10 Best Nespresso VertuoLine Pods 2022: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Choosing the best Nespresso VertuoLine pods can be overwhelming. 

The Nespresso VertuoLine capsules come in a variety of flavors. Some are very strong espressos while others produce a creamy coffee. 

We’ve made it easy for you to narrow down your choices by creating useful reviews for the best Nespresso VertuoLine pods and a buying guide for the same.

Let’s dive in.

We want you to know this post contains affiliate links. If you click on a product and decide to buy it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Glance: Top 5 Picks for the Best Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

1. Half Caffeinato Espresso Mild Roast Coffee – Best for Everyone

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Double Espresso Scuro – Best for Espresso

3. Nespresso VertuoLine, Variety Pack, Odacio, Stormio, Melozio – Best Value

4. Nespresso VertuoLine Intenso – Best for Lazy Mornings

5. Nespresso VertuoLine Voltesso – Best Light Roast

Summary: Best Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

Let’s get into more details about these pods to help you make an informed decision when buying.

10 Best Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

Want to power your brain and lighten up the nerves? Consider any of the following Nespresso pods:

1. Half Caffeinato Espresso Mild Roast Coffee – Best for Everyone

As the name suggests, this coffee is half-caffeinated, making it suitable for both caffeine lovers and those of us who prefer mild caffeine.

That makes it perfect for dinner parties too, where people need a caffeine kick to drive home but want to get some shut-eye once they get home.

The taste is what sets it apart though; It’s sweet and velvety. And the reason is it’s a blend of Arabicas from Africa and Brazil that have a sweet and light character with notes of biscuits, caramel, and nuts.

This Half Caffeinato pod brews you a 7.8oz coffee serving. That’s enough to satiate your coffee cravings in the morning or after a long day of work.

These VertuoLine pods are a 6 on Nespresso’s intensity scale.

Our Take

Not only does this espresso taste so good, but it also gives you the energy to start your day right or end your evening on a powerful note.

And whether you like caffeine or prefer just a little of it, this espresso won’t disappoint.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Double Espresso Scuro – Best for Espresso

Are you an espresso fanatic? Then chances are you love a strong, intense, and bold cup of coffee. And that’s where the Double Espresso Scuro comes in.

The Nespresso coffee is made from Central American coffee consisting of a dark smoky character with vanilla and cocoa notes to make a strong espresso beverage.

The Nespresso coffee blend comes from a roasted blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee, creating an intense and balanced structure that’s easy to drink.

These pods are an 8 on the Nespresso intensity scale.

Double Espresso Scuro is worth every penny. Here’s why: the box contains three sleeves and each sleeve contains 10 capsules. So, in total, you’ve got 30 capsules.

The VertuoLine pods are within the double espresso range, which will deliver you a 2.7oz espresso serving to double up on your usual, single espresso coffee.

Our Take

This coffee tastes darn good and it’s affordable too. It delivers a strong cup of espresso that you’ll want to keep drinking.

3. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Variety Pack, Odacio, Stormio, Melozio – Best Value

If trying to pick your favorite Nespresso VertuoLine capsule seems impossible, we recommend you go with this variety pack.

The best seller suits those who want to experiment with a variety of VertuoLine capsules without breaking the bank.

The pack contains three of the best VertuoLine pods: Stormio, Odacio, and Melozio (10 capsules each). You can’t find this variety elsewhere.

Each blend has a unique origin. Stormio is harvested from Guatemala. Odacio beans originate from Nicaragua and Ethiopia. Melozio’s origin is Central America and Brazil. 

The blends in this pack provide both dark and medium roasts, giving you an array of coffee flavors. This variety pack has an intensity rating of 6 – 8, giving you the option to select an intensity based on how you prefer your beans to be roasted along with how bitter you prefer your coffee to taste.

Each capsule provides a 7.8oz serving – good for those who prefer a longer drinking experience.

Our Take

Do you struggle to make a decision while hunting for the best Nespresso VertuoLine pods? We recommend this variety pack so that you’re not limited to just one option. 

4. Nespresso VertuoLine Intenso – Best for Lazy Mornings

Do you know those lazy mornings when you hear the alarm, but don’t feel like waking up?

The Intenso will bring you out of your morning stupor. 

Intenso has an intensity rating of 9 with a dense character that originates from roast splitting with a blend of Robustas from Guatemala and Arabicas from Latin America and Mexico. The resulting notes are those of brown sugar.

So, while it has a bold taste, the sugar notes offset that boldness. Do you like a caramel kind of aftertaste? You can add milk to achieve that.

Our Take

This strong, dark-roast pod will jump-start your mornings. Its flavor profile has a sweetness to appeal to sugar lovers. Caffeinate yourself with Intenso after a long night, it’s deep and dense flavor won’t leave you disappointed.

5. Nespresso VertuoLine Voltesso – Best Light Roast

As soon as you start brewing, the sweet aroma of Voltesso will saturate the room. The unique aroma is what prompts most coffee lovers to brew a cup every day with Voltesso.

The other reason behind the popularity of this light roast is its blend of tasty notes. On one hand, you feel a subtle sweetness, and on the other hand, hints of creamy biscuit.

Voltesso doesn’t have the bitterness found in other light roast models.

Want to make it even better? Add some frothed soy or almond milk to experience the difference.

Nespresso sources Voltesso’s beans from Colombia and Brazil. 

Whether you brew a latte Americano or espresso, you won’t miss the delicious taste of these Nespresso VertuoLine capsules.

Not only will you find these pods flavorful, but they also energize you to go through the day.

Voltesso is among the mildest espresso drinks on the Vertuo lineup with light nuttiness. Every cup you brew has between 70 mg and 90 mg of caffeine. 

It’s a 4 on the Nespresso intensity scale and some coffee lovers may find this too mild for their taste.

Our Take

We recommend this to those of us who love coffee but don’t use espresso because they think it’s too strong. Brew coffee with these capsules and accompany it with chocolate or a small cookie. 

6. Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso Altissio – Best Dark Roast

The Altissio is a dark roast with an intensity level of 9. It’s made from roasted South American and Costa Rican coffee for a smooth taste on your palette.

Here’s a warning: Altissio is so delicious that it might make you stop consuming your regular coffee. And that’s because it contains cereal notes along with a smooth texture. Not to mention, Costa Rican coffee is known for its stunning flavors.

Want to make it creamier and more delicious? Add milk. But you can still drink it without adding anything as it’s still delicious on its own.

Additionally, the aluminum capsules hold at least 900 unique aromas. So other than the taste, the other irresistible aspect in Altissio is the powerful aroma.

It’s part of the Espresso range for the VertuoLine pods and will give you a 1.35oz serving. 

Our Take

Altissio will appeal to coffee drinkers that like their coffee strong but still smooth. It’s rich and full bodied.

7. Nespresso VertuoLine Hazelino – Best Flavored

From the name, you can tell that the Nespresso capsule contains hazelnut flavors. It also comes with hints of sugar, nuts, and butter.

The Hazelino comes from a blend of Arabica beans found in Central America and Brazil. You can enjoy a fresh cup of Java while still customizing it the way you want.

If you prefer adding milk to your coffee, Hazelino is perfect for that.

Here’s why:

The medium-roasted beans create a full-bodied drink that doesn’t lose any of its flavors even when it’s creamy.

For instance, adding milk to the Nespresso Hazelino capsule results in the production of praline that adds a biscuit hint to your drink along with a mouth-watering aroma.

Hazelino has an intensity of 6, which may not sound like a strong drink to some coffee aficionados, but hey this drink is sumptuous.

Each pod provides you with a 7.8oz serving ideal for those who love an extended coffee experience.

Our Take

Don’t just take our word for it, but Hanelino is yummy. The nutty flavors and sweet aroma will make you fall in love with this pod. If you haven’t tried it already, it’s definitely worth sipping on.

8. Nespresso VertuoLine Diavolitto – Best Strong Brew

Coffee from Diavolitto can be summarized in two words: intense and powerful. 

It comes from a Brazilian blend of robusta and Arabica beans. The aroma has hints of leather and oak wood with a creamy texture to balance it out.

The top-tier beans provide you with an exotic flavor each time you make a cup.

The Nespresso VertuoLine Diavolitto has an intensity of 11, making it suitable for those who enjoy a strong cup o’ Joe in the morning. 

It can be a perfect way to start a morning, especially when you wake up feeling like a zombie.

Brewing Diavolitto is completely customizable. Simply put, you can brew a drink the way you want and still enjoy it. For example, if you feel the coffee is too strong, you may dilute it with hot water or milk. Alternatively, you can froth milk and brew a cappuccino.

The taste may be slightly bitter for some, but the smooth texture balances it out. With each capsule, you can brew 1.35oz of espresso.

People who are just starting off their coffee drinking experience may not find Diavolitto ideal. But coffee addicts are likely to enjoy it because of its strong flavor.

Our Take

This is the best Nespresso VertuoLine pod for an intense coffee experience. We recommend VertuoLine Diavolitto to those who want to have their coffee pack a punch and deliver extremely strong flavor.

9. Nespresso VertuoLine Elvazio – Best Mild Roast

With an intensity rating of 4, this Nespresso blend is created from South America’s arabica beans, creating an aromatic and refreshing drink with a rich taste and a light body of fruity notes.

Most coffee blends are bitter, but Elvazio is not. Its fruity notes make it easy to make various flavors. You can serve this coffee on almost any occasion, from morning breakfast with the family to parties and coffee breaks at work.

Once you brew the Nespresso VertuoLine Elvazio, you’ll quickly notice its difference from regular coffee. Specifically, it has a sweet and even syrupy taste. You can create a creamy cup by adding milk to it.

With the lower intensity rating those who prefer strong drinks may find it a bit weaker. In other words, it isn’t strong enough to give you a powerful kick on a dull morning.

Our Take

If you want to take a break from strong coffee to a deliciously fruity drink that can work on any occasion, try the VertuoLine Elvazio.

10. Nespresso VertuoLine Giornio – Best Flavored Light Roast

Giornio is a light roast with plenty of flavors; it’s packed with toasted cereal tones plus subtle white floral tones associated with the Ethiopian Arabica. It’s awakened by the Kenyan Arabica’s acidity.

While some users feel its taste is spicy and earthy, others feel it mimics the hazelnut. One thing is certain, Giornio has a rich taste that leaves them coming for more.

The distinct tastes are a result of the blend of beans in this coffee. Both the Kenyan and Ethiopian beans add a flavor to their roast, and the combination is magical.

Rated 4 for its intensity, this blend has a medium body with floral notes, which is why the aroma can wake up everyone in the house to start craving coffee.

The pods provide a 7.8 ounce serving that’s ideal for those who like a longer coffee experience.

If you like strong coffee, this one may be weak in flavor for you.

Our Take

Floral and velvety, the Giornio can serve as a standalone beverage or it can be paired with desserts and snacks. Expect a sweet but robust flavor from this product.

Nespresso VertuoLine Pods: Buying Guide

The best Nespresso VertuoLine pods are very different from the best Nespresso capsules used in original machines. They are designed for use in Nespresso VertuoLine machines only.

They are larger and brewed using centrifugal force in order to produce long cups of coffee in different blends. The resultant brew is thicker, with foamier crema.

VertuoLine pods have a barcode around the rim to help the Nespresso machine identify the type of pod used to brew with optimal parameters (temperature, volume, flow rate, rotational speed, and water contact time).

The barcode also locks out capsules that aren’t Nespresso.

There are many different types of Vertuoline pods to use. They include Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Coffee, and Alto XL.

To understand your VertuoLine pods better before buying, keep the following factors in mind.

Barcode Recognition

Nespresso Vertuoline pods use a barcode scanning system to optimize the brewing process. They work exclusively with Nespresso’s single serve coffee makers.

The scanning system (intelligent extraction system) scans the pod to understand the type of brew you need.

Depending on the size of the pod, the intelligent extraction system will help the machine modify the brew’s temperature, water volume, spin rate, water contact time, and flow rate to produce the brew you want.

Every pod is designed with a magnetic barcode.

The barcode is often found on the top of the scanner when the pod is inserted into the dome of the Nespresso machine. 

Intensity Scale

The pod intensity scale is designed by Nespresso itself. It varies from 1 to 13. Nespresso considers below 6 not intense and above 8 as intense. 

This scale measures the intensity of roasting, body and bitterness of the coffee. The intensity rating is also based on the concentration of the coffee. 

A higher intensity rating has no relation to the amount of caffeine the coffee in a pod contains. 

According to Nespresso, Espresso VertuoLine pods contain between 60 mg and 150 mg and double espressos contain 200 mg. The Half Caffeinato blend has roughly 90 mg of caffeine and decaffeinated blends contain no more than 12 mg of caffeine.  

If you love your coffee strong, anything above 8 is going to be what you want to seek out but, if you prefer it light and softer, go for a rating below 6.

Centrifusion Technology

The centrifusion technology is a patented technology used in Nespresso VertuoLine machines. 

This technology works by spinning the pod rapidly while extracting the coffee. As the pod fills with water and spins, the system makes sure the coffee grounds are fully saturated and extracted.

For each espresso or coffee blend you brew with a VertuoLine machine, the experience is unique, just as the end result. The centrifusion technology can reach up to 7,000 spins a minute. This lets you enjoy smooth and balanced coffee flavors.

Coffee Volume

Nespresso VertuoLine pods come in 5 different sizes.

Espresso: 1.35 ounces

Double Espresso: 2.7 ounces

Gran Lungo: 5 ounces

Mug: 7.8 ounces

Alto: 14 ounces

Nespresso’s custom sizing feature will also allow you to turn your Alto pod into 17 ounces The VertuoLine machines are perfect for anyone who loves long drinks.

Brewing and Serving Size

Each VertuoLine pod has its own brewing time, which depends on the coffee blend and the brew size. 

The best part about this is that you won’t need to adjust and set the brew option any time you want to change the flavor of your coffee pod. 

Nespresso VertuoLine pods are tagged with a magnetic barcode that the machine reads. After reading, it will automatically adjust your brew settings. Both espresso and Vertuoline pods are manufactured in different sizes.

Nespresso VertuoLine Reusable Pods

Nespresso VertuoLine reusable pods are relatively friendly on the pocket compared to your daily trip to the coffeehouse.

Although reusable pods are time-consuming to use and clean, they also are less wasteful, cheaper, and allow you to use any coffee roast.

Just remember to stock all the components you need.

OriginalLine vs. VertuoLine: What’s the Difference?

If you already have a Nespresso machine, you should ensure you find a compatible pod. 

The difference between VertuoLine and OriginalLine pods lies in the mechanics. 

While OriginaLines use pods to create high pressure that pushes water through the grounds, their VertuoLine counterparts push water into the pods and spin to blend the water and the coffee grounds.

The centrifugal technology in VertuoLine machines produces better coffee, but to achieve this, a lot of mechanics have to go into the pods.

Remember, most reusable pods are meant for OriginalLine machines, so do your research to ensure you get the right one for a Vertuoline machine.

Benefits of Reusable Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

• Besides being eco-friendly, Nespresso VertuoLine pods are less pricey. 

• Reusable pods give you more control and freedom over your coffee brewing. You can use any coffee and grind it fresh before brewing.

The Type of Lid

There are different types of reusable Nespresso pod lids. The one you choose will highly depend on your priorities and needs.

If you like a good crema in your coffee, there are different lids you can buy and achieve different results.

There are two types of lids available – latching type lids and sticker type lids. The latching lids are part of the pods, while sticker lids are adhesive and disposable.

Sticker pods are great at building up pressure to higher levels to produce substantial crema. The only disadvantage with sticker pods is the need to restock their lids. 

Latching lids are permanent, but they produce inferior crema.

Pod Material for Reusable Nespresso VertuoLine 

Nespresso makes its pods from stainless steel. As a result, they are durable and resistant to high temperatures. 

When shopping for the best reusable pods, avoid those made from plastic material. If they’re made from stainless steel, make sure they don’t have a screw metal closure. Those with such a screw clog a lot and have to be descaled more often.

How to Reuse Your Nespresso Pods

Brewing your delicious cup O’ Joe using a reusable pod is very straightforward. These steps will provide you with a sweet cup every time you crave one.

1. Grind your coffee beans. A shot tastes better with fresh grounds.

2. Use the same grind size you use for espresso. This will allow the water to pass through at a moderate speed for proper extraction. Too fine coffee grounds can lead to over-extraction because the water passes through the grounds too slowly. On the other hand, coarse grounds allow water to pass through too quickly, leading to under-extraction. This results in acidic, espresso-flavored water.

3. Put coffee grounds into the reusable pod.

4. Pack in the coffee with a tamper.

5. Close the pod 

6. Pop the pod into your Nespresso machine and start brewing. 

7. Serve your coffee and rinse the pod. You can repeat the process as many times as you want.

Final Word

If you want to wake up to a delicious cup of coffee every morning and not have to go through any learning curves to have it, both a Nespresso VertuoLine coffee pod and an OriginalLine capsule will deliver. Nespresso pods are reliable, easy to use, and will give you a brew taste of your choice.

With all the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each, we hope you now have all the information you need to find the best Nespresso VertuoLine pod for your personal tastes. 

Nespresso Vertuoline Pods FAQs

Can Vertuoline pods be reused?

If you buy regular Nespresso pods, you can only use them once. Only reusable Nespresso pods can be used many times. 

Can Nespresso VertuoLine pods be used in other machines that are not from Nespresso?

Not at all. You cannot use Nespresso VertuoLine pods in any other machines including Nespresso OriginalLine.

Do Nespresso pods expire?

Yes. Nespresso itself advises users to use the pods within a year from the manufacturing date.

For excellent taste, however, experts suggest that you use the pods within 6 months. While the pods don’t technically go bad the best VertuoLine pods lose freshness which in turn impacts how your coffee tastes. 

But, you should know that Nespresso coffee pods are sealed, and you can store them for up to two years. Pods are curated from food-grade aluminum or polymer and are airtight, preventing your coffee from spoiling due to oxidation. 

Additionally, aluminum pods have an extra food-safe layer that prevents contact of ground coffee with metal.

Which coffee type is suitable for use in reusable pods?

Espresso beans that have been finely ground are the best to use in refillable Vertuoline pods. However, don’t make it too fine, as it will choke your Nespresso machine. 

If you own a grinder, the better. Because reusable coffee pods make great coffee when the grounds are fresh. 

Can you use just any coffee in the Nespresso Vertuoline reusable pods?

No. It’s not recommended to use just any coffee with your reusable pod. Pre-filled pods have added flavor concentrates or enhancers that make the espresso look stronger.

Fresh coffee contains rich, fruity flavors, sweet aromas, and spice notes, so it’s the best to use in your reusable pod.

To get the most out of your coffee grounds, select the appropriate grind size with a rich dark roast. This will ensure a well-extracted flavor and consistency.

Do Nespresso pods have allergens?

All Nespresso coffee blends, including VertuoLine variations, don’t contain food preservatives or allergens.

The encapsulated flavors are in fine powder and are added to the coffee after grinding it. So they don’t have any contaminants.

Do reusable coffee pods save you money?

Yes, a lot. First, they are budget-friendly. And since they’re refillable, you end up paying less because there’s no added cost for packaging.

Are all reusable Nespresso Vertuoline pods the same?

Nespresso pods are not created equal. Each pod’s system performs differently. Choosing the right pod comes down to what your priorities are. 

How much caffeine is there in each Nespresso VertuoLine pod?

The amount of caffeine in each Nespresso pod depends on the type of coffee used. Other factors that determine the amount of caffeine include;

• The degree of roasting
• Coffee origin
• The type of green coffee used. For example, robusta coffee has more caffeine than Arabica.

For a better idea based on the dimensions of different blends in the capsules, check this out.

• Long coffee (110ml): 77 mg – 89 mg of caffeine
• Espresso (40ml): 55 mg – 65 mg of caffeine
• Decaffeinated coffee: Under 0.1% caffeine

Are Nespresso VertuoLine pods organic?

Nespresso launched its first organic coffee in 2020 – Kahawa ya Congo and they are planning for more in the future. 

Additionally, Nespresso offers coffee sourced from their AAA Sustainable Quality Program.

They currently source over 90%of their coffee from the AAA program.

How do Nespresso VertuoLine pods work?

VertuoLine pods are inserted into a Nespresso machine with the dome facing down. This is done to orient the circular barcode ring on top of the laser of the scanning system, so the machine reads the pod when it’s spinning.

When the pod is inserted, the machine will scan it to determine the right beverage to make.