A Guide To Nespresso Caffeine Content For Vertuo & Original Pods
If you are new to the world of Nespresso, you may be wondering about the caffeine content of the pods. How much caffeine is in a single Nespresso pod will depend on the type of coffee maker you have – Original or Vertuo – as they brew different coffee sizes. For example, there are 1.35 oz espresso pods and 3 oz lungo pods for the Original line, while the Vertuo line can brew 8 to 14 oz coffee pods. Smaller pods will generally have less caffeine than larger ones. But even for a certain type of pod, there will be a range of caffeine levels. Not sure which machine you have? Use this image to help then check out the relevant section below.
Why Is It So Hard To Find The Caffeine Content of Nespresso Pods?
The US version of the Nespresso website has very limited information on pod caffeine content. The information that is there is very vague. The US site – and most international sites as well – only report a range of caffeine amounts for different pod sizes. These ranges can be anywhere from 10 to 80 mg of caffeine depending on the pod type. Nespresso says the reason that they only report a range as opposed to a specific number is because coffee is a live product and so the exact caffeine can vary from batch to batch.
However, the Taiwanese version of the Nespresso site does offer a specific level of caffeine for each pod. Since all Nespresso pods are made in Sweden and shipped across the world, the pods sold in Taiwan are the same ones sold elsewhere. Unfortunately, not all Nespresso pods available in the US are sold in Taiwan. That means I was able to get specific caffeine information for some pods, while others I have to approximate based on information from Nespresso.
I think it is best to use this caffeine content info directionally, meaning which pods generally have more or less caffeine. If the specific numbers matter to you because for dietary or medical reasons, I would suggest reaching out to Nespresso directly.
How Does Coffee Bean Types Impact Nespresso Caffeine Levels?
If you want to try to be on either the higher or lower end of the caffeine spectrum, pay attention to the type of beans in the Nespresso capsule. They will contain Arabica or Robusta beans, or in some cases a blend of both. Robusta beans contain more caffeine. Therefore, pods made with 100% Robusta beans will have more caffeine than those made with 100% Arabica beans. Arabica and Robusta blended pods will usually fall somewhere in between. For most pods, you can usually find the types of beans used in the detailed description on the product pages on Amazon or Nespresso. My table below also notes which pods contain Robusta beans.
Caffeine Content In Nespresso Vertuo Pods
Nespresso reports a range of caffeine levels for the various types of Vertuo line capsules. Where a pod falls within these ranges can only be approximated based on information Nespresso provides.
Vertuo Nespresso Pods Caffeine Content Chart
This chart groups many of the most popular Nespresso Vertuo pods according to their caffeine levels. This image is based on information provided by Nespresso in the summer of 2021, which was more specific than the caffeine info they share now. More details for these and other pods are below.
Vertuo Caffeine Summary Table
| Vertuo Pod | Size | Caffeine Content | Robusta Beans? | Intensity | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melozio Decaf | Coffee | < 12 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed sweetness |
| Altissio Decaf | Espresso | < 12 mg | N | 9 (Dark) | Full-Bodied & Creamy |
| Fortado Decaf | Gran Lungo | < 12 mg | Y | 8 (Dark) | Intense & Full-Bodied |
| Altissio | Espresso | 108 mg | N | 9 (Dark) | Roasty & Creamy Cereal |
| Voltesso | Espresso | 64 mg | N | 4 (Light) | Biscuity & Sweet |
| Il Caffe | Espresso | 152 mg | Y | 11 (Dark) | Intense & Velvety |
| Orafio | Espresso | 110 mg | Y | 6 (Medium) | Caramel & Roasted |
| Toccanto | Espresso | 84 mg | N | 5 (Light) | Berry & Winey |
| Peru Organic | Espresso | 50 – 60 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Fruity & Complex |
| Half Caffeinato | Coffee | 80 – 90 mg | N | 5 (Light) | Sweet & Velvety |
| Hazelino Muffin | Coffee | ~170 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Hazelnut |
| Caramel Cookie | Coffee | ~170 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Caramel |
| Vanilla Custard Pie | Coffee | 166 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Vanilla |
| Chocolate Fudge | Coffee | ~170 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Dark chocolate |
| Melozio | Coffee | 170 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed sweetness |
| Melozio Boost | Coffee | 200 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed sweetness |
| Odacio | Coffee | 170 mg | N | 7 (Medium) | Fruity & Lightly Acidic |
| Intenso | Coffee | ~200 mg | Y | 9 (Dark) | Roasted Brown Sugar |
| Stormio | Coffee | 170 mg | N | 8 (Medium) | Spicy & Woody |
| Stormio Boost | Coffee | 200 mg | N | 8 (Medium) | Spicy & Woody |
| Solelio | Coffee | 133 mg | N | 2 (Light) | Fruity & Light |
| Bianco Forte | Coffee | 160 mg | N | Not provided | Intense & Roasted |
| Ice Forte | Coffee | ~170 mg | N | Not provided | Intense & Woody |
| Colombia | Coffee | 165 mg | N | 5 (Light) | Washed Arabica |
| Mexico | Coffee | ~200 mg | Y | 7 (Medium) | Intense & Spiced |
| Arondio | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | Y | 6 (Medium) | Cereal & Lightly Acidic |
| Fortado | Gran Lungo | 195 mg | Y | 8 (Medium) | Cocoa & Oak |
| Costa Rica | Gran Lungo | 140 mg | N | 7 (Medium) | Malty & Sweet |
| Ethiopia | Gran Lungo | 119 mg | N | 4 (Light) | Fruity & Floral |
| Inizio | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | N | 4 (Medium) | Floral & Cereal |
| Diavolitto | Espresso | 150 mg | Y | 11 (Dark) | Oak Wood & Leather |
| Chiaro | Double Espresso | 135 mg | N | 6 (Medium) | Woody & Earthy |
| Scuro | Double Espresso | 150 mg | Y | 8 (Medium) | Cocoa & Vanilla |
| Bianco Leggero | Double Espresso | 140 mg | N | Not provided | Sweet Biscuit |
| Dolce | Double Espresso | 133 mg | Y | 5 (Light) | Cereal & Malted |
| Ice Leggero | Double Espresso | 100 – 120 mg | N | Not provided | Light & Delicate |
| Nicaragua | Double Espresso | 100 – 120 mg | N | 5 (Light) | Fruity & Candied |
| Intenso XL | Alto | 228 – 350 mg | N | 7 (Medium) | Wood & Dark Caramel |
| Dolce XL | Alto | 228 – 350 mg | N | 4 (Light) | Caramel & Toasted |
Coffee Pods
Vertuo coffee capsules will have between 170 and 200 mg of caffeine. The most popular flavor by far is Melozio. Intenso is another popular pod and likely has more caffeine because of the types of beans it is made from. For a delicious iced coffee, grab pick up Iced Forte pods.
When you want something in between a decaf and a regular cup of coffee, choose Half Caffeinato. It is a blend of caffeinated and decaf beans. That means it has 80 – 90 mg of caffeine vs 170 to 200 mg in most other coffee capsules.
Nespresso recently introduced two “Boost” versions of Stormio and Melozio coffee pods. These new pods have 20% extra caffeine than the regular coffee pods. That means they have about 200 mg of caffeine, compared to 170 mg in the regular pod. If you like these pod flavors, rest assured that the taste and aroma of these boost capsules is the same as the standard ones.
Single Espresso Capsules
Most single Vertuo espresso capsules will have around 60 mg of caffeine. The most popular flavors are Altissio and Voltesso. The exception is Diavolitto, meaning “the devil,” which has 150 mg of caffeine. It is higher because it contains the more powerful Robusta beans.
Double Espresso Caffeine
Double espresso caffeine levels will have less than 200 mg of caffeine, likely between 100 and 120 mg. Both Nespresso double espresso pods Chiaro (earthy and woody) and Scuro (dark and smoky) are very popular. If you want to make an iced latte, try Ice Leggero (my personal favorite). It’s designed to brewed over ice.
Gran Lungo Capsules
Gran Lungo Vertuo capsules will have between 120 and 200 mg of caffeine. They make a 5 oz coffee. That is why they have more caffeine than single and double espresso pods, but less than the 8 oz coffee pods. Popular pods are Arondio and Fortado.
Alto XL Coffee Pods
The largest Vertuo coffee pods, called Alto, will have a total of 228 to 350 mg of caffeine. They make a 14 oz coffee. Two favorites are Dolce, a light roast, and Intenso, a medium-dark roast. XL pods have been discontinued. Rumor has it that Nespresso is re-working the formulas and will be releasing new versions of these extra large coffee pods later in 2022.
Pour Over Coffee Pods
If you have the Vertuo Next model, you have the option to brew a carafe pour-over style pod. This will be 18 oz in volume, which is more than two times the size of a regular coffee pod. However, the caffeine levels per 8 oz cup of coffee would be the same between the regular coffee and pour over capsules.
Decaf Pods
Decaf Vertuo capsules will have less than 12 mg of caffeine. For an espresso, pick Altissio Decaf. You may be able to find some other decaf Vertuo pods on Nespresso.com. For coffee, pick the popular Melozio in its decaf blend.
You can learn more about these flavors and other capsules by visiting our guide to the most popular Vertuo pods.
Nespresso Original Line Caffeine Content
How much caffeine is in a Nespresso pod for Original machines? Most capsules will have between 55 and 65 mg of caffeine. Espresso and lungo pods differ in the amount of caffeine. The Lungo capsules will have slightly higher levels, 77 to 85 mg, since they are bigger.
At the high end of the range, you’ll find that Palermo Kazaar has the most caffeine in it with 120 to 125 mg. On the other end, the decaf pods have the least. However, they are not 100% caffeine free. Most of the caffeine in Nespresso decaf capsules is removed and only 3 mg or less remains.
- INTENSE & SYRUPY: This Nespresso coffee blends two Robustas from Brazil & Guatemala and a separately roasted Arabica from South America to create coffee of exceptional intensity
- INTENSITY 12: This Nespresso coffee blend develops a powerful bitterness and notes of pepper that are balanced by a dense and creamy texture all in easy to use Nespresso Capsules
Original Nespresso Caffeine Chart
This chart groups the most popular Nespresso pods for Original line according to their caffeine levels. Check out our buying guide below to learn more about these and other Original espresso pods.
Original Caffeine Summary Table
| Original Pod | Size | Caffeine Content | Intensity | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volutto Decaf | Espresso | Less than 3 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Light |
| Firenze Decaf | Espresso | Less than 3 mg | 9 (Dark) | Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy |
| Ristretto Decaf | Ristretto | Less than 3 mg | 10 (Dark) | Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity |
| Cosi | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Mild & Lightly Toasted |
| Caramel Creme Brulee | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Caramel |
| Indonesia | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Tobacco Leaves & Woody |
| Volutto | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Light |
| Cocoa Truffle | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Chocolate |
| Roma | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Woody & Cerealy |
| Ethiopia | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Fruit Jam & Orange Blossom |
| Vanilla Eclair | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Vanilla |
| Firenze | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 9 (Dark) | Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy |
| Capriccio | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 5 (Light) | Rich & Distinctive |
| Colombia | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Winey & Red Fruit |
| Ristretto | Ristretto | 55 – 65 mg | 10 (Dark) | Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity |
| Nicaragua | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 5 (Light) | Honey & Sweet Cereal |
| Genova | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Toasted Cereal & Sweet Caramel |
| India | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 11 (Dark) | Woody & Spicy |
| Paris | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Dark) | Cereal & Citrus |
| Istanbul | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Dark) | Nutty & Ripe Fruits |
| Rio de Janeiro | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 9 (Dark) | Sandalwood & Herbal |
| Miami | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 9 (Dark) | Cereal Notes & Tobacco Aroma |
| Freddo Delicato | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Medium | Sweet & Light (Iced) |
| Freddo Intenso | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Bold & Dark Roasted (Iced) |
| Corto | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Spicy & Roasted |
| Scuro | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Roasted & Balanced |
| Chiaro | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Light | Sweet Biscuit |
| Napoli | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 13 (Dark) | Dark & Creamy |
| Venezia | Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Balanced & Thick |
| Tokyo | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 6 (Medium) | Flowery & Complex |
| Vienna | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 6 (Medium) | Round & Smooth |
| Cape Town | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 10 (Dark) | Intense & Roasted |
| Stockholm | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 8 (Medium) | Rich & Full-bodied |
| Shanghai | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 5 (Light) | Fruity & Fine Acidity |
| Buenos Aires | Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Cereal |
| Palermo Kazaar | Espresso | 120-125 mg | 12 (Dark) | Intense & Syrupy |
Nespresso Original Barista Creations Capsules Caffeine Content
Most Original line capsules will have between 55 and 65 mg of caffeine per pod. The most popular flavors are the barista creations. There is a cocoa, caramel and vanilla option, all medium roast blends.
- Caramello has a profile of caramel, coconut and vanilla. It is sweet and creamy..
- Cioccolatino has dark and bitter cocoa flavors that will remind you of dark truffles. There is also a little almond and vanilla sweetness too.
- Vaniglia has a rich vanilla flavor and a velvety texture. It has a smooth and creamy taste. There’s an aroma of malted cereal and vanilla notes.
Caffeine Content of Other Popular Nespresso Pods
If you don’t want a flavored coffee, the next most popular capsules are: Ristretto, Firenze, Roma and Genova. Ristretto and Firenze are both dark roasts. Roma and Genova are both medium roasts.
- Ristretto is a strong and powerful espresso that is inspired by Italy’s coffee culture. You will notice a mix of fruity notes and a hint of acidity as you sip this blend. As the name suggests, its a great choice for brewing a ristretto size.
- Firenze is a dense espresso with bold roasted and cocoa notes. You’ll get a nice crema on top giving it a creamy and velvety texture.
- Roma has deep roasted notes with just a hint of acidity. It is powerful while still mild, with woody and cereal notes.
- Genova has a caramelized, toasted cereal notes. It has the delicate aroma you would expect from a coffee from Northern Italy.
How Much Caffeine In A Nespresso Pod Lungo?
Lungo pods for Original Nespresso coffee makers will contain 77 to 85 mg of caffeine. More water is used to brew a lungo so you’ll get more 20% coffee than you would with an espresso.
- Contains 50 Nespresso Capsules in 4 popular Lungo blends for the Original Line System
- Includes mild medium & dark roast coffee with intensities ranging from 4 to 9
Original Decaf Nespresso Pods
There are three decaf capsules: Volluto, Firenze and Ristretto. Each will have 3 mg of caffeine or less.
Is Nespresso Caffeine Content Related To Intensity Levels?
It is important to note that the amount of caffeine is unrelated to the intensity level. The intensity level is the number marked on Nespresso capsule sleeve. This can range from 1-13. The intensity level refers to the concentration of the ground coffee inside, its body, its bitterness and its degree of roasting. A pod with low intensity can have similar caffeine to a pod with high intensity. To learn more about intensity ratings, check out our guide to Nespresso Intensity Levels.
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