With so many Nespresso VertuoLine pods on the market, it becomes overwhelming for someone just getting started to pick the best flavors according to their preferences.
But we hope to help you and make the process easier for you, and teach you a few tips along the way.
In this guide, we will include our top 3 VertuoLine pods and explain our process so you can know how we came to our decision. Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions we received while writing this guide for you.
Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods for Latte
Nespresso Altissio Capsules
Nespresso Altissio earned our number 1 spot because it’s an espresso with a robust flavor that keeps itself balanced.
Like every other Nespresso pod on this list, you can’t use it on OriginalLine machines because it’s only compatible with the VertuoLine system.
To ensure they match your coffee maker, each Altissio capsule has a barcode that allows your Vertuo appliance to brew excellent coffee with just the right temperature and water.
Every pod can brew exactly 1.35 oz of espresso coffee. It’s the proper amount for the foundation of your latte, but you can still brew with a larger cup of coffee if that’s what you prefer.
The ground coffee in Altissio capsules is roasted for long periods and is an Arabica that originates from countries like Colombia and Costa Rica. It comes with a tiny hint of Robusta that feels smooth when going down your throat. You can try to add an ounce or two of steamed milk to get the most flavor possible.
We recommend you don’t drink this latte blend more than 2 times per 24 hours. Overdrinking will cause digestive issues and give you a stomachache. When consuming this double espresso with frothed milk, you can expect 70 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.
Pros
- Ideal for an early morning pick-me-up
- Robust without overdoing it
Cons
- Beginner coffee drinkers might prefer weaker options.
Nespresso Diavolitto Coffee Capsules
Dedicated coffee lovers enjoy the Diavolitto capsules for their intense flavor, so if you like a light roast, there are other Nespresso Vertuo pods for you.
You can use it for an iced latte if you follow the right coffee recipes online. One thing to keep in mind is the price because it’s higher than most, but you get what you pay for.
When it comes to flavor, coffee connoisseurs will love the strong aftertaste, but it’s only for those that can handle a dark roast intensity. The intensity level is 11, and it smells like oak wood and leather combined, but the liquid still has a creamy feel.
This scent originates from South and Central America because they have Arabica coffee beans. The hint of Robusta is sourced from Guatemala, giving your coffee the creaminess necessary for a latte macchiato.
All Nespresso capsules are made with environmentally friendly materials, like aluminum, that you can put in the recycling bin after use.
Also, like the first option on our best Nespresso pods for Vertuo machines list, each capsule comes with a bar code to ensure your espressos always come out perfect with just the right amount of steamed milk.
If you don’t use your Nespresso machine every day, you should know your Nespresso capsules expire after 12 months, so try to use them before that period. We always recommend you buy directly from Nespresso and don’t use third-party sellers because the last thing you want to buy is a box with expired pods.
Pros
- A dark roast with robust flavors
- High-intensity level of 11
Cons
- Avoid if you prefer medium roast lattes.
Nespresso Decaffeinato Intenso
The Nespresso Decaffeinato is a decaffeinated Nespresso capsule that gives you a strong taste without dealing with the adverse effects of caffeine.
It is compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines and comes with barcodes, so your machine knows the work it has to do to make the perfect latte with a distinctly sweet aroma.
Inside the Nespresso pod, you get the perfect blend from Brazil with Colombian Arabica and Asian Robusta, making it slightly more robust than a medium roast blend with an intensity level of 7.
When you put this capsule in your Nespresso machine, you can smell the fruits and a hint of cocoa notes that will wake you up on its own before you get to drinking your latte.
Like all other Nespresso-compatible capsules, they are 100% recyclable and won’t hurt the environment.
When they arrive from the Nespresso shop, you have 1 full year to use them before they expire. One unique program they have is called the AAA sustainability quality program, which assists mom-and-pop farms with initiatives to improve our planet.
Pros
- Dark roast intensity with a smooth taste(great with a sweet biscuit)
- Ideal for the coffee lover that wants the flavor of espresso with no caffeine
Cons
- Some pods arrive broken, depending on the online retailer.
Things to Consider Before Before Buying the Best Nespresso Vertuo Capsules for Latte
To make the most informed decision, you must examine the following factors before buying Nespresso pods for your Vertuo machine:
- Compatibility
- Intensity Degree
- Roast Level
- Coffee Source
- Number of capsules in a pack
Scrutinize each factor according to your needs and preferences, so you don’t waste money buying a pod pack you won’t enjoy.
Machine Compatibility
Nespresso sells 2 different lines of coffee machines, each with unique capsules incompatible with the other. Under the Nespresso OriginalLine, you can choose from Essenza, Pixie, and Inissia. If you go with the VertuoLine, which has more modern machines, you can choose from the Evoluo, Vertuo, Barista Recipe Maker, and VertuoPlus.
You can now buy coffee pods directly from the manufacturer or third-party sellers on Amazon if you have the OriginalLine appliances.
However, they will not be compatible with any models under the Vertuo line. If you have a Vertuo machine, they are still new, so you must buy Nespresso pods straight from the vendor since no third-party companies offer them yet.
Intensity Degree
To calculate the intensity level of Nespresso pods, you must consider their body, bitterness, and roast levels.
None of these factors have anything to do with the level of caffeine you consume per capsule.
It’s an error most newbie coffee enthusiasts make to think that just because coffee pods rank high on the intensity level scale does not mean they will have more caffeine than one with a lower degree of intensity.
Roast Level
Roast levels dictate the flavor profile of a brew and can occasionally affect the caffeine intensity.
If you pick a light roast, expect the color of the liquid to be a shade of golden brown; plus, they tend to be highly acidic, giving it a crisp taste.
A medium roast intensity makes the drink a darker brown color and is quite oily, especially if you add butter. Expect a medium level of acidity and a balanced flavor on your taste buds.
Dark roasts come from blacker beans, with less intense acidity and robust flavors.
Coffee Source
The country your beans come from will give you an idea of what flavors to expect from your brewed coffee.
Coffees grown from one location don’t need to be mixed and have great flavors independently.
If it’s blended, multiple locations are used to get a specific taste that makes an intense coffee. Preferences are subjective, and the votes are split as to which source is best for a coffee machine.
The majority of your Nespresso pods will come with ground Arabica beans. These beans produce sweet aromas, and you can taste the fruity flavors with their berry aftertaste. On the other hand, Robusta is a dark-roasted coffee that has a bold taste and nutty aftertaste.
Number of Nespresso Pods Per Pack
The amount of Vertuo pods you need will differ depending on your coffee drinking habits.
For those who drink coffee daily, we recommend you buy as many packs as possible that will last a minimum of 2 months. Every pod we reviewed on our best Nespresso pods for Vertuo coffee machines comes with 50 capsules in a box, giving you 50 days before buying more capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which roast level is best for a mild-tasting coffee when you use your Nespresso machine?
We suggest you go with a medium roast when you use your Nespresso machine if you don’t like dark solid flavors. It will be less acidic and won’t upset your stomach.
How can you froth milk if you don’t own a Nespresso Aeroccino?
The best option is to buy a milk frother available at retailers online and offline if they sell appliances for the kitchen.
If you want to save money, you can use a jar. Fill it with enough milk, and make sure you screw the lid tight, so no liquid comes out. Next, shake the jar for 1 full minute or until you start to see froth form inside. It will now be ready to use with your latte or coffee.