Which Nespresso Pod Has the Least Caffeine? A Definitive Guide

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While Nespresso offers a range of coffee pods, all 'decaf' options contain a trace amount of caffeine, so none are completely caffeine-free. This guide will detail exactly which Nespresso pod has the least caffeine, covering the ultra-low decaffeinated options and the mildest standard pods for both the Original and Vertuo lines.

Quick Summary

This guide ranks Nespresso pods by caffeine content, identifying the lowest options for Original and Vertuo machines. It covers decaf offerings, low-caffeine regular blends, the decaffeination process, and factors influencing total caffeine.

Key Points

Volluto Decaffeinato (Original Line): This is the Nespresso pod with the absolute least caffeine, containing approximately 1.7mg per serving.
Decaf is not zero caffeine: Nespresso's decaf pods are over 99.9% caffeine-free, but they still contain trace amounts, typically 1.7-12mg depending on the line and blend.
Lowest Vertuo Pods (Decaf): The lowest caffeine Vertuo pods are the decaf varieties, including Melozio Decaffeinato (~3mg), Fortado Decaffeinato (~5mg), and Altissio Decaffeinato (~5mg).
Low Caffeine Non-Decaf Options: If you want a mild buzz, look for pods like Cosi (~59mg, Original) or Voltesso (~85mg, Vertuo).
Intensity doesn't mean more caffeine: The intensity rating on Nespresso pods is about flavor profile and roast, not caffeine content.
Bean Type Matters: Robusta beans have more caffeine than Arabica, so pods with more Arabica or a mix tend to have less caffeine naturally.
Decaffeination Process: Nespresso uses natural, safe water and CO2 methods to remove caffeine while preserving the pod's flavor.

Decaf Pods: The Lowest Caffeine Choice

For anyone looking for the absolute lowest caffeine content in a Nespresso pod, the decaffeinated options are the clear winners. Nespresso's decaf pods undergo a specialized process to remove over 99.9% of the caffeine from the green coffee beans. However, the exact residual amount can vary slightly by blend and machine line.

Nespresso uses two natural decaffeination methods: a water-based process and a carbon dioxide (CO2) method. These techniques avoid chemical solvents and are designed to preserve the coffee's aromatic profile, ensuring that a decaf blend retains a rich flavor that is comparable to its caffeinated counterpart.

Lowest Caffeine Pods by Nespresso Line

Nespresso offers two distinct machine lines, Original and Vertuo, which have different pod sizes and brew volumes, impacting the total caffeine per cup. The lowest caffeine pod for your machine will depend on which line you use.

Nespresso Original Line: The Lowest Caffeine Pod

The Original line generally has lower caffeine content per cup than the larger Vertuo capsules. Among the decaffeinated options, Volluto Decaffeinato is consistently reported as the lowest in caffeine.

Volluto Decaffeinato: This pod contains roughly 1.7 milligrams of caffeine per serving, making it the absolute lowest on the Original line. It is a lightly roasted Arabica blend known for its sweet, biscuity, and fruity notes.
Other low-caffeine Original options: Other decaf choices like Arpeggio Decaffeinato and Ristretto Decaffeinato contain slightly more, typically 2-4mg per cup. For a low-caffeine non-decaf alternative, the Cosi pod contains about 59mg of caffeine.

Nespresso Vertuo Line: The Lowest Caffeine Pods

Vertuo pods come in larger sizes and consequently have higher average caffeine levels than Original pods. The decaf offerings are the lowest, but their caffeine content is slightly higher than Original decafs.

Melozio Decaffeinato: This is the lowest-caffeine decaf option for a full-sized mug (7.77 oz) on the Vertuo line, with approximately 3mg of caffeine per pod. It features a smooth, honeyed, and cereal-noted flavor profile.
Fortado Decaffeinato: As the decaf Gran Lungo (5.07 oz) option, this pod contains around 5mg of caffeine. It has an intense profile with cocoa and oak wood notes.
Altissio Decaffeinato: This decaf espresso (1.35 oz) contains around 5mg of caffeine. It is known for its intense, full-bodied character with roasted notes.
Other low-caffeine Vertuo options: For a non-decaf choice, the Voltesso espresso pod is one of the lowest, containing around 85mg of caffeine.

Low-Caffeine Non-Decaf Options

If you prefer not to drink decaf but still want a lower caffeine intake, several options offer a lighter dose. It's important to remember that coffee's intensity rating, which is influenced by roast and body, is not an indicator of its caffeine level.

Original Line: The Cosi pod (approx. 59mg) and Chiaro pod (approx. 49mg) offer relatively low caffeine for an Original espresso.
Vertuo Line: The Voltesso espresso pod (approx. 85mg) and Half Caffeinato pod (approx. 70-90mg) are good choices. The Half Caffeinato is a specific blend of both regular and decaf beans, offering a moderate buzz.

Comparison of Lowest Caffeine Nespresso Pods


Nespresso Line	Pod Name	Type	Caffeine (approx. mg)	Intensity	Notes
Original	Volluto Decaffeinato	Decaf Espresso	1.7	4	Sweet, biscuity, fruity
Original	Cosi	Regular Espresso	59	4	Mild, light-roasted, fruity
Original	Chiaro	Regular Espresso	49	5	Caramel, biscuity, sweet
Vertuo	Melozio Decaffeinato	Decaf Mug (7.77 oz)	3	6	Smooth, cereal, honey
Vertuo	Fortado Decaffeinato	Decaf Gran Lungo (5.07 oz)	5	8	Intense, cocoa, oak wood
Vertuo	Altissio Decaffeinato	Decaf Espresso (1.35 oz)	5	9	Intense, roasted, full-bodied
Vertuo	Half Caffeinato	Half-Caff Mug	70-90	5	Balanced, sweet
Vertuo	Voltesso	Regular Espresso (1.35 oz)	85	4	Sweet, caramel, smooth

The Decaffeination Process: Preserving Flavor

Nespresso's decaffeination methods are designed to be safe and to maintain the integrity of the coffee's flavor profile. The use of water or CO2 to remove caffeine avoids harsh chemicals that can strip away important aromatic compounds. This means that a decaf Nespresso pod is not a flavor compromise, but a deliberate effort to create a delicious, full-bodied coffee experience with minimal caffeine. This attention to detail allows coffee lovers to enjoy their favorite blends late in the day without affecting their sleep.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Content

While decaffeination is the most significant factor, a few other elements contribute to the final caffeine level in your cup:

Bean Variety: The type of coffee bean used plays a major role. Robusta beans naturally contain significantly more caffeine than Arabica beans. Nespresso's decaf blends typically use a mix of both, but the lowest options tend to feature more Arabica beans.
Extraction Volume: On Vertuo machines, larger pods like mugs and altos naturally have more total coffee and thus more total caffeine than smaller espresso pods, even within the same blend.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the Nespresso pod with the least caffeine is the Original Line Volluto Decaffeinato, containing just 1.7mg per serving. For Vertuo machine owners, the decaf options—Melozio Decaffeinato, Fortado Decaffeinato, and Altissio Decaffeinato—are the best bet for minimum caffeine, with the lowest being Melozio Decaffeinato for a mug-sized coffee. The best choice for you depends on your machine type and whether you prefer a completely decaf experience or a milder, low-caffeine regular blend. By understanding the options available, you can confidently select the perfect Nespresso pod to suit your caffeine sensitivity.

For more detailed information on Nespresso's products, visit the official Nespresso website. Nespresso FAQ on caffeine content

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest caffeine Nespresso pod for the Original line is the Volluto Decaffeinato, which contains approximately 1.7mg of caffeine per pod.

Among the Vertuo line's decaf offerings, the Melozio Decaffeinato is the lowest caffeine for a mug, with around 3mg per pod.

Yes, Nespresso decaf pods are not 100% caffeine-free but contain only trace amounts, typically over 99.9% less than their regular counterparts.

No, a pod's intensity rating does not indicate its caffeine level. Intensity is a measure of the coffee's roast, body, and bitterness, not its caffeine content.

Nespresso uses natural water and carbon dioxide (CO2) methods to remove caffeine from green coffee beans, which are gentle and preserve the coffee's flavor and aroma.

A good low-caffeine, non-decaf option for the Original line is the Cosi pod, which contains about 59mg of caffeine per serving.

No, the Half Caffeinato is a blend of both regular and decaffeinated coffee, providing a moderate amount of caffeine (around 70-90mg) rather than the near-zero amount in a decaf pod.

Robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than Arabica beans. This means blends with a higher proportion of Arabica will naturally have a lower caffeine content.