What Is Gran Lungo Nespresso? How To Use These Pods
If you have a Nespresso Vertuoline, you’ll see a range of pod sizes you can choose from. Most of us are familiar with espresso and coffee pods, but what is gran lungo Nespresso? When you brew a gran lungo pod, it will use more water and be extracted for a longer amount of time. But just how big are gran lungo coffees and how are you supposed to use these types of pods? I have answers to all of these questions and more!
What Does Nespresso Gran Lungo Mean?
In Italian, “lungo” means “long” and “gran” means large. Nespresso Original line lungo pods are about 3.7 oz, but for the Vertuoline gran lungo pods makes a 5 oz espresso drink. It is brewed with much more water than a single or double espresso pod. As a result, it will have more volume and more caffeine. That means you can enjoy a gran lungo longer. The taste will be less intense than a regular espresso, though also more bitter. This is a good option if you want something to sip on that will last you for a while.
How Many Ounces In A Gran Lungo Nespresso Pod?
Choosing a gran lungo Nespresso pod is great when you want something in between the size of a single/double espresso and an 8 oz coffee. A gran lungo pod for the Vertuoline will make a 5.07 oz / 150 ml beverage. That is quite a bit larger than a 1.35 oz single espresso pod or a 2.7 oz double espresso pod.
| Pod Size | Ounces | ML |
|---|---|---|
| Gran Lungo (Vertuo) | 5.07 | 150 |
How Much Caffeine Is In Gran Lungo Pods?
The caffeine content of gran lungo Vertuo pods will generally range from 120 to 200 mg. This is more than an espresso pod.
| Vertuo Pod | Size | Caffeine Content | Intensity | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortado Decaffeinato | Gran Lungo | Less than 12 mg | 8 (Dark) | Intense & Full-Bodied |
| Arondio | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 6 (Medium) | Cereal & Lightly Acidic |
| Fortado | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 8 (Medium) | Cocoa & Oak |
| Costa Rica | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 7 (Medium) | Malty & Sweet |
| Ethiopia | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 4 (Light) | Fruity & Floral |
| Inizio | Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 4 (Medium) | Floral & Cereal |
Gran Lungo vs Coffee Vertuo Pods
Compared to a single and a double espresso, both the gran lungo and coffee pods will give you a larger drink. However, they are quite different in terms. A Vertuo coffee pod has the right grind size and amount of beans to make what Americans typically think of as a coffee. In contrast, a gran lungo pod will be more like a black espresso with more water. It will have a more bitter taste than a Vertuo coffee pod.
Vertuo Gran Lungo vs Double Espresso Pods
The difference between a Nespresso gran lungo pod and a Vertuo double espresso pod is volume. A Vertuo gran lungo pod will brew a little over 5 ounces, whereas a double espresso pod will make 2.7 oz. The difference is in the amount of water used in the brewing process. Therefore, the concentration of a gran lungo is much less than a double espresso. As a result, that impacts how you would use them. More on that below, but in short, the extra water makes a gran lungo unsuitable for a latte or cappuccino. You should use a double espresso pod for those.
How Do You Use Gran Lungo Pods?
If you have a Vertuoline model, the coffee maker will auto detect the barcode on the gran lungo pod and brew it accordingly.
When it comes to how to prepare a drink using a gran lungo pod, there is no one right answer. The best way to use these pods is whatever tastes good to you! Some people will drink gran lungos black, while others will add a splash of milk or creamer. You can drink them hot or iced too. I like to drink my gran lungo black, which means without milk. It’s perfect for when I am looking for something in between the size of an espresso-based drink and an 8 oz Vertuo coffee.
If you are making a latte or a cappuccino, I would not recommend using a gran lungo pod as the espresso will be too diluted. Also, while gran lungo Nespresso pods may be americano inspired, they don’t make a true americano. That’s because the ratio of espresso to water won’t be quite right. If you want a Nespresso americano, you should use espresso pods.
