If you aren’t sure which Nespresso pod to get for your Vertuo Nespresso machine, then you must read this article to discover all you can about the best Nespresso Vertuo pods.
The Nespresso Vertuo pods work on the Nespresso Vertuo machines. The Nespresso Vertuo pods are dome-shaped and contain ground coffee that can be used to make brewed coffee, lungo, double espresso, and espresso.
It is important to note that there are two types of pods and two types of machines, as purchasing the incorrect one for your espresso machine could result in it not working. For instance, the Vertuoline pods do not work in the original machine.
A way to differentiate them is by their shape. The Vertuoline pod is dome shaped, while the original machine capsule takes on the typical coffee capsule shape.
What Nespresso Machines Use the Vertuo Pods?
What You Should Know About the Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Nespresso makes more than 40 Nespresso Vertuo pods for you to select from. They come in varying roasts, drink sizes and flavors.
Cup Sizes
The Nespresso Vertuoline machines can make 5 different sizes of coffee: lungo, coffee mug, double espresso, espresso, and carafe—brewed coffee that typically comes from a drip coffee machine. The difference between the drink sizes is the amount of water used to make the coffee and its strength.
Aromatic Notes
You can get aromatic notes like roasted coffee beans or brown sugar to provide you with an idea of how the pod tastes.
Coffee Type
Most espresso pods use arabica beans; however, some also combine Robusta beans to help develop a unique flavor profile. You should note that Nespresso makes coffee pods for Starbucks using only Arabica beans.
Caffeine
Most Nespresso Vertuoline pods have higher caffeine levels for espresso (50 to 80 mg) and mug-sized drinks (130 to 180 mg). This is in the high range compared to a single espresso shot from Starbucks with just 65 mg of caffeine.
Intensity
The Nespresso Vertuoline pods are ranked in intensity from 1 to 11. This intensity is based on the body, bitterness, roast and the coffee’s concentration. An espresso pod with a high intensity score has a stronger coffee taste. If you aren’t a fan of the strong Nespresso pods, you are better off sticking with a Vertuo pod with a low intensity score.
Roast
You can choose from light to dark roasts. The color of the roast informs you how long the coffee beans were roasted. The darker the roast, the deeper and nuttier the roasted taste.
Discover the best between Nespresso Vertuo and Evoluo.
Tips to Remember When Using a Nespresso Vertuo Pod
You Can Use 1 Vertuo Pod to Make 5 Types of Drinks
Unlike the Original coffee capsules that only let you make a single shot of espresso, a Vertuo pod can make any drink from an espresso shot to a full-sized coffee mug drink. This is possible thanks to the Vertuoline pods dome size, which increases the drink size. Since a lungo pod is larger than a single espresso, you can use more pods to create an extra strong cup of coffee.
It Is Not Advised to Use the Same Pod Twice
You shouldn’t use the same Nespresso pods twice as they are designed for single use. However, some users use the pod again by pressing the button to make another drink after finishing the first. This isn’t recommended since you end up with a weak cup of coffee. Furthermore, the best Nespresso pod could get stuck in the machine, requiring repair to fix.
Refrain From Using Coffee Pods Not Manufactured By Nespresso
You should only use coffee pods made by Nespresso with your coffee maker. Third-party coffee pods are not recommended, as using them could void your warranty. Alternatively, using these coffee pods could damage your Nespresso machine. If you want to use a non-Nespresso coffee pod brand, the only recommended brand are Starbucks coffee pods, as these are created by Nespresso.
The Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Diavolitto
Diavolitto is an extremely intense dark roast, scoring an 11 out of 11. The caffeine level is high at 150 mg, and it is made from a blend of Arabica beans and Robusta beans. The aromatic notes provided by the Diavolitto are powerful and intense, making it great for espresso.
The Diavolitto, or little devil, as it is known, is an intensely roared espresso. Its high intensity score means it is favored by individuals who love a full-bodied coffee with the right bitterness and a strong roast flavor.
Bianco Forte
The Bianco Forte is a dark roast. It has a high caffeine level, measured at 165 mg. This Vertuo pod is made from Arabica beans and creates dark roasted yet balanced aromatic notes. The Bianco Forte is a dark and intense roasted coffee that is either loved or hated.
Altissio
The Altissio coffee pod is a dark roast with a strong intensity score (9 out of 11). It has a medium caffeine level measuring just 63 mg, and is made using a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans. The flavor notes are creamy and full-bodied, perfectly suited for espresso. The Altissio is great for those that love Colombia and Stormio. It can also be used in an affogato.
Ice Leggero
The Ice Leggero is a medium roast with moderate intensity, given an 8 out of 11 rating. Its caffeine level is extremely high, in the 130 to 200 mg range. This coffee pod is made using Arabica beans. The Ice Leggero coffee pod offers a fruited but toasted cereal aromatic note.
This flavor note perfectly suits double espressos, particularly iced espresso drinks.
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde
Flavor:
Blonde, Medium & Dark Roast Variety Pack (40 coffee pods)
Caffeine Content:
Caffeinated
Roast Level:
Dark
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08/20/2023 12:40 pm GMT
The Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast is a blonde roast that has a light intensity and a 6 out of 11 rating. Its caffeine level is slightly medium at 72 mg, and made from Arabica beans. This Vertuo pod gives off a smooth and sweet flavor, making it perfect for espresso. This coffee pod is perhaps the most popular Starbucks Nespresso pods, providing a balanced and smooth espresso. It can be great for making a homemade iced caramel macchiato or iced shaken espresso.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a medium roast that is slightly intense, scoring a 7 out of 11. It has a high (135 mg) caffeine rating and is made from Arabica beans. The Costa Rica blend provides sweet and malty aromatic notes. This coffee pod makes a great Gran lungo and is perfectly suited for those that love Mexico, Costa Rica, and Fortado with milk.
Double Espresso Chiaro
The Double Espresso Chiaro coffee pod is a medium roast with an 8 out of 11 intensity score. Its caffeine level is slightly high, measures 180 mg, and is made from Arabica beans. This blend gives it a spiced and intense aroma, perfect for creating a double espresso. The Double Espresso Chiaro coffee pod is great for creating lattes since it mixes well with syrups and frothed milk.
Colombia
Colombia is a light roast with light intensity, rated 5 out of 11. Its caffeine level is slightly high at 165 mg, and it is made from Arabica beans. The Colombia Vertuo pod gives off a winey and sweet flavor, making it perfect for a coffee mug. This coffee pod is great for those that like their coffee to come with fruity-tasting notes. It might not be suitable for those who want the coffee’s patented strong roast flavor.
Fortado
Fortado is a medium roast Vertuo pod with an 8 out of 11 intensity. It has an extremely high caffeine level, measured at 200 mg per pod. It is made using both Robusta and Arabica beans. This mix helps to create a full-bodied and intense flavor that is perfect for making a Gran lungo.
Odacio
The Odacio is a medium roast with 7 out of 11 intensity. It has a high caffeine level, measured at 165 mg. This Vertuo pod is made from Arabica beans and creates a bold yet lively aromatic note. If you love the Stormio Vertuo pod, you will be drawn to the Odacio since they are a great choice for making regular coffee.
Double Espresso Scuro
The Double Espresso Scuro is an extremely intense medium roast, scoring an 11 out of 11. It has a high (180 mg) caffeine rating and is made from a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans. This means you get bold and dark aromatic notes. This coffee pod makes a great double espresso, hence its name. Considering the intensity is quite high, you should beware that it will taste strong even if you add creamers or syrups.
Stormio
The Stormio is a medium roast Arabica coffee blend. It has an 8 intensity score with about 165 mg of caffeine. This coffee pod has a rich and strong aromatic note and is great for regular coffee mugs. The Stormio is great for those that love Mexico and Intensio. It can make a great Americano and works effectively with half and half. If you want more caffeine in your cup, you can purchase the Stormio Boost.
Mexico
The Mexico coffee pod is a medium roast with a 7 out of 11 intensity score. Its caffeine level is slightly high, measures 190 mg, and is made from a combination of Robusta and Arabica beans. This mix gives it a spiced and intense aroma, perfect for creating a regular coffee mug. The Mexico coffee pod is the origination of the single use coffee. It is best when served with milk and can be a great candidate for iced coffee.
Bianco Doppio
Bianco Doppio is a light roast that doesn’t have an intensity score. Nevertheless, the caffeine level is high, measured at around 200 mg. This isn’t surprising, considering that it is made using Arabica beans. You can get balanced and nutty flavor notes from this coffee pod, and it is perfectly suited for creating a double espresso.
You should note that this coffee pod is meant to be served with milk and actually tastes better iced.
Melozio
The Melozio is a medium roast with a 6 out of 11 intensity. It has a high caffeine level measured at 165 mg and is made using arabica beans. The aromatic notes are balanced and smooth. It is the most popular Vertuo pod and is great for first-time buyers that aren’t sure which coffee pod, to begin with. You can also get Melozio decaffeinated and Boost with more caffeine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nespresso make Starbucks coffee pods?
Yes, the Starbucks pods are manufactured by Nespresso. Due to this, you can use them on your Nespresso machine without voiding your warranty.
15 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods – Coffee at Three
Is there a difference between a Vertuo pod and an Original pod?
First, you should note that the two pods are not interchangeable and are shaped differently. The Vertuo espresso machine makes brewed coffee and espresso, while the Original espresso makes just espresso. You should use the Vertuo if you love drip style coffees and espresso.
How much caffeine does a Vertuo pod coffee have?
Nespresso states that all of its coffee capsules—mug sized (7.77 oz)— have anything from 130 to 200 mg per cup, while the gran live pods have anything from 120 to 200 mg of caffeine per cup.
Does a high intensity score on a coffee pod mean it is high in caffeine?
No, that isn’t always the case. While a higher intensity coffee can have a higher level of caffeine, the higher intensity score simply means that it is full-bodied, roasty and bitter compared to other coffees.
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