Question: What do you do if you want a great latte without (a) a ton of hassle and (b) an exorbitant Coffee shop price tag?

Answer: Get a Nespresso machine.

Pour milk into your frother and witness one-button frothing.

Pop a capsule into your machine and enjoy one-button brewing.

Save $4.00 or more every time compared to your local coffee shop.

OK, you don’t need any more convincing. Let’s just jump to The Coffee Maven’s list of the best Nespresso Capsules for lattes.

Looking for a Nespresso Machine? Check out our top reviews:

• Nespresso Pixie Review: The Coffee Maven’s Top Pick
• Nespresso Inissia Bundle Review: Machine & Frother Combo
• Nespresso Prodigio Review: Nespresso’s First “Connected” Machine

Best Latte Capsules for OriginalLine Machines | Best Latte Capsules for VertuoLine Machines

5 Best Nespresso Capsules for Lattes: OriginalLine Machines

There are over 20 different Nespresso OriginalLine capsule varieties, which fall into 6 different categories:

1. Intenso (most intense and can be used for a half-shot, or 15 mL, ristretto)
2. Espresso (shorter pour)
3. Pure Origin (single origin roasts)
4. Lungo (longer pour)
5. Decaffeinato (decaf)
6. Variations (flavored)

While any OriginalLine capsule can be used for a latte, some are better than others. These are our 5 favorite OriginalLine Nespresso capsules for lattes.

1. Ristretto Capsules

• Category: Intenso
• Flavor Profile: Intensely roasted, fruity
• Intensity: 10

Ristretto capsules are the strongest, most intense OriginalLine capsules and are able to stand up to all of the milk used for a latte. Because of their strength, you’ll repeatedly see Ristretto capsules listed as the best Nespresso capsule for lattes if you ask this same question on forums or other message boards.

2. Arpeggio Capsules

• Category: Intenso
• Flavor Profile: Roasted, cocoa
• Intensity: 9

A very close second to Ristretto capsules in terms of intensity, Arpeggio capsules are another popular choice because of their bold, roasted flavor. Whereas Ristretto capsules impart some lighter, fruity notes, Arpeggio capsules hit you with a subtle cocoa character that complements the smoothness of the frothed milk. These top two could be considered 1a and 1b.

3. Indriya Capsules

• Category: Pure Origin
• Flavor Profile: Spicy pepper, nutmeg, clove
• Intensity: 10

Comprised of 100% Indian coffee, Nespresso Indriya capsules are a consumer favorite. They have a strong spice note, which makes them perfect for any wintery holiday latte. Check out our list of 10 Great Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers for some other holiday season treats!

4. Dulsao Capsules

• Category: Pure Origin
• Flavor Profile: Roasted, honey, malt
• Intensity: 4

These capsules don’t appear in everyone’s ranking of the best Nespresso capsules for lattes, but they appear in mine. Disclosure: With an intensity level of only 4, they don’t stand up to loads of milk. But if you cut back on the milk a little bit, the balanced honey and malt character starts to come through with this 100% Brazilian roast.

5. Fortissio Lungo Capsules

• Category: Lungo
• Flavor Profile: Intensely roasted, cereal
• Intensity: 8

With high intensity and packed for a longer lungo pour, Nespresso Fortissio Lungo capsules have enough of a punch for any latte. The only reason they land at number 5 in this list is because their flavor is just a little more “plain ol’ coffee” than the others. But that may not be a problem for you, especially if you want either (a) a bigger latte, or (b) to use flavored syrups.

5 Best Nespresso Capsules for Lattes: VertuoLine Machines

Nespresso released their VertuoLine product line back in 2014, which was designed to take the capsule coffee experience to another level. You can read more about the differences between Nespresso OriginalLine and VertuoLine brewers in our guide.

Related: Complete Guide to Nespresso VertuoLine Capsules

One big change is that VertuoLine machines aren’t limited to espresso and lungo shots; they can brew long coffees, too.

As a result, the 12 Nespresso VertuoLine pods are broken up into just 2 categories:

1. Espresso capsules
2. Coffee capsules

Because there’s half as many VertuoLine capsules as OriginalLine capsules, it’s harder to build out a top 5 where every option is stellar.

But we did it anyway!

1. Altissio Capsules

• Category: Espresso
• Flavor Profile: Smooth cereal notes, full-bodied, hint of Robusta beans
• Intensity: 9

Second in intensity among VertuoLine capsules, Altissio is our vote for the best Nespresso VertuoLine capsule for lattes. As one of the 4 VertuoLine capsules in the “espresso” category, its robust, full-bodied profile shines through the frothed milk. For specialty beverages, Altissio capsules are head-and-shoulders above every other VertuoLine capsule.

2. Diavolitto Capsules

• Category: Espresso
• Flavor Profile: Aroma hinting at oak, wood and leather, creamy, highly roasted
• Intensity: 11

The only other intense VertuoLine espresso capsule Diavolitto checks in at number 2 because of its “oak, wood and leather” profile. I love its strength — this capsule won’t get lost of a sea of foamed latte milk — but those aren’t exactly my favorite flavors in a latte.

3. Voltesso Capsules

• Category: Espresso
• Flavor Profile: Biscuity notes, balanced, sweet aroma
• Intensity: 4

The third capsule in the “espresso” category, Voltesso capsules drop significantly in terms of intensity. Instead, these capsules have a smooth, balanced sweetness that’s great for lighter lattes.

4. Vanizio Capsules

• Category: Coffee
• Flavor Profile: Subtle vanilla notes, smooth, balanced, fruity aroma
• Intensity: 4

The only flavored capsule in our top 10, Vanizio has a fantastic, subtle vanilla character that goes exceedingly well with any latte. The only downside is its lower-than-optimal intensity and the fact that it’s designed for long coffees (7.77 oz).

5. Odacio Capsules

• Category: Coffee
• Flavor Profile: Cereal note, slight fruitiness
• Intensity: 7

Another capsule designed for 7.77 oz long coffees, Odacio has more intensity and a little bit of fruitiness, which makes it my favorite VertuoLine capsules for coffees. For lattes and other specialty beverages it falls a little in the rankings. These coffee capsules just aren’t designed for lattes like the espresso capsules ranked 1, 2 and 3.

BONUS: Use Your Favorite Roast with Nespresso Reusable Capsules

Save even more and experiment with whatever roast you want by purchasing a set of reusable capsules! Then you’ll be able to try one of our favorite whole bean dark roasts, which are perfect for specialty beverages.

Note: Make sure you get the right reusable capsule set for your particular machine. Below are our favorite reusable capsule sets for both OriginalLine and VertuoLine Nespresso machines.

Best Reusable Capsule for OriginalLine Brewers

Best Reusable Capsule for VertuoLine Brewers

The post 10 Best Nespresso Capsules for Lattes: Make Craveable Creations at the Push of a Button appeared first on The Coffee Maven.