14 Best Nespresso Capsule for Lattes

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For those of you who are shocked at the amount of money that you are spending on your latte addiction…

It might be comforting to know that the grass is not greener on the other side!

A study in 2017 noted that whereas a talle latte in Starbucks costs $2.75 in the US, it costs the equivalent of just over $8 in places such as Vietnam or a massive $12 in Russia.

A more economical way of making coffee shop standard lattes is in your Nespresso machine.

Where the cost of an Nespresso capsule is about 50 cents or a compatible capsule costs a mere 25 cents. 

But of the dozens available, which are the best ones for your latte?

The chart below highlights the my best picks for OriginalLine, VertuoLine and Compatible Nespresso capsules.

I compare many more capsules later on.

But next, I want to provide a quick and simple overview of Nespresso capsules. 

Nespresso Capsules 101

Nespresso make two “lines” of capsules for their coffee machines;

  • OriginalLine
  • VertuoLine

Each of these lines has dozens of different capsules to choose from and so it is easy to become overwhelmed.

To add to the confusion, there is another alternative.

“Compatible With”  Nespresso capsules are made by different companies and they are designed to work with Nespresso OriginalLine machines.

The good news is that each of these three ranges has a great choice of capsules to make the ultimate latte.

The bad news is that each range also contains capsules that would make such a bad latte that it tastes like dirty dish water.

So how do we sort the wheat from the chaff?

The first stage is to get a real understanding of what a latte is.

The Anatomy of a Latte

A latte is milky coffee.

And here is a guide detailing the best beans to use to make a latte at home.

A standard serving size is 240 ml (8 fl. oz) which is made up of a single (30 ml | 1 fl. oz) or double (60 ml | 2 fl. oz) shot of espresso.

So whichever way that you look at it, a latte contains lots of milk.

In order to make a latte with your Nespresso machine that has plenty of flavor, the first type of capsule to look out for is a capsule designed for espressos.

Like this best selling one here.

But there is an even better way to find a capsule that will make a latte that will knock your socks off.

No matter if a capsule is an “OriginalLine”, “VertuoLine” or “Compatible With” variety, each capsule is rated on an intensity scale, which is a measure of its strength.

But since in other ways, the capsules are organised differently, we will look at each line individually.

The Five Best OriginalLine Capsules for Lattes

There are six ranges of coffee capsules for Nespresso OriginalLine machines  and they are;

  • Intenso (as the name suggests, this range contains some of the strongest flavors.)
  • Espresso (designed to create great tasting espressos or espresso based drinks.)
  • Decaffeinato ( a range decaffeinated capsules.)
  • Pure Origin (a selection of single origin beans.)
  • Lungo (designed to work in coffees with more water)
  • Variations (a range of capsules with your favorite flavors, such as vanilla. )

Each range has about six different capsules in.

The ranges are different because of the strength of the coffee, the flavor of the coffee and the geographical location of the beans.

My best five will come from either the Intenso, Espresso or Decaffeinated ranges because these ranges have the strength of flavor that will still taste delicious even after you have lots of milk. 

[1] Ristretto 

Details

  • # Capsules: 30 
  • Capsule Name: Ristretto
  • Category: Intenso
  • Intensity: 10
  • Tasting Notes: Subtle fruity and acid, with intense roasted and chocolate flavors. 
  • Interested? Buy Here

Features

Having an intensity of ten on a twelve point scale tells us just how strong the coffee in this capsule is and why it is spot on to be used as the base in a latte.

Full of arabica beans, this blend combines South American and African beans as it blends flavors from Colombia, Brazil and East Africa.

Who Should Buy These?

This then is a perfect coffee for a latte lover likes drinking the same coffee consistently and who likes a very strong flavor with a real taste of chocolate and hints of fruit. 

[2] Intenso Assortment Combo

Details

  • # Capsules: 50 (10 of each)  
  • Included Capsules: Roma | Ristretto | Kazaar | Dharkan | Arpeggio
  • Category: Intenso
  • Intensity: 8-12 
  • Tasting Notes: Varies
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

First and foremost as a variety pack that contains different varieties of coffee, this is great for the person who does not want the same tasting variety time after time.

Or perhaps the pack could be bought to be used by a range of people who like different types of lattes. 

Another feature that stands out is that three of the five packs contain coffees with a intensity of flavor which is greater than 10.

The Kazaar capsules have a maximum rating of 12 and the Dharkan have a rating of 11.

And so if you like your lattes to pack a punch, then this just might be the pack for you. 

[3] Indriya Capsules

Details

  • # Capsules: 50 
  • Included Capsules: Indriya
  • Category: Pure Origin
  • Intensity: 10 
  • Tasting Notes: Woody and spicy
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

Once again as a pack that only contains one blend of coffee, this is for the coffee drinker who knows what they like and sticks to what they love best.

And, oh what a coffee!

All of the beans are from one region on the south-west coast of India.

This is a monsoon coffee where months strong winds and rain repeatedly swell and dry the beans giving them their unique and special flavor. 

And with a taste intensity of 10, this is a coffee that is begging to be made into a latte. 

[4] Ristretto Decaffeinated

  • # Capsules: 30 
  • Included Capsules: Ristretto
  • Category: Decaffeinated
  • Intensity: 10 
  • Tasting Notes: Subtle fruity and acid, with intense roasted and chocolate flavors
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy This?

This is a decaffeinated pack of coffee and so it is ideal for those people who drink decaffeinated coffee.

The strength of flavor and the tastes of fruit and chocolate lend themselves towards latte drinkers who like a coffee that is both strong and creamy.

After all, it is hard to beat the combination of chocolate and cream!

Now that we have looked at my top picks for OriginalLine, it is time to consider VertuoLine. 

The Five Best VertuoLine Capsules for Lattes

The VertuoLine has five separate styles of coffee capsules, which are created for cups of different size.

The capsules are still rated on the same 12 point intensity scale used for OriginalLine capsules. 

The five styles, their recommended capacities and intensities are all listed below. 

  • Alto: up to 414 ml | Intensity 4-7
  • Mug: up to 230 ml | Intensity 2-8
  • Gran Lungo: up to 150 ml | Intensity 4-7
  • Double Espresso: up to 80 ml | Intensity 6-8
  • Espresso: up to 40 ml | Intensity 4-11

And most of my selections are from the Espresso range, because those are the capsules that contain the necessary “oomph”, the intensity of flavor that won’t be lost as you add a large helping of your favorite milk…

But, be warned. 

There are no variety packs here, no chances of hedging your bets.

Find your perfect capsule and fall in love with it time and time again!

[5] Diavolitti Espresso

Details

  • # Capsules: Varies 
  • Included Capsules: Diavolitti
  • Style: Espresso
  • Intensity: 11 
  • Tasting Notes: Oak wood and leather with a creamy texture
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

As a single blend pack, this is for people who like to drink the same latte everyday.

An intensity rating of eleven tells us that this is a full bodied coffee with a very powerful flavor.

This is a dark roast mix of Robusta and Arabica beans from Brazil. 

With an aroma of oak wood and leather and with a creamy texture, these capsules are screaming out to be used in a latte. 

[6] Stormio

Details

  • # Capsules: 10
  • Included Capsules: Stormio
  • Style: Mug
  • Intensity: 8
  • Tasting Notes: Spicy, woody and cereal notes
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

This is not a variety pack- it only contains one type of capsule and so if you are a stickler for routine and like the same drink everyday, consider the Stormio. 

But beware!

There is lots going on in this capsule as the dark roasted Arabica beans deliver an incredible range of flavors.

Coming from Nicaragua and Guatemala, the ground coffee in these capsules combine hints of spice, wood and cereal.

And you know what?

Softening the taste and texture with milk will leave your latte with some wonderful roasted flavors. 

[7] Altissio Espresso

Details

  • # Capsules: Varies between 20- 50 
  • Included Capsules: Altissio
  • Category: Espresso
  • Intensity: 9 
  • Tasting Notes: Hint of robusta and smooth cereal notes
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

Made of a blend of arabica and robusta beans grown in Costa Rica and parts of South America, this coffee has an intensity rating of nine.

It’s full body flavor has hints of robusta and smooth cereal.

And it is a flavor that is complimented by adding your favorite milk in order to add a creamy texture. 

[8] Decaffeinato Intenso Espresso

Details

  • # Capsules: Varies between 20- 50  
  • Included Capsules: Decaffeinato Intenso
  • Style: Espresso
  • Intensity: 7 
  • Tasting Notes: Cocoa and fruity flavors
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

This is the choice for our decaffeinated fans. 

If you like your coffee that is so full of flavor that it doesn’t need the jolt provided by caffeine, you might enjoy the Decaffeinato Intenso. 

And in my selection, this coffee is quite mild as it scores seven on the intensity scale.

Don’t think weak, think subtle. 

It contains a blend of beans from across the globe as Brazilian and Colombian coffees mix with some Asian robusta beans. 

And the result?

A beautifully smooth taste with hints of chocolate and fruity notes.

Adding milk will only make it better. 

[9] Voltesso

Details

  • # Capsules: 30 
  • Included Capsules: Voltesso
  • Style: Espresso
  • Intensity: 4
  • Tasting Notes: Biscuit flavors and sweet aromas
  • Interested? Buy Here

Who Should Buy These?

An intensity of four? Have I lost my mind?!

Hear me out.

The flavors in this coffee will be perfect in a latte- and I have that on the advice of a trusted friend

Hints of biscuits and a sweet aroma created by a blend of South American arabica beans?

Are you steaming the milk already?

Go on, try something different.

A  coffee from “out of left field”…

The Five Best Compatible Nespresso Capsules for Lattes

Lastly, we have the compatible selection.

These are capsules that are made by different companies but are compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine machines- not VertuoLine machines.

The big advantage that these capsules provide over the official Nespresso ranges compared above, is price.

Compatible capsules tend to be much cheaper, sometimes as much as half the price as the branded capsules.

Hold on a minute, I hear you ask…

Doesn’t cheaper mean worse? 

Will I end up with coffee that tastes like (milky) and muddy water, with coffee grounds stuck between my teeth?!

No, the capsules in my selection tend to have much higher ratings and many more of them than official Nespresso capsules.

Let’s jump straight into my first selection. 

[10] Bestpresso Verona

Details

  • # Capsules: 20 | 40 | 120
  • Included Capsules: Verona
  • Intensity: 10 (on a scale from 1- 12)
  • Tasting Notes: Chocolate, full body and creamy
  • Organic | Free Trade: No | No | 50% Rain forest Alliance
  • BPA Free: Not specified
  • Money Back: 60 day satisfaction guarantee

Who Should Buy These?

If you like your lattes strong, then consider these immensely well- liked capsules. 

Scoring ten on the intensity scale these espresso strength capsules will taste of chocolate and have a creamy texture. 

Using a blend of arabica beans, this full bodied coffee is made in Spain.

This blend contains at least 50% Rain Forest Alliance certified beans.

And if you need more reassurance, then BestPresso offer a 60 day money back guarantee.  

Tempted? Buy Some Capsules Here

[11] Gourmesso Espresso Bundle

Details

  • # Capsules: 60  
  • Included Capsules: Etiopa, Honduras, Tarrazu
  • Intensity: 8-10 (on a scale from 1- 10)
  • Tasting Notes: Varies
  • Organic | Free Trade: Part | Part
  • BPA Free: Yes
  • Money Back: 100% satisfaction guarantee

Who Should Buy These?

If you want a little variety in your lattes, this Gourmesso pack offers three different coffees. 

Ranging from eight to ten on a ten point intensity scale, all of the capsules in the pack have a strong enough flavor to make a great tasting latte.

Etiopa is the pod that offers the most intensity with a rating of ten. 

It’s strength comes from a blend of arabica beans from Ethiopia and robusta beans from Vietnam

The powerful flavor derives from the beans being dark roasted but there are subtle and lighter citrus flavors to be enjoyed as well.

The second collection of pods is named Honduras and delivers an intensity of nine. 

These pods are made with organic and fair traded beans and it is fair to say that these are pods that are bursting with flavor. 

And so if ethical standards are important to you, then take note. 

Harvested from small family farms from one small area in Honduras, these capsules are single origin  and made from 100% arabica beans.

The beans are dark roasted to provide a strong lively flavor that includes subtle fruit, caramel, honey and chocolate. 

The third and final pod variety in this bundle, has a tame intensity rating of eight.

Yes, it’s a bit of a disappointment I know!

But the Tarrazu pods contain a very special, single origin coffee.

Tarrazu is a region in Costa Rica famed for its rich, volcanic soil. 

It is the richness and fertility of the soil that gives the beans a spicy and aromatic flavor.

Potent enough to create lattes that are bursting with flavor.

And if this Gourmesso bundle sounds too good to be true, these compatible capsules have been given glowing reviews by hundreds of adoring fans. 

Tempted? Buy Here

[12] Rosso Cafe Extra Dark

Details

  • # Capsules: 60  
  • Included Capsules: Maestro, Gentleman and Macho
  • Intensity: 9 | 10 | 12
  • Tasting Notes: Varies
  • Organic | Free Tade: No | No
  • BPA Free: Yes
  • Money Back: 60 day satisfaction guarantee

Who Should Buy These?

With this Rosso Cafe selection, you will get three different varieties of pods.

This is perfect for the latte drinker who likes to chop and change a little bit: but not too much.

Buyers are generally very impressed with all of the varieties in this pack.

They can be used to make great lattes.

Although some people, who prefer stronger coffee use two capsules per latte.

The first pack of pods is called Maestro.

Maestro is a blend consisting of 100% arabica beans grown in Tanzania and Costa Rica that have been slow roasted.

The result is a tremendous dark roast that has hazelnut and chocolate aromas and a smooth earthy and woody taste, that will make you savour every sip.

This blend has been created to work best with Lungo (110 ml) and Cappuccino (180 ml) sized servings. 

But with an intensity rating of 9, I think that the Maestro pods offer enough strength of flavor to carry a latte well.

The second pod is named “Gentleman”.

Slightly strangely, with that name, it has a whooping intensity of 10!

This is a globe trotting blend.

Combining arabica beans from central America and South Africa and robusta beans from Brazil this dark roast provides a full bodied coffee with fruity notes and a wonderfully smooth finish.

Constructed specifically for ristrettos or espressos, Gentleman will lay the perfect foundation for your latte.

And the third pod variety, is called Macho.

Sounds a bit different to Gentleman, doesn’t it?

With a top intensity score of twelve, this is an extra dark roast. 

Created for strong coffee lovers, this pack of beans provide a super intense, bitter and bold coffee whether it is drunk as an espresso or latte. 

Go on, challenge yourself.

If you are still unsure whether this variety pack from Rosso Cafe will suit your latte drinking needs, then you have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. 

Tempted? Buy Here

[13] Gimoka Deciso 100 Pack

Details

  • # Capsules: 100
  • Included Capsules: Deciso
  • Intensity: 10 (on a scale from 1- 10)
  • Tasting Notes: Unsweetened cocoa, dried fruit with a well rounded aftertaste. 
  • Organic | Free Trade: No | No
  • BPA Free: Not specified
  • Money Back: Not specified

Who Should Buy These?

As a pack of 100 capsules, this coffee would suit someone who drinks a lot of coffee. 

And this coffee is produced in the home of coffee, Italy.

It is also very highly rated, with most buyers praising the strength of coffee in these capsules and how easily they work in different Nespresso machines. 

Deciso is Gimoka coffee’s most intense blend, with a rating of 10.

As it is brewing, the coffee will provide lovely scents of cocoa and dried fruit.

When it comes to the taste, you will be treated to a hint of precious wood and a very satisfying after taste. 

Tempted? Buy Here

[14] Cap Mundo Decaffeinated

Details

  • # Capsules: 50
  • Included Capsules: Decaffeinated
  • Intensity: 2 (on a scale from 1-5)
  • Tasting Notes: Honey, dried fruits and chocolate
  • Organic | Fair Trade:  No | Not officially
  • BPA Free: Not specified
  • Money Back: 60 day money back guarantee

Who Should Buy These?

I was desperate to include a decent decaf option but it hasn’t been easy.

Just finding a well reviewed decaffeinated Nespresso compatible capsule has taken an age.

Let alone a capsule that makes a great latte…  

But, I think that I have got you one.

And this coffee is special for a few reasons.

For one thing, it makes a great latte.

Another is that the beans are decaffeinated using a solvent free process, which is highly unusual and much better. 

And then there is the back story of this small French company, which uses traditional methods to ensure its customers get coffee of the highest quality.

Quality that is backed up with a 60 day money back guarantee.

And in my excitement I nearly forgot.

These Cap Mundo pods will make your coffee absolutely divine, combining honey, dried fruits and chocolate.

Like The Sound of It? Buy From Amazon Here

Nespresso Compatible Buying Guide

One of the drawbacks of the compatible range is that because there are so many companies making compatible capsules, there is no real consistent “intensity” rating. 

Some of the capsules are rated, others aren’t.

However, there are many advantages over the branded capsules, beyond price. 

Or should I say that there is more information provided by the compatible capsules. 

I have listed a few below;

  • Fair Trade: Many of the these capsules are fair trade, a fact that is not made clear for the official Nespresso capsules
  • Organic: Some of these compatible capsules use organic coffee. As far as I can tell, the branded capsules aren’t organic. 
  • Recyclable Capsules: Many compatible capsules can be recycled
  • BPA Free: Many of the capsules are made from plastics that are free from any harmful ingredients, such as BPA
  • Warranty:  The capsule market is fiercely competitive. Many of the companies offer a money back guarantee.

This extra information allows us as consumers to make better decisions.

After all, although the taste of a coffee is the most important factor in choosing which capsule to buy…

It is not the only one.

Many buyers are concerned by issues relating to free trade or whether a capsule contains harmful substances such as BPA.