Nespresso is one of the most popular espresso machine brands on the market today.

If you own one, it is important to find the best Nespresso pod to work well with your machine. Nespresso compatible pods are available in many shapes and flavors, but some are better than others. When looking for a pod, it is essential to know what type and size of coffee your Nespresso machine can make.

This article will talk about the Nespresso original and Nespresso Vertuo machines and the best pods when using either of these Nespresso systems.

Pods for Nespresso Machines covered in this post:

Nespresso Arondio Capsules - Best Nespresso Vertuo pod (1)
Melozio Boost - Best Nespresso Vertuo pod (2)
Firenze Arpeggio - Best Nespresso Original pod (1)
Roma - Best Nespresso Original pod (2)
Peet's Coffee Espresso Capsules Crema Scura - Best Nespresso Alternative Capsule
Caramel Cookie - Best Nespresso pod for Iced Coffee
Barista Chiaro - Best Nespresso pod for a Latte

Skip to the best part:

Nespresso original Vs. Nespresso Vertuo

If you’re new to espresso making at home, you may not know much about Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo. 

I can attest that both systems are great for making excellent coffee. You can make a fine espresso cup with the right pod for either. So, which Nespresso system should you choose? Well, it depends on what you want because each has its unique characteristics.

Here are the things you need to know about Nespresso original:

  • It gives you a more comprehensive range of Espresso capsules to select from
  • Some models give you the option of milk frothing
  • It is less expensive compared to Nespresso Vertuo
  • The pump is louder compared to Nespresso Vertuo

Here is what you need to know about Nespresso Vertuo

  • Produces larger Espresso drinks
  • The operation is quieter
  • Brewing is much easier because of the barcoded Espresso capsules
  • The capsules are more expensive

As you can see above, both machines have unique characteristics to consider when choosing one for your kitchen. For example, if you want the one with a broader selection of capsules, the best choice is Nespresso original. If you’re looking for the one with the capacity to make both coffee and espresso, you’ll go for Nespresso Vertuo.

The Best Nespresso Pods In 2022

Here are my recommendations for the best Nespresso pods (Nespresso original & Virtuo):

Nespresso Arondio Capsules - Best Nespresso Vertuo pod (1)

Capsule series: Vertuo
Roast: Medium
Intensity: 6

Nespresso Arondio capsules are cereal and mild. They are a product of Colombian Arabicas and Guatemalan Robusta. Using a Nespresso Vertuo machine, these pods will give you the espresso and coffee you need for a bright start in the morning and a relaxed afternoon.

The capsules are easy to use. Having used other pods before, I know these are ideal for a delicious drink. The subtle acidity characteristic of the pods sets it apart from others. It is this factor that adds a touch of uniqueness to its mildness.

There is so much you can do with these pods. For example, you can use them to make iced beverages. An excellent place to begin would be to make Iced Caramel Macchiato. With these pods, you're assured of making the best use of your Nespresso Vertuo machine.

Melozio Boost - Best Nespresso Vertuo pod (2)

Capsule series: Vertuo
Intensity: 6
Roast: Medium

These capsules are ideal for a person who wants a smooth and sweet Espresso drink with an earthy taste. The sweet aftertaste that comes from this drink makes it an ideal one for waking up in the morning. You don't want to have your mouth tasting bitter before leaving home for work.

One thing that I like about these pods is the extra caffeine they have. If you want an extra dose of caffeine, go for these capsules. The espresso they make is smooth and balanced, thus making it a preferred choice for anyone new to brewing espresso at home. I would comfortably recommend these capsules to those who want to have something smooth and mild to kick start their day on a high note. The rich flavor and texture are one thing you'll remember with these pods.

Firenze Arpeggio - Best Nespresso Original pod (1)

The capsule series: Original
Roast: Dark roast
Intensity: 9

Firenze is a popular pod with many Nespresso lovers for its unique characteristics. It is known for its intensity and creamy characteristics that set it apart from other capsules. It is also smooth, and you'll love it because it's not bitter. With it, you can make different types of espresso drinks.

For example, you can use it to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is a pure Arabica blend you can use to make the very best of espresso drinks. One thing that I love about this capsule is that it gives you an undeniable sweetness to keep you desiring for more. If you want a smooth and creamy drink, this is one you can trust to start your day or bring the tone of your day down in a relaxed evening.

Indeed, this is one of the best pods for Nespresso original.

Roma - Best Nespresso Original pod (2)

Capsule series: Original
Roast: Light roast
Intensity: 8

Roma produces full-bodied and balanced espresso. You'll realize that this Nespresso Original pod has a perfect balance between finesse, fullness, and strength. It's a combination you don't find in many espresso capsules. I have used it to make espresso drinks, and I can confidently affirm that it's one of the best out there.

The woody notes set it apart. You might hear some people saying it has a smoky flavor. You'll probably have something like a burnt taste if you're taking it for the first time. However, as you continue to take it a couple of times, you'll notice its distinctiveness and begin to like it.

These pods will give you an espresso that's mild and sweet. You don't have to worry about a bitter drink because it has what you need for your relaxed afternoon.

Peet's Coffee Espresso Capsules Crema Scura - Best Nespresso Alternative Capsule

Capsule series: Original
Intensity: 9
Roast: Dark roast

Peet's Coffee is a viable alternative to Nespresso pods. These dark-roast arabica-bean capsules have an intensity level of 9, and you'll find them in four flavors. While you can use these pods for your Nespresso machine, you can't use them with a Nespresso Vertuoline.

The four flavors available include: Decaf Ristretto, Nerissimo, Crema Scura, and Ricchezza. When you're thinking of pods to make espresso from home, you should consider the capsules' quality. The distinguishing characteristic of these capsules is that they have the smoothness and intensity to give you the espresso you need at any time of the day. The richness and depth of the coffee from these pods make it a preferred choice by many. One sure thing about these pods is that they have the quality to produce the best espresso drink for your family.

Caramel Cookie - Best Nespresso pod for Iced Coffee

Capsule series: Vertuo
Intensity: 6
Roast: Medium roast

The one unique thing about these pods is that they are naturally sweet. You don't have to worry about bitterness with these pods. Despite the name, there are no added sugars to these pods.

Their natural sweetness results from the perfect combination of medium roasted pods. They are perfectly fit for iced coffee. The medium roast of these pods blends particularly with milk, thus explaining why they make delicious cups of any latte drink. If you don't like a lot of sugar, you can choose Caramel Cookie.

All you need to do is mix it with some milk, and you'll be good to go. With these pods, you're assured of one of the best iced coffee drinks.

Barista Chiaro - Best Nespresso pod for a Latte

Capsule series: Original
Intensity: 6
Roast: Medium roast

The Barista Chiaro is an excellent option for a latte. For those who like experimenting with different types of espresso, you can choose Barista Chiaro.

There is so much you can discover from this blend. It is sweet and mild at the same time. It has the strength needed to make your cup of espresso delicious. The intensity and roast of the coffee are well balanced to give it the uniqueness it needs for a fine latte. As you think of the perfect pods for a latte, you should consider, among other factors, the quality of the pods you're using.

These pods come in handy as the perfect ones to give you the best drink possible.

The Best Pods for your Nespresso Machine – Final Thoughts

Nespresso machines are one of the most popular on the market. Choosing the best one for your needs can be confusing with the variety of Nespresso compatible pods.

In this post, we compared Nespresso Virtuo and Nespresso Original. We also recommended the best pod for either system, depending on the coffee you’re trying to make. 

If you choose Nespresso capsules wisely, you will get the best out of your Nespresso machines.