Best Nespresso Capsules For Americano | Top 5 Picks [Dec 2021]

Coffee is considered to be a sophisticated drink for a good reason. Given the distinct and complex variations in flavor, textures, and aromas, settling on the perfect coffee is not an easy task.

And if you’re reading this article, it either means you’ve only recently bought a Nespresso machine, or you’re still trying to figure out what the best Nespresso capsules for Americano are.

We get you—although Americano seems like a simple drink, everything depends upon its flavor. So, not finding the right pods to achieve the right flavor can be frustrating.

But don’t worry—we’ve done the research so that you don’t have to. Find our top 5 picks below, along with a dedicated buying guide.

Best Nespresso Capsules for Americano

We know how important the right cup of Americano is to you, so we’ve taken a considerable amount of time putting together the following list. Let’s get started!

1. Nespresso VertuoLine Altissio Capsules, Medium Roast Espresso

Our first pick is a 50-count pack of Altissio coffee pods from Nespresso. These medium roast espresso coffee pods are meant to be used with Nespresso VertuoLine machines, meaning they won’t be compatible with OriginalLine machines.

These coffees originate in Costa Rica and South America, with smooth Arabica origins. With an intensity of 9, these coffee pods are roasted heavily but shortly, which lends them their full-bodied flavor and balanced texture.

Since you’ll be using these pods with your VertuoLine machine, you can expect each serving of espresso from these pods to be of 1.35 ounces. The smooth cereal notes in this coffee will contrast beautifully with Robusta for an unforgettable flavor that will keep you looking forward to your next cup.

2. Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Original Machine (120 pods)

Let’s turn to an off-brand pack of variety coffee pods for our next pick. Available from Bestpresso, this 120-count pack offers three different varieties: 11 Ristretto, 12 Intenso, and 9 Lungo.

The reason we love this package from Bestpresso is primarily for its ristretto and intenso pods, whose intensity will allow you to create that perfect espresso, which will later turn into your Americano.

But of course, what we love even more is how reasonably priced these pods are. You’re getting 120 pods of mesmerizing flavor at only $40, so you can do the gratifying math of the per-pod rate.

It’s important to remember that these pods are only compatible with OriginalLine machines, however. Furthermore, while the Ristretto and Intenso blends stand out, the Lungo isn’t the best option for making Americano. However, if you’re looking for the best Nespresso pods for a latte, the Lungo will appeal to you.

However, if you drink a lot of coffee and love to switch up the flavor every now and then, this is a great option all around.

3. Nespresso Capsules OriginalLine, Vanilio, Medium Roast Coffee

And now we’re back to Nespresso because nothing beats the original! The medium-roast coffee pods in this 50-count pack are crafted in the Vanilio style, which is created from a combination of South American and Central Arabica beans.

As the name Vanilio suggests, this is the perfect choice for those who desire a subtle yet noticeable vanilla flavor in their coffee. That, combined with a smooth and luxurious texture, makes for a perfect cup of Americano that promises to be mind-blowing, especially if you choose to add milk.

The intensity of these coffee pods is ranked at a 6, which places it in a sweet spot that makes it so popular with so many Nespresso lovers. Each serving is 1.35 ounces, of course, as these pods are compatible with OriginalLine machines.

4. Nespresso VertuoLine Decaffeinated Assortment

Our next pick is for those coffee lovers who adore a good cup of coffee but aren’t big fans of that energy kick that comes from caffeine. Nespresso has come up with this assorted collection of top-notch decaffeinated pods for use with VertuoLine machines.

Comprising 30 capsules, you get 10 of each of the following varieties: Espresso Intenso, Gran Lungo Ontuoso, and Decaffeinato Coffee. Each of these coffees has a well-rounded flavor with a malty texture.

The intensity of these coffee pods is rated at a 4, 6, and 7, respectively, which places them in the middle parts of the scale and ensures that their flavor will suit the palates of the majority of coffee lovers.

The decaffeinato capsules each brew 7.77 ounces, while the Ontuoso capsules produce 5-ounce cups, and the Gran Lungo pods produce 1.35 ounces. So whether it’s espresso, Americano, latte, or cappuccino that you wanna make, you can do it easily with these pods.

5. Nespresso OriginalLine Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar Capsules

Our last pick is also from Nespresso, and it’s for those of you reading this who love a strong and dark coffee with a heavy character. It’s true—we’ve failed to find a heavier flavor out there. With an intensity of 12, these coffee pods are not for the faint-hearted, so advance cautiously.

So what makes this such a sought-after flavor? That would undoubtedly be its unique blend, which incorporates pepper notes into a strong bitterness. Sounds intense, but it’s well-balanced with a creamy texture that will make you sigh with pleasure with each sip.

Is this the answer to all your espresso needs? Well, we certainly think so; and since each serving will yield 1.35 ounces, it’s the perfect amount, as well! We feel pretty bad for all you VertuoLine owners out there, not being able to experience this mind-blowing blend. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about getting one!

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Buying Guide for Nespresso Capsules for Americano

Choosing the best Nespresso coffee pods for yourself can be a difficult task, or it can be an easy task—it’s all up to how well you do your research. So here are the factors you’ll have to keep in mind before choosing your pods.

Machine Compatibility

It goes without saying that this is the most important consideration because if you end up buying pods that aren’t compatible with your machine, they’ll be unusable. Now, before we go deeper into this, first, you have to check what kind of Nespresso machine you have.

Nespresso has two different lines for their machines: OriginalLine and VertuoLine. Knowing which category your machine falls into will help you determine whether a particular pod can be used by you.

And if you don’t have a Nespresso machine? That’s also fine. Most coffee capsules designed for use with Nespresso OriginalLine are compatible with machines from brands other than Nespresso. Still, it’s always a good idea to check.

Roast Type

As a coffee drinker, you already know about the three different roast types: light, medium, and dark. If you’re uninitiated, here’s a detailed look at each in turn:

1. Light Roast

Generally used to create mild-body coffee, light-roasted beans come in a light brown color. People prefer light roasts because of their light taste and the lack of oil on the surface. You can expect fruity or floral flavor notes from light-roast beans.

2. Medium Roast

Taking a darker color, medium roast beans are the most commonly found coffees on the market, as lots of people prefer it to other roast types. With a rounded flavor profile that retains the flavors of the origin, medium roast coffee also does not have an oily surface.

3. Dark Roast

This one is for those who love a heavy, intense, and full-bodied flavor in their coffee. In fact, it might be too intense for some, as the flavor can sometimes be a little bitter—that’s reflected in the color of the beans, which are so dark that they’re nearly black. Dark roast coffees have low acidity and an oily surface.

Origin

As you may already know, the coffee bean types found all over the world can be placed into two main categories of origin: Arabica and Robusta. It’s worth knowing the differences between the two types before making your selection.

Arabica

With a soft, sweet taste, coffees of Arabica origin will usually have a fruity, floral flavor. Arabica coffees have low acidity and don’t have too much caffeine in them. But all of these desirable features, combined with the fact that it’s harder to grow, are what make Arabica coffees more expensive than Robusta ones.

Robusta

As the name might suggest, coffees of Robusta origin are known for having a stronger taste and higher levels of caffeine. The taste is relatively harsh and strong compared to Arabica, and the aftertaste has been likened to peanuts. Robusta coffees require less maintenance to grow, which makes them cheaper.

Flavor

Ah, our favorite topic: the flavor of coffee! With light, medium, and dark roasts to choose from, there’s always a new flavor to be discovered. Now, what flavor you will pick depends entirely upon you.

Many coffee lovers have already found their perfect match, while many are still looking. If you identify with the latter type, then we would recommend purchasing a package of capsules that comes with a variety of flavors, so that you can keep trying each one until you find the one that suits you best.

Intensity

Nespresso has come up with an “Intensity” scale, which can be measured between 1 and 12. Whenever intensity is discussed, it’s usually a holistic analysis of the particular blend of coffee. This means that a few different factors are taken into account, including the consistency, richness of flavor, and strength of the aroma.

The intensity of a pod describes the length of the roasting process and the temperature. The higher the number, the harsher the flavor, with a bitter taste and dark color. The lower the intensity, the smoother and lighter it will be.

The hallmark of a good cup of Americano is a full-bodied, rich flavor and strong, distinct aroma—so you’ll want to look into capsules that will be able to offer you that.

Number of Capsules

Capsule packages come in different sizes, and, usually, the bigger they are, the greater value for money that they will offer you. That being said, you don’t want to end up with a 120-capsule package for a blend that you don’t even like. So once again, we would always suggest going for a variety of packs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I choose the right Nespresso capsules?

Factors such as intensity, aroma, and flavor notes should be taken into account. You also have to ensure compatibility with your machine. Find the detailed buying guide above.

2. hat is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?

Arabica coffees have low acidity and low levels of caffeine combined with soft, sweet flavors. Robusta coffees are more affordable, and they come with a harsher taste and higher caffeine content.

3. Can I make drinks other than Americano with Nespresso capsules?

This depends on the capsule in question, so you’ll have to do some research. For example, the Intenso Roma capsules from Nespresso can be used to make Americano as well as cappuccinos, espresso, or lattes.

4. Is it okay to use off-brand capsules with my Nespresso machine?

Yes, of course, it’s okay. However, you might have to sacrifice quality. Furthermore, the lesser-known the brand is, the more careful you have to be about ensuring compatibility. One advantage of off-brand capsules is that they tend to be cheaper.

5. What are the different Nespresso machine types?

There’s OriginalLine, with which all original capsule designs are compatible. The VertuoLine machines can make both coffee and espresso, and they accept differently designed capsules.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best Nespresso capsules for Americano will always be the ones manufactured by Nespresso. For us, the Vanilio capsules from Nespresso definitely stand, but of course, it all depends on your flavor preferences.

That being said, don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try new things, such as the Bestpresso assortment pack, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Whichever you choose, we hope that your coffee is always perfect!