Nespresso Intensity Level Charts: An Ultimate Guide For Vertuo Line & Originals

Nespresso Intensity Levels

Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith

Greetings from the world of Nespresso, where every brew is a fine voyage across a variety of flavors and intensities.

Nespresso offers two types of capsules: OriginalLine and Vertuo coffee pods.

  • The OriginaLine pods range from 1 to 13 on their intensity scale.
  • On the other hand, the Vertuo Nespresso pods range from 1–11 in intensity.

whereas pods with intensity levels 1-4 are classified as mild, 5-7 as medium, 8–10 as strong, and 11–13 as very strong.

Our Nespresso Intensity Level Charts for VertuoLine and Originals are your complete guide to the ideal cup of coffee, regardless of your level of experience with caffeine.

Factors That Determine Intensity Levels

Below is the factor list that helps us determine the intensity levels of Nespresso Pods.

1. Coffee Bean Origin: The origin of the coffee beans used in the Nespresso pods plays a significant role in determining the intensity level. For example, coffee beans from South America are known for their mild and delicate flavor, while beans from Africa are known for their bold and fruity taste.

2. Roasting Technique: The roasting technique used also affects the intensity level of the coffee. Longer roasting times create a stronger and more intense flavor, while shorter roasting times produce a milder taste.

3. Blend Composition: Nespresso uses a variety of coffee blends in their pods, which also affects the intensity level. Blends with a higher percentage of robusta beans tend to be more intense than those with a higher percentage of arabica beans.

4. Grind Size: The size of the coffee grind affects how quickly the coffee extracts and how strong the flavor is. Finely-ground coffee extracts quickly and produces a stronger flavor, while coarsely ground coffee produces a milder taste.

What are the Nespresso Intensity levels?

Nespresso uses a specific naming convention for their intensity levels. Pods with intensity levels 1-4 are classified as mild, 5-7 as medium, 8–10 as strong, and 11–13 as very strong. The names of the pods also indicate their flavor profile. For example, Nespresso’s Ristretto pod, with an intensity level of 10, has a bold and full-bodied flavor profile.

What Do The Numbers On Nespresso Pods Mean
Source: TopOffMyCoffeePlease YouTube

To help you understand the taste sensations associated with different intensity levels, here’s a breakdown:

Intensity Level Taste Sensations
1-4 Mild, delicate, and subtle
5-7 Smooth, balanced, and medium-bodied
8-10 Rich, strong, and full-bodied
11-13 Intense, bold, powerful, robust, and lingering

Remember, the numbers on Nespresso pods act as your compass, guiding you toward your preferred intensity level.

Related: Where to Buy Nespresso Pods For Original & Vertuo Machines?

Original Nespresso Pods Intensity levels

To kick things off, let’s have a look at all of the intensity levels of the original line pods below:

Original Pod Coffee Size Intensity level Flavor Profile
Freddo intenso 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/5 roast level Bold and dark-roasted
Corto 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/5 roast level Spicy and roasted
Scuro 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/5 roast level Roasted and balanced
Volutto Decaf 1.35 oz (40 ml) 4/13 intensity Sweet and Light
Capriccio 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/13 intensity Rich and Distinctive
Nicaragua 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/13 intensity Honey and Sweet Cereal
Caramello 3.7 oz (110 ml) 2/5 roast level Caramel and Creamy
Cioccolatino 3.7 oz (110 ml) 2/5 roast level Chocolate and Creamy
Nocciola 3.7 oz (110 ml) 2/5 roast level Rich and Nutty
Genova livanto 1.35 oz (40 ml) 6/13 intensity Round and Balance
Rio de Janeiro  1.35 oz (40 ml ) 9/13 intensity Herbal and sandalwood
Istanbul 1.35 oz (40 ml) 8/13 intensity Ripe fruits and nutty
Miami 1.35 oz (40 ml ) 9/13 intensity Sweat and light
Volluto decaffeinato 1.35 oz (40 ml) 4/13 intensity Floral and Complex
Indonesia 1.35 oz (40 ml ) 8/13 intensity Tobacco Leaves and Woody
Roma 0.85 oz (25.13 ml) 8/13 intensity Full and balanced
Venezia 0.85 oz (25.13 ml) 8/13 intensity Balanced and Thick
Stockholm 3.7 oz (110 ml) 8/13 intensity Rich and Full-bodied
Cosi  1.35 oz (40 ml) 4/13 intensity Mild and delicately toasted
Capriccio 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/13 intensity Rich and Distinctive
Cape town envivo 3.7 oz (110 ml) 10/13 intensity Powerful and contrasting
Ristretto Italiano 0.85 oz (25.13 ml) 10/13 intensity Soft Cocoa and Subtly Fruity
Kahawa ya congo 1.35 oz (40 ml) 7/13 intensity Organic and fruity
India 1.35 oz (40 ml) 11/13 intensity Woody and Spicy
Palermo Kazaar 0.85 oz (25.13 ml) 12/13 intensity Intense and Syrupy
Napoli 0.85 oz (25.13 ml) 13/13 intensity Dark and Creamy

Vertuo Nespresso Pods Intensity levels 

Below are the intensity levels of Vertuo Nespresso pods:

Vertuo Pod Size Intensity level Flavor Profile
Solelio 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/11 intensity Fruity and Light
Juicy watermelon flavor over ice 2.7 oz (80 ml) 3/5 roast level Watermelon flavor
Sweet vanilla 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/5 roast level Creamy and sweet
Golden caramel 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/5 roast level Creamy and biscuity
Bianco piccolo 1.35 oz (40 ml) 3/5 roast level Nutty and balanced
Bianco forte 7.77 oz (230 ml)  5/5 roast level Darkly roasted and balanced
Ice leggero 2.7 oz (80 ml) 3/5 roast level Fruity and light
Kahawa ya congo 7.77 oz (230 ml) 6/11 intensity Organic and fruity
Colombia 7.77 oz (230 ml) 5/11 intensity Washed Arabica
Vivida 7.77 oz (230 ml) 3/5 roast level Cereal and sweet
Toccanto 1.35 oz (40 ml) 5/11 intensity Berry & Winey
Melozio 7.77 oz (230 ml) 6/11 intensity Honeyed sweetness
Half caffeinato 7.77 oz (230 ml) 5/11 intensity Sweet and velvety
Roasted hazelnut 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/5 roast level Rich and nutty
Whiskey essence  2.7 oz ( 80 ml) 2.5 roast level Whisky flavor and sweetness
Rich chocolate 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/5 roast level Dark chocolate
Sweet vanilla 7.77 oz (230 ml) 2/5 roast level Creamy and chocolatey
El Salvador 7.77 oz (230 ml) 5/11 intensity Sweet and jam
Peru Organic 1.35 oz (40 ml) 6/11 intensity Fruity and Complex
Tropical coconut flavor over ice 7.77 oz (230 ml) 3/5 roast level Coconut flavor
Stormio boost  7.77 oz ( 230 ml) 8/11 intensity Rich and Strong
Odacio 7.77 oz (230 ml) 7/11 intensity Bold and lively
Mexico 7.77 oz (230 ml) 7/11 intensity Intense and spicy
Pour-over-style mild 18 oz (535 ml) 2/5 roast level  Toasted cereal and malt
Costa Rica 5.07 oz (150 ml) 7/11 intensity Malty and Sweet
Vivida 7.77 oz (230 ml) 3/5 roast level Cereal and sweet
Alto ambrato 12 oz (355 ml) 4/11 intensity  Honeyed and delicate
Pour-over style 18 oz (535 ml) 3/5 roast level Roasted and smoky
Stormio 7.77 oz (230 ml) 8/11 intensity Spicy and Woody
Intenso 7.77 oz (230 ml) 9/11 intensity Deep and sense
Altissio 1.35 oz (40 ml) 9/11 intensity Full-bodied and creamy
Orafio 1.35 oz (40 ml) 6/11 intensity Caramel and roasted
Diavolitto 1.35 oz (40 ml) 11/11 intensity Intense and Powerful
II Caffe 1.35 oz (40 ml) 11/11 intensity Intense and Velvety

Effects of Nespresso Intensity Levels on Taste

The intensity level of a Nespresso pod affects the taste in several ways. Higher intensity levels tend to have a stronger, bolder taste with a more robust flavor profile. Lower intensity levels, on the other hand, tend to have a milder and smoother taste.

Nespresso pod strength levels allow you to choose a pod that matches your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a milder coffee, you might enjoy Nespresso’s Livanto pod with an intensity level of 6, while if you prefer a stronger coffee, you might enjoy Nespresso’s Kazaar pod with an intensity level of 12.

FAQs

1. How do I know which Nespresso intensity level to choose?

If you’re new to Nespresso, it’s a good idea to try a variety of intensity levels to see which ones you prefer. You can also choose based on your taste preferences: if you prefer a milder coffee, start with a lower intensity level, and if you prefer a stronger coffee, try a higher intensity level.

2. Are Nespresso intensity levels the same as coffee strength or caffeine content?

No, Nespresso intensity levels do not indicate coffee strength or caffeine content. Instead, they indicate the perceived boldness and strength of the coffee.

3. Can I use a higher-intensity pod for a milder coffee?

No, using a higher-intensity pod will result in stronger coffee. If you prefer a milder coffee, stick to lower-intensity pods or adjust the serving size.

Conclusion

As we conclude this journey of  Nespresso pod intensity levels,

I hope you can safely explore Nespresso’s extensive range of coffee choices and discover the perfect cup that satisfies your needs.

You can choose either the original line pod intensity ranging from 1 to 13 or the Vertuo line varying from 1 to 11. Nespresso offers something for every type of coffee fan, whether they prefer the traditional espresso options of the Originals line or the adaptability of the larger cups of the VertuoLine.

Savor every sip, and let espresso coffee time be your guide to a world of unparalleled coffee enjoyment.

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