Last Updated on July 17, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith
Lattes and cappuccinos are specialty espresso beverages. Topped with a frothy layer of milk, they are an excellent choice of coffee. With Nespresso machines, making these specialty drinks becomes super easy! But which pods should you use? Find out the best Nespresso pods for lattes and cappuccinos right here.
Nespresso manufactures some of the best pods for their Nespresso machines. Pods are generally specific doses of packed coffee. However, choosing the right pod can make all the difference. There are certain Nespresso VertuoLine and Original Line pods that, when used for the right beverage, enhance flavors like no other.
Time to find out which Nespresso pods are the best for your latte and cappuccinos whether they are hot, iced, or flavored.
Read More: Nespresso Pods For Making Hot Chocolate
Best Nespresso Pods for Lattes and Cappuccinos
Nespresso capsules or Nespresso pods can be game-changing for your coffee. If you prefer nothing but the best in terms of your coffee’s quality, we suggest giving the following Nespresso VertuoLine pods and original pods a shot. It will totally be worth it!
Before we jump in, there is a crucial bit of information to remember. Nespresso VertuoLine and OriginalLine pods or capsules are not interchangeable. You cannot use one for the other machine. Their differences are visually obvious too! Vertuo pods are flatter and wider whereas Original ones are taller and more thimble-shaped.
P.S: Pods and capsules are strictly for when you are making lattes and cappuccinos using an espresso machine. If you are looking to make a latte without an espresso machine, don’t worry there are many ways to make it flavorful! Only, pods won’t count then.
1. Nespresso Pods for Lattes and Cappuccinos
Nespresso Vertuo Pods for Latte
The Altissio coffee pods are perfect for brewing a fantastic cup of latte or cappuccino in a Nespresso Vertuo machine. They have an intensity level of 9 and a single pod can brew up to 1.35 ounces of coffee.
These pods are medium roasted and full-body which results in smoother and balanced flavors There is no unpleasant intensity or bitterness to them. However, they are, still, intense enough to retain all coffee flavors even when milk is added.
They include both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and make for an incredible mix with the milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Nespresso Original Pods for Cappuccinos
For your OriginalLine Nespresso, the Scuro coffee pods will make a brilliant partner. The package typically contains 50 capsules with a level of intensity of 7. Although they are not as strong as the Altissio capsules, they still pull a pretty intense shot of espresso.
These pods really take your espresso to a whole new level. Not to mention how their heavy roast and concentrated notes create a perfectly balanced combination with milk for cafe lattes and cappuccinos.
The Scura capsules contain Columbian and Ethiopian coffee beans. This combination creates the smoothness of the espresso. Another important factor that adds to the perfection of the espresso is that the beans are all Arabica and are prepared in a split-roast manner to extract maximum flavors.
Nespresso Original Pods
2. Nespresso Pods for Iced Latte
Nespresso VertuoLine Pods for Iced Latte
To prepare an iced latte in your Nespresso Vertuoline, go for the Diavolitto pods without another thought! Each coffee pod produces 1.35 ounces of espresso with an intensity level of 11, wow! This ensures a heavy dose of espresso so the coffee flavors aren’t overpowered by milk and melting ice.
This intense coffee capsule boosts the coffee flavors so that the iced latte you make will not taste bland or milky. The Diavolitta features dark-roast coffee with oaks and leather notes and a rich aroma.
The blend of Latin American(home to most of the world’s Arabica beans) Arabica beans and Robusta coffee in the capsules produce an ultra-intensity that can’t be overwhelmed by the diluting nature of milk and ice. It even creates a smooth and creamy texture which renders the iced latte just… heavenly.
Nespresso VertuoLine Pods
Nespresso OriginalLine Pods for Iced Cappuccinos & Latte
Again, the important thing is that the coffee pod is intense enough to battle the overpowering impact of milk and ice in iced lattes. So, for the OriginalLine Nespresso machines, we recommend the Corto pods with an intensity of 11. They are nothing but the best!
While the Corto coffee capsules were initially designed to make Cortados (basically coffee with a tiny bit of milk), they also make fantastic ice lattes. They add a different intensity and depth of flavors: it tastes almost dark and spicy. Corto is definitely a coffee lover’s favorite!
Nespresso OriginalLine Pods
3. Nespresso Pods for Flavored Lattes
Nespresso VertuoLine Pods for Flavored Lattes
The Hazelino Muffin pods will impress you with the professional flavored lattes that they produce. They are mug-sized with low intensity (6), so you’ll want to decrease the quantity of milk in the latte.
The combination of African coffee beans and Latin American ones has underlying pastry tones which make the beverage taste amazing. On top of that, the addition of hazelnut flavoring gives phenomenal results and flavors to your latte.
The low-intensity level compliments the overall flavors of the flavored latte. This all-in-one coffee capsule with a higher dosage (7.8 ounces) is ideal for your flavored latte made with Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers.
Nespresso VertuoLine Pods
Nespresso OriginalLine Pods for Flavored Lattes
Caramel Creme Brulee pods, the name alone is mouthwatering, isn’t it? It is a mild-roast espresso coffee with an intensity of 6. It will brew 1.35 ounces of your delicious flavored latte per pod. While a good variety of flavors are available for the Original line, there’s no match for the Caramel Creme Brulee.
As a health benefit, you’ll love that these pods do not have any sugar in them. And with your first sip, you will be awestruck at the depth of flavors that are packed in these pods in spite of the lack of sugar!
The coffee brewed has a smooth texture with undertones of malted cereal. Add milk to it and oh boy! A beautiful combination of caramel, coconut, vanilla, and other rich flavors will tantalize your taste buds and mouthfeels.
Nespresso OriginalLine Pods
4. Nespresso Bianco Leggero Pods for Latte
The Bianco leggero pod is designed to fulfill larger coffee needs. Think in terms of a Grande or a Venti if you’re familiar with Starbucks. Unlike other espresso pods and capsules, the Bianco leggero is a double espresso pod. So, it brews a larger quantity (2.7 ounces) per pod.
Once you use this capsule with your milk beverages like latte or cappuccino, you’ll see how it was created to complement milk! We are not kidding, the moment it combines with milk your smell sensors will be overwhelmed with enchanting smells of sweet biscuits and caramel! You’ll be inhaling your coffee before sipping it.
This captivating effect is due to the blend of Indonesian and Kenyan coffee. The flavors and smells are complimented with the light roasting to create a pod that brews the smoothest, creamiest, and lightest cup of latte or cappuccino. Add some aesthetic latte art to it and you’ve got the perfect cup right there.
Nespresso Bianco Leggero Pods
5. Decaffeinato Intenso Pods for Latte
Why must the caffeine drinkers have all the fun? Our decaf coffee consumers can also enjoy rich lattes and cappuccinos with the Decaffeinato Intenso pods with their medium roast coffee. These pods will make the most amazing cup of creamy sweet latte and cappuccino you’ve ever had!
A single pod is enough for a shot of espresso and makes about 1.35 ounces of it. Add milk to the espresso and you will explore a heavenly combination of flavors. Think of exotic fruity and cocoa notes that will baffle your mouthfeels. Decaf could not have been flavourful!
Decaffeinato Intenso Pods
What is the Most Popular Latte Nespresso Capsule?
The most cherished coffee capsule among caffeine drinkers is usually the ristretto capsule. This capsule packed with mind-blowing flavors is ideal for dark brews and drinks such as lattes!
The ristretto is a blend of purely Arabica coffee beans originating from the south and central America. The optimal fine grind and dark roast bring about a full-bodied and smooth liquid that creates deep cocoa and hints of woody tones when combined with milk for a latte. Plus it creates a beautiful thick crema crown on top!
Altissio vs Diavolitto Nespresso Latte Pods: Which is Better?
The answer depends on your choice of flavors. If you prefer an extremely strong and powerful taste then Diavolitte is a perfect choice. However, if you enjoy the strength but prefer more balanced flavors then the Altissio would suit you better.
The Diavolitto is the strongest Nespresso Vertuoline pod among them all. The split roasted Brazilian Arabica beans combined with Robusta from the south and central America create deep flavors. You can expect a strong bitterness with subtle tones of leather and oak wood.
The Altissio, on the other hand, includes a unique blend of Arabica coffee beans from South America and Costa Rica. It is shortly roasted which creates a strong but balanced range of flavors. Plus, the flavors further soften with the addition of milk to create creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
Top Nespresso Compatible Pod Brands for Latte
If you are brewing your espresso in a Nespresso, it means you have made the choice to drink nothing but the best espresso. So, why ruin that with just any pod and put a damper on the perfect coffee mood. Here is a range of the best pod brands that will be perfectly compatible with your Nespresso machine.
Peet’s Coffee: Medium to Dark
Lavazza Variety Pack: Medium to Dark
Cafe La Llave: DARK
Starbucks Mild: Blonde to Medium
Meseta Coffee: Medium
L’OR Variety: Medium to Dark
Don Francisco: Medium
Illy Extra Bold Roast: Dark
Hayman 100% Kona: Medium
What to Look for in a Nespresso Capsule for Latte?
To make the best coffee you need the best Nespresso pod. Here’s what you should look for when purchasing your Nespresso pods for lattes.
1. Boldness:
The boldness of the pod is extremely important to retain the coffee flavor in lattes and cappuccinos. Especially when they are iced. It is very easy for the milk to dilute the flavors so you only taste the milk in your beverage and it’s no longer a latte.
So, make sure you purchase pods that have bold enough flavors so they persist despite the addition of milk or ice to the drink. At the end of the day, you want to taste your coffee too!
2. Dark Roast:
Dark roast refers to the longer roasting process of the coffee beans which makes them more brown and dark in color. It brings about a strong coffee flavor that is rich with bitterness and caramel notes. It ensures that a rich variety of flavors is unlocked as soon as the milk is added to the drink.
However, beware of bad quality beans. Often the dark roast is there to hide the bad quality of the pod coffee. So, don’t only stick to dark roasts, medium and light roasts can deliver amazing flavors as well!
3. Richness:
The richness of flavors packed in the pod can be crucial to retaining the coffee flavors in your drink. This is not necessarily always dependent on the beans used for the coffee. Often additional elements and flavors are added to the pods to enhance their flavor.
Vanilla, Cinnamon, hazelnut, and other such flavorings greatly complement the addition of milk to the drink!
4. Espresso:
One mistake people readily make is that in their search for exotic flavors and preferred routes, they end up buying the wrong pods. When making a latte in your espresso machine, the right quantities are everything. Remember, lattes and cappuccinos are only made with espresso. A lungo pod will not do. So choose pods that say espresso on them.
5. Intensity Level:
The intensity level of any coffee pod tells us how strong the coffee and its flavors are. You need to choose the right intensity level of pods depending on the drink you choose to make. For instance, for your lattes and cappuccinos, we recommend choosing an intensity level of 8 or more to retain the coffee flavors.
However, if you wish to mask the coffee flavor, then a lighter intensity of 5 or 6 would also do.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Starbucks Nespresso pods good for Making Latte?
Starbucks Nespresso pods are some of the most demanded pods in the market. The best Starbucks pod for the Nespresso OriginalLine is considered to be Starbucks Colombia. For the VertuoLine it is Starbucks Single-Oigin Sumatra. Both Nespresso Pods are good for making your latte drinks.
2. What is the shelf life of a Nespresso capsule for Lattes?
Your Nespresso capsules for latte should be good for use for at least two months after delivery or purchase. Make sure to check the expiry date on the packaging.
3. What is the caffeine content of a Latte Nespresso Capsule?
Latte Nespresso capsules typically contain between 60 and 90 milligrams of caffeine. However, this caffeine content can vary depending on the amount of coffee in the pod and the pod brand.
4. Can I reuse or recycle Nespresso Capsule for Making Latte?
Nespresso takes sustainability very seriously. Hence, its pods and capsules can easily be recycled for further use. There are various services and collection areas set up for customers which allow them to recycle the pods and capsules. Make your latte with the satisfaction that it’s good for the environment.
5. Do Nespresso pods for Lattes have milk in them?
Nespresso pods are essentially coffee holders. They hold ground coffee inside them. So, there is no milk contained in Nespresso pods suitable for making lattes.
Bottom Line | Best Nespresso Pods For Lattes
In the end, if you are about to restock your caffeine fixes, we suggest you try nothing but the best Nespresso pods for lattes and cappuccinos. Why must you look elsewhere for low-quality pods for your Nespresso when the most flavorful ones are right there in front of you!
Again, always opt for the espresso pods to make lattes and cappuccinos. Other than that, go explore your choices for dark or medium roasts as well as flavor-packed pods, and caffeinate away!