20 Tasty Nespresso Substitutes That Are Just As Good

If you’re a coffee lover like me, you’ve definitely had your share of Nespresso capsules. They’re known worldwide for their rich taste, variety, intensity, and convenience. But if you’ve been a fan for years, it’s time to try something new such as Nespresso Substitutes! 

Nespresso is a dominant capsule company, but variety is the spice of life. That’s why I’ve gathered 20 alternatives that offer the same variety, flavor, and convenience.

Some might even be better than the classic Nespresso, so let’s break it down!

Nutrition Table

1. Lavazza Espresso Passionale 

First up are the flavor-packed Lavazza pods. They’re 100% Arabica coffee capsules that highlight the richness of Brazilian, Asian, Central, and South American coffee.

With an intensity of about 11, it works well as an espresso shot and can handle cream, dairy, or oat milk. 

This is the perfect blend if you have a Keurig or coffee machine. The intense aroma is a great way to add fragrance to your home.

How To Substitute

One Lavazza capsule is the equivalent of a Nespresso capsule. So if you want a strong cup of coffee, cut your creamer, milk, or water in half. 

2. L’or Espresso Supremo 

Coffee delivers a natural burst of energy. The L’or Espresso Supremo is high on the list of Nespresso substitutes that get the job done.

It’s a unique blend of spice, dark chocolate, oak, and buts. If you’re a fan of crema, this one has it! It also works well for those who love latte art. 

The intensity is a 10, which means you can use this as a base for your Americano cup or add whatever enhancer you wish. 

How To Substitute

Use one capsule of L’or Espresso to one capsule of any 10-level Nespresso pod. For a more robust cup, use two pods. 

3. Artisan Coffee Co. 

The name gives it all away. This brand focuses on detailed, highly flavorful coffee that leans into the indie scene. It carries a highly personalized touch often missing with big brands like Nestle’s Nespresso.  

The brand has a coffee for every brewing style, so if pods or capsules aren’t for you, there’s much to choose from. The packaging alone is a reason to try it out. 

How To Substitute

Whether you’re using a pod or capsule, there’s a one-to-one ratio. 

4. Cafe Bustelo 

Up next is a coffee that’s growing in popularity thanks to its high quality and availability. Again, you can get a box on Amazon. The dark roast espresso version of the Cafe Bustelo line is my favorite, but you can choose whichever blend you want. 

The full-bodied taste means it holds up to additions like sugar, water, or creamer despite being a capsule coffee. 

How To Substitute

Use one Cafe Bustelo capsule for every Nespresso pod or capsule. Both Nespresso espresso pods and Cafe Bustelo pods have the same intensity.

5. Dunkin Espresso Bold Roast 

Much like its name, this capsule evokes a bold, in-your-face flavor that’s perfect for your morning shot of caffeine. There’s little to worry about with a large brand like Dunkin Donuts behind the capsules. 

It’s not as artisanal as other brands on this list, but the taste is solid. 

How To Substitute

Use a one-to-one ratio when replacing your Nespresso pods. For example, if you want double the intensity, you’ll need two Dunkin pods. 

6. Carte Noire Espresso Lungo

This one’s a little rare, but if you come across it in a local shop or online, don’t hesitate to buy it! It’s got a smooth finish and plenty of flavors to go around. If you’re a coffee purist, enjoy it black with a splash of hot water to dilute. 

Carte Noire isn’t available everywhere, but it can be specially ordered from the website. 

How To Substitute

One capsule of arabica espresso can substitute a Nespresso capsule or pod. The same works with Carte Noire’s decaffeinated blend. 

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7. Amazon Brand Solimo Ristretto Coffee Capsules

If you’ve got a Nespresso original line machine, you’re not limited to Nespresso pods. These Amazon Brand capsules are compatible.

It’s also one of the more affordable coffee capsule brands out there. You can get 50 capsules for around 30 dollars on Amazon. 

How To Substitute

Substitute one capsule of Amazon Brand Solimo for every Nespresso capsule you’d use. 

8. Café LA Llave Capsules

When it comes to rich aromatic flavors, dark roast coffee is where it’s at. This coffee company uses Cuban flavors and eco-friendly packaging that ensures you get to enjoy a guilt-free drink. 

Beware, this coffee is exceptionally flavorful, with an intensity level of 11. If you’re used to lighter blends, you can always dilute your cup with some heavy cream or half and half.

How To Substitute

Use one capsule for every cup. Alternatively, if the flavor is too intense, you can split a capsule between two people. 

9. Illy Classico 

Illy has grown into a reputable coffee brand, and this specific capsule blend is highly flavorful. With hints of caramel, jasmine, and orange blossom, it’s on the fruity side. That makes for a rich cup of coffee. 

The fact that these capsules work well with Nespresso’s original line machines only adds to the appeal. 

How To Substitute

Use one capsule, or switch out the intensity if you have more than one cup daily.

10. Amorcaffe Intenso

Yet another Nespresso machine-compatible pod makes it onto the list. This potent blend focuses on the energy derived from Robusta coffee.

Since it’s airtight, you won’t have to worry about oxygen messing with the coffee’s flavor. 

Choose a blend that suits your intensity level to get the best out of this capsule. Personally, medium roast is my favorite. 

How To Substitute

One capsule of Amorcaffe is equal to a Nespresso capsule.

11. Don Francisco’s Old Havana

All my Cuban coffee lovers stand up! The nation known for flavor is the inspiration behind this perfectly blended artisan coffee capsule. Each flavor is distinct, as elements of citrus and nut float in every cup. 

If you want to feel like you’re sipping on authentic coffee along the Cuban coast, add a good amount of sugar or sweetener. 

How To Substitute

Replace your Nespresso capsule with one of these. Make a double shot if you’re making coffee for more than one person. 

12. Daley St Medium Dark Roast 

Bursting with the world’s best coffee, Daley Street’s Medium Dark roast blend is quickly becoming my favorite.

However, utilizing Brazilian, Colombian & Kenyan Arabica Beans to create the perfect punch of flavor and caffeine isn’t easy. 

Since it’s considered a specialty coffee, I’d save this for Sunday morning brunch or other special occasions. 

How To Substitute

One medium/dark roast capsule is equivalent to one Nespresso pod or capsule. 

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13. Campos King St Creamy & Balanced Blend

Try the Campos King line for a tasty South and Central American Arabica. In addition, manufacturers cater to Nespresso machine owners because these aluminum capsules are compatible. 

This coffee shins when you add milk or creamer, especially a vanilla-flavored version. 

How To Substitute

Use one capsule for every cup of coffee, as this flavor is intense.

14. L’or Lungo Profondo

We’re dipping back into the L’or brand for this next one. They’re that good! With a spicy base and aroma, lightly toasted finish, and hints of fruit, it doesn’t hold back taste-wise.

Since it’s a medium roast, expect an even hit of caffeine in the morning. These capsules are also compatible with Nespresso machines. 

How To Substitute

Since the intensity is lower, you can have more than two capsules daily.

15. Nescafe Dolce Gusto 

As the parent company of Nespresso, you can expect the same amount of quality, taste, and convenience in these capsules. You can buy the compatible machine if you really love the dolce gusto capsules. 

The best thing about these coffee capsules is that they ship internationally, so you won’t have to worry about limited options. 

How To Substitute

One capsule, which works well with other escape brands like creamer, is the equivalent of a Nespresso pod. 

16. Caffitaly 

There’s a whole lot of quantity in these capsules. Each contains 8 grams of arabica to create a solid flavor base. It’s also got a two-level filter system to ensure a silt-free finish.

So if you’re interested in tea, they’ve got a wide selection waiting for you. 

Though the brand has Italian inspiration, it hosts coffee from around the world, so you won’t be limited. 

How To Substitute

One 8-gram capsule is equal to a Nespresso Original Line pod. 

17. Gimoka

Looking for something quick and affordable? Try these Gimoka capsules. They come in packs of hundreds, so you’ll be set for half the year, and they are compatible with Nespresso machines.

The intense Italian flavor is rich yet subtle, giving a unique morning brew experience. You can get the same flavors in pod form if your machine has a pro filter. 

How To Substitute

One Gimoka capsule or pod can replace a standard Nespresso capsule. 

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18. Real Good Coffee Company 

Just like its name, this company focuses on the taste of your coffee and the trail it leaves behind. Of course, being environmentally friendly is always a plus, but this company caters to Keurig and Nespresso machine lovers. 

It’s also pretty affordable, so grab some. 

How To Substitute

The capsule for both Keurig and Nespresso machines have the same quantity, so either can replace your Nespresso pods. 

19. Dualit Intense 

These capsules are a little different from others because they’re made with aluminum. That means you won’t have a bunch of plastic hanging around after. They’re also Nespresso machine compatible. 

You’ll taste freshly roasted nuts, molasses, and dark chocolate. 

How To Substitute

These match perfectly with Nespresso capsules, so substitute one for the other. 

20. Rave Compostable Coffee Pods

You’re not alone if you’ve felt guilty about the pods you use every morning for coffee. So this company decided to do something about it.

Their capsules are 100% recyclable and compostable, so you can pop them in your machine and dispose of them quickly. Their flavor selection is pretty extensive, from Italian to Colombian coffee. 

How To Substitute

One capsule will replace a Nespresso medium or dark roast blend. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Coffee Pods Can You Use In Nespresso Machines? 

You don’t have to buy a new coffee machine if you want to try out these substitutes.

Pods from the Real Good Coffee Company, Gourmesso, Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks, HiLine, Caffesso, Lavica, and Jones Brothers, just to name a few. Check Amazon for even more third-party capsule sellers. 

What Is The Difference Between A Coffee Pod And Coffee Capsule? 

The main difference is that pods generally carry 7 grams of coffee, while capsules contain 5 grams.

Coffee pods look more like tea bags and follow a slow drip system, while capsules have the famous solid bottom that can withstand the pressure of a machine.

Pods can be used with any coffee machine with a portafilter, while capsules most likely have to match the brand of the machine. 

What Is The Most Popular Coffee Pod? 

Nespresso is still the most dominant coffee pod manufacturer, as they came up with the concept. Hence, their pods are the most popular, especially in Europe.

The Nespresso Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano is a fan favorite. The Original Line is also trendy, and the classic flavors are often used in hotels and Airbnb.

20 Tasty Nespresso Substitutes That Are Just As Good

Prep time

2

minutes

Cooking time

3

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

The intense Italian flavor is rich yet subtle, giving a unique morning brew experience. You can get the same flavors in pod form if your machine has a pro filter. 

Ingredients

• Lavazza Espresso Passionale

• L’or Espresso Supremo

• Artisan Coffee Co.

• Cafe Bustelo

• Dunkin Espresso Bold Roast

• Carte Noire Espresso Lungo

• Amazon Brand Solimo Ristretto Coffee Capsules

• Café LA Llave Capsules

• Illy Classico

• Amorcaffe Intenso

• Don Francisco’s Old Havana

• Daley St Medium Dark Roast

• Campos King St Creamy & Balanced Blend

• L’or Lungo Profondo

• Nescafe Dolce Gusto

• Caffitaly

• Gimoka

• Real Good Coffee Company

• Dualit Intense

• Rave Compostable Coffee 

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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