Here are all the places you can buy Nespresso pods

Many coffee addicts will agree: When it’s time for that first morning cup, the faster it hits the lips, the better. Speed is one of the advantages of a Nespresso machine. Pop in a pod, and you’ve got hot coffee (or cold brew) in about one minute—it’s wonderful! On the other hand, running out of Nespresso pods can make your morning not so wonderful.

As far as pod-based coffee makers go, we’ve pitted Nespresso vs. Keurig many times over the years, and Nespresso repeatedly comes out on top. This means we’re willing to invest in Nespresso, but the branded pods just aren’t sold as widely as others.

So where are the best places to buy Nespresso pods? Read on.

Jump to:

Understanding the different Nespresso pod types

The best of the best places to buy online:

Old-fashioned retail therapy: You can buy Nespresso pods in-store

Should you shop non-official, third-party vendors?

Nespresso offers a subscription service for convenience

Are all these pods bad for the environment?

Limited-edition flavors and where you can buy them

Here’s what it’s going to cost you

Understanding the different Nespresso pod types

Before you rush off to buy anything, you’ll need the scoop (pun intended) on the difference between Nespresso pods and Nespresso-compatible pods.

Nespresso pods are manufactured only by Nespresso and sold in a relatively exclusive, although ever-expanding, number of locations. They contain coffee that the company curates and optimizes specifically for their machines. Nespresso-compatible pods, on the other hand, are manufactured by many third-party brands and can be purchased all over the place.

In addition, you’ll need to pay attention to the type of Nespresso pods you need based on the machine you have. Original Nespresso pods are smaller, make espresso only, and fit the brand’s line of Original Nespresso machines.

Nespresso Vertuo pods can be used for both espresso and regular coffee, and these are made for the Vertuo line of machines. Vertuo pods have a round, cup-like shape.

Both Original and Vertuo Nespresso pods are sold directly by Nespresso as well as third-party Nespresso-compatible retailers. Be sure you’re selecting the correct style when purchasing.

The best of the best places to buy online

Nespresso’s online store

The best place to buy Nespresso pods online is from Nespresso's website. This ensures that you're getting the right refills for your machine.

Nespresso breaks down which pods are available for their Original line and Vertuo machines, streamlining your purchasing process.

Amazon

For additional convenience, Nespresso sells its coffee and espresso pods designed for use in the Vertuo Line and Original Line coffee makers through Amazon. You can find many Nespresso coffee machines on Amazon, as well.

Old-fashioned retail therapy: You can buy Nespresso pods in-store

If you prefer shopping for your coffee pods in person, you can do so at any of Nespresso's boutiques throughout the United States. Find a store locator on the Nespresso website, which also lists which boutiques do double duty as a coffee pod recycling point.

However, if you don’t live near a Nespresso boutique but still prefer restocking your capsule collection in the flesh, you can find lots of other retail options, including many that allow order-ahead and in-store pickup.

These national retailers sell Nespresso-branded pods, including those created through a Starbucks partnership, and third-party Nespresso-compatible pods. Look for the Nespresso logo on the packaging if you’re particular about sticking with the branded pods.

Should you shop non-official, third-party vendors?

While the availability of Nespresso-branded pods has expanded significantly over the years, there are also several Nespresso-compatible options to explore. Many companies make coffee and espresso capsules that work in Nespresso machines.

Lastly, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf only offers Premium Espresso as an option. But if you prefer to buy from a smaller producer, they're just a click away.

Again, double-check the style of pod you need before purchasing.

Nespresso offers a subscription service for convenience

Since coffee is an everyday necessity for most of us, putting your coffee order on autopilot makes that daily fix a lot easier. You can create a Nespresso Plus pod subscription directly through the brand’s site or you can opt to go through several other coffee retailers who sell Nespresso-compatible pods.

With Nespresso AutoReplenish, you can set up a subscription for any Nespresso pods available on their website, a well as ​​descaling kits and free recycling bags.

Coffee roasters such as Peet’s, Atlas, and Artizan coffee companies offer a variety of subscriptions for Nespresso-compatible pods for the original Nespresso machine.

Or, if you’re a tea-drinker, Mad Tea​​ offers a subscription service (or one-time buys) of its wide range of tea pods compatible with the Original Nespresso line.

Buying directly from Nespresso is your best bet for the Vertuo line of products, as most third-party sellers offer capsules for Original Nespresso machines only.

Are all these pods bad for the environment?

If you love the convenience of single-serve coffee makers but don't love the excess waste that can have an impact on the planet—Nespresso pods may be a better choice than plastic alternatives.

Nespresso pods are made out of aluminum, not only for its ability to preserve coffee freshness but also “because of its extraordinary potential to be recycled infinitely,” the Nespresso website states.

In New York City, Nespresso capsules can be combined with other recycling in the Blue Bin. Outside of NYC, it might take a little more effort, but Nespresso tries to make recycling capsules as easy as possible: You can drop off used capsules at a Nespresso boutique or use the free recycling bag program.

Limited-edition flavors and where you can buy them

Nespresso offers a rotating variety of seasonal flavors and limited-edition releases. From holiday favorites like gingerbread and pumpkin spice to spring specials like white chocolate strawberry Vertuo pods, flavor fans can find seasonally inspired Nespresso pods for any occasion.

Third-party sellers also offer a wide range of specialty and seasonal flavors of Nespresso-compatible pods, like the Starbucks holiday blend that comes around every year. You can easily find an ever-rotating variety of options for your Nespresso machine.

Here’s what it’s going to cost you

Nespresso is known for its high-quality espresso and coffee drinks, so the price per pod tends to be higher than other pod-based coffee makers. No matter, some coffee enthusiasts prefer the taste and ‘crema’ that Nespresso machines are known for brewing.

It may help to think of Nespresso pods on a cost-per-ounce basis with Vertuo pods costing more than Original espresso pods since they generally produce a larger quantity of coffee. Nespresso pods typically cost between $0.70 to $2.80 per pod, while Keurig pods, known as K-Cups, usually cost between $0.30 and $1.00 per pod, depending on the type of pod, the brand, and where you purchase them.

While Keurig has expanded to espresso-style drinks in recent years, if you prefer traditional espresso-style coffee or more premium drinks, we think that Nespresso is worth its higher cost per pod.

Keurig and Nespresso have expanded to include other beverage types, such as tea, hot chocolate, and cold brew, and these tend to cost less than the coffee and espresso options.

Both brands also sell refillable pods, which can significantly help manage the cost of your coffee habit.

When you debating the type of pod-based coffee maker you want to buy next, consider the cost of pods themselves—it certainly varies based on several factors, including the quality and taste of the coffee delivered.

Look for promotions and discounts to maximize savings

Single-serve coffee makers, coffee pods, and accessories have become a big retail business, both in stores and online. As such, you can find deals and sales during all the major shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and President’s Day.

In addition to taking advantage of retail sale opportunities, you can save by buying Nespresso coffee packs and seeking out third-party deals. Just do the math because not all third-party options are less expensive than simply buying your pods straight from Nespresso.

Our Expert

Coffee isn’t just part of the job for this curious kitchen expert, it’s lifeblood. As a busy mom, starting the day with a cup of coffee is crucial to survival for Danielle DeSiato, but it can’t just be any coffee. Over the years, Danielle has explored every manner of coffee preparation and an extensive list of coffee sources, from local roasteries to global coffee subscriptions.

Her day (and her afternoon) could start with anything from a single-origin pour-over, to a strong espresso with a beautiful crema top, or an entire pot brewed in her Moccamaster. For this writer, coffee is life.