Review of Alternative to Nespresso Capsules

Compatible Coffee Capsules for Nespresso Machines - the Comparison

Since the finishing of the Nespresso patents in 2012, there have been numerous suppliers of compatible coffee capsules for Nespresso machines. Online shops such as HiLine, Artizan, Cafeliegeois, Kiss Me Organics and Gourmesso have entered the capsule market, offering an alternative to Nespresso.
The Nespresso capsules are very costly with $0.70 to over $1.00 per capsule and are only available in Nespresso boutiques or in the online shop. The online purchase is associated with minimum order quantities and only possible with a club membership.
Therefore, the alternatives are becoming more attractive. We compared them based on various criteria such as price, quality and diversity and used the opinions of various bloggers and test sites.

Compatibility

The compatibility is one of the most important criterions to make coffee capsules enjoyable. Common problems are issues with the closing mechanism of the machine, the waterflow, the broaching or other fitting problems with the capsules. Some suppliers, such as Gourmesso offer lists of compatible Nespresso machines. The capsules were extensively tested on the respective models.

A good aspect for the compatibility of a capsule is a flexible material. These can also adapt to the machine if you put in the capsule crooked or the capsule doesn't fit 100 %. Spressoluxe sells very unflexible hard plastic capsules, that don't adjust too easily with the machine.Kiss Me Organics is known for making a load "PLOP" when you close your Nespresso machine. It needs higher pressure to brew your espresso.

Price

Nowadays, there are more and more suppliers of compatible coffee capsules for Nespresso machines and the more opportunities you have as a customer, the better. Nevertheless, it is difficult to keep an overview.

The alternatives to Nespresso brand capsules are in different price segments. The cheapest capsules can be found at Kiss Me Organics for $0.47 a piece. Suppliers like HiLine or Artizan cost around $0.70 per capsule and are nearly as expensive as Nespresso.

Gourmesso would like to bring light into the darkness, so we prepared a general overview of different suppliers, as well as individual comparisons in the price and overall offer, and also to introduce you to Gourmesso capsules, because we are convinced that we can make you a happy and wiser customer.

Varieties Assortment

At Nespresso stores you will find 24 different coffees, which are regularly supplemented by changing special editions. Most providers of compatible capsules for Nespresso machines have significantly less choice. Artizan, Spressoluxe and Kiss Me Organics provide less than 10 varieties. HiLine offers you 20 varieties, especially extravagant flavor coffees. The supplier with the largest assortment is Gourmesso. Here you will find more than 25 varieties, including a wide range of espressos, flavored coffees as well as decaffeinated and organic coffees.

Do you already have a favorite blend at Nespresso?
At Gourmesso you will find an equivalent!

Quality

The quality of Nespresso coffee is well known, but at nearly $100 per kilogram, it also has its price. .TheFairtrade seal is a good indicator of quality, as various standards must be met during production. You will find fair coffee in capsules at Artizan, Cafeliegeois and Gourmesso.

Packaging

In terms of design and sustainability, the packaging materials of the capsule providers differ greatly. HiLine and Artizan offer big, reasalable bags. These need a lot of space and are not durable for a long time. It is important that the capsules are hermetically sealed to ensure a long shelf life and to save further packaging. Even with a resealing these bags aren't airtight, start losing aroma and should be used as quickly as possible. A very efficient packing solution is provided by Rosso. It's particularly handy due to the space-saving sorting of the capsules.

In terms of design, the providers also distinguish. HiLine, Artizan and Cafeliegeois count on natural colors. Spressoluxe and Rosso use a classy design which combines black with white or one colour. The most eyecatching packages are made by Gourmesso.

Here are the Advantages of Gourmesso at a Glance:

  • Over 25 varieties
  • Particularly varied selection of espresso and flavored coffee
  • Intensities from 3 to 12
  • Largest range of Fairtrade capsules
  • Coffee from the best growing areas in the world
  • Compatible with all major Nespresso machines
  • Up to 40% cheaper than Nespresso capsules
  • No club membership
  • No minimum order quantities
  • Satisfied customers in over 25 countries
  • Choice of organic coffee
  • Free shipping on orders over $40