Coffee Makers, Coffee Pods & K-Cups

Consumer Guide: Nespresso’s Original and VertuoLine Coffee Pods Caffeine Content Review

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

It’s a known fact:

Nespresso is one of the biggest coffee brands in the world.

And while you may be among the many people enjoying their products, I’m sure – at some point – you’ve wondered…

“How much caffeine is in this Nespresso pod?”

Well, you are not alone – many have been asking the same.

And:

In keeping with CoffeeHolli’s goal to keep all coffeeholics well-informed, we’ve prepared this in-depth post on Nespresso pod’s caffeine content.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Basic Facts About Nespresso Capsules

Nespresso Caffeine Levels

Typically:

Nespresso pods (either Vertuo or Original) contain a certain amount of finely roasted, ground coffee beans (Arabica or Robusta).

Naturally, the pods have different levels of caffeine owing to the fact that Arabica beans have less caffeine than Robusta.

So:

If you want less caffeine in your cup of joe, consider going for Arabica coffee pods. But if you want that extra caffeine energy, Robusta pods are for you.

Also, there are Nespresso pods that blend both Arabica and Robusta grounds.

These pods fall somewhere between Robusta’s ample caffeine levels and Arabica’s sweet and fruity flavors.

Nespresso Coffee Pod Sizes

Get this:

The type of coffee beans isn’t the only determining factor of caffeine content in Nespresso pods. The sizes of the pods also count.

Now:

For Nespresso’s Original Line, there are three sizes, namely…

  • Ristretto (small)
  • Espresso (medium)
  • Lungo (large)

As indicated above, Lungo is the largest of all OriginalLine coffee pods.

Thus, it has the highest amount of caffeine. It is followed by the medium-sized Espresso and the Ristretto, which is the smallest.

What about the Vertuo pods?

They come in five main sizes, namely:

  • Espresso
  • Double Espresso
  • GranLungo
  • Mug/Coffee
  • Carafe

The Double Espresso and GranLungo are bigger variations of the espresso and lungo sizes.

However, if you want to prepare more coffee, you’ll need a much bigger size like the Mug/Coffee or Carafe sizes.

Nespresso Intensity Scale

Make no mistake:

The intensity scale on Nespresso capsules doesn’t tell the caffeine content. This is a common misconception among Nespresso owners.

Instead, it reveals the degree of roasting, bitterness, and body of the coffee. This is usually between 1 to 13.

Thus:

If a coffee pod has a higher intensity rating, the resulting drink will be more bitter, heavier, and more flavorful.

Got it?

Now that we know all about Nespresso pod types, let’s delve into today’s core issue – the caffeine content tables.

The Caffeine Content in Nespresso Pods

Each Nespresso pod contains Arabica, Robusta, or both grounds – with Robusta having almost twice the amount of caffeine. The pods also come in different sizes. Unlike the different grounds and sizes, you can’t tell the caffeine content from the Nespresso intensity scale. However, the caffeine content tables for Original and VertuoLine pods below provide better information.

Nespresso Original Line Caffeine Content Summary Table

Original Pod
Size
Coffee Grams
Caffeine Content
Intensity
Aromatic Profile
Buenos Aires Nespresso Pod
Buenos Aires

Lungo

5.6

104

7

Sweet/Caramel/Popcorn

Cape Town Envivo Lungo Nespresso Pod
Cape Town Envivo Lungo

Lungo

5.7

110

10

Intense and Roasted

Capricio Nespresso Pod
Capriccio

Espresso

5

70

5

Cereals

Caramel Creme Brulee Nespresso Pod
Caramel Creme Brulee

Espresso

5.3

62

6

Caramel

Chiaro Nespresso Pod
Chiaro

Ristretto

4.8

49

5

Creamy Caramel and Sweet

Cocoa Truffle Nespresso Pod
Cocoa Truffle

Espresso

5

62

6

Dark Chocolate

Colombia Nespresso Pod
Colombia

Espresso

5.7

64

6

Fruity and Winey

Corto Nespresso Pod
Corto

Espresso

5.8

103

11

Spicey

Cosi Nespresso Pod
Cosi

Espresso

5

59

4

Cereals and Fruity

Ethiopia Nespresso Pod
Ethiopia

Espresso

5.7

65

4

Fruity and Winey

Freddo Delicato Nespresso Pod
Freddo Delicato

Espresso

5.8

72

6

Fruity

Fredo Intenso
Fredo Intenso

Espresso

4.8

56

9

Cereal and Woody

IL Caffe Nespresso Pod
IL Caffe

Espresso

7

129

13

Cereal and Intensely roasted

India Nespresso Pod
India

Espresso

5.5

103

11

Spicy

Indonesia Nespresso Pod
Indonesia

Espresso

5.7

72

8

Woody

Istanbul Nespresso Pod
Istanbul

Espresso

5.6

85

8

Fruit and Almond

Livanto Nespresso Pod
Livanto

Espresso

5.3

64

6

Caramel

Miami Nespresso Pod
Miami

Espresso

5.6

85

9

Pepper and Tobacco

Napoli Nespresso Pod
Napoli

Espresso

5.7

109

13

Woody and Spicy

Nicaragua Nespresso Pod
Nicaragua

Espresso

5

65

5

Sweet
Honey

Palermo Kazaar Nespresso Pod
Palermo Kazaar

Ristretto

6

113

12

Woody and Spicy

Paris Nespresso Pod
Paris

Espresso

5.6

75

6

Cereal and Biscuit

Peru Organic Nespresso Pods
Peru Organic

Espresso

5.8

50-60

6

Fruity Vegetables

Rio De Janeiro Nespresso Pod
Rio De Janeiro

Espresso

5.5

75

9

Herbal and Spicy

Ristretto Decaffeinato Nespresso pod
Ristretto Italiano

Ristretto

5.7

75

10

Intensely Roasted and Fruity

Ristretto Italiano Nespresso Pod
Ristretto Decaffeinato

Ristretto

5.7

2

10

Intensely Roasted and Hint of Fruity

Roma Nespresso Pod
Roma

Ristretto

5

63

8

Woody and Cereals

Scuro Nespresso Pod
Scuro

Espresso

5.5

73

8

Intense

Shanghai Lungo Nespresso Pod
Shanghai Lungo

Lungo

5.6

82

5

Orange, Peachy, and Fruity

Stockholm Fortissio Lungo Nespresso Pod
Stockholm Fortissio Lungo

Lungo

6

80

8

Sweet Cereal and Malted

Tokyo Vivalto Lungo Nespresso Pod
Tokyo Vivalto Lungo

Lungo

5.8

82

6

Floral and Hint of Fruit

Vanilla Eclair Nespresso Pod
Vanilla
Eclair

Espresso

5

62

6

Vanilla

Vienna Linizio Lungo
Vienna Linizio Lungo

Lungo

5.5

75

6

Malted Cereal and Sweet

Volluto Decaffeinato Nespresso Pod
Volluto

Espresso

5

64

4

Cereals and Fruity

Volluto Nespresso Pod
Volluto Decaffeinato

Espresso

5

1.7

4

Cereals and Fruity

As shown in the table:

IL Caffe (129 mg) and Palermo Kazaar (113 mg) have the highest caffeine content amongst all Nespresso OriginalLine pods.

Other high caffeinated pods include Cape Town Envivo Lungo (110 mg), Napoli (109 mg) and Buenos Aires (104 mg).

Thus, these pods are the best choice for those who love strong java.

In contrast:

Firenze Decaffeinato (2 mg), Ristretto Decaffeinato (2 mg), and Volluto Decaffeinato (1.7 mg) are decaf pods with minimal caffeine.

These coffee pods have little to no impact if you’re caffeine-sensitive. Thus, making them ideal for decaf lovers.

Got it?

Nespresso VertuoLine Caffeine Content Summary Table

VertuoLine Pod
Size
Coffee Grams
Caffeine Content
Intensity
Aromatic Profile
Altissio Nespresso Pod
Altissio

Espresso

7

108

9

Full-bodied and Creamy

Altissio Decaffeinato Nespresso Pod
Altissio Decaffeinato

Espresso

7

4

9

Cereal and Roasted

Arondio Nespresso Pod
Arondio

Gran Lungo

10

150

6

Cereal and Mild

Bianco Doppio Nespresso Pod
Bianco Doppio

Double Espresso

10.2

105

N/A

Cereal, Caramel, and Biscuit

Bianco Forte Nespresso pod
Bianco Forte

Mug

12.5

160

N/A

Dark
Roasted

Bianco Leggero Nespresso Pod
Bianco Leggero

Double Espresso

10

140

N/A

Sweet
Biscuit

Bianco Piccolo Nespresso Pod
Bianco Piccolo

Espresso

6.2

75

N/A

Caramel and Biscuit

Cafecito de Puerto Rico Nespresso Pod
Cafecito de Puerto Rico

Double Espresso

10

165

10

Intense Cocoa

Caramel Cookie Nespresso Pod
Caramel Cookie

Mug

12.5

159

6

Caramel Flavored

Chocolate Fudge Nespresso pod
Chocolate Fudge

Mug

12.5

160

6

Dark Chocolate Flavored

Colombia Nespresso Pod
Colombia

Mug

12.5

165

5

Fruity and Winey

Costa Rica Nespresso Pod
Costa Rica

Gran Lungo

10.5

140

7

Cereal and Mild

Diavolitto Nespresso Pod
Diavolitto

Espresso

7

144

11

Highly Intense and Powerful

Double Espresso Chiaro Nespresso Pod
Double Espresso Chiaro

Double Espresso

10

135

8

Dense and Mild

Double Espresso Dolce Nespresso Pod
Double Espresso Dolce

Double Espresso

9.5

133

5

Cereal and Malt

Double Espresso Scuro Nespresso Pod
Double Espresso Scuro

Double Espresso

10

150

11

Dark and Bold

Esperanza de Colombia Nespresso Pod
Esperanza de Colombia

Mug

12.5

150

5

Cereal and Fruity

Ethiopia Nespresso Pod
Ethiopia

Gran Lungo

9.5

119

4

Flowery and Berry

Forest Almond Flavor Nespresso Pod
Forest Almond Flavor

Mug

12.5

150

6

Almond and Vanilla

Forest Black Nespresso Pod
Forest Black

Mug

12.5

150

6

Woody and Spicy

Forest Fruit Flavor Nespresso Pod
Forest Fruit Flavor

Mug

12.5

150

7

Juicy, Sweet, and Pastry

Fortado Nespresso Pod
Fortado

Gran Lungo

10

195

8

Intense and Full-bodied

Fortado Decaffeinato Nespresso Pod
Fortado Decaffeinato

Gran Lungo

10

7

8

Roasted and Woody

Gingerbread Nespresso Pod
Gingerbread

Mug

12.5

150

N/A

Gingerbread

Half Caffeinato Nespresso Pod
Half Caffeinato

Mug

12.5

83

5

Sweet and Velvety

Half Caffeinato Nespresso Pod
Hazelino Muffin

Mug

12.5

170

6

Hazelnut-Flavored

Ice Forte Nespresso Pod
Ice Forte

Coffee

12.5

165

6

Cereal, Woody, and Peppery

Ice Leggero Nespresso Pod
Ice Leggero

Double Espresso

10

165

6

Toasted Cereal and Fruity

IL Caffe Nespresso Pod
IL Caffe

Espresso

7

152

11

Cereal and Spicy

Inizio Nespresso Pod
Inizio

Gran Lungo

10

120

6

Floral and Cereal

Intenso Nespresso Pod
Intenso

Mug

12.5

195

9

Deep and Dense

Melozio Nespresso Pod
Melozio

Mug

12.5

170

6

Biscuit and Cereal

Melozio Boost Nespresso Pod
Melozio Boost

Mug

12.5

200

6

Biscuit and Cereal

Melozio Decaffeinato Nespresso Pod
Melozio Decaffeinato

Mug

12.5

11

6

Cereal and Honey

Mexico Nespresso pod
Mexico

Mug

12.5

190

7

Intense and Spiced

Odacio Nespresso Pod
Odacio

Mug

12.5

170

7

Bold and Lively

Orafio Nespresso Pod
Orafio

Espresso

6.2

110

6

Cereal, Liquorice, and Spicy

Peru Organic Nespresso Pod
Peru Organic

Espresso

7.2

85

6

Toasted sweet cereal and Fruity

Stormio Nespresso Pod
Stormio

Espresso

12.5

170

5

Rich and Strong

Stormio Nespresso Pod
Stormio Boost

Mug

12.5

200

8

Spicy and Woody

Solelio Nespresso Pod
Solelio

Mug

12.5

133

2

Fruity and Light-bodied

Toccanto Nespresso Pod
Toccanto

Espresso

6.2

84

5

Candied Fruit and Pineapple

Vanilla Custard Pie Nespresso Pod
Vanilla Custard Pie

Mug

12.5

166

6

Vanilla Flavored

Voltesso Nespresso Pod
Voltesso

Espresso

5.2

64

4

Light and Sweet

As expected:

The table shows that VertuoLine pods have more caffeine than Original pods, as they are typically bigger.

And:

The most caffeinated VertuoLine pods include the Melozio Boost and Stormio Boost with 200 mg each. As their names imply, these pods are the boosted versions of the Melozio and Stormio pods.

Other pods with heavy doses of caffeine include Fortado (195 mg), Intenso (195 mg), and Mexico (190 mg).

Are you a decaf fan or caffeine-sensitive?

If yes, you have a few VertuoLine pods to choose from. These include Altissio Decaffeinato, Fortado Decaffeinato, and Melozio Decaffeinato.

They all have less than 12 mg of caffeine.

Conclusion

Obviously:

People love coffee for different reasons. While many drink it for its stimulating kick, there are those who take it for fun and enjoyment.

And that’s why it’s always important to know how much caffeine is in your coffee pods.

Anyway:

If you’re a fan of Nespresso, the information above contains everything you need to know to get your next best cup of joe; including the facts that:

  • Nespresso pods contain either Arabica or Robusta coffee grounds, or both
  • Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica
  • The bigger the pods, the more caffeine they have
  • Nespresso intensity scale shows the degree of the coffee’s roasting, bitterness, and body. It has nothing to do with the caffeine content

With that in mind:

I hope this post has been helpful. If you have any questions or contributions, please leave a comment below.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Nespresso Pods Have the Same Caffeine Content?

No. This is mainly because of the amount of Robusta used, as it has twice as much caffeine as Arabica. The size of the pod is also a factor, as bigger pods tend to have more caffeine.

What is the Caffeine Content of All Nespresso Capsules?

The caffeine content of Nespresso capsules varies. Most Original capsules have between 40 to 130 mg, while most VertuoLine pods have between 60 to 200 mg.

What Nespresso Capsule Flavor Has the Highest Caffeine Content?

Palermo Kazaar has the highest caffeine content amongst all Nespresso capsule flavors. For a small-sized ristretto, there is as much as 113 mg of caffeine.

What Nespresso Pods Have the Highest Caffeine Content?

The Nespresso pods with high caffeine content are Melozio Boost and Stormio Boost. They each have 200 mg of caffeine. Other pods with high caffeine content are Fortado (195 mg), Intenso (195 mg), and Mexico (190 mg).

What Vertuo Capsule Has Most Caffeine Content?

Melozio Boost and Stormio Boost (200mg) are the most caffeinated Vertuo capsules. They were formerly in the form of alto-sized drinks, but got discontinued.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

4 thoughts on “Consumer Guide: Nespresso’s Original and VertuoLine Coffee Pods Caffeine Content Review”

  1. Thank you so much for this. One of the main things that attracted me to the line was the precise caffeine content to avoid panic attacks but also keep me sharp i had to find the “sweet spot”. This is a very helpful and comprehensive list.

    Reply
  2. I feel the same way as the above comment. I am new to coffee and wanted to avoid mid work day anxiety attacks from caffeine overload. This comprehensive list has been a life saver for me, thank you.

    Reply

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