The best Nespresso capsules we tried were easily the Nestle OriginalLine Nespresso Capsules. This product ships with ten capsules each of five different and delicious varieties, with options ranging from mild to intensely bold. We also liked that the aluminum capsules are fully recyclable. These will work perfectly once you also invest in the best nespresso machine.
To help you find the best Nespresso capsules for lattes and related drinks, we have tried out a multitude of top products, testing them for taste, ensuring they delivered quality in line with your local coffee shop, and intensity, preferring a wide variety of boldness options. We also made sure that each capsule we tried worked flawlessly with Nespresso machines and that the external packaging was made from recyclable materials. Keep reading to learn more about these Nestle OriginalLine Nespresso Capsules and the other items on this list.
Top 7 Best Nespresso Capsules
#1 Nestle OriginalLine Nespresso Capsules
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Variety pack that ships with 5 iconic Nespresso flavors, totaling 50 units, with beans sourced from sustainable growers and packed in fully recyclable packaging.
- 5 delicious flavors, 10 of each
- Aluminum pods are recyclable
- Sourced from sustainably grown beans
- Not compatible with VertuoLine machines
- No decaf capsules
These Nestle OriginalLine Nespresso Capsules are a fantastic variety pack that ships with five flavors, ten units each, totaling 50 capsules. The flavors are all iconic, with a variety of boldness options across the Nespresso acidity chart, making these the best Nespresso capsules for Americanos that we tried. We also loved that the beans are sustainably harvested and that the packaging is fully recyclable, being made primarily from aluminum.
Though these capsules shine across a variety of Nespresso machines, they do not function with VertuoLine machines, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, all of the included varieties contain caffeine, so decaf drinkers should choose another pick. Also, be sure to check out our guide on the best Nespresso machine, and learn the good and the bad before you buy.
#2 Peet’s Coffee Nespresso Capsules
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Variety pack containing 4 flavors, totaling 40 units, with each creating a delicious end result, thanks to the included Arabica beans, and are recyclable, thanks to a recently instituted mail-back program.
- Best Arabica bean flavor profile
- Company has instituted a simple recycling program
- Kosher
- No light or medium roasts included
- Ships with ten less capsules than top pick
- Not compatible with VertuoLine machines
This pack of Peet’s Coffee Nespresso Capsules are some of the best Nespresso capsules for lattes, thanks to being filled with Arabica beans and featuring a capsule design that integrates with many machine variations. We also appreciated the recently instituted recycling program, in which consumers can simply mail back used capsules, and the fact that each capsule is certified to be Kosher.
It must be noted that the varieties included with this multipack are all on the bolder side, so fans of light and medium roasts may not be pleased. Also, these capsules work in a wide variety of Nespresso Original machines but are not compatible with VertuoLine machines. If you prefer a non-capsule latte in the morning, read our guide on the best home espresso machine.
#3 Real Coffee Nespresso Capsules
Award: BEST ETHICALLY SOURCED
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fairtrade and organic certified, with a plastic capsule design that is fully recyclable and shipping in an ultra-large multipack of 100 units spread across 3 flavors.
- Fully recyclable design
- Certified to be organic
- Ships with 100 capsules, compared to 50 with top pick
- Not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo brewers
- No decaf option
These Real Coffee Nespresso Capsules come in an ultra-large multipack totaling 100 units spread across three delicious flavors, with each variety coming with a different level of boldness. We also loved that these capsules are Fairtrade certified, making them a great ethical choice, and that they are 100 percent organic. The fully recyclable plastic capsule design was also appreciated.
Though these capsules shine across a large number of Nespresso Original machines, they do not function with Vertuo brewers. Additionally, there is no decaf option here, which may not suit all consumers. If you’ve spent the summer addicted to cold brew, take a look at the best cold brew coffeemaker.
#4 DELICITALY Pure Italian Food Nespresso Capsules
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly pack that ships with 100 units, each filled with washed Robusta beans in the Neapolitan tradition, with a taste that makes them perfect for strong espresso drinks.
- Robusta beans are perfect for latte drinks
- Ships in large 100 count pack
- Manufactured in Italy to Neapolitan standards
- May be too intense for some consumers
- Not compatible with VertuoLine machines
- Only one variety included
These DELICITALY Pure Italian Food Nespresso Capsules ship in an ultra-large pack of 100 units, with each capsule filled with washed Robusta beans that are processed in Italy to exact Neapolitan standards, making them excel as the main ingredient in a large variety of espresso drinks. We loved the taste here, finding it to be bold and full-featured, with a rich and pleasing aroma.
This is a bold and strong product, however, and may not suit all consumers who are used to a lighter roast. Also, though the package ships with 100 units, there is only one variety on offer, a dark ristretto. If you want more capsule options, you might want to go with the best Keurig coffeemaker instead.
#5 Café La Llave Nespresso Capsules
Award: BEST DECAF OPTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in a bold and delicious decaffeinated formula, with the capsules being fully manufactured in the USA and the company offering a convenient mail-back recycling program.
- Convenient mail-back recycling program
- Budget-friendly
- Roasted and packed in USA
- Only ships with 40 or 80 count, depending on the selection
- Not compatible with VertuoLine machines
These Café La Llave Nespresso Capsules are a budget-friendly solution for consumers looking for a high quality and delicious decaf option that fits most Nespresso Original machines. The flavor and aroma are both intoxicating and these capsules are available with caffeine, across a variety of intensity levels. We also loved that the company roasts and manufactures this product in the USA, at their plant in Los Angeles, and that they offer a mail-back recycling program.
Though these capsules excel with Nespresso OriginalLine machines, they do not function with VertuoLine machines, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, the multipacks max out at 80 units, which is less than some picks. If you’d rather just stick with ground coffee, consider the best drip coffeemaker instead.
#6 Nestle VertuoLine Nespresso Capsules
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Award: BEST TASTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Creates a delicious espresso drink across three medium-roast flavors, including caramel, with full compatibility with VertuoLine machines and featuring the capacity to make ultra-large 7.8 oz beverages.
- Fully recyclable materials, made from aluminum
- Creates 7.8 oz of espresso
- Fully compatible with VertuoLine machines
- Not compatible with OriginalLine machines
- No decaf option
- 30 pack is smaller than most picks on list
These Nestle VertuoLine Nespresso Capsules are the best Nespresso VertuoLine capsules, thanks to full compatibility with Vertuo machines and the capacity to create large beverages, up to 7.8 ounces each. We also felt that these were the best tasting capsules that we tried, with each of the three included varieties producing a rich and delicious end result. The capsules are also made from aluminum and, as such, are fully recyclable.
Though these excel across the range of VertuoLine machines, they are not compatible with OriginalLine machines, so double check your setup before purchasing. Also, this multipack ships with 30 units, which is less than many picks featured on this list. If you do not wish to buy lots of capsules then you can check out the best nespresso refillable capsules.
#7 Bestpresso Coffee Nespresso Capsules
Award: LARGEST MULTIPACK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships as the largest multipack on this list, containing 120 capsules spread across 6 different varieties, offering full compatibility across all Nespresso OriginalLine machines.
- Fully Kosher approved
- Large variety of boldness options
- Compatible with all OriginalLine machines
- No decaf option
- Not compatible with VertuoLine machines
These Bestpresso Coffee Nespresso Capsules come in an extremely large multipack containing 120 pods spread across six different varieties. These varieties are each delicious and cover the spectrum of boldness options, suiting the tastes of nearly any consumer. We also loved the recycling program the company has instituted, which includes mailing back the used capsules in free bags provided by Bestpresso.
Though these capsules do integrate nicely with OriginalLine machines, they are not compatible with VertuoLine machines, so be sure to double-check compatibility. Additionally, all six flavors are caffeinated and there is no decaf option here.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we focused, first and foremost, on taste, preferring capsules that produced rich and delicious espresso drinks, with tantalizing aromas to match. To that end, we made sure that each capsule we tested excelled as the main component in a wide variety of espresso drinks, including shots, lattes, and Americanos, among others.
We also ensured that the varieties included a broad spectrum of boldness options, featuring light, medium, and dark roasts. We also made sure there were a couple of decaf options on the above list and that they tasted as delicious as their caffeinated counterparts, as decaf drinkers often get the short end of the stick when it comes to flavor.
As far as machine integration, most of the above capsules function perfectly with Nespresso OriginalLine machines, though we were sure to include one pick specifically designed for VertuoLine machines, to suit all consumers. Finally, we liked capsules that arrived in large multipacks, as many as 120 units, and those that were made from recyclable components.
Best Nespresso Capsule Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Machine Type
If capsules are advertised as being for OriginalLine machines, that means they are intended to fit machines like the Essenza Mini, Essenza Plus, Pixie, CitiZ, Lattissima, KitchenAid and Creatista, among others. VertuoLine machines, such as the Vertuo Next, accept different-sized capsules, so read the fine print before making a purchase. Generally speaking, VertuoLine machines offer more beverage size options, including the ability to make traditional coffee, and a slightly creamier brew. - Boldness and Flavor
Typically, darker roasts tend to offer a bolder and more acidic taste, while lighter and medium roasts offer a milder end product. Let personal taste dictate which level of boldness you end up choosing, though variety packs often offer multiple different flavors and boldness types, which can help you find one that perfectly matches your palate. - Recycling Programs
Some of the above capsules are made primarily from aluminum or recyclable plastic, so they should be able to be placed in the recycle bin after being used. If a capsule is not fully recyclable on the consumer end, most companies offer a mail-back program of some kind. This usually includes the company mailing out bags and offering free shipping for used pods on the return trip.