12 Strongest Nespresso (Original Line) Pods You Can Buy In 2024
A Tale of a Strong Nespresso Coffee
Here's a fun small tale we wanted to share:
"In the quiet hum of morning, there exists a collective longing for that one elixir—coffee that doesn't whisper, but shouts "wake up!" It's a quest shared by many, a search for the liquid courage that fuels the day's beginnings.
Picture this: a league of individuals united by their love for morning boldness. They stand tall, armed not with swords but with a steaming cup of coffee that serves as their rallying cry.
Today, we embark through the land of Nespresso, seeking pods that redefine the meaning of bold. From the darkest roasts, where chocolate and bitter notes prevail, to unique blends that announce their arrival with a robust flavor profile, this is a journey for those who seek strength in their morning cup."
Featured Products
Starbucks by Nespresso Dark Roast Espresso
High-quality Starbucks coffee in recyclable aluminum capsules. Dark roast with caramelly sweetness, compatible with various machines.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.51 (50 count)
- Intensity level: 11
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: 100% Arabica
- Origins & varieties: Latin America, Asia/Pacific
- Tasting notes: Rich and Caramelly
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, 100% recyclable aluminum capsules
L'OR Espresso Onyx
L'OR Espresso Onyx Capsules, single-serve, compatible with L'OR BARISTA System & Nespresso Original Machines, offers a rich coffee experience.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.60 (50 count)
- Intensity level: 11
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Mix of robusta and arabica
- Origins & varieties: Central & South America
- Tasting notes: Rich & caramel.
Pros:
- Curated by French coffee artists
- Rainforest Alliance Certified - Helping to improve social and environmental conditions within coffee bean plantations
Cafe Fuerte Cubano Espresso Pods
Cafe Fuerte Cubano Espresso Pods are compatible with OriginalLine Nespresso Machines, delivering strong, dark roast Cuban coffee.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.53 (80 count)
- Intensity level: 13
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Arabica and robusta blend
- Origins & varieties: Colombia
- Tasting notes: Chocolate and nutty tones
Pros:
- Cuban Coffee has a strong flavor that readers of this article will enjoy
- Roasted in Miami, Florida
Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast
Lavazza's unique blend of Arabica and Robusta for a dark, full-bodied roast. Pack of 60 compatible with Nespresso Original Machines.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.57 (60 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Arabica and robusta blend
- Origins & varieties: Central & South America
- Tasting notes: Chocolate and caramel
Pros:
- Full-bodied and nice flavor
- Familiar Lavazza quality if you drink their beans or pre-ground coffee
DELICITALY Italian Ristretto Coffee Pods
Italian Coffee Pods designed for Nespresso Original machines, guaranteeing aromatic and robust espresso. Pack contains 100 Ristretto regular pods.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.25 (100 count)
- Intensity level: 10
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Robusta (washed)
- Origins & varieties: Africa
- Tasting notes: Chocolate and caramel
Pros:
- Made in Italy since 1993
- Support a growing small business overseas
- Half the price of the other pods listed above
Meseta Forte Nespresso Compatible Capsules
Italian Gourmet strong coffee in compatible capsules for Original Line machines, delivering intense, creamy espressos.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.34 (100 count)
- Intensity level: 11
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Arabica and robusta
- Origins & varieties: Brazilian
- Tasting notes: Dried fruits and spice
Pros:
- Creamy texture
- Cheap compared to others for the 100 count box
Segafredo Zanetti Forte Espresso Capsules
Segafredo Zanetti offers extra dark roast espresso capsules with an intensity level of 12. Compatible with Nespresso machines.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.55 (40 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Unknown
- Origins & varieties: Unknown
- Tasting notes: Light chocolate
Pros:
- Flavor was ok
BREWKLYN COFFEE Strong Flavor Pack
These Bonini coffee pods gave me such mixed feelings. I mean, they're priced so well! But the mess they make.
There's no quality seal or smoothness so you could have some spillage when brewing. Some folks seem okay with them, praising the price and value, but for me, it's been a rollercoaster with quality and fitment into the machine. Think I might pass on these next time, despite the tempting price tag.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.18 (120 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Blend
- Origins & varieties: Unknown
- Tasting notes: Light chocolate and bitter
Pros:
- 60-Day satisfaction guarantee
Piu Bello Espresso Bionda Coffee Pods
Rich, balanced Piu Bello Espresso Bionda Coffee Pods compatible with Nespresso. Offers a robust Italian Espresso flavor and Kosher certified.
Key Features:
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.37 (60 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Arabica
- Origins & varieties: Colombia
- Tasting notes: Chocolate and toasted nuts
Pros:
- Fine for shots of espresso
- Colombian arabica bean flavor
Nespresso Original Line: Intensity Ratings
Intensity 1 to 5: Often suggests a milder and lighter taste profile.
Intensity 6 to 13: Signifies a more intense and stronger flavor. This rating considers various factors like the coffee bean's roast level, bitterness, acidity, and body.
Why are strong Nespresso pods usually dark roast coffee?
- Flavor Concentration: Dark roasts undergo longer roasting periods, which intensifies the flavors in the beans. This results in a stronger, bolder taste profile, often associated with deep, rich, and sometimes smoky or chocolaty notes. When brewed, these flavors contribute to the perception of strength in the coffee.
- Oil Content: Dark roast beans tend to have more oil on their surface due to the extended roasting. This oiliness adds to the perception of richness and strength in the brewed coffee, enhancing its body and mouthfeel.
- Caramelization and Bitterness: During the prolonged roasting process, sugars in the beans caramelize, and the natural bitterness of the coffee increases. This bitterness, while not appealing to everyone, contributes to the perception of strength in the coffee's taste.
- Cultural Preference: Strong, intense flavors are often favored in certain cultures or regions where espresso or darker roasts are popular. These preferences influence the production of stronger Nespresso pods to cater to consumer tastes.
Original Line vs VertuoLine Pods: Knowing the Difference
All of the pods mentioned in this article above are for the Original Line. It's important to make sure you know which machine you're ordering for as the pods in each won't work.
Original Line Capsules: These capsules work with Nespresso's Original Line machines. They are smaller, with a flat top and a narrow bottom. Original Line machines use a high-pressure extraction system to brew espresso.
VertuoLine Capsules: These are exclusively for VertuoLine machines. VertuoLine capsules are larger and rounder, with a barcode around the rim. The machines read these barcodes to adjust brewing parameters for different coffee sizes, including espresso, double espresso, and larger cups of coffee.
Conclusion
In closing if you're still trying to decide which strong pods might be best for you, we highly suggest trying the Nespresso pods as there are always produce a high-standard and quality tasting coffee. If you want a cheaper but still good quality option then try Cafe Fuerte for your next order, we're confident you'll be pleasantly surprised.