FOOD NEWS
Ranking Third Party Pod Brands For Nespresso Machines From Worst To Best
BY Emily Hunt
5. Nuage
None of the five Nuage blends (Ristretto, Café Noir, South American, Manilo, and Americano) are palatable on their own. They're all either too bitter or too sour.
The blends aren't distinguishable, and the packaging lists no tasting notes. Many Nespresso machines brew multiple cup sizes, but Nuage boxes provide no recommended brewing size.
4. Starbucks
Starbucks' Vertuo line of pods was overall unimpressive. Each cup brewed pretty dark and would need a fair amount of dressing up to be palatable.
While their offerings have some merits, it would be better to stick with buying Nespresso's own pods for its Vertuo machines unless you're getting a flavored pod from Starbucks.
3. Peet's
Boxes of Peet's Nespresso pods offer a recommended brew size and a decent description of the coffee's flavor profile. Each pod produced espresso with a thick mouthfeel.
Some standout pods include the smooth and sweet, berry-forward Ricchezza and the fairly strong and dark Nerissimo, which is surprisingly smooth.