9 Best Nespresso Capsules of 2026

Unleash the fire with Diavolitto—a capsule that doesn’t just deliver strong flavor, it commands your attention. With an intensity rating of 11, this VertuoLine pod combines deeply roasted Latin American Arabicas and Robustas to create a brew that’s bold without bitterness, layered with woody and leathery notes and crowned by a thick, velvety crema. It’s engineered for those who crave a punchy espresso experience without the harsh aftertaste—perfect for espresso purists and late-night fuel seekers alike.

In real-world testing, Diavolitto consistently produces a 1.35 fl. oz. espresso with remarkable depth, especially when brewed fresh. The split-roasting technique preserves origin characteristics while amplifying body and roast complexity. It performs exceptionally well in milk-based drinks like macchiatos, where its power cuts through steamed milk without fading. However, its intensity may overwhelm those who prefer nuanced, floral, or lighter profiles—this is not a morning sipper for the caffeine-sensitive.

Compared to the more balanced Melozio or the milder Altissio in the Bold Variety Pack, Diavolitto stands as the darkest, most aggressive option in the VertuoLine. It’s the go-to for users who prioritize flavor dominance and roast depth over subtlety. If you’re chasing the edge of boldness in a single shot and want a capsule that delivers uncompromising strength with sophistication, Diavolitto outperforms competitors in sheer presence—even if it sacrifices versatility.

Wake up to spacious flavor with the Morning Lungo Blends Variety Pack—engineered for those who demand more than a shot. This pack delivers 50 large 3.7 oz lungo servings, making it the ultimate choice for coffee drinkers who want a full, mug-filling experience without sacrificing Nespresso’s signature quality. With a blend range from mild to dark (intensities 4–9), it offers versatile flavor pacing across the day—ideal for sipping at breakfast or powering through mid-morning tasks.

Each capsule brews a clean, aromatic lungo that retains body and complexity despite the larger volume—no watery disappointment here. The aluminum sealing ensures maximum freshness, and the variety allows users to match roast strength to mood: lighter blends for clarity, darker ones for depth. It’s optimized for OriginalLine machines, and the consistent extraction across different blends shows Nespresso’s precision engineering. Still, those seeking intense espresso concentration may find the larger size dilutes the punch they crave.

Against the Ispirazione Variety Pack—which focuses on rich, short espressos—this lungo-centric option is tailored for volume lovers, not shot chasers. It outshines single-roast lungo pods by offering flavor rotation without compromise. If your ideal coffee moment fills a real mug and sustains you longer, this pack beats smaller-serving alternatives by delivering both scale and sophistication—a rare combo in capsule coffee.

Starbucks credibility meets Nespresso precision in this collaborative variety pack, making it the top pick for fans of iconic branded blends. With five distinct roasts—including Blonde Espresso, Pike Place, and Café Verona—it bridges the gap between café culture and home convenience. The range spans light to dark, letting users explore Starbucks’ signature profiles in 0.85 oz ristrettos, 1.35 oz espressos, or 3.7 oz lungos—perfect for customizing strength and volume on demand.

In testing, the Café Verona dark roast stood out for its chocolatey depth and low acidity, while the Blonde Espresso offered a surprisingly bright, clean start for early hours. The capsules deliver consistent extraction and rich crema, especially in darker roasts. However, the lighter blends can feel slightly thin compared to premium Nespresso originals—likely due to roast and bean selection aimed at mass appeal. Still, for those who trust the Starbucks name, it’s a reliable shortcut to familiar café taste.

Versus Nespresso’s own Ispirazione pack, this one trades Italian-inspired artistry for American roast familiarity and accessibility. It’s less about espresso craftsmanship and more about recognizable, crowd-pleasing flavor. If you’re loyal to Starbucks or want a no-guesswork transition from café to countertop, this pack delivers brand confidence with home convenience, even if it lacks the nuance of Nespresso’s most refined blends.

Roasty, intense, and unforgettable—Ristretto Intenso is the definitive dark roast experience for OriginalLine users who want maximum drama in a small cup. With an intensity of 10, it blends South American and East African Arabicas with a touch of Robusta, creating a powerful contrast of deep roastiness and surprising fruity acidity. This isn’t just dark coffee—it’s dark with dimension, a rare feat in the capsule world.

Brewed as a 1.35 oz espresso or 0.85 oz ristretto, it delivers dense body and lingering finish, making it ideal for sipping straight or building into a macchiato. The crema is rich, and the flavor evolves as it cools, revealing layers beyond its initial smokiness. It performs best when fresh and hot—allowing it to sit dulls its vibrant edge. While it handles milk well, its true brilliance shines black, where every note can be appreciated.

Compared to Diavolitto, which leans heavier on Robusta for brute strength, Ristretto Intenso offers a more sophisticated dark roast—less about raw power, more about complexity and balance. It’s the choice for espresso lovers who want darkness with dialogue, not just a caffeine hammer. If you value flavor contrast and roast artistry over sheer intensity, this outclasses many bolder-numbered capsules with its emotional depth and finish.

Engineered for milk lovers, the Bianco Variety Pack redefines what capsule coffee can be when milk isn’t an afterthought—it’s the mission. This pack includes three milk-optimized blends: Bianco Piccolo (1.35 oz), Bianco Doppio (2.7 oz), and Bianco Forte (7.77 oz), all designed to harmonize with steamed or foamed milk for café-style drinks at home. The result? Silky, balanced beverages where coffee and milk exist in perfect synergy.

Each blend adjusts strength and volume to match the drink style—Piccolo for a micro-milk shot, Doppio for a cortado, Forte for a full flat white. The crema integration with milk is exceptional, creating a luxurious mouthfeel without bitterness. These aren’t just espressos you add milk to—they’re architected for dairy or oat milk fusion. However, as black coffee, they can feel underwhelming; this is a specialized pack, not an all-rounder.

Against the Barista Flavored Pack, which adds sweetness via flavoring, Bianco focuses on natural balance and texture. It’s superior for those who want authentic milk-based drinks without artificial notes. If your daily ritual revolves around lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, this pack delivers barista-level harmony in capsule form, outperforming general-purpose pods when milk takes center stage.

Harmony in a cup—Melozio is the gold standard for balanced taste in the VertuoLine, offering a 7.77 oz medium roast that’s neither too light nor too dark, but just right for all-day sipping. Using split-roasted Brazilian Bourbon and other lightly roasted Arabicas, it delivers a sweet, cereal-like smoothness with a gentle aromatic lift—ideal for those who find dark roasts overwhelming and light roasts thin.

This is the go-to for Americano lovers or anyone who wants a longer coffee experience without dilution. The crema is persistent, and the flavor remains cohesive across the full 7.77 oz pour—no fading or flatness. It works beautifully black, with a hint of milk, or even iced. While it lacks the punch of Diavolitto or the roast drama of Ristretto Intenso, it excels in drinkability and consistency.

Next to the Morning Lungo pack, Melozio offers greater flavor cohesion—a single, perfected profile versus variety. It’s less about exploration, more about perfecting the middle ground. If you value smoothness, balance, and a clean finish over intensity or novelty, Melozio stands above as the most refined medium roast in Nespresso’s lineup—ideal for daily drivers who want flavor without fatigue.

The undisputed champion of overall performance, the Bold Variety Pack brings together Diavolitto (Intensity 11) and Altissio (Intensity 9) in a 20+20 lineup that covers the full spectrum of rich, intense espresso experiences. It’s the best starting point for VertuoLine users who want both power and polish in one box. The crema is luxuriously thick, and the blend of South American Arabicas and Central American Robustas ensures full-bodied, aromatic shots every time.

Whether you’re in the mood for Diavolitto’s smoky, leather-forward punch or Altissio’s smoother, nutty depth, this pack delivers consistent excellence across both profiles. The 1.35 oz standard espresso size extracts flawlessly, with no clogging or underperformance. It’s ideal for users who want variety without compromise—no weak links in the lineup. Still, it’s limited to espresso size, so lungo lovers will need to look elsewhere.

Compared to the Bianco or Melozio packs, this one prioritizes flavor intensity and espresso authenticity over volume or milk focus. It’s the most complete Vertuo espresso experience, blending the best of Nespresso’s dark roast engineering. If you want maximum flavor impact with minimal risk, this pack outperforms single-roast options by offering versatility, depth, and reliability in one sleek package.

Sweet indulgence meets espresso convenience in the Barista Flavored Pack—your ticket to dessert-like drinks without leaving home. Featuring Caramello, Cioccolato, and Vaniglia, these flavored pods transform your OriginalLine machine into a sweet beverage station, perfect for those who want a treat in a cup. Each flavor is infused during roasting, not sprayed on, preserving crema and body while delivering genuine dessert notes.

In testing, Caramello stood out with its buttery sweetness, while Cioccolato offered a dark cocoa richness that pairs beautifully with milk. These aren’t subtle—this is bold, playful flavor designed for fun, not purism. The base roast is medium, so the coffee doesn’t vanish under the flavoring. However, traditionalists will recoil—this is not for those seeking origin clarity or roast purity.

Against Starbucks’ variety pack, this one trades brand familiarity for creative flair and sweetness. It’s less about authenticity, more about joy and experimentation. If you want affordable, fun, and flavorful coffee moments—especially for guests or afternoon picks—this pack delivers maximum delight per dollar, outshining pricier options when flavor adventure is the goal.

Espresso worship in capsule form—the Ispirazione Variety Pack is crafted for true espresso lovers who live for the 1.35 oz ritual. With five iconic blends—Capriccio, Ristretto, Livanto, Roma, and Arpeggio—it’s a journey through Italy’s regional roasting traditions, delivering everything from fruity mildness (Capriccio) to roast-driven intensity (Ristretto, Intensity 10). Each capsule feels like a curated experience, not just a caffeine hit.

The extraction is flawless across all five, with rich crema and aromatic complexity that evolves as the shot settles. Arpeggio shines with its floral-spicy lift, while Ristretto delivers smoky depth with a hint of fruit. It’s perfect for users who enjoy tasting notes, pairing with milk, or experimenting with recipes. However, the pack is OriginalLine only, so Vertuo users are locked out.

Compared to the Starbucks pack, Ispirazione offers greater nuance and authenticity, rooted in Italian espresso culture rather than mass-market appeal. It’s for those who cherish the craft, not just the convenience. If you want the soul of espresso in every cup, with heritage, variety, and precision, this pack surpasses others in emotional resonance and flavor truth—a masterclass in capsule coffee artistry.