Creating the perfect latte at home starts with the right espresso capsule. The ideal pod for a latte balances rich coffee flavor with the ability to stand up to steamed milk, offering notes that complement rather than disappear. With so many options from Nespresso and third-party brands, selecting the best one can be a challenge.
This guide reviews ten excellent capsules designed for Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines. We focus on intensity, flavor profile, and how each coffee interacts with milk to help you find your new favorite. Whether you prefer a dark, chocolatey roast or a smoother, nutty blend, there’s a capsule here to make your daily latte special.
Our Top Picks for Nespresso Latte Capsules
- Nespresso VertuoLine Diavolitto 10-Count Bundle (2-Pack)
- Peet’s Coffee Medium Roast Ricchezza Espresso Capsules
- Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso Pods
- Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Original 120 Pods
- Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso, Diavolitto
- Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Medium Roast Coffee Pods
- Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast Ristretto Espresso Capsules
- Lavazza Espresso Maestro Classico Aluminum Capsules
- Nespresso OriginalLine Arpeggio Dark Roast Espresso
- Illy Intenso Espresso Capsules for Nespresso
Nespresso VertuoLine Diavolitto 10-Count Bundle (2-Pack)
For Vertuo machine owners who enjoy a powerful latte, the Diavolitto capsule is an outstanding choice. This blend is noted for its intense and creamy character, providing a robust foundation that holds its own against milk. The roasted and chocolatey notes come through clearly, creating a latte with a deep, satisfying flavor profile.
This particular listing is a convenient two-pack bundle, ensuring you have a good supply on hand. The use of aluminum capsules by Nespresso guarantees the coffee’s freshness is sealed in until brewing and allows for easy recycling. If your ideal latte is strong, full-bodied, and rich, this intense espresso is made for you.
Peet’s Coffee Medium Roast Ricchezza Espresso Capsules
Peet’s Ricchezza capsules are designed with milk-based drinks in mind. As a medium roast with an intensity of 8, it offers a balanced yet flavorful espresso that pairs exceptionally well with steamed milk. The tasting notes of blossom, berry, and brown sugar add a pleasant, nuanced sweetness to your latte.
These capsules are made from 100% Arabica coffee and are compatible with all Nespresso Original Line machines. They provide a cafe-inspired experience at home, delivering the consistent quality Peet’s is known for. For a latte that is smooth, aromatic, and subtly complex, this is a reliable and tasty option.
Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso Pods
If you prefer a lighter, mellower latte, the Starbucks Blonde Roast espresso capsule is an excellent pick. Developed in partnership with Nespresso, it is engineered to work perfectly with Original Line machines. This light roast offers an approachable flavor that is less bitter, allowing the natural coffee notes to shine alongside milk.
Each capsule brews a standard espresso shot, providing the ideal base for a latte. This option is perfect for those who find darker roasts too intense or for morning lattes where a smoother, less aggressive coffee is preferred. It brings the familiar Starbucks Blonde Espresso experience directly to your kitchen.
Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Original Machine 120 Pods
For the value-conscious latte drinker, Bestpresso offers a substantial pack of 120 light intensity capsules. This large quantity ensures you’re stocked up for many mornings to come. The light roast Arabica blend is certified Kosher and provides a gentler espresso base that pairs smoothly with milk without overwhelming it.
These pods are compatible with Nespresso Original machines and come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, which speaks to the brand’s confidence in their product. They are a practical choice for households with high coffee consumption or for anyone looking to try a third-party capsule with minimal risk.
Nespresso VertuoLine Espresso, Diavolitto
This is the single-pack version of the intense Diavolitto espresso for VertuoLine systems. It combines Central & South American Robusta beans with Brazilian Arabica to create a powerful and bold coffee. The Robusta content contributes to a stronger flavor and a richer crema, which makes for an exceptionally creamy and substantial latte.
The aluminum capsule protects the coffee’s freshness and is fully recyclable through Nespresso’s recycling program. This capsule is designed for those who appreciate a highly intense espresso shot that maintains its roasted, powerful character even when mixed with a generous amount of milk.
Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Medium Roast Coffee Pods
Melozio is a fantastic choice for Vertuo users who enjoy a larger latte or coffee with milk. This pod brews a full 7.8 ounces of smooth, balanced medium roast coffee. Its sweet and cereal-like notes from split-roasted Brazilian Bourbon beans create a very approachable and flavorful base for adding milk.
With an intensity of 6, it is not an overpowering coffee, making it ideal for all-day drinking. The larger cup size means you can create a big, comforting latte without needing to brew multiple espresso shots. It’s a versatile and consistently satisfying option.
Peet’s Coffee Dark Roast Ristretto Espresso Capsules
For a classic, bold latte, Peet’s Ristretto Intensity 10 capsules are a top contender. This dark roast is designed to evoke a traditional “short pull” espresso, with concentrated flavors of crushed spice and rich chocolate. These deep notes blend wonderfully with milk, creating a latte with a sophisticated and robust taste.
Like all Peet’s capsules, they contain 100% Arabica coffee and are made for Nespresso Original machines. The higher intensity ensures the coffee flavor remains pronounced in your finished drink. This is an excellent pick for anyone who prefers a darker, more traditional espresso foundation.
Lavazza Espresso Maestro Classico Aluminum Capsules
Lavazza brings its Italian espresso expertise to Nespresso-compatible capsules with the Maestro Classico blend. This medium roast, 100% Arabica coffee offers a balanced and sweet flavor profile with an intensity of 9. It’s specifically crafted for espresso preparation, yielding a high-quality shot that forms the heart of a great latte.
The capsules are made from aluminum, which preserves aroma and freshness effectively. Sourced from Central and South America, this blend provides a consistently smooth and well-rounded taste that complements milk beautifully, offering a true Italian cafe experience at home.
Nespresso OriginalLine Arpeggio Dark Roast Espresso
A staple in the Nespresso Original lineup, Arpeggio is a dark roast, intensity 9 espresso known for its powerful and creamy character. The long roasting of Central and South American Arabica beans develops a deep, roasted flavor with a full body and persistent crema.
This combination makes it exceptionally suited for lattes and cappuccinos, as its intense profile ensures the coffee is not lost when milk is added. It provides a strong, cocoa-like base that many coffee drinkers prefer for a morning latte with a serious kick.
Illy Intenso Espresso Capsules for Nespresso
Illy is synonymous with premium Italian espresso, and their Intenso capsules for Nespresso Original machines bring that signature quality home. This blend is crafted for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied espresso with a bold character. The intense flavor profile stands up perfectly to milk, creating a latte with depth and a lingering finish.
While specific details for this listing may vary, Illy’s commitment to 100% Arabica beans and their unique pressurized packaging system ensures freshness and a perfect crema. For a latte that feels like a luxury coffee shop creation, Illy Intenso is a distinguished choice.
How to Choose the Best Nespresso Capsules for Latte
When I’m looking for the best Nespresso capsules for a latte, my first stop is always the intensity rating. But it’s not the only thing I check. A good latte needs an espresso that can stand up to a generous pour of steamed milk without disappearing. I typically look for capsules with an intensity in the 7 to 10 range. These tend to have the body and roasted notes that create a balanced drink, not just a cup of warm milk. A very light, fruity espresso often gets completely washed out.
Next, I pay close attention to the tasting notes. I personally love capsules with cocoa, cereal, or roasted notes for my lattes. These flavors complement the natural sweetness of the milk beautifully. A hint of bitterness from a dark roast is actually a good thing here—it creates that classic coffee-shop latte taste. While I enjoy a citrusy espresso on its own, those bright notes can sometimes taste a bit sour or thin when mixed with milk.
The type of machine you have is a non-negotiable factor. I have to make sure I’m buying capsules compatible with my system. OriginalLine capsules are smaller and work with a wide range of machines, including most from Nespresso and brands like De’Longhi or Breville. VertuoLine capsules are larger, use barcode scanning for brew size, and are typically for Nespresso’s own Vertuo machines. They’re not cross-compatible, so checking your machine’s manual is a must.
Finally, I think about my personal routine. If I drink multiple lattes a day, the cost per capsule adds up quickly. I explore Nespresso’s own offerings for quality and consistency, but I also look at third-party brands that are certified to work with my machine. They often provide great value and more variety in flavor profiles, from classic Italian roasts to flavored options like vanilla or caramel that can make a latte feel like a special treat. Finding the best Nespresso capsules for latte is about balancing strength, flavor, compatibility, and value to suit your own taste.
FAQ
Can I use any Nespresso capsule to make a latte?
Technically, yes, you can use any espresso capsule. However, not all capsules will give you a great result. Lighter, more acidic capsules might get lost in the milk. For a classic, well-balanced latte, I recommend sticking with medium to dark roast capsules that have enough body and roasted character to shine through the milk.
What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino when using Nespresso?
The main difference is the milk ratio and texture. Both start with one shot of espresso. For a latte, I use more steamed milk (about 6-8 oz) with a thin layer of microfoam on top. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a much thicker, drier layer of milk foam. The same capsule can work for both, but a stronger one might be better for a cappuccino since there’s less total milk.
Do I need a milk frother to make a latte with my Nespresso?
To make a true latte, you need a way to steam and texture the milk. Many Nespresso machines, like the Lattissima or Creatista models, have built-in milk systems. If your machine doesn’t, a separate electric milk frother that heats and froths, or even a simple handheld frother used with microwaved milk, will work. You can’t get the right texture with just cold milk.
How much milk should I use with one capsule for a latte?
This is personal preference, but a standard cafe latte uses a 1:3 to 1:6 ratio of espresso to milk. With a standard Nespresso OriginalLine espresso shot (about 1.35 oz), I find that between 4 and 6 ounces of milk is my sweet spot. For VertuoLine, the double espresso capsules (2.7 oz) can handle 6-8 ounces of milk for a larger drink.
Are there third-party capsules good for lattes?
Absolutely. Many reputable coffee brands make compatible capsules. Look for ones labeled “espresso,” “Italian roast,” or “dark roast.” I’ve had great lattes using capsules from brands like Starbucks (for OriginalLine), Peet’s Coffee, or local roasters who offer compatible pods. Just ensure they are specifically designed for your machine type.
What are the best Nespresso capsules for an iced latte?
The principles are similar, but since the ice will dilute the drink, I go for a slightly stronger or more intense capsule. A double espresso capsule from the VertuoLine is perfect for a large iced latte. For OriginalLine, you might use two espresso capsules or a single, more robust one. Making the espresso directly over the ice can help preserve some of the crema and aroma. Our guide to the best Nespresso capsules for latte includes options that work wonderfully over ice, too.