Starbucksby Nespresso Original Line Mild Variety Pack Coffee, 50-count Espresso Pods

This is a winner. Here you get to have 5 different sleeves of Starbucks Nespresso Originalline. The only flavor it's missing is the Dark Roast Espresso. Below I share my thoughts on each sleeve, in both the espresso and lungo shots from a Nespresso Citiz machine.STARBUCKS NESPRESSO ORIGINALLINE PODS1- Blonde Espresso Roast, Intensity 6, 53 g, 1.86 oz>>I tried as an espresso, it’s strong, with character and lots of caffeine. Good taste too.>>I tried as a lungo, naturally more water creates a smoother taste, but it still has good character for lungo size and caffeine is felt.2- Pike Place – Lungo – Intensity 7 – 53 g, 1.86 oz>>I tried as lungo. It tastes like brewed coffee, instead of espresso. It tastes good with strong caffeine, and totally drinkable, but other options are better for espresso taste such as Blonde Espresso Roast, or Dark Espresso Roast.>>I tried as an espresso and it’s delicious. Not too strong, not too acidic, good flavor.3- Café Verona – Ristretto - Intensity 10 - 55 g, 1.94 oz>>I tried as an espresso and it’s quite satisfying. It does say Ristretto (less water, or a shorter pull than espresso) on the sleeve, hence should be best as espresso.>>I tried lungo as well. It’s another mellow and smooth but flavorful experience. Obviously added water makes it much smoother.4- House Blend – Lungo, Intensity 8, 57 g, 2.01 ozThis capsule, along with Dark Roast Espresso and Columbia pack the most amount of coffee grounds. 57 grams or 2.01 oz.>>I tried as lungo, Although it says Lungo on the sleeve, it’s rather bland. It tastes more like coffee than expresso or lungo. I’d call it mellow, and smooth.>>I tried as an espresso, it doesn’t remind you of a espresso shot, but a short and strong coffee shot, with good flavor and caffeine is felt.5- Columbia – Medium Roast Intensity 7 – 57 g, 2.01 oz>>I tried as lungo and it’s quite nice. It’s doesn’t come across as too strong nor with high caffeine. Perfectly drinkable as lungo. Does take like coffee and not espresso.>>I tried as an espresso. It comes alive as espresso, it is a bit bitter, moderate caffeine, but delicious.6- Dark Roast Espresso, Intensity 11 – 57 g, 2.01 oz (this is not part of the sampler above)This is the strongest Nespresso pod I have tried in the lungo size. It’s the best if you like a nice kick.>>I tried in espresso size, and it’s quite strong, almost overkill in this size. Better in lungo size.

I have ordered the Starbucks Columbia 5 pack set multiple times now and really enjoy the flavor and the price point. I drink it as a cappuccino from my electric espresso maker with an electric heated milk frother. It compares well against some of my favorite Nespresso flavors but at a much better price. This is a good place to start for getting a good home brewed cappuccino. Get this instead of those cheaper options.

The pike roast is delicious if brewed as espresso. I brew 2, froth milk, and make a cappuccino. This was a great deal buying them on Amazon. I'd describe the pike place as medium-dark. It's not bitter or overly roasted.

The real deal, great taste

I go through 2-3 capsules every morning, so I always hunt for budget-friendly options. These work fine, taste good enough, and are usually a good deal on Amazon. BUT—the packaging could be better. Capsules often arrive dented, which messes with the Nespresso machine when it tries to press and extract. A little more protection in the box would go a long way!

Excellent taste and value

Good value. Less expensive than the pods sold by Nespresso. Coffee is excellent.

Work well with Napresso original machine. Good seal, fresh package, good flavor 8/10.