The 10 Best Nespresso Capsules for A Consistent Cup Every Time!

If, as many of us, your time needs to be spent wisely, then brewing your espresso in your Nespresso or other capsule machine is the easiest way to obtain a consistent brew very quickly. Along with the many varieties of Nespresso capsules available, a number of manufacturers also produce Nespresso compatible capsules which can save you some money on your coffees, as well as offer more choice of brews.

In this review we look in detail at Nespresso and compatible capsules, including how capsules work and the different is between the different types of coffees available. As well as reviewing some the best Nespresso capsules available, we also offer tips to help you get the best from compatible capsules as well as looking into some of the historical legal debate around Nespresso capsules. We discuss concerns around the use of aluminum in capsules and consider how green capsules coffee really is, compared to other ways of brewing. We also delve into Nespresso’s sustainability, including some recent concerns around the use of child labor on some of its farms.

Things to Consider Before Buying Nespresso Capsules

The Nespresso system by Nestlé S.A. was actually invented and patented back in the mid-1970s but at that time had little commercial success. The system was then tried out in a small number of countries in 1986 when it became more popular and its popularity continued to increase with the introduction of the ‘Le Club’ community.

The first patent for brewing espresso for capsules was filed by Nespresso (nestle) in 1996 and nowadays, over 40% of US households own a single cup brewing machine.

The capsules usually contain between 5 and 7 grams of coffee and depending on the type of machine used, they can produce various sizes of brew ranging from a single shot up to a full cup of coffee.

Capsules actually work in a similar way to the espresso machine. When a capsule is placed into a machine, it is pierced on its smallest side allowing the machine to push water through at 19 bar and 199.4°F. The pressure of this water forces the foil cap of the capsule to rupture so the water can then flow through, brewing the coffee and exiting into the coffee cup.

The machine also contain a safety pressure valve which will initiate if the coffee path becomes blocked for any reason.

The newer VirtuoLine machines from Nespresso also use ‘centrifusion’ a Nespresso term for the process of spinning the capsule in the machine up to 7,000 rpm to blend the coffee and water. The machine knows how fast to spin the capsule as the VertuoLine capsules contain barcode information that the machine is able to scan.

The use of capsules gives a consistent brew every time as the brewing conditions remain the same, unless the cup size is altered.

While Nespresso machines were under patent (1,700 patents in fact!), the capsules could only be sold by Nespresso. Because the patents have since expired on the OriginalLine capsules, and because Nespresso lost a number of law suits in different countries around exclusivity of the capsules, it meant that other manufacturers could start to produce the capsules.

Other legal disputes meant that Nespresso could no longer impose a condition that only Nespresso capsules should be used in Nespresso machines and that any limits on this in the machine’s warranty were to be removed; along with warnings about using capsules from other manufacturers.

To date, patents still remain on VirtuoLine machines and this along with the barcoding system used on the capsules means it may be some time before other manufacturers can provide VirtuoLine compatible capsules.

Choosing the Right Nespresso Capsules for Your Tastes

If you are new to the Nespresso brewing system, then its capsules or Grand Crus are split into six different ranges.

The Espresso capsules are often one of the most common, ideal for drinking as espresso or using in milk-based coffees. These espressos can vary in strength and are usually blended. Some of the Intenso coffees used to be grouped in with the Espressos but have now moved into their own category. Usually blended, these are fuller flavor.

The Lungo coffees are designed for larger drinks as more water is added to the capsules to reveal some of the more subtle tastes of the coffee without reducing the intensity of the flavor.

Pure Origin coffees use single source beans and so depending on where they are sourced from, will have a distinctive and unique flavor.

The Variations are based on Espresso capsules but have additional flavors for a different tastes and the Decaffeinators are a mix of coffees from the other five groups which have been decaffeinated.

The intensity of Nespresso capsules and often the compatible capsules are graded by intensity. This scale runs from the less intense 1 to the most intense 12 and is determined by the degree of roasting, the body and the bitterness of the coffee. The intensity does not refer to how much caffeine there may be in that particular coffee.

Sustainability of Nespresso Capsules

Nestle paired up with the Rainforest Alliance to create the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program to combine knowledge of sustainability and best farming practices with coffee expertise.

When the AAA program was created, there were around 300 farmers, but this has now grown to over 100,000 farmers in 14 different countries. These farmers embed the AAA standards into their practices and the extra income gained through being part of the program is then invested in the workers and the local communities. A number of these farmers may also be able to work towards Rainforest Alliance Certification – further embedding sustainability within coffee farming.

Around 95% of Nespresso’s permanent coffees are sourced from AAA farms while over 56% is now sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

However, a recent investigation by the UK’s Channel 4 found evidence of child labor on some farms supplying coffee to Nespresso. In immediate response to this, Nespresso stopped purchasing coffee from all farms in the region and will continue this until their investigations into child labor have been completed. Nespresso has confirmed that as a company, there is zero tolerance of child labor.

As part of their response and action plan, Nespresso is also doubling the number of agronomists in the region and have stepped up the unannounced visits to farms to check for compliance.

If you are choosing compatible capsules instead of Nespresso, then you may also prefer to buy sustainable coffees. These may be Fairtrade certified, or even carry USDA Organic certification, which as well as confirming organic farming practices also means that aspects such as promoting ecological balance and conserving biodiversity, are also used when farming the coffee.

Concerns Around the Use of Aluminum Capsules

There is some concern over the use of aluminum coffee capsules. Most Nespresso capsules are lined with a food grade lacquer, so the coffee is not in direct contact with the aluminum. Other manufacturers use lined or unlined aluminum but many use plastics as this is a key way to reduce the costs of the capsules. If you do choose plastic capsules, then you may want to confirm that the plastic is food safe and BPA free.

When aluminum is recycled, it uses just 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from ore. At first, there was no recycling for Nespresso capsules, which meant that unless users recycled locally, 1 gram of aluminum waste was produced for each capsule going to the landfill.

Nespresso eventually introduced a recycling program for capsules but at present, not all purchased capsules are recycled, although in 2015 it was estimated that more than 80% of the Nespresso capsules produced were made with recycled aluminum.

Some other manufacturers of compatible aluminum capsules have also introduced recycling programs, so do take advantage of these if available.

Interestingly, aluminum capsules can be more eco-friendly than other capsule materials and indeed coffee capsules appear to be greener than other methods of producing coffee with the exception of instant coffees, as processing for instant coffee obtains the most from the coffee beans.

When espresso is brewed from a traditional machine, or from a stovetop espresso maker, it uses more energy to brew the shot compared to the capsule machine that flash heats the amount of water needed just to brew the shot.

Those of us who make drip coffee often leave the pot on until empty, or if it doesn’t all get drunk, then it ends up being poured away and this along with the fact that more beans are needed to make a filter cup of coffee means it is more of a resource waste.

Aluminum is found throughout our environment; indeed, it is the third most abundant element on earth. As well as being found in many household products, traces or aluminum are in our water supplies and crops.

As we are exposed to aluminum on a daily basis, some are concerned that the build-up of aluminum in the body may contribute to poor health. Indeed, some research has shown that there are higher levels of aluminum in the brains of people who suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease, compared with those who do not suffer with it, although there may be other aspects such as lifestyle or even genes which can contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Some children who have taken medicines with aluminum or who suffer with kidney disease have been found to have bone disease caused by high levels of aluminum in the body. The bone damage occurs because aluminum in the gut prevents phosphate – needed for bones – from being absorbed by the body.

At present, no research has been found linking aluminum with birth defects in humans or animals, although animals whose mothers were exposed to high levels of aluminum while pregnant and nursing appear to be less active, weaker and have memory problems.

Those with kidney problems may also have higher levels of aluminum in their bodies as it cannot be removed from the body as easily in the urine.

Limits are set for aluminum exposures in workplace air and drinking water and at present, the FDA has determined that aluminum as food additives and in medicines are generally safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) also estimates that adults can consume 50 milligrams or more of aluminum per day without harm.

Pros and Cons of Compatible Capsules

One of the main advantages of using Nespresso compatible capsules is they can often be less than half the cost of Nespresso capsules. They can also be easier to obtain as are often available with next day delivery, or even in your local grocery store and you do not need to order a minimum amount or join a subscription-based service.

Compatible capsules can also offer more variety, giving you a good reason to try out something a little different. If you are new to compatible capsules, then you may want to consider buying a variety pack as at least, if there is one or two flavors you are not keen on, you will still have the rest of the pack to try out.

When the first compatible capsules were introduced, there were issues around them not working very well, or even causing damage to the machine. As with most things, over time, they have improved considerably and will mainly work exactly as they should.

There are some ways to get the most out of compatible capsules though.

Always double check to make sure that particular brand of capsule will work in your machine before ordering. Compatible capsules can be shaped slightly differently to the Nespresso ones, so insert it slowly and make sure it is lined up properly in the machine. If the machine will not close easily, then check the alignment of the capsule and try to close it again. With some capsules you may need to use more pressure on the capsule lever as you would with Nespresso capsules, so a little trial and error may be necessary.

As with any capsules, always empty the waste regularly to reduce the risk of it stopping the new capsules from loading properly.

Depending on the laws of your State, it is worth checking if the compatible capsule supplier has a Return & Refund policy in place, as you may be able to use if the seller or manufacturer says that particular capsules should work in your model of machine and they do not.

Recycling Capsules

The cardboard packaging on capsules is always recyclable and the aluminum capsules can be recycled either locally or through the manufacturers program – if available.

Some plastic capsules may be recyclable and if these have aluminum foils, then these can be recycled separately. Some may also be compostable. If you do buy compostable capsules, avoid buying in bulk as the capsules are more prone to flavor degradation than other capsule materials. Storing compostable capsules in an airtight container in a cool and dark place will also to help to keep them at their best.

Whatever material the capsules are made from, do remember that the used coffee grounds from them can be used for composting in your garden!

Conclusion

In this review we have looked in detail at Nespresso capsules, from their original conception, to how they work and some of the links between aluminum and ill health. We have also looked at the evolution of compatible Nespresso capsules and offered a little guidance on how to get the best from them, as well as considering some of the sustainability issues of the capsules themselves as well as the coffees contained within.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this review and that if you did have some questions around Nespresso capsules that we have provided some of the information you were looking for. If you have a new capsule machine or just want to try some different coffees, then we also hope that you have found our reviews of some of the best Nespresso capsules helpful.