced Coffee Iced Forte

There’s nothing quite like a smooth, iced coffee to wash down your meal with. While technically any Nespresso VertuoLine capsule can be turned into an iced drink, their Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine Iced Coffee Iced Forte is specifically made for the cold.

What makes these capsules best suited to iced drinks? Firstly, these 100% Arabica beans skew toward the sweeter and milder end of the flavor spectrum. Secondly, the medium-dark roast reduces any acidity that could turn your drink sour.

Expect notes of toasted cereal and subtle wood, whether solo or mixed with a little cream.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Regular drinkers of iced coffee
  • Drinkers with sensitive stomachs
  • Fans of Arabica coffee

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer hot coffee
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

10. Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso

What other Nespresso Vertuo pods are worth trying outside of the original line-up? If you’re an avid Starbucks patron, save yourself a few trips with the Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso pack.

Starbucks’ famous blonde espresso is roasted as light as possible to nurture the coffee’s sweeter flavors and signature silky mouthfeel. This is the kind of espresso that steps off the beaten path, avoiding bitter flavors in favor of an almost cream-like result.

The beans are sourced and blended from East African and Latin American countries to give you a complex set of flavors such as apple and sweet chocolate.

We Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who want to try a more unique type of espresso
  • Anyone who steers clear of bitter or smoky flavors
  • Fans of milk-focused recipes such as cappuccinos

We Don’t Recommend These Nespresso Vertuo Pods For:

  • Drinkers who prefer medium or dark roasts
  • People who need decaf or half-caf options

About The Author

Ashe Samuels

Ashe is a B2B copywriter, digital marketer, and graphic designer for the coffee, tea, and alcohol niches. Here I share industry news, review products, and analyze social trends.

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.


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