Nespresso offers two main types of pods: Original and Vertuo. Original pods come in a variety of flavors and intensities, while Vertuo pods are designed to brew larger cups of coffee with a unique barcode system that ensures optimal extraction. But did you know that there’s also caffeine in these little pods? The question that many people ask is how much caffeine is in Nespresso pods. Well, the answer varies depending on the type of pod and the serving size.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the caffeine content in both Original and Vertuo Nespresso pods, so you can make an informed decision about your caffeine intake.
Take A Closer Look At Caffeine
So what’s so great about caffeine, anyway? If you’re looking to increase your energy levels, get better performance at work or just feel better throughout your day, there are many ways that you can use caffeine. It’s important to note that if you use too much caffeine, it can have negative effects on your body and mind.
In fact, consuming more than 500 ml of caffeine per day (about 4-5 cups of coffee) can lead to increased heart rate, insomnia, and even anxiety. To avoid these side effects, it’s best to stick with moderation when it comes to caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea.
How Much Caffeine In Nespresso Pods?
Nespresso pods contain varying amounts of caffeine depending on the type of coffee and the intensity level. For regular espressos and lungos in the Original and Professional ranges, the caffeine content can range from 40 to 130 mg per cup. Meanwhile, Vertuo coffees have a caffeine range of 60 to 200 mg per cup.
On average, a Nespresso Original capsule contains 73mg of caffeine. However, it’s important to note that the actual caffeine content can vary greatly from one capsule to another. For example, the Cosi capsule has the lowest caffeine content at just 1.7mg, while the Kazaar capsule has the highest caffeine content at 125mg.
Regarding Vertuo pods, the caffeine content can be higher than that of Original pods due to the larger cup size. On average, Vertuo pods contain around 150mg of caffeine, with the highest caffeine content in the Coffee Melozio Boost at 200mg per capsule.
The caffeine content in a Nespresso pod is generally lower than that of a standard cup of coffee, which contains around 95mg of caffeine per 8oz serving. However, it’s important to be aware of the caffeine content in Nespresso pods, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to limit your intake.
Nespresso Vertuo Pods Caffeine Content
VertuoLine is unique machines because it uses Centrifusion to brew coffee or other drinks. This technology spins the coffee capsule to extract all of the flavors from the grounds.
The Vertuo machines only insert their specific pods. But the question is, how much caffeine is in those pods? Let’s see how many milligrams of caffeine are found in each Vertuo pod. I used a variety of different Nespresso Vertuo pods, so I will be breaking down each one individually.
Nespresso Vertuo Pods Caffeine Content Chart

Vertuo Pods Caffeine Content Table
Name | Size | Caffeine Content | Intensity | Flavor Profile |
Coffee | 133 mg | 2 (Light) | Fruity & Light | |
Espresso | 64 mg | 4 (Light) | Biscuity & Sweet | |
Gran Lungo | 119 mg | 4 (Light) | Fruity & Floral | |
Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 4 (Medium) | Floral & Cereal | |
Coffee | 80 – 90 mg | 5 (Light) | Sweet & Velvety | |
Espresso | 84 mg | 5 (Light) | Berry & Winey | |
Double Espresso | 100 – 120 mg | 5 (Light) | Fruity & Candied | |
Double Espresso | 133 mg | 5 (Light) | Cereal & Malted | |
Coffee | 165 mg | 5 (Light) | Washed Arabica | |
Espresso | 50 – 60 mg | 6 (Medium) | Fruity & Complex | |
Espresso | 110 mg | 6 (Medium) | Caramel & Roasted | |
Gran Lungo | 120 – 200 mg | 6 (Medium) | Cereal & Lightly Acidic | |
Double Espresso | 135 mg | 6 (Medium) | Woody & Earthy | |
Coffee | 166 mg | 6 (Medium) | Vanilla | |
Coffee | 170 mg | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed sweetness | |
Coffee | 200 mg | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed sweetness | |
Coffee | ~10 mg | 6 (Medium) | Honeyed Sweetness | |
Coffee | ~170 mg | 6 (Medium) | Caramel | |
Coffee | ~170 mg | 6 (Medium) | Dark chocolate | |
Coffee | ~170 mg | 6 (Medium) | Hazelnut | |
Gran Lungo | 140 mg | 7 (Medium) | Malty & Sweet | |
Coffee | 170 mg | 7 (Medium) | Fruity & Lightly Acidic | |
Coffee | ~200 mg | 7 (Medium) | Intense & Spiced | |
Coffee | 170 mg | 8 (Medium) | Spicy & Woody | |
Gran Lungo | 195 mg | 8 (Medium) | Cocoa & Oak | |
Coffee | 200 mg | 8 (Medium) | Spicy & Woody | |
Gran Lungo | ~10 mg | 8 (Dark) | Intense & Full-Bodied | |
Espresso | 108 mg | 9 (Dark) | Roasty & Creamy Cereal | |
Espresso | ~10 mg | 9 (Dark) | Full-Bodied & Creamy | |
Coffee | ~200 mg | 9 (Dark) | Roasted Brown Sugar | |
Espresso | 152 mg | 11 (Dark) | Intense & Velvety | |
Double Espresso | 100 – 120 mg | Not reported | Fruity & Light | |
Double Espresso | 140 mg | Not reported | Sweet Biscuit | |
Coffee | ~170 mg | Not reported | Intense & Woody |
Vertuo Pod Sizes
Single Espresso
The most popular flavors of Vertuo Single Espresso capsules are Altissio and Voltesso, which contain around 60 mg of caffeine each. Diavolitto, meaning “the devil,” has 150 mg of caffeine. Because it contains Robusta beans, it contains more caffeine.
Double Espresso
If you’re looking for a strong dose of caffeine, look no further than the Double Espresso pods. Each pod likely contains 100mg – 120mg of caffeine, making it one of the strongest options available. There are many espresso pods to choose from, but Chiaro and Scuro both have lots of fans. I personally like Ice Leggero, a favorite for iced lattes. It’s designed to be brewed over ice. In addition, there is Bianco Leggero, a popular pod designed to taste good with milk.
Coffee
Vertuo coffee capsules are available in six different varieties, but Melozio is the most popular flavor by far. Another popular flavor is Intenso, likely with more caffeine as the beans it uses are different.
Half Caffeinato is the perfect compromise between decaf and regular coffee. It is a blend of caffeinated and decaf beans. It contains 80 – 90 mg of caffeine, compared to 170 to 200 mg in other coffee capsules.
Nespresso has introduced Stormio and Melozio coffee pods that contain 20% more caffeine than regular coffee pods. This means they have about 200 mg of caffeine, compared to 170 mg in the regular pod. If you like these flavors, you can be sure that the taste and aroma of these boost capsules are the same as the standard ones.
Gran Lungo
Gran Lungo pods contain about 95–200 mg of caffeine and make a cup of coffee. As a result of that, they generally contain more caffeine than single and double espresso pods but fewer than 8 oz coffee pods. They are great for those who want to enjoy their coffee at the end of the day or in the morning before work.
Alto XL
If you’re like me, you love your morning cup of coffee. But sometimes, you want something a little stronger. That’s where the Alto XL comes in. These coffee pods pack a punch, around 228 to 350 mg of caffeine per serving. That’s about double the amount of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee.
They produce coffee beans in both a light and a medium-dark roast. A couple of my favorites are Dolce, a light roast, and Intenso, a medium-dark roast. They make a 14 oz cup of coffee. Unfortunately, XL pods have been discontinued.
Vertuo Decaf
Nespresso’s Vertuo Decaf pods offer a great way to enjoy your favorite coffee without caffeine. Each pod contains just 12mg of caffeine, making it a perfect choice for those looking to cut back on their intake. For a high-quality decaf coffee, select Altissio. As for coffee, try Melozio’s decaf blend.
Nespresso Original Pods Caffeine Content
The Original capsules come from 100% Arabica coffee beans grown at high altitudes. They also contain significantly less caffeine than Vertuo pods, which are made with a blend of Arabica and Robusto coffee beans.
Luckily, I’ve done all of the research for you! Below, I break down just how much caffeine is in different types of Original pods. Check out my findings below!
Nespresso Original Capsules Caffeine Content Chart

Original Capsules Caffeine Content Table
Original Pod | Size | Caffeine Content | Intensity | Flavor Profile |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Light | Sweet Biscuit | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 13 (Dark) | Dark & Creamy | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Balanced & Thick | |
Espresso | 120 –125 mg | 12 (Dark) | Intense & Syrupy | |
Ristretto | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Intense & Creamy | |
Ristretto Italiano Decaffeinato | Ristretto | ~2 mg | 10 (Dark) | Powerful & Contrasting |
Ristretto | 75 mg | 10 (Dark) | Powerful & Contrasting | |
Ristretto | 2 – 3 mg | 9 (Dark) | Intense & Creamy | |
Ristretto | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Woody & Cerealy | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Chocolate | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Caramel | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Vanilla | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Spicy & Roasted | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Roasted & Balanced | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Dark | Bold & Dark Roasted (Iced) | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | Medium | Sweet & Light (Iced) | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Round & Balanced | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 9 (Dark) | Cereal | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 5 (Light) | Rich & Distinctive | |
Espresso | 55 - 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Light | |
Espresso | 1.7 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Light | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Mild & Lightly Toasted | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 11 (Dark) | Woody & Spicy | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 8 (Medium) | Tobacco Leaves & Woody | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 6 (Medium) | Winey & Red Fruit | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 5 (Light) | Honey & Sweet Cereal | |
Espresso | 55 – 65 mg | 4 (Light) | Fruit Jam & Orange Blossom | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 10 (Dark) | Intense & Roasted | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 8 (Medium) | Rich & Full-bodied | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 6 (Medium) | Flowery & Complex | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 6 (Medium) | Round & Smooth | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 5 (Light) | Fruity & Fine Acidity | |
Lungo | 77 – 85 mg | 4 (Light) | Sweet & Cereal |
Nespresso Original Barista Creations Capsules Caffeine Content
Espresso coffee generally contains more caffeine than regular drip coffee, and the same is true of Nespresso Original capsules. On average, there are about 75mg of caffeine in a 1.35oz serving of espresso coffee. This means that there are about 55mg of caffeine in a single shot of Nespresso Original espresso. However, the Barista Creations capsules contain slightly less caffeine, with an average of 50mg per shot, including cocoa, caramel, and vanilla option.
Caramel Creme Brulee has the flavor of caramel, coconut, and vanilla. It is rich and creamy. Cocoa Truffle has dark, bitter cocoa flavors, and it reminds you of dark truffles. It also has a hint of vanilla and almond. Vanilla Eclair is the creamiest of the Eclairs, boasting a smooth and flavorful vanilla filling. You can detect a pleasant mix of vanilla and malted cereal aromas.
Original Decaf Nespresso Pods
Need your coffee fix but want to avoid the jitters? You’re in luck – all of Nespresso’s Original Decaf Pods contain zero caffeine. So whether you’re enjoying a lungo or an espresso, you can rest assured that there’s no caffeine kick coming your way. There are three Popular decaf original pods: Volluto, Firenze, and Ristretto. Every serving will have no more than 3 mg of caffeine.
Does Nespresso Intensity Mean More Caffeine?
Nespresso offers many different types of coffee blends that vary in their strength levels. However, the intensity level of the coffee does not necessarily correspond to its caffeine content. Rather, Nespresso uses intensity levels to assist customers in selecting their preferred coffee, but it is not a measure of caffeine content. The intensity levels are rated from 1 to 13 and are based on factors such as the amount of ground coffee used, the brewing process, the level of bitterness, and the roast.

Having a passion for coffee and writing since she was able to reach the kitchen counter, a native of Denver, Emma loves to drink coffee all over the world and has an ever-growing collection of coffee-related items. After being called back into the corporate world post-college, Emma took on several roles in Marketing before becoming a Brand Manager.