Best Coffee Pods
Capsules ranked from our reviews, across every system we cover. Two things decide this more than taste does. The first is which machine you own, because a pod that does not fit is worth nothing: Nespresso Original, Nespresso Vertuo and K-Cup are three separate systems and none of them takes another's capsule. The second is the box you buy, because the same coffee runs from $1.50 a pod in a ten-pack to $1.00 in a hundred, and Nespresso sells sleeves of ten and nothing larger while a K-Cup roaster will sell you 120. Every price here is worked out per pod on the largest box the maker sells.
Ranked by our review score, which is worked out from the specifications each maker publishes rather than from opinion, so you can open the arithmetic on any product page. Anything commercial is labelled and sits outside that order, and how we score explains what each criterion measures.
Ranked, and why
scored on what the maker publishes · open a row for the working1
San Francisco Bay OneCUP 100% Colombian7.5- What Is In The Capsule
- 8.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 6.4
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 7.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.8
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 6.4 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A2
Nespresso Vertuo Melozio7.3- What Is In The Capsule
- 9.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 2.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.5
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 2.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A3
Tassimo Kenco Pure Colombian T Discs7.2- What Is In The Capsule
- 8.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 7.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $74
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Espresso Intenso7.1- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 7.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $75
Nespresso Original Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio7.1- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.5
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A6
Nespresso Original Ispirazione Ristretto Italiano7.1- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.5
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A7
Nespresso Original Volluto7.1- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.5
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A8
Nespresso Original Master Origin Colombia7.0- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.9
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.9 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A9
Nespresso Vertuo Melozio Decaffeinato7.0- What Is In The Capsule
- 9.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 2.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 2.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A10
Nespresso Vertuo Stormio7.0- What Is In The Capsule
- 9.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 2.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 2.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A11
Tayst Bold & Brazen Coffee Pods6.9- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.6
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 9.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 9.0
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.6 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $41.6512
Tayst Defiantly Decaf Coffee Pods6.9- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.6
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 9.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 9.0
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.6 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $41.6513
Tayst Medium & Magnificent Coffee Pods6.9- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.6
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 9.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 9.0
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.6 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $41.6514
Nespresso Original Capriccio6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A15
Nespresso Original Cosi6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A16
Nespresso Original Ispirazione Genova Livanto6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A17
Nespresso Original Ristretto Italiano Decaffeinato6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A18
Nespresso Original Tokyo Vivalto Lungo6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A19
Nespresso Original Volluto Decaffeinato6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A20
Nespresso Vertuo Odacio6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 9.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 2.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 2.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A21
Nespresso Vertuo Ristretto Intenso6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.1
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 10.0
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.1 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A22
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast Double Espresso for Vertuo6.8- What Is In The Capsule
- 9.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 2.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 2.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A23
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Americano Intenso6.7- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 7.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 6.6
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $724
Tassimo Costa Americano T Discs6.7- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 7.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 8.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 6.6
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $925
Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Death Cups6.6- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 5.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.8
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A26
Nespresso Original Ispirazione Roma6.5- What Is In The Capsule
- 6.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 4.5
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.1
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 4.5 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A27
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend K-Cup Pods6.4- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 5.0
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 5.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.8
- Sourcing & Certification
- 6.6
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A28
Peet's Major Dickason's Blend K-Cup Pods6.2- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.6
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 5.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.5
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.6 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A29
Peet's Decaf House Blend K-Cup Pods6.0- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.0
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 3.6
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 5.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 6.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 3.6 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A30
Starbucks Espresso Roast by Nespresso for Vertuo6.0- What Is In The Capsule
- 7.5
- Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo
- 1.1
- Recycling & Disposal (home compostable and kerbside recyclable not published)
- 8.0
- System, Range & Availability
- 7.2
- Sourcing & Certification
- 8.4
Weakest link: Cost Per Cup, and Per Kilo — 1.1 of 10, carrying 22 of the 87.8 points scored here.
Read review →PricePricing N/A
A coffee pod is a sealed dose of ground coffee that fits one machine and no other. That last part is the whole category: the capsule you can buy is decided by the machine on your counter, so the honest first question is not which pod is best but which pods your machine will take.
The system chooses for you, so check it first
Five systems appear in this list and none of them are interchangeable. Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo are made by the same company and do not fit each other's machines. K-Cup, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo T Disc are three more walled gardens. Before comparing a single tasting note, confirm the family: it removes four fifths of the field in one step and no amount of coffee quality survives a capsule that will not go in.
Third-party compatibility matters too, and it is not symmetrical. K-Cup is open enough that San Francisco Bay can sell a plant-based capsule for a Keurig; Dolce Gusto pods are made only by Nestlé. An open system means competition and falling prices. A closed one means you buy from one company for the life of the machine.
Cost per pod is the price. Cost per kilo is the truth
This is the number the box will not print and it is why the two figures disagree so violently. A Nespresso Original espresso capsule holds about 5g of coffee; a Vertuo mug capsule holds 12.5g. So an Original pod at $0.90 and a Vertuo pod at $1.40 look 55% apart on the shelf and are the opposite way round per kilo of actual coffee, because you are buying two and a half times as much of it.
At the value end the gap is enormous. San Francisco Bay's OneCUP works out at $0.64 a capsule in an 80-count box; a ten-count box of Peet's K-Cups is $1.20 each. That is nearly double for the same format, and box size is most of the reason.
What happens to it afterwards
Aluminium capsules are recyclable and almost never recycled through household collection, because the scheme is usually the manufacturer's own bag-and-return programme rather than your kerbside bin. Plant-based and certified compostable capsules exist - San Francisco Bay's are BPI certified commercially compostable, which means an industrial facility rather than a garden heap.
Read the words carefully. "Recyclable" describes the material. "Recycled" describes what actually happens, and the second is a fact about the scheme where you live rather than about the capsule.
What to ignore
Intensity numbers across brands. Nespresso's scale runs to 12 or 14 depending on the range, Dolce Gusto publishes its own, and a K-Cup publishes none at all - a K-Cup is not weak, it is measured differently. Comparing a Nespresso 7 to anything outside Nespresso is comparing two private scales that share no units.
Common questions
Are all coffee pods the same size?
No, and the difference is larger than most people expect. A Nespresso Original espresso capsule holds about 5g of coffee and a Nespresso Vertuo mug capsule holds 12.5g. That is two and a half times as much coffee, which is why comparing the price per pod between systems tells you almost nothing useful.
Which coffee pods are the cheapest?
Per capsule, the large K-Cup boxes: San Francisco Bay's OneCUP works out at about $0.64 a pod in an 80-count box, against $1.20 for a ten-count box of Peet's. Box size drives most of that gap, so check the count before the price.
Can I use any pod in my machine?
Generally no. Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo do not fit each other despite sharing a brand, and K-Cup, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo are three further closed systems. K-Cup is the most open to third-party capsules; Dolce Gusto pods are made only by Nestlé.
Are coffee pods recyclable?
Aluminium ones are, but usually through the manufacturer's own return scheme rather than household collection, so whether they actually get recycled depends on you posting them back. Some capsules are certified compostable, which means an industrial composting facility rather than a garden heap.
Is an intensity number comparable between brands?
No. Nespresso runs its own scale to 12 or 14 depending on the range, Dolce Gusto publishes a separate one, and K-Cups publish none. A K-Cup with no intensity number is not weaker than a Nespresso 7; it is measured on a different system, or not measured at all.