Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 17:49
I was buzzed on our Facebook page by a lovely lady reader and regular commenter with the question “Where to buy Nespresso compatible pods?” and if I have a Nespresso capsules guide.
The question I interpreted it as a “I don’t need to know where to buy Nespresso compatible pods, but I would like a good Nespresso capsules guide that answers all my questions”.
This is exactly what you will find in this article, a fully comprehensive guide with all the questions that were asked in the thread on our FB page.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please shoot us a message and ask it. I will be happy to answer it personally and add it to this article.
What Are Nespresso Pods?
Table Of Contents
- 1 What Are Nespresso Pods?
- 2 What Are The Nespresso Capsule Flavors?
- 3 What Is The Most Popular Nespresso Capsule?
- 4 Do Starbucks Pods Work In A Nespresso Machine?
- 5 What Do The Numbers Mean On Nespresso Capsules?
- 6 Nespresso Capsules Price? How Much Do Nespresso Capsules Cost?
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Buy Nespresso Compatible Pods
- 7.1 Where Is The Best Place To Buy Nespresso Pods?
- 7.2 Will Starbucks Pods Fit In Nespresso?
- 7.3 Can You Buy Nespresso Pods In Supermarkets?
- 7.4 Do You Have To Use Nespresso Pods In A Nespresso Machine?
- 7.5 Why Is It So Hard To Find Nespresso Pods?
- 7.6 Is Nespresso Or Keurig Better?
- 7.7 Can I Buy Nespresso Pods In A Store?
- 7.8 Do Aldi Coffee Pods Fit In Nespresso?
- 8 Frappé-Ing It All Up Where To Buy Nespresso Compatible Pods – A Nespresso Capsules Guide
A Nespresso machine is a home or office coffee machine that makes espresso or latte from a coffee capsule or pod that you insert into the machine.
The pods are single-use, single servings of finely ground coffee which often comes in a variety of flavors ranging from balanced flavors like an espresso, latte, vanilla latte and right the way up to bold flavors that you will associate with exotic coffee producing nations like India, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Kenya, Indonesia and more.
The pods or capsules are processed once you insert them and push the button to start the brewing process. At high pressure, water is forced against the heating element, heating it almost instantly to the ideal temperature with only enough for a single cup of coffee.
Read: Refillable Coffee capsules for Nespresso
Are There Different Types of Nespresso Pods?
Yes,
while a pod is a pod, the vertuo pods are available in a whole variety of different flavors and 5 different sizes. The different sizes mean the resulting cup of coffee made will be of different strength and intensity of flavor with the larger ones containing more coffee and of a more intense flavor.
There are also the two main distinctive “product lines” Nespresso Vertuoline and Nepresso Originaline. The Nespresso Original is often referred to as capsules while the Nespresso Vertuo as Pods.
Read: Best way to buy Nespresso capsules
Nespresso Capsule Terminology
The terms Capsules and pods are used interchangeably within the Nespresso community. Generally speaking, and to be specific, the Originaline are capsules while the newer Vertuoline are referred to as pods.
On their official website, Nespresso refers to them as Grand Crus.
Initially, when the coffee capsules were introduced to the world, there were only 16 different types and flavors that fell into 4 categories as follows:
- Decaffeinate Capsules: Self-explanatory These are decaffeinated coffee capsules by Nespresso.
- Espresso Capsules: Also as above, auto-explanatory, where these are their line of espresso-based coffee capsules that come in a range of strengths, intensity and blends.
- Lungo Capsules: These lungo capsules are longer than the aforementioned espresso capsules and typically require double the amount of water to make them. Typically, these are what you would use to make a caffé Americano and other tall coffee drinks.
- Pure Origine Capsules: These, I must say, are their range of rather tasty exotic coffees that are as the name suggests single origin country coffees with some fascinating flavor profiles to each one.
How Many Cups Can A Nespresso Capsule Make?
According to the Nespresso official site, each capsule can make you 2 to 3 coffees.
Personally,
I have tried this and my own personal coffee taste liking is not so different from anyone else’s nor do I like a turbo charged highly caffeinated coffee. I found just one coffee per capsule to be enough. After I used the capsule a second time, it was notable that there was a loss in the taste intensity.
The stronger, more intense flavors you can get away with using them a second time but definitely not a third time.
What Are The Nespresso Capsule Flavors?
There are some truly outstanding flavor combinations available as both Nespresso Capsules and Nespresso Pods. To truly enjoy them to the max I encourage you to buy one of their readily available assortment of pod flavors and enjoy some really exotic coffee.
Here are the flavors currently available.
- Cocoa Truffle: This is a base espresso with hints of malted cereal meeting chocolate. Rich flavor profile made with the best available arabica beans.
- Vanilla Eclair: An espresso base with Latin arabica beans that dance around your taste buds with a smooth velvet taste.
- Caramel Crème Brûlée: A very smooth and well-rounded subtle espresso with hints of vanilla, coconut and caramel. It is just astounding and fantastic in a latte. A very harmonious flavor.
- Scuro: Colombian and Ethiopian Arabica beans that have been split roasted to perfection and mixed in a very balancing equilibrium and work outstanding in milk based drinks. Ethiopia is my favorite flavor country.
- Chiaro: Lightly roasted Kenyan and Indonesian arabica beans combined to reveal sweet biscuit tones and a natural caramel taste. A very sweet yet smooth blend. Excellent straight or with milk. This is one of my favorite flavors.
- Corto: Inspired by the famed taste of a Spanish Cortado and blended with Robusta beans and arabica beans from Africa and roasted to a long dark roast that is simply amazing with a dash or a simple splash of milk.
- Hazelino Muffin: Perfect for your morning coffee break. Refreshing, smooth, sweet yet bold flavor and a very velvet-like texture. Perfect as an espresso on its own or as a flavored latte for a very balanced flavor.
- Vanilla Custard Pie: If you love Vanilla Latte you will love this. Strong dark roasted Brazilian beans mixed with Ethiopian coffee beans to bring around a balanced flavor yet enough kick to have you doing the samba!
- Caramel Cookie: There is something quite fantastic about Caramel and coffee, like sunshine on a summer’s day and that Cookie hint is just astounding and takes you back to a sun-filled terrace of a Parisian sidewalk café.
- Bianco Forte: A rich Kenyan roasted beans eloquently mixed with highly contrasting Colombian beans, a mix that really shouldn’t work…oddly does and brings through the strong flavors of each.
- Bianco Leggero: Simply Indulgent! Naturally sweet, long and with after tones of caramel. Fantastic on its own and even better as a latte. A combination of Asian and African arabica beans finely blended.
What Is The Most Popular Nespresso Capsule?
The most popular using a number of online sources including ratings of 4 stars and above on Amazon, reviews and ratings on Google shopping, Lazada network (a shopping site similar to Amazon for 10 South East Asian nations) eBay, Walmart, Best Buy and other outlets indicate that the Ristretto capsule is the most popular and favorite amongst consumers.
Many, as I expect, the majority of capsules are bought offline and in person at local supermarkets and grocery shops, and it is not possible to measure.
All variety capsule packs were excluded from my research.
Do Starbucks Pods Work In A Nespresso Machine?
Yes!
I bet you are delighted to know that Starbucks espresso capsules, and all other Starbucks flavored capsules, will work perfectly well in your Nespresso machine. There is only one minor caveat or “but” and this as long as you have a Nespresso machine designed for home use and not a commercial Nespresso machine that is designed for commercial use.
Do Any Other Pods Work With Nespresso?
No,
unfortunately, only Pods that are designed to work with a Nespresso will do. There are other brands of Pods and capsules that you can use with your Nespresso machine.
Amazon’s own brand, Starbucks and any other Pod or Capsule that is specifically designed for use in and with a Nespresso machine will work. This includes reusable and refillable pods that allow you to use your own coffee in them.
Gourmesso, Peet’s Coffee, L’OR, Lavazza, Caffe Pompeii, Cap’Mundo are all brands that have Nespresso compatible capsules and pods.
What Do The Numbers Mean On Nespresso Capsules?
For sure, you have the numbers on your Nespresso Capsules. These are ratings based on the intensity of the flavor. These numbers are on a 1 to 13 rating.
- Low intensity of Flavor Rating 1 to 5: In this rating, you can expect the resulting coffee to be light, slightly sweet and bright. The coffee used in this rating band is lightly roasted and ideal for making a no frills nothing special coffee such as a Caffe Americano.
- Medium Intensity Flavor Rating 6 to 8: Capsules in this range fall in the middle of the road and have a greater and notable taste than the lower intensity but not quite full-bodied as the higher intensity rating. You can expect a bittersweet yet rich almost full flavor and slightly acidic. Very nicely balanced coffee falls in this range.
- Strong Full Intensity Flavor Rating 7 To 13: The full-bodied, strong flavor, bold and slightly bitter after tones. Typically, espresso-based coffee and also work great on Cappuccinos, Lattes and milk-based coffee drinks. A great coffee experience.
Nespresso Capsules Price? How Much Do Nespresso Capsules Cost?
Naturally, Nespresso Capsules vary in price, from 39 cents per capsule at the cheapest to, at the current price US$1 per pod at the most expensive. It all depends and varies on which one you want to buy.
I expect this price will increase at the top end as the product line expands and more exotic single origin coffee capsules are added and more, to be frank, outstanding flavors are added to the range.
By far the best way to enjoy your coffee experience with Nespresso is by getting your hands on one of their variety packs, which you can grab a 100 capsule pack of exotic coffee capsules for as little as US$60 to US$70.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Buy Nespresso Compatible Pods
Where Is The Best Place To Buy Nespresso Pods?
Of course this is subjective and where is best for me, or you may not be the best for everyone. There are a lot of options locally in your town or city, and perhaps you can even find your favorite coffee locally.
Many online retailers have quite literally amazing pod options. I find shopping online much more convenient for this reason – you can find those special tasty, exotic pods that you might not find locally.
Take a look at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, eBay and all the regular outlets.
Will Starbucks Pods Fit In Nespresso?
Yes, Starbucks and their espresso capsules will work with regular Nespresso machines that are designed for home use. The Starbucks capsules don’t and certainly will not work with an integrated unit or the business solution Nespresso machines – which should not be an issue for you as these are sold to businesses only.
Can You Buy Nespresso Pods In Supermarkets?
Yes, I see Nespresso Pods in supermarkets everywhere in my city. You will see various Nespresso and other brands selling Nespresso compatible pod brands in Woolworths and Coles.
Do You Have To Use Nespresso Pods In A Nespresso Machine?
No, you can use pods that are manufactured by other brands just as long as they are compatible with your machine. You also have the option of using your own reusable Nespresso Pods and filling them with your own freshly ground coffee.
Why Is It So Hard To Find Nespresso Pods?
Personally I find it easy to locate Nespresso pods and impossible to find Keurig K-cups. However, I am based in Europe (Spain) at the time of writing this, and perhaps it is a geography thing.
The Nespresso pods are made only by Nespresso, and perhaps they have exclusive deals with retailers. If you are struggling to find coffee pods, just jump onto Amazon, Target, Walmart or eBay and you will find an abundance of retailers.
Is Nespresso Or Keurig Better?
Opinions vary, and while I am not a big fan of pod coffee makers as you can get a reasonably good home espresso machine and get to make much better coffee.
However, Nespresso Vs Keurig, it is a tough choice.
If it is espresso based or Espresso drinks that you enjoy, then a Nespresso will be the better choice for you as Keurig as of yet do not have an espresso option.
Note: Nespresso technically does not have espresso capsules or pods but do have espresso-like options. The final beverage closely resembles an espresso but is missing the density and texture of a genuine shot.
It is simply gourmet coffee that you enjoy. A Keurig will be much better for you as they have much more coffee pods to choose from.
Can I Buy Nespresso Pods In A Store?
Yes, you can buy Nespresso pods at Walmart, Target, your local supermarket and online from Amazon and Nespresso own website.
Both Walmart and Target sell Nespresso compatible pods for their VertuoLine and OriginalLine machines. You will find Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks and Lavazza pods for example, there.
Do Aldi Coffee Pods Fit In Nespresso?
Yes, Aldi Coffee Pods, which sell at a lower price, are compatible with Nespresso machines.
Frappé-Ing It All Up Where To Buy Nespresso Compatible Pods – A Nespresso Capsules Guide
Now you have what is a complete Nespresso Capsules guide. The only little bit of missing information is where to buy Nespresso compatible pods, the answer is everywhere! You are not short of places to buy them both online and offline.
I encourage you to consider getting Reusable Pods and help reduce your impact on the environment.
Join our online coffee community on Facebook/Meta and share your thoughts on Nespresso capsules, where to buy them and which are your favorites.