There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best Nespresso Vertuo pods for latte. If you go overboard with the milk, it’ll overcome the coffee flavor. On the other hand, if you choose a Vertuo pod that’s too bitter, you’ll end up adding sugar which will water down your latte.
You need a pod that works well with the milk. But, with 27 Vertuo pods available, plus seasonal variations, how to choose the best one?
I did all the work for you. I checked which machine the pod is compatible with, what it contains, what’s the coffee strength, and if it’s flavored or not. I also went through other people’s reviews, and, most importantly, I tried the pods on my own. Here’s my selection of the best Nespresso Vertuo pods for latte for your latte enjoyment.
5 Best Nespresso Vertuo Pods for Latte Ranked
| Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte | Intensity (out of 13) | Roast Level | Number of Capsules in a Package | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altissio | 12 | Medium roast | 50 | 5/5 | |
| Voltesso | 4 | Light Roast | 50 | 4/5 | |
| Bianco Leggero | 6 | Light Roast | 30 | 4/5 | |
| Barista Flavored Pack | 6 | Light Roast | 30 | 4/5 | |
| Iced Leggero | 11 | Medium roast | 50 | 4/5 |
Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte #1: Altissio
My choice #1 is Vertuo Altissio because it gives a strong espresso taste and makes a creamy espresso that works well with the milk in a latte. It has a thick crema and a bold flavor. This pod has an intensity of 9 out of 13. Even though it’s strong, it’s an excellent base for a latte because it’s balanced.
Altissio pod is a medium-roast Costa Rican Arabica and South American Robusta coffee, and it gives the espresso a full body. The coffee is mostly Arabica with a hint of Robusta, which gives a contrast to smooth cereal notes and combines well with milk.
It’s also shortly roasted, and when brewed, it has between 70 and 100 mg of caffeine, making it perfect if you can’t function without a dose of caffeine in the morning.
Like other Vertuod pods, Altissio is extremely easy to use. The machine reads the barcode on the coffee capsule, and it automatically adjusts the temperature and water amount. You can have a perfectly brewed espresso for your latte with a press of a button.
Apart from latte, this pod can be used in various other coffee drinks as well. Use it to make an intense espresso or go as high as Alto XL. You can use it for both hot and cold drinks.
Pros
- Great for users who like a stronger caffeine dose to start them up
- Bold and full-bodied but not bitter
- Can be used in various drinks from espresso to Alto XL
- Part of AAA Sustainable Quality Program, which helps the farmers and the environment
Cons
- Can be too intense for some coffee drinkers
- Can cause an upset stomach in people with sensitive stomachs
Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte #2: Voltesso
If you aren’t a fan of getting a caffeine kick, or it hurts your stomach, you should consider Voltesso. It has an intensity of 4 out of 13, so it’s a mild espresso, as the amount of caffeine is on the lower side.
This is a light and sweet espresso. It’s made from South American Arabica beans, specifically Brazilian Bourbon, that’s blended with Colombian coffee from the highlands. Because it’s lightly roasted, you’ll get a hint of acidity, and the long roasted Brazilian Bourbon pulls out biscuity notes and a sweet aroma in your latte. You’ll get a smooth drink with a balanced and round profile when you add milk to the espresso.
The amount of caffeine is about 85 mg. You can drink these on their own when you’re in the mood for espresso or make a latte. You can even experiment with latte flavors, as it works well with added syrups, such as vanilla.
Pros
- The mildest espresso in the Vertuo pods lineup
- Pairs well with a cookie or some chocolate
- Works well with added flavors in a latte
Cons
- Flavor can be too mild for coffee drinkers who like strong coffee
Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte #3: Bianco Leggero
If you like your drinks on the larger side (think Starbucks Grande or Venti), this could be the best Nespresso Vertuo pod for you. Bianco Leggero belongs to the Vertuo line of barista creations. It stands for white and light, and it was inspired by Brooklyn baristas. This pod makes a double espresso and smooth and sweet milk recipes.
The coffee beans are split roast Arabica from Indonesia and Kenya. The beans were lightly roasted, which gives the coffee a smooth blend and keeps the aromatic characteristics.
These pods were made to be combined with milk, as you’ll taste natural caramel and sweet biscuit notes when you add the milk. Nespresso didn’t add any flavors to achieve this, but it comes naturally from Indonesian and Kenyan coffee beans and because of the roasting method.
Another reason this is an excellent choice is that it can be used to make other drinks. For example, if you add some caramel macchiato cream, you’ll get the same taste like a Starbucks caramel macchiato. Or, add some extra hot water and heavy cream and make an Americano.
Pros
- Made to be combined with milk
- Has caramel and sweet biscuit notes
- Can be used over ice for an iced latte
Cons
- Only creates double espresso drink (2.7 ounces)
Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte #4: Barista Flavored Pack
If you’re in the mood for a flavored latte, Vertuo has you covered. Check out the Barista Flavored Pack. It contains pods with three different flavors: caramel cookies, vanilla custard pie, and hazelino muffin. And, they’re just as mouthwatering as the names suggest. You’ll get a pack of ten for a total of 30 capsules.
Each flavor is delicious on its own, and what I liked is that they aren’t overpowering in a latte. This means you’ll still get the coffee taste, plus the added flavor.
Each of the three flavors has an intensity of 6 out of 13, so they fall in the mid-range on the intensity scale, and it’s suitable for a huge number of users. All three kinds of pods have the same coffee as their base. It’s dark, medium roast Brazilian beans, which gives the beans the sweetness, and the split roast gives the coffee its texture.
Each pod brews 7.8 ounces of coffee per serving, making them great for a longer coffee experience.
Pros
- You get three flavors in one package
- Mid-range intensity makes them suitable for a large number of coffee drinkers
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Can taste artificial
Nespresso Vertuo Pod for Latte #5: Iced Leggero
The final place on the best Nespresso Vertuo pods for latte is Iced Leggero. As you can already guess from the name, this one is intended for making an iced latte.
It has an intensity of 6, so it also falls in the middle of the intensity scale. It’s a blend of Ethiopian and Peruvian Arabica beans. The Peruvian beans give a toasted cereal note, while the Ethiopian beans give fruitiness to the coffee.
These pods are also intended for brewing a double espresso of 2.7 ounces and for making an iced espresso or latte. When poured over ice, the Ethiopian coffee flavor provides a refreshing taste, and a light roast gives a cooling sensation. The pods are made to be used with milk which keeps the aromatic characteristics front and center.
It’s best served when the brewed coffee is poured in a cup full of ice, topped with cold milk.
Same as other VertuoLine pods, Iced Leggero comes in completely recyclable aluminum pods. You can enjoy your coffee knowing you aren’t harming the environment. Moreover, Nespresso pods are climate pledge friendly, which means they have sustainability certifications, and the company supports the preservation of the natural world.
Pros
- Perfect for making an iced latte
- Makes a double espresso
- Comes in recyclable pods
Cons
- Should only be used for making an iced latte
- Has a bitter aftertaste
Which Is the Best Nespresso Vertuo Pod for You?
I hope you found my selection of the best Nespresso Vertuo pods useful.
My vote goes to Altissio. If you like your latte with a strong coffee base, thick crema, and bold taste this is a perfect choice. Even though it has an intensity of 9 out of 13, it’s combines well with milk due to the medium roast Arabica and Robusta beans.
A huge plus is that you can use the pod to make other drinks as well. So if you ever get tired of drinking latte, you’ll be able to make anything from an espresso to Alto XL.
However, if you’re in the mood for some special flavors, you can’t go wrong with the Barista Flavored Pack. You’ll get three flavors in one package, each one guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and still give you that coffee flavor you like.
Feel free to experiment. No matter which of these you try, you’ll have a barista-quality latte right in your kitchen.