Price, taste, and accessibility are all powerful reasons to turn to espresso capsules alternative to the ones made by Nespresso. In fact, Nespresso-compatible capsules are, with time, starting to feel less and less alternative, and they’re more and more often the first choice for many.
Competing with the Nespresso capsules is not at all easy, though, and the many alternatives available cannot put a shade to the quality of these pods. That said, after thorough research, we’ve managed to pick the best Nespresso-compatible capsules, and, judging by their quality, these capsules can comfortably stand side by side to the capsules made by Nespresso.
#1 Rosso Caffé coffee capsules, the Variety Pack
Compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine machines, the Rosso Caffé capsules will fascinate you with their variability and affordability. From delicately light to intensely dark roast, the coffee inside these capsules is truly a journey from a soft and balanced aroma breeze to a rich, smooth, and woody caffeine hit.
The coffee is roasted on many different locations for the optimal flavor development of each blend. The quality of the coffee is preserved at any stage: roasting, grinding, and packing. With polypropylene casings that are BPA and toxic-free, the Rosso Caffé capsules are fully recyclable, which, like the company’s sustainable coffee-growing practices, proves that Rosso Caffé respects their customers, nature, and the local farmers it works with.
Key features:
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machinesp
- Includes the Ricco, Maestro, Intelligente, Gentleman, Delicato, and Purismo blends
- Six intensity levels of the coffee (two dark, two medium, and two light roast coffee blends)
- For espresso, ristretto, lungo, and cappuccino
- Soft, delicate, balanced, fruity, strong, round, full-bodied, woody, rich, and complex notes
- Also available as decaf, extra dark roast, and flavored
Pros
A meticulous variety in taste and a smart variety in intensity
In favor of the customers, the coffee farmers, and the environment
Conveniently affordable
Cons
Nothing for this low-cost pack of capsules with blends rich in undertones and a with a smooth progression in coffee intensity
#2 Bestpresso Coffee pods, the Variety Pack
Attracting you with its colorful design, the Variety Pack by Bestpresso gives you a hint about the rainbowness of the included capsules right from the start. This 120-capsule pack is a treasure chest filled with espresso coffee capsules from six blends, with coffee roasted from medium to dark.
Kosher and sugar-free, this variety pack is one of the most customer-inclusive on the list and a lovely choice for people who enjoy the refreshing taste of fruits that are a bit sour and a bit sweet as well.
Key features:
- 120 recyclable capsules
- Pack includes Ristretto, Intenso, Arabica, Espresso, Lungo, and Verona capsules
- Six levels of coffee intensity (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12), with coffees roasted from medium to dark
- Undertones of berries, citrus, chocolate, spices, flowers, green apple, and more
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- Kosher
- No sugar, flavoring, or preservatives
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Pros
Multiple capsules with intense and less intense coffee that’s complexly flavored and tastefully aromatized
A Kosher pack that celebrates you and your coffee taste
Good for your health with no additives and sweeteners added
Cons
The capsules don’t have the name of the blend printed on them, but they are differently colored, so you can distinguish blends by color
#3 Delicacitaly Italian espresso capsules, the sampler pack with all flavors
Make yourself some lungo, espresso, or ristretto with one of the 60 capsules in the sampler pack by Delicacitaly!
Six blends in the pack will bring you diversity in taste and strength. Decaffeinated medium espresso capsules are also included in case you want your heart to beat faster from the delicious coffee, but not from the caffeine in it!
Start your morning with a Ristretto capsule, or put a Crema pod in your Nespresso machine for a mouth-watering espresso. Wherever your flavor compass takes you, with the variety pack by Delicacitaly you’ll always get to a great final coffee destination!
Key features:
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- Six flavors (Ristretto, Passione, Magia, Crema, Lungo, and Decaf)
- Different finishes
- Two strong, three medium, and one light roast coffee blend
- Capsules with decaffeinated coffee are included as well
- For ristretto, espresso, or lungo
- All the blends can be purchased separately too
- Made in Italy
Pros
Three variations in intensity improved with interesting variations in the coffee finish
The respectable Italian coffee experience is brought to you for very little money
Caffeine is not a must with the medium roast decaffeinated espresso blend included
Cons
Many define the coffee in the capsules as decent and as being different from the coffee in Nespresso capsules
#4 Lavazza espresso capsules, the Variety Pack
After one checks out Lavazza’s Variety Pack, it becomes clear that Lavazza wants to bring the best to its customers.
The complexity of this pack arises from the beautiful repertoire of carefully picked coffees with undertones for people with diverse coffee personalities. Medium and dark roasts vary between five intensities, taking you to the perfectly undertoned espresso or lungo. A double pack of the intensity 8 Armonico and four other packs of Avvolgente, Leggero, Deciso, and Decaffeinato Ricco, which are all popular Lavazza blends, will be enough for you to start your own coffee history.
Key features:
- Available as 60 or 120-capsule pack
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- Armonico, Avvolgente, Leggero, Deciso, and Decaffeinato Ricco blends included
- Coffees are with undertones of roasted cereals, cocoa, spices, hazelnuts, caramel, fruits, and flowers
- Medium and dark roasts for espresso and lungo
- Five intensities (4, 5, 6, 8, and 10)
- All the blends can be bought separately as well
Pros
An inexpensive pack of capsules that let you taste the best Lavazza flavors in an easy way
Flavorful espressos and lungos with different intensities for different occasions
Only the blends in this Variety Pack on the list are enhanced with the one-of-a-kind undertones of roasted cereals
Cons
Believing in the rich flavor of medium and strong coffee, Lavazza made no room for light roasts in its Variety Pack
#5 Peet’s Coffee espresso capsules, the Variety Pack
Coffee quirks are something that Peet’s Coffee espresso capsules were made to encourage. This idea is even more articulated through the best Peet’s Coffee blends packed in Variety Packs of 4 or 5. Sweet, sour, spicy, and nutty undertones turn each cup of espresso into an elegant and polished beverage made of 100% Arabica coffee. Espresso’s raw taste, therefore, gains on flavor and versatility.
The medium and dark roast blends in this Variety Pack come in recyclable capsules, with the purpose of protecting nature once you’ve used them.
Key features:
- Available as a pack of 4 or 5 different blends, with 10 capsules of each blend
- The pack of 5 blends includes the blends Nerissimo, Ristretto, Crema Scura, Ricchezza, and Decaffeinato Ristretto
- Four intensity levels (8, 9, 10, and 11)
- Medium and dark roasts
- Undertones of crushed spice, fruit, chocolate, toasted almonds and other nuts, berries, and brown sugar
- Made of 100% Arabica coffee
- Aluminum casing
- Blends are available as stand-alone products as well
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
Pros
Beautifully-flavored blends, with a complex symbiosis of nutty, fruity, and spicy undertones
100% Arabica coffee for classier, sweeter, and creamier espressos originating from the capsule
Recyclable capsules for your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of nature
Cons
The four intensity levels might not be enough for coffee lovers who appreciate a greater variation in coffee intensity between blends
#6 Starbucks by Nespresso capsules, the Favorites Variety Pack
After many years of being dedicated to one of the best American coffee brands, Starbucks fans made a precise list of their most beloved Starbucks blends. Starbucks, on the other hand, was a good listener and decided to create the Favorite Variety Pack for its customers.
In this Variety Pack, you get your favorite coffees; lungo, ristretto, and, of course, the irreplaceable espresso come to your cup prepared by the good Nespresso Original machines. With diverse undertones that fall on the chocolaty side, each one of these coffee drinks will have the special X-factor that will make your day.
Key features:
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- 50-capsule pack includes five Starbucks blends, among which are Blonde Espresso Roast, House Blend, Single-Origin Colombia, Pike Place Roast, and Caffé Verona
- Aluminum capsule casing
- For espresso, lungo, or ristretto
- Undertones are nutty, earthy, herbal, cacao, burnt sugar, and toffee-like
- Intensity levels vary from level 6 to level 11
- Medium and dark roast coffee, and the special blonde roast by Starbucks
Pros
A pack of the favorite coffee blends of dedicated and experienced Starbucks fans
50 capsules from Starbucks at a down-to-earth price—sounds like quality and affordability are well balanced here
The best of variability in all four coffee dimensions: coffee length, roast, undertones, and intensity
Cons
Fruity flavors are nowhere to be seen in the land of the creamy, nutty, and chocolaty undertones
#7 L’OR espresso capsules, the 50-capsule Variety Pack
The true espresso tradition has always given us classy espressos from its earliest beginnings to modern times. This is exactly what the espresso capsules in the Variety Pack by L’OR are about—that classy, smooth, creamy, unadulterated espresso, with undertones that go in favor of its traditional rich taste.
With these undertones, coffee lovers aren’t misled by flavors that could turn the espresso into a different drink. The intense and profound-tasting espresso is, furthermore, made by 100% Arabica medium and dark roast coffee, turning your coffee to a refreshing delight.
Key features:
- Includes the blends Profondo Lungo, Colombia, Or Absolu, Ristretto, and Onyx
- Intensity levels range from 8 to 12
- Coffee has complex and intense flavors
- 100% Arabica coffee
- Capsules are made of aluminum and are recyclable
Pros
Undertones and intensities blend perfectly for a cup of classy, smooth espresso without too many flavors that could overtake the rich and recognizable taste of the coffee
100% Arabica coffee for a wonderful body, sweetness, and smoothness of the espresso
The Onyx, with its level 12 intensity, is one of the strongest coffee blends on this list
Cons
These capsules are a bit smaller than Nespresso capsules
#8 Cap’Mundo artisan espresso, the 50-capsule Variety Pack
Five coffee blends with the most intriguing combinations of the most unique undertones fill the 50 capsules of the Cap’Mundo artisan Variety Pack; the undertones are so unique that they even bring you the notes of cedar and coriander in your coffee!
The three coffee intensities leave enough room for variation and articulation of the espresso taste without the coffee tasting too strong. Instead, the rich flavor of the drink comes from hints of ginger, black pepper, chocolate, toasted bread, cherries, and many other flavors.
These capsules fit inside Nespresso Original machines thanks to their double-foil design, making the espresso experience easy.
Key features:
- Artisanal coffee blends
- Five coffee blends including Ebene, Dark Ebene, Zebrano, Organic Copaiba, and Umbila
- Three intensities (3, 5, and 5+)
- Woody, fruity, citrusy, spicy, chocolaty, raspberry, cedary, cherry, and many other undertones like the ones of black pepper, ginger, toasted bread, and coriander
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- Double-foil marked capsules
Pros
Artisanal coffee, slowly roasted for a carefully-developed flavor of the beans
The richest palate of unique undertones, and therefore flavors, on this list
An interesting variation in intensity between the Ebene and the Dark Ebene, great for the most detail-oriented coffee souls
Cons
Might not be for you if you like stronger coffees
#9 Café La Llave espresso capsules
The interesting Latino way of producing coffee for espresso is beautifully stated by the Café La Llave espresso capsules. Not only is this capsule pack generous with the capsules, but it also contains coffee with level 11 intensity that’s made in the USA.
Strong, powerful, and bold, the dark roast coffee in these capsules paves your way to a good espresso hit in the morning, while the recyclable capsule casings let you live in harmony with nature.
Key features:
- 80 capsules
- Dark roast coffee
- Coffee intensity: level 11
- Completely made in the USA (blending, roasting, packing)
- Latin-style coffee taste
- Compatible with Nespresso Original machines
- Capsules can be recycled
Pros
An intense Latin-style taste that is a powerful combination of dark roast coffee and the Latin way of blending, roasting, and packing the blends
Bold taste and aroma for a powerful espresso experience
Made in the USA as the product of hardworking American families, the capsules’ good quality is unquestionable
Cons
These are plastic coffee capsules
FAQ
What is the difference between Nespresso VertuoLine and OriginalLine machines?
Although they are lines of machines from the same brand, there are a few notable differences between the VertuoLine and the OriginalLine, including the following ones:
-
- The crema – voluminous crema with VertuoLine machines and rich one with OriginalLine ones;
- Coffee system – on VertuoLine machines, coffee is extracted with the centrifusion technology and the capsules are ‘read’ by the machines with the help of the barcode technology; OriginalLine machines extract the coffee with the help of pressure and there’s no technology that helps them ‘read’ the capsules;
- Capsule size – while VertuoLine machines work with capsules in different sizes, OriginalLine machines work with the one-size standard capsules.
If you’re interested to learn about the rest of the differences between the two machine lines, you can read about them in our Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original article.
Are the capsules on your list compatible with Nespresso VertuoLine machines?
No, the capsules on this list are compatible ONLY with Nespresso Original machines.
Things to consider when buying Nespresso-compatible capsules
Variety of blends – If you’re someone who likes variety, you’ll want a capsule pack that has more blends. We encourage you to at least experiment with a few different blends and see which ones you prefer the most.
Roast type and intensity levels – How intense do you want your coffee to be? Light-roasted, dark-roasted, or medium-roasted—what is your favorite roast? You can choose a Variety Pack to enjoy a variety of roasts that you love, or you can pick a pack that contains your favorite roast only. If you have a favorite roast type, there are many blends that will help you enjoy your espresso, milder or stronger.
Undertones – We covered a lot of undertones on our list. Hopefully, they’ll give you a nice idea of what you might like the taste of your coffee to be. An important thing to keep in mind here is to avoid ingredients that could cause you allergic reactions.
Recyclable capsules – We encourage you to appreciate coffee as a fruit of nature and respect nature by recycling your capsules. The Nespresso-compatible capsules that we went over in this article can be recycled because they are made of recyclable materials.
Declaration of compatibility – Don’t buy capsules about which the manufacturer hasn’t declared that they are compatible with Nespresso machines.
Conclusion
Each one of these Nespresso-compatible capsule packs deserves to be at the top of this list for reasons that we elaborated in the article. What is the top pack for you? The Rosso Caffé coffee capsules pack, maybe? Or was it some other pack of best Nespresso-compatible capsules?
Tell us in the comments below if you feel like there should never be an end to the good and necessary discussions about coffee.
Happy coffee-making and have a great day!