Ultimate Guide to Nespresso Pod Sizes (Vertuo & Original)

I still remember the first time I tried Nespresso at a friend’s place. She had this tiny machine tucked into the corner of the kitchen and a small plastic canister filled with pods in three different colors. No labels. No explanations.

Just colors. I always reached for the darkest brown one. In my head, darker meant stronger, and stronger felt safer. It tasted intense, bold, and familiar enough that I didn’t question it.

That worked… for a while.

The problem started later, when I bought my own machine and realized my cups didn’t always taste the same. Some felt too short. Others felt thin. A few were oddly bitter. I kept blaming the pods, then the machine, then myself. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I wasn’t choosing the wrong coffee . I was choosing the wrong size.

That’s the part most people miss. Nespresso Pod Sizes aren’t just about how much coffee ends up in your cup. They change how the coffee is extracted, how strong it tastes, and even how long you sit there sipping it.

Once I stopped treating pods like interchangeable flavors and started paying attention to volume, things clicked. Suddenly, the coffee made sense again.

If you’ve ever wondered why one pod feels perfect and another feels off, even when the flavor sounds right, chances are the size is the real issue.

Nespresso Pod Size Chart

OriginalLine Pod Sizes

	Capsule (Blend Name)	Recommended Brew	Volume	Flavor Profile
	Ristretto	Ristretto	0.85 oz (25 ml)	Intense, bold, concentrated
	Arpeggio	Espresso	1.35 oz (40 ml)	Dark roast, creamy, cocoa notes
	Roma	Espresso	1.35 oz (40 ml)	Balanced, woody, roasted
	Livanto	Espresso	1.35 oz (40 ml)	Smooth, caramelized, round
	Capriccio	Espresso	1.35 oz (40 ml)	Bright, cereal, slightly acidic

Vertuo Pod Sizes

	Drink Category	Brew Size	Example Capsule Names	What It’s For
	Espresso	1.35 oz (40 ml)	Diavolitto, Altissio, Voltesso, Peru Organic	Short, intense espresso-style shots with thick crema
	Double Espresso	2.7 oz (80 ml)	Scuro, Chiaro, Dolce, Double Espresso Forte, Bianco Doppio	Stronger, fuller espresso—great for milk drinks
	Gran Lungo	5.07 oz (150 ml)	Fortado, Arondio, Costa Rica, Colombia	Longer espresso-style cup, lighter body
	Mug	7.77 oz (230 ml)	Stormio, Melozio, Odacio, Intenso, Solelio	Everyday coffee-style cup
	Alto	14 oz (414 ml)	Alto Intenso, Alto Dolce	Large coffee, limited capsule selection
	Carafe	18 oz (532 ml)	Carafe Pour-Over Style	Meant for sharing; requires carafe-compatible machines

Note: Unlike Vertuo, OriginalLine capsules are organized by blend, not cup size. The brew size depends on the button you select, not a different capsule format.

Nespresso OriginalLine Pods

OriginalLine is where Nespresso started, and it’s still very much about espresso first. If you like shorter drinks, stronger flavor, and that classic café-style profile, this is the system that makes the most sense.

The capsules are all the same physical size, but the personality lives in the blend. Think less about volume here and more about intensity, roast style, and how the espresso behaves in the cup.

Ristretto (0.85 oz)

This is the boldest option in the OriginalLine lineup. Dark, intense, and a little wild. It’s sharp, heavy, and unapologetic. The kind of espresso that wakes you up fast and doesn’t linger politely. Best as a short pull, especially if you prefer your coffee aggressive and compact.

Arpeggio (1.35 oz)

Dark-roasted but smoother than Ristretto. Arpeggio has a thick body and a cocoa-heavy profile that works beautifully as a straight espresso or in milk. If you want something rich without the bite, this is often the gateway capsule people stick with for years.

Roma (1.35 oz)

Roma sits in the middle. Balanced, slightly woody, not too intense and not too light. It’s the kind of capsule that doesn’t demand attention but rewards it if you slow down. Great if you like espresso that feels composed rather than dramatic.

Capriccio (1.35 oz)

Lighter and brighter than the others. Capriccio leans more aromatic, with a fresher, livelier feel in the cup. It’s a good choice if you enjoy espresso that’s crisp and slightly playful, especially earlier in the day.

Genoa Livanto (1.35 oz)

Round, smooth, and very approachable. This is one of the most “easy-drinking” capsules in the OriginalLine range. It doesn’t overpower, doesn’t surprise. It just delivers a clean, balanced espresso that works well on its own or stretched into an Americano.

OriginalLine shines if you enjoy choosing your espresso based on flavor mood rather than cup size. You pick the capsule that matches how you’re feeling, then decide whether you want it short, standard, or longer. If espresso is your starting point and everything else builds from there, this system is meant for you.

Nespresso VertuoLine Pods

VertuoLine is where Nespresso shifts from espresso-first to flexibility. You don’t pick brew sizes or adjust settings. Each capsule has a barcode around the rim, and once it’s locked in, the machine handles the rest: how much water to use, how fast to spin, and how long to brew. You press the button and let it run.

This system is built for people who want different coffee styles without having to think about the details. Here’s how the Vertuo pod sizes break down in real life:

Espresso (1.35 oz)

Vertuo doesn’t have just one espresso capsule. Instead, it offers several espresso-specific pods, all designed to brew a 1.35 oz shot. Options like Diavolitto, Altissio, Voltesso, Il Caffè, and Orafio all land at the same volume, but the experience changes a lot from capsule to capsule.

Some lean dark and intense, others are smoother or more aromatic. The size stays fixed: flavor, roast level, and punch are where the variety lives.

Double Espresso (2.7 oz)

This size is for when one shot won’t cut it. You get more body, more caffeine, and a little extra room if you’re adding milk.

Vertuo has several capsules built specifically for this format, including Scuro, Chiaro, Dolce, Double Espresso Forte, and Bianco Doppio. Same volume, very different personalities from bold and roasty to soft, rounded, and milk-friendly.

Gran Lungo (5.07 oz)

This is where Vertuo starts drifting toward Americano territory. It’s still espresso-based, just stretched into a longer cup.

Capsules like Fortado, Arondio, Costa Rica, and Colombia sit here. The result is lighter and more relaxed than a straight espresso, but still structured (not quite drip, not quite espresso).

Mug (7.77 oz)

This is the everyday cup for a lot of people. Bigger, easier, and closer to traditional drip coffee in feel. Vertuo Mug capsules include Stormio, Odacio, Melozio, Intenso, Elvazio, and Solelio.

These are designed for longer sipping rather than intensity. That’s why they tend to be the most-used size in Vertuo households.

Alto (14 oz) and Carafe (18 oz)

These are the largest Vertuo options and serve slightly different purposes. Alto capsules are made for long, slow sipping, a single oversized cup you can settle into. Carafe capsules are meant for sharing, brewing a larger volume that works well for breakfast tables or multiple mugs.

One important detail: Carafe pods only work with Vertuo Next-style machines, not older Vertuo models. Flavor-wise, both sizes lean smooth and approachable rather than intense, focusing on balance over punch.

Compatibility and Machine Differences

This part catches many people off guard. OriginalLine and VertuoLine pods are not interchangeable. Each system requires its own machine.

OriginalLine machines allow third-party compatible capsules. VertuoLine does not. Because of the barcode system, Vertuo machines only work with official Nespresso pods.

Choosing the Right Pod Size

Most decisions come down to a few simple things:

• How strong you want the coffee
• Which system you own
• Whether you’re brewing for yourself or making multiple cups

Once you’ve tried a few sizes, it stops feeling complicated. You learn what works for your mornings, and the rest becomes automatic. That’s the whole point of the Vertuo system.

Where to Buy Nespresso Pods

Whether you’re running low or just tired of drinking the same capsule every morning, where you buy your Nespresso pods matters. Availability, freshness, price, and even how the pods were stored can show up in the cup more than you’d expect.

These are the places I’ve found most reliable. Plus a few things worth knowing before you hit “buy.”

Buying Nespresso Pods Online

1 – Nespresso Official Website

Buying directly from Nespresso is the safest, least surprising option. You get the full lineup. Everyday blends, seasonal releases, limited editions, and variety packs that don’t always show up elsewhere.

Orders are usually fresh and well handled, and everything is clearly labeled. If you’re logged in, you’ll sometimes get small perks too: a free sleeve, early access to new releases, or an easy re-order option that saves a few clicks. It’s not always the cheapest place to buy pods, but it’s the one where things show up as expected.

2 – Amazon

Amazon is all about convenience. If you’re a Prime member, same-day or next-day delivery can save you when you realize you’re down to your last capsule and tomorrow is a workday.

The upside is choice and reviews. You can see what other people think before committing. The downside is that you have to pay more attention. Check who the seller is and glance at expiration dates if they’re listed. Pods last a long time. But older stock can lose some aroma, especially if it’s been sitting in a warm warehouse.

3 – eBay

eBay is more of a “know what you’re looking for” option, but it can be useful. This is often where discontinued flavors, regional releases, or bulk deals pop up.

You do need to be cautious. Look at the seller ratings, packaging photos, and expiration dates. If a deal feels a little too good, it probably is. That said, if you’re chasing a retired blend or something you can’t find anywhere else, eBay can be worth checking.

If you’re using an OriginalLine machine, this is also where people tend to experiment with third-party compatible pods. Though Vertuo users should stick with official Nespresso capsules (different system, different rules).

Freshness and reliability usually matter more than saving a few cents per pod. Once you find a routine that works, it’s one less thing to think about in the morning.

Finding Nespresso Pods in Stores

Buying Nespresso pods in person still makes sense sometimes. Maybe you don’t want to wait for shipping, maybe you want to see what’s actually in stock, or maybe you like walking out with coffee in hand. Fair enough. So, here’s where you’re most likely to find them.

1 – Nespresso Boutiques

If you have a Nespresso boutique nearby, this is the most complete in-store option. They carry the full lineup of pods, including seasonal releases and blends that don’t always show up in big retailers.

What makes boutiques different is the experience. You can usually sample a few coffees before buying, ask questions, and get recommendations based on how you drink your coffee. It’s also the easiest place to restock Vertuo pods without worrying about compatibility.

2 – Department Stores and Supermarkets

Large retailers like Target, Walmart, and some department stores often carry a selection of Nespresso pods. The range is usually limited to the most popular blends, but it’s convenient if you’re already there shopping.

Availability varies by location. Some stores keep the pods locked behind glass or tucked into the coffee aisle, so you might need to look a bit or ask. It’s not the place for rare blends, but it works for everyday refills.

3 – Coffee Specialty Shops

Some independent coffee shops and specialty retailers carry Nespresso pods, especially OriginalLine capsules or compatible alternatives.

I like checking these places when I can. You’re supporting a local business, and the staff often knows the flavor profiles well enough to make solid recommendations. You won’t always find a huge selection. But when you do, it’s usually well-curated rather than random.

In-store shopping won’t always beat online prices, but it’s hard to beat the immediacy. And sometimes, being able to smell, sample, or talk through options makes the choice easier than scrolling through endless pod names online.

Last Thoughts

If you’re still deciding which pods to try, it helps to think about how you drink your coffee. Are you pulling straight espresso, making Americanos, or leaning toward milk drinks? Do you care more about price, flavor complexity, or convenience?

If you’ve tried a compatible pod you loved or one you’d never buy again drop it in the comments. And if you’re unsure which brands make sense for your machine or taste, just ask. I’m happy to help you narrow it down.