Nespresso Caffeine Content Chart [Vertuo & Original Pods]

Mike C
Written By Mike C

I've been writing about coffee and espresso machines for 3 years. My goal is to provide you with helpful content that you can trust based on my own personal experiences, information from manufacturers, and tips and tricks I've gathered from other coffee and espresso machine users.

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

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.

original Nespreso pod
Vertuo Nespresso pod

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.

Nespresso Caffeine Content for Vertuo Pods
<meta charset=utf 8>Nespresso Caffeine Content Chart for Vertuo Line Machines

Vertuo Caffeine Summary Table

Vertuo PodSizeCaffeine ContentRobusta Beans?IntensityFlavor Profile
Melozio DecafCoffee< 12 mgN6 (Medium)Honeyed sweetness
Altissio DecafEspresso< 12 mgN9 (Dark)Full-Bodied & Creamy
Fortado DecafGran Lungo< 12 mgY8 (Dark)Intense & Full-Bodied
AltissioEspresso108 mgN9 (Dark)Roasty & Creamy Cereal
VoltessoEspresso64 mgN4 (Light)Biscuity & Sweet
Il CaffeEspresso152 mgY11 (Dark)Intense & Velvety
OrafioEspresso110 mgY6 (Medium)Caramel & Roasted
ToccantoEspresso84 mgN5 (Light)Berry & Winey
Peru OrganicEspresso50 – 60 mgN6 (Medium)Fruity & Complex
Half CaffeinatoCoffee80 – 90 mgN5 (Light)Sweet & Velvety
Hazelino MuffinCoffee~170 mgN6 (Medium)Hazelnut
Caramel CookieCoffee~170 mgN6 (Medium)Caramel
Vanilla Custard PieCoffee166 mgN6 (Medium)Vanilla
Chocolate FudgeCoffee~170 mgN6 (Medium)Dark chocolate
MelozioCoffee170 mgN6 (Medium)Honeyed sweetness
Melozio BoostCoffee200 mgN6 (Medium)Honeyed sweetness
OdacioCoffee170 mgN7 (Medium)Fruity & Lightly Acidic
IntensoCoffee~200 mgY9 (Dark)Roasted Brown Sugar
StormioCoffee170 mgN8 (Medium)Spicy & Woody
Stormio BoostCoffee200 mgN8 (Medium)Spicy & Woody
SolelioCoffee133 mgN2 (Light)Fruity & Light
Bianco ForteCoffee160 mgNNot providedIntense & Roasted
Ice ForteCoffee~170 mgNNot providedIntense & Woody
ColombiaCoffee165 mgN5 (Light)Washed Arabica
MexicoCoffee~200 mgY7 (Medium)Intense & Spiced
ArondioGran Lungo120 – 200 mgY6 (Medium)Cereal & Lightly Acidic
FortadoGran Lungo195 mgY8 (Medium)Cocoa & Oak
Costa RicaGran Lungo140 mgN7 (Medium)Malty & Sweet
EthiopiaGran Lungo119 mgN4 (Light)Fruity & Floral
InizioGran Lungo120 – 200 mgN4 (Medium)Floral & Cereal
DiavolittoEspresso150 mgY11 (Dark)Oak Wood & Leather
ChiaroDouble Espresso135 mgN6 (Medium)Woody & Earthy
ScuroDouble Espresso150 mgY8 (Medium)Cocoa & Vanilla
Bianco LeggeroDouble Espresso140 mgNNot providedSweet Biscuit
DolceDouble Espresso133 mgY5 (Light)Cereal & Malted
Ice LeggeroDouble Espresso100 – 120 mgNNot providedLight & Delicate
NicaraguaDouble Espresso100 – 120 mgN5 (Light)Fruity & Candied
Intenso XLAlto228 – 350 mgN7 (Medium)Wood & Dark Caramel
Dolce XLAlto228 – 350 mgN4 (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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Nespresso Pods Caffeine Content for original line machines
Nespresso Caffeine Content Chart for Original Line Machines

Original Caffeine Summary Table

Original PodSizeCaffeine ContentIntensityFlavor Profile
Volutto DecafEspressoLess than 3 mg4 (Light)Sweet & Light
Firenze DecafEspressoLess than 3 mg9 (Dark)Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy
Ristretto DecafRistrettoLess than 3 mg10 (Dark)Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity
CosiEspresso55 – 65 mg4 (Light)Mild & Lightly Toasted
Caramel Creme BruleeEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Medium)Caramel
IndonesiaEspresso55 – 65 mg8 (Medium)Tobacco Leaves & Woody
VoluttoEspresso55 – 65 mg4 (Light)Sweet & Light
Cocoa TruffleEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Medium)Chocolate
RomaEspresso55 – 65 mg8 (Medium)Woody & Cerealy
EthiopiaEspresso55 – 65 mg4 (Light)Fruit Jam & Orange Blossom
Vanilla EclairEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Medium)Vanilla
FirenzeEspresso55 – 65 mg9 (Dark)Roasty, Cocoa & Creamy
CapriccioEspresso55 – 65 mg5 (Light)Rich & Distinctive
ColombiaEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Medium)Winey & Red Fruit
RistrettoRistretto55 – 65 mg10 (Dark)Soft Cocoa & Subtly Fruity
NicaraguaEspresso55 – 65 mg5 (Light)Honey & Sweet Cereal
GenovaEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Medium)Toasted Cereal & Sweet Caramel
IndiaEspresso55 – 65 mg11 (Dark)Woody & Spicy
ParisEspresso55 – 65 mg6 (Dark)Cereal & Citrus
IstanbulEspresso55 – 65 mg8 (Dark)Nutty & Ripe Fruits
Rio de JaneiroEspresso55 – 65 mg9 (Dark)Sandalwood & Herbal
MiamiEspresso55 – 65 mg9 (Dark)Cereal Notes & Tobacco Aroma
Freddo DelicatoEspresso55 – 65 mgMediumSweet & Light (Iced)
Freddo IntensoEspresso55 – 65 mgDarkBold & Dark Roasted (Iced)
CortoEspresso55 – 65 mgDarkSpicy & Roasted
ScuroEspresso55 – 65 mgDarkRoasted & Balanced
ChiaroEspresso55 – 65 mgLightSweet Biscuit
NapoliEspresso55 – 65 mg13 (Dark)Dark & Creamy
VeneziaEspresso55 – 65 mg8 (Medium)Balanced & Thick
TokyoLungo77 – 85 mg6 (Medium)Flowery & Complex
ViennaLungo77 – 85 mg6 (Medium)Round & Smooth
Cape TownLungo77 – 85 mg10 (Dark)Intense & Roasted
StockholmLungo77 – 85 mg8 (Medium)Rich & Full-bodied
ShanghaiLungo77 – 85 mg5 (Light)Fruity & Fine Acidity
Buenos AiresLungo77 – 85 mg4 (Light)Sweet & Cereal
Palermo KazaarEspresso120-125 mg12 (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.

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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.

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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.

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Original Decaf Nespresso Pods

There are three decaf capsules: Volluto, Firenze and Ristretto. Each will have 3 mg of caffeine or less.

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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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