20 Best Nespresso Compatible Capsules In 2024 (Nespresso Alternatives That Taste Better And Cost Less!)

There are many factors to consider in search of the best Nespresso compatible capsule or Nespresso alternative on the market. Whether it boils down to the best value for the money, the best tasting capsules, the best compostable and recyclable capsules, or the overall best products for the environment, each coffee lover must decide. Here is a breakdown for your convenience:

Related: You may also be interested in our favorite Nespresso pod subscription program as these work out cheaper in the long run!

Best Nespresso Compatible Capsule Value for the Money

Il Caffe Italiano Firenze

At 33 cents per capsule, this has a great price point. To sweeten the deal even more, there is free shipping with a 30.00€ order.

For Italiano Firenze, the mellow Arabica beans blend with rich Robusta beans for a full-bodied flavor. While the capsules are not biodegradable, they are made of recyclable BPA-free plastic. If you’re searching for the best value for your money, this coffee is an excellent option.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Central America and Africa
• Flavor: Floral and honey with smokey accents
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  Il Caffe Italiano
• Price: $0.33 per capsule

Legato Intenso

At 34 cents per capsule, Legato’s Intenso Nespresso alternative is a strong competitor for the best value. Legato is a no-frills company with no expensive overhead or celebrity endorsements. If you order through Amazon Prime, free shipping is part of the deal. Legato’s coffee is Kosher Certified.

Intenso espresso has an intense flavor appreciated by the most distinguished palates. It is roasted in Italy by master roasters. The capsules are not biodegradable, and instead, they are made of BPA-free plastic or recyclable aluminum and come individually wrapped for freshness.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Strong and creamy with an intense flavor
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  Legato Coffee Company
• Price: $0.34 per capsule

Bestpresso: Intenso

At 35 cents per capsule, Bestpresso’s Intenso is another fine contender for the best value. The company offers a discount with auto-delivery, a free recycling bag if you check the box when you order, and free shipping.

Intenso is a powerhouse espresso with a pleasant taste and balanced acidity. The coffee is Kosher Certified. The capsules are recyclable plastic and not biodegradable. It is noteworthy to mention that Bestpresso is part of the Rainforest Alliance.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Spain
• Flavor: Intense flavor with berry accents
• Intensity: 12/13
• Brand:  Bestpresso
• Price: $0.35 per capsule

Caffé POMPEII Atena Forte

At 37 cents per capsule and free shipping with Amazon Prime, Caffé POMPEII in Italy offers incredible value for its Nespresso compatible capsules.

Atena Forte presents a strong round taste with a powerful aroma of cocoa and hints of licorice. It has a long roasting period and a fine grind to deliver exceptionally on flavor. The capsules are not biodegradable but made of recyclable aluminum.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: India, Uganda, and Central America
• Flavor: Strong, full-bodied crema flavor
• Intensity: 13/13
• Brand:  Caffe POMPEII
• Price: $0.37 per capsule

Café Joe USA Trieste Espresso

Finally, at 45 cents per capsule with free shipping, Café Joe’s capsules compete vigorously with the others for the best value. The company offers additional discounts with increasing order totals.

Trieste espresso contains 100% Arabica beans and presents a soft and sweet flavor of hazelnut. Because it has an intensity of 7/10, dark coffee lovers swoon over Trieste. Café Joe uses airtight EVO capsules that provide an oxygen barrier for the coffee, ensuring a rich and full flavor. The capsules are compostable and biodegradable.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Subtle with a hint of hazelnut
• Intensity: 7/10
• Brand:  Cafe Joe
• Price: $0.45 per capsule

Best Tasting Nespresso Alternative

Hayman Hawaii Kona

Without a doubt, Hawaii’s Hayman coffee is the most expensive on the list at $4.44 per capsule, and free shipping is included. While pricey, the organic beans grown from rich volcanic soil make this coffee one of the best-tasting coffees in the world.

Hayman uses 100% Kona beans instead of 10% like other brands, meaning the flavor is not diluted or blended with filler beans. Hayman is a member of The Alliance for Coffee Excellence. The capsules are not biodegradable but made of recyclable plastic.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Hawaii
• Flavor: Sweet and fruity with caramel accents
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  Hayman – Finest World Coffee
• Price: $4.44 per capsule

Peet’s Nerissimo

As one of the most popular brands in the United States, Peet’s serves a high-quality cup of java, making it well worth 75 cents per capsule. Add free shipping, and the value increases. If you take on a subscription, you can save even more money.

Nerissimo has an intensity of 11/13, which makes it a favorite of dark coffee connoisseurs. It delivers a pleasant bittersweet taste that goes well with cream. Peet’s strong brews and smooth flavors embody what every coffee lover craves. The capsules are made of recyclable aluminum and not biodegradable. Another perk is that Peet’s offers free recycling bags upon request.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: France
• Flavor: Bittersweet with Brulée accents
• Intensity: 11/13
• Brand:  Peet’s Coffee
• Price: $0.75 per capsule

L’OR Profondo Lungo

You will not find any burnt, bitter, or gritty tastes in this French coffee. From growing and processing to roasting and grinding, L’OR takes careful steps to make sure their coffee is superb. Your wallet won’t complain either, as L’OR capsules average about 61 cents each.

Profondo Lungo teeters on the cusp of medium and dark roast. It presents a distinct flavor of soft fruitiness with toasty, nutty chocolate notes. The capsules are not biodegradable but made of recyclable aluminum.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: France
• Flavor: Deep hints of chocolate and nuts with toasty and fruity accents
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  L’OR
• Price: $0.61 per capsule

Lavica Italiano Milano

Roasted and blended in Italy, this coffee offers a luxurious medium roast taste. Another reward on top of the incredible espresso flavor is the reasonable price of 50 cents per capsule and free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Italiano Milano delivers a robust dark Italian roast with spicey notes, and it isn’t for mild-flavor coffee drinkers. Another benefit to giving this beverage a try is that Lavica is Kosher Certified and gluten-free, and the capsules are compostable and biodegradable.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Spicy accents
• Intensity: 7/13
• Brand:  Lavica Coffee, Inc.
• Price: $0.50 per capsule

Pressogno Espresso Forte

Switzerland stands out with Pressogno’s premium coffee blends and low price of only 45 cents per capsule. It is a spectacular value.

If you want a great coffee flavor that won’t break the bank, Pressogno Espresso Forte is one to try. This blend has a good balance of intensity and smooth taste.

It is Kosher Certified, and the capsules are not biodegradable but made of recyclable plastic and aluminum. The company is Fair Trade Certified.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Switzerland and Italy
• Flavor: Bouquet and fruity accents
• Intensity: 4/6
• Brand:  Pressogno
• Price: $0.45 per capsule

Best Compostable & Recyclable Nespresso Compatible Capsule

Meseta BioOrganic

The Italian company Meseta offers one of the best compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable aluminum Nespresso compatible capsules on the market. The company proves that sustainability in the coffee industry has a definitive effect on the environment. It offers organic and Fair Trade products and invests in sustainability projects and communities.

Meseta’s BioOrganic coffee blend of high-quality Central American Arabica beans presents a superb fruity floral flavor with a touch of spice. On top of a pleasing taste, the capsules only cost about 40 cents each.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Central America
• Flavor: Fruity with floral and spicey accents
• Intensity: 8/12
• Brand:  Meseta
• Price: $0.40 per capsule

Illy Lungo Classico

Illy is another Italian coffee company that offers its products in compostable and recyclable aluminum capsules. The company is committed to helping the environment become carbon neutral by 2033, and it also promotes sustainability training with coffee farmers.

As far as flavor and quality, Lungo Classico delivers a medium sweet roast with notes of caramel, jasmine, and orange blossoms. It is a fine coffee beverage. It costs a little more at about 90 cents per capsule, but free shipping and discounts with a subscription ease that factor.

• Roast: Medium
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Sweet with soft caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine accents
• Intensity: 5/12
• Brand:  ILLYCAFFÉ S.p.A.
• Price: $0.90 per capsule

Lavazza Armonico

Lavazza, based in Italy, delivers its best Nespresso compatible capsules in compostable and biodegradable forms. The company has such a solid commitment to the environment, it created the ¡Tierra! Project through its Lavazza Foundation.

In addition, it supports the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for sustainability and local women leaders globally. You can feel good knowing that not only are you going green with one of the best compostable capsules, but you are also enjoying one of the finest cups of joe.

Armonico’s dark roast presents a full-bodied flavor with a smooth velvety taste, hinting at notes of cereal and caramel. This option is budget-friendly at only 35 cents per capsule.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Velvety with cereal and caramel accents
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  Lavazza
• Price: $0.35 per capsule

Caffesso Forza Roma

Caffesso, based in Italy, delivers a 100% compostable and biodegradable capsule. As of January 2021, the capsules are made from plant-based sugar cane and sugar beet materials. The company is dedicated to remaining eco-friendly.

Forza Roma is Caffesso’s Merlot of coffee. It is a dark roasted blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from India, Africa, and Brazil. It is somewhat intense with woody, cereal, wine, and chocolate notes. It is a wildly luxurious coffee made by Italian roasters. Another significant aspect is the price, as it runs about 35 cents per capsule.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Italy
• Flavor: Woody, cereal, and wine accents with chocolate notes
• Intensity: 10/12
• Brand:  Caffesso
• Price: $0.35 per capsule

HiLine Chelsea Light

HiLine is a New York-based company that offers Nespresso compatible capsules that are not biodegradable but made from recyclable plastic and aluminum. It strives to be eco-friendly.

Chelsea Light is a light roast of Guatemalan beans delivering an artistic combination of cinnamon and citrus flavors with notes of blackberry. If you want to try a different coffee blend, this might be for you. It costs about 90 cents per capsule but is worth it for a new adventure.

• Roast: Light
• Origin: Guatemala
• Flavor: Cinnamon, citrus, and blackberry accents
• Intensity: 4/10
• Brand:  HiLine Coffee Company
• Price: $0.90 per capsule

Overall Best Nespresso Alternative for the Environment

Gourmesso Midnite Monkey

Gourmesso is a United States-based company offering Organic and Fair Trade Certified coffee as a wonderful Nespresso alternative. Its capsules are compostable and biodegradable. Gourmesso is Rainforest Alliance Certified and plants a tree for every order.

Midnite Monkey is a fantastic blend of 100% Arabica beans delivering an intense, bold, fruity, citrus flavor. Dark roast lovers will enjoy this beverage. At only 50 cents per capsule, your wallet will love it too.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Columbia and Brazil
• Flavor: Fruity with citrus accents
• Intensity: 11/13
• Brand:  Gourmesso
• Price: $0.50 per capsule

Starbucks Caffé Verona

World-famous Starbucks commits to cutting its water, carbon, and waste footprints in half while conserving water. It began a Planet Positive initiative to address farm activities and land use. It also works with Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) practices to meet environmental goals while donating to environmental causes. The company is part of the UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate and launched its One Tree for Every Bag program in 2015.

Caffé Verona began in the 1970s as Jake’s Blend for one store in Seattle. It was so popular, Starbucks changed the name and expanded its distribution. The taste is balanced but strong, sweet, and elegant at the same time. Its dark cocoa flavor with burnt sugar notes is a unique feature of this blend.

While the capsules are not biodegradable, they are made of recyclable aluminum and run about 80 cents each.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Latin America and Indonesia
• Flavor: Dark cocoa and burnt sugar notes
• Intensity: 11/13
• Brand:  Starbuck’s
• Price: $0.80 per capsule

Artizan Cuba Mia

Artizan Coffee Company is based in Florida. Its Nespresso alternative capsules are compostable and biodegradable and fully disintegrate in 12 weeks. The company is Fair Trade Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, UTZ(E) Certified for sustainable farming, and Bird-Friendly Certified. Only 1% of the world’s coffee beans meets Artizan’s ethical and environmental standards.

Cuba Mia is a non-GMO dark roast blend that is 100% organic. The traditional preparation of this beverage is to add a few drops of the espresso to sugar and whip it up. Then add the remaining espresso and enjoy the sugary foam on top of your coffee. It is a beautiful experience, unlike drinking other flavors, and it is well worth the 70 cents per capsule it will cost you.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: South and Central America, India, and Madagascar
• Flavor: Sweet and creamy
• Intensity: 12/13
• Brand:  Artizan
• Price: $0.70 per capsule

Don Francisco’s Old Havana

The United States-based Don Francisco Coffee Company is dedicated to environmental sustainability on a large scale. Its Nespresso compatible capsules are not biodegradable but are made of recyclable plastic that is processed through TerraCycle. The company provides free recycling bags to customers. Don Francisco’s is Fair Trade Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and Kosher Certified. It also runs a Direct Impact Initiative to preserve natural resources for the future.

Old Havana is an intense organic dark roast that delivers a velvety texture with a nutty flavor and hints of citrus. It is custom roasted in small batches to provide this robust experience. At 48 cents per capsule, you won’t want to miss out on this one. Even better, when you sign up online, you earn points to cash in later.

• Roast: Medium-Dark
• Origin: Cuba
• Flavor: Nutty with hints of citrus
• Intensity: 8/13
• Brand:  Don Francisco
• Price: $0.48 per capsule

Jones Brothers Enigma Espresso

The Jones Brothers Coffee Company is based in Amsterdam. It is wholly committed to environmental concerns. Its Nespresso compatible capsules are 100% plant-based, compostable, and biodegradable, using zero plastics or aluminum. Jones Brothers is Organic Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Direct Trade Certified, and UTZ Certified for sustainable farming practices.

Enigma Espresso is an organic dark roast with a nutty flavor, subtle malts, and fruity with a rich cocoa finish. The capsules cost about 78 cents each. However, free shipping is available for orders over 40€. There is also a loyalty points program to help you save money.

• Roast: Dark
• Origin: Brazil and Mexico
• Flavor: Nutty with subtle malts, light fruits, and rich cocoa finish
• Intensity: 8/12
• Brand:  Jones Brothers Coffee
• Price: $0.78 per capsule

You Decide

The best Nespresso compatible capsule or Nespresso alternative available will demonstrate it is worthy by being best value for the money, best tasting capsule, best compostable and recyclable capsule, or the overall best product for the environment. From affordability to pricey luxury in a range of diverse flavors and environmental sustainability, you decide which is the best.