While my preferred espresso machine is a simple machine with a pressure brewer and a frothing wand, some of my family members do have Nespresso machines and the coffee those machines make is just amazing.
However, Nespresso capsules can get very expensive very quickly, as you can see in this comparison between VertuoLine and OriginalLine. Both cost about $0.75 to $1.00 per pod, which can add up, especially if you drink 2-3 cups per day like I do. The solution is to use one of the capsules from this list of the best Nespresso compatible pods.
The superb coffee brewed by Nespresso machines and the high relative cost of the pods has led to an increase in manufacturers making Nespresso compatible capsules.
These capsules cost about $0.50 or so on average per pod, which can be much less than the cost of the Nespresso capsules. Over time, this will add up to significant savings over some time.
Incredibly, there’s a lot of off brand and generic Nespresso pods to choose from.
The one catch is that these generic pods only work with OriginalLine machines.
VertuoLine machines have a barcode system that is proprietary and can’t be copied by other manufacturers, so if you have a VertuoLine machine, sadly, you’ll be stuck with Nespresso capsules(more on that below the list of alternative pods).
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Best Nespresso Compatible Pods: Our top 10 picks
1. Illy Nespresso Compatible Capsules
Another well known Italian company is Illy. They have been making coffee since 1933 and have a great reputation. They built their business on pregrinding and packaging coffee to maintain freshness.
They offer a limited number of roasts, but you can count on Illy quality and consistency for each of them. Their pods are sturdy and made from aluminum so you won’t have to worry about the not holding up.
The downside for Illy is that their prices are comparable to Nespresso unless you buy a pack of 100 pods. You’re looking at around $0.80 per pod for the variety pack of 50 pods as of this writing. Once you’ve dialed your favorite flavor, you can buy packs of 100 for $0.57 – $0.59 per pod.
Available varieties by Illy:
- Classico: light roast with lingering sweetness and delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine
- Intenso: bold roast coffee has a pleasantly robust finish, with warm notes of cocoa and dried fruit
- Forte: extra bold roast coffee has a enduring richness with notes of dark chocolate and an intense aroma of toasted bread
- Decaf: smooth and mild taste with delicate notes of caramel, chocolate and toasted bread, with a sweet aftertaste
- Classico Lungo
- Intenso Lungo
Our recommendation: We love the Forte for a strong flavor that really comes through the milk. For a milder espresso favor without milk, choose the Classico.
2. Peet’s Coffee Nespresso Compatible Capsules
Peet’s Coffee is very well known in the coffee world and their Major Dickason’s blend is fabulously dark roasted and earthy. Sometimes, coffee roasters drop the ball between their coffee beans and their pod offerings but Peet’s Coffee makes superb alternative pods for Nespresso machines.
If you’re into Peet’s Coffee and you love your Nespresso, perhaps you’ve found a match made in heaven.
There are four coffees available in this sampler. You’ll get 10 of each:
- Nerissimo: darkest roast with bittersweet, brulée, indulgent notes
- Ristretto: dark roast with flavor profile of crushed spice, rich fruit, chocolate
- Crema Scura: medium roast with flavor profile of earth, roasted nut, cream
- Ricchezza: medium roast with plush berry and brown sugar notes
Our recommendation: Stick to the sampler. Peet’s Coffee is really good and we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy all of their offerings, so you may just like to get the sampler every time you run out to have a nice variety on hand.
3. Lavazza Nespresso compatible capsules
Lavazza is another very well known brand in coffee. The good news for Nespresso and Lavazza lovers is that they make capsules compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine series. VertuoLine owners will have to stick with Nespresso.
Lavazza capsules are typically sold as a variety pack.
- Lavazza Armonico Espresso: dark roasted, cereal and caramel
- Lavazza Decaffeinato Ricco Espresso: dry, fruity
- Lavazza Avvolgente Lungo: dark roasted, spicy
- Lavazza Leggero Lungo: medium roasted, fruity and floral
- Lavazza Deciso Espresso: dark roasted, cocoa and earthy
Our recommendation: Lovers of Italian coffee rejoice! These Lavazza pods are really nice. In fact, they were some of the first Nespresso compatible pods that I tried, and the dark, rich flavor won me over right away. I had tried the Armonico, which tasted really pleasant in an espresso shot.