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."
Products reviewed in more detail
Nespresso Kazaar Intenso Dark Roast Coffee
Features
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.80 (50 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Blend of two Robustas
- Origins & varieties: South America (Brazil & Guatemala)
- Tasting notes: Woody & spicy, bitter, notes of pepper, dense and creamy texture.
I found the Nespresso Kazaar Intenso pods to be of exceptional quality, though the higher price was noticeable. Nespresso delivers on richness and flavor, surpassing the next best options like Starbucks. The espresso's texture have hints of cocoa and vanilla made it a nice and strong coffee. If you're looking for the stronger, highest quality pods for your Original Line machine, this should be your top pick but it comes with a larger price tag than comparable pods.
Pros
- Delivers a sharp, refreshing flavor
- Not overly bitter, despite its dark roast
Cons
Starbucks by Nespresso Dark Roast Espresso
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
We tried these Starbucks Nespresso pods and were impressed. The regular dark roast is bold and rich with a familiarity to the household Starbucks coffee you can find in their shops, if that's your flavor.
As a plus, they're made of recyclable aluminum, making it a tasty and eco-friendly choice. They rank 2nd on our list for overall quality to the Nespresso pods and they come in quite a bit cheaper at $0.30 less per coffee pod.
Pros
- Eco-friendly, 100% recyclable aluminum capsules
Cons
L'OR Espresso Onyx
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.
L'OR Espresso Capsules, particularly the Onyx variant, boast an intensity level of 12, offering a dark roast experience crafted from a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans sourced from Central & South America. The resulting brew delivers rich, caramel-toned tasting notes.
We suggest trying these, or take a look at the Ristretto flavor for an alternative, but strong flavor.
Pros
- Curated by French coffee artists
- Rainforest Alliance Certified - Helping to improve social and environmental conditions within coffee bean plantations
Cons
- Some might find the Nespresso brand has a better flavor
Cafe Fuerte Cubano Espresso Pods
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
Cons
Lavazza Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast
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
Lavazza's Espresso Ristretto Dark Roast offers a unique taste and aroma that reminds me of the quality of Lavazza while visiting Europe. These dark roast capsules, featuring a blend of Arabica and Robusta, have a strong and full-bodied experience with notes of chocolate and caramel. At $0.57 per pod, they come in at the middle of the pack in terms of value for quality.
Pros
- Full-bodied and nice flavor
- Familiar Lavazza quality if you drink their beans or pre-ground coffee
Cons
DELICITALY Italian Ristretto Coffee Pods
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
These Italian Coffee Pods are excellent for adding a touch of Italian espresso to your morning routine. Compatible with Nespresso Original machines, they deliver a robust espresso every time. The pack contains 100 Ristretto regular pods, ensuring that you will have enough to keep you going for a long time. The quality and size of these pods will definitely impress coffee lovers, however we found that the strength of the coffee was lacking compared to the Nespresso. We've provided a link to the 100 count box which come in around $0.25 per pod making it by far the most affordable option when you compare it to the pods above coming in at $1 to $2 per.
Pros
- Made in Italy since 1993
- Support a growing small business overseas
- Half the price of the other pods listed above
Cons
- Flavor is not as strong as Nespresso pods
Meseta Forte Nespresso Compatible Capsules
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
Meseta Forte Nespresso Compatible Capsules are Italian Gourmet coffee aimed at lovers of strong coffee (basically you, if you're reading this article). We found it had a pretty creamy texture of an espresso but we found the flavor could be a bit watered down compared to some of the other brands. A good option to consider if you're looking for something cheaper however.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Cheap compared to others for the 100 count box
Cons
- Can be a little watered down compared to others
Bestpresso Italian Style Espresso
Features
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.30 (120 count)
- Intensity level: 12
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Unknown
- Origins & varieties: Spain
- Tasting notes: Bitter and chocolate
Bestpresso Intenso Blend brings you 120 servings of pretty good quality espresso. We found that some pods would have a pretty slow pour when brewing, not sure if that's from how the product is set in the pod. The espresso flavor was good and strong enough but for the money, I prefer the other brands.
Pros
- Flavored espresso
Cons
- Sometimes the pods can cause flow issues when pouiring (slow)
Segafredo Zanetti Forte Espresso Capsules
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
These pods we found were not quite the level of matching Nespresso quality. The coffee flavor was ok, but nothing to rave about when comparing the price. These were quite a bit more expensive than most of the other brands coming in at $0.70 per pod.
Pros
- Flavor was ok
Cons
- Better pods for the high cost
- They've listed the flavor notes for this product as "various" which tells me they're not very serious about the quality.
Caffe Bonini Strong Espresso Coffee Pods
Features
- Price per pod (approximate): $0.44 (50 count)
- Intensity level: 9
- Roast level: Dark Roast
- Bean type: Unknown
- Origins & varieties: Unknown
- Tasting notes: Bitter and chocolate
I tried out these Bonini coffee pods, and they're a bit of a mixed bag. They just don't hit the mark; some taste weak, and the foam isn't consistent, leaving sometimes a strange aftertaste. Still, when they work, the aroma and taste didn't make me feel like I wasted my money but maybe for some others.
Pros
- Roasted in Tuscany
Cons
- Poor construction of the pods
- Had an issue with a few of the pods with the flow through of the machine
BREWKLYN COFFEE Strong Flavor Pack
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
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.
Pros
- 60-Day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- More bitter than most Nespresso pods we've tasted
- Weak flavor
Piu Bello Espresso Bionda Coffee Pods
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
Trying these capsules was a mixed experience. The flavor felt lacking, but at times you could taste the stronger Arabica beans. We found there to be inconsistencies between pods and made it a bit hit-or-miss. I recommend trying other brands before buying these ones.
Pros
- Fine for shots of espresso
- Colombian arabica bean flavor
Cons
- Flat 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.
Author
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.