Comparison · L'OR
L'OR pods vs Nespresso: compatibility, price and where to buy
How L'OR capsules compare with Nespresso's own for Original machines: which L'OR pods fit, what XXL means, UK prices checked 3 Oct 2026, and recycling.
The L’OR pods vs Nespresso question mostly comes down to convenience and choice. If you own a Nespresso Original machine, L’OR’s Classic capsules are designed to fit it, and you can pick them up in supermarkets, while Nespresso’s own capsules are mainly sold through Nespresso. The catch is L’OR’s XXL capsules, which only fit L’OR’s own Barista machines. We haven’t tested this in person. This comparison is based on L’OR’s and Nespresso’s published information and prices from L’OR UK and Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
L’OR pods vs Nespresso: the quick answer
- Got a Nespresso Original machine? L’OR Classic capsules fit, according to L’OR. So do Nespresso’s own Original capsules.
- Got a Nespresso Vertuo? Neither L’OR’s Classic nor XXL capsules will work. Vertuo machines only brew Vertuo pods. See Vertuo compatible pods in the UK.
- Got a L’OR Barista machine? L’OR says you can use both its Classic and XXL capsules.
Who it isn’t for: Vertuo owners. This comparison only applies to the Original system.
Compatibility
L’OR’s UK compatibility page splits its range into two formats:
- Classic capsules, compatible with L’OR Barista machines and Nespresso Original machines.
- XXL capsules, designed only for the L’OR Barista system. L’OR is clear that these are not compatible with Nespresso Original machines.
L’OR also notes that Nespresso is a trademark it doesn’t own, which is a reminder that these are compatible capsules rather than official Nespresso ones. If you’re unsure, check your machine’s manual. Our L’OR XXL pods guide explains the XXL range in more detail.
Price
On 3 Oct 2026, L’OR’s own UK shop had:
- Most Classic 10-capsule packs, including Ristretto, Forza, Supremo, Onyx, Lungo Profondo and Espresso Decaffeinato, at £4.25 at L’OR UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- Seasonal and special Classic packs such as Capri, Santorini and Pumpkin Spice at £4.69 at L’OR UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- XXL 10-capsule packs at £6.29 at L’OR UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
At Morrisons, L’OR Supremo, Ristretto, Lungo Profondo and Onyx 10-packs were £4.25 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026. Larger 40-capsule packs of L’OR Supremo and Colombian were £10.00 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026, which Morrisons lists as 25p per capsule.
We couldn’t check Nespresso’s own capsule prices on 3 Oct 2026, so check current price at Nespresso UK before comparing.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who only cares about the lowest price. Supermarket own-brand capsules can cost less: Morrisons The Best capsules were £2.92 for 10 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026.
Choice and where to buy
L’OR is sold in UK supermarkets as well as online, so you can buy it with your weekly shop. L’OR describes its capsules as airtight aluminium, and says they’re available as single and double capsules, so you can make a double shot or two espressos at once.
Nespresso sells its Original capsules mainly through its own website, boutiques and app. If you like having a wide range of blends from one maker, and the convenience of ordering direct, that’s the appeal. Our best Nespresso pods guide covers the Nespresso range.
Supermarket shelves also carry other Original-compatible options. At Morrisons on 3 Oct 2026: Starbucks by Nespresso capsules at £3.00 for 10 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026; Costa capsules at £3.50 for 10 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026; and Caffè Nero capsules at £4.50 for 10 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026. See Starbucks Nespresso pods.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants every capsule from one brand. Mixing L’OR and Nespresso is fine on an Original machine.
Drink sizes
With Nespresso Original capsules and L’OR Classic, you pick the drink by the capsule: ristretto, espresso or lungo. L’OR’s XXL range adds longer drinks and double shots for its Barista machines, including Double Espresso, Double Ristretto and Extra Long blends, all £6.29 for 10 at L’OR UK, checked 3 Oct 2026. If you want a big mug of coffee from a single capsule on an Original machine, a lungo is about as long as it gets. That’s one reason some people choose Vertuo or L’OR Barista instead.
Who it isn’t for: anyone happy with espresso-sized drinks. Then the Classic range covers everything.
Recycling
Both can go through Podback, the UK’s free coffee pod recycling scheme, which lists L’OR Barista among its machine options. Original-style capsules, including L’OR, go in the white Podback bag, which Podback says holds about 120 pods. Nespresso also runs its own recycling service. Read are Nespresso pods recyclable and are coffee pods recyclable in the UK for how each works.
Our verdict
For most Original machine owners, L’OR Classic capsules are the easy everyday choice: they fit, they’re widely sold in supermarkets, and there are plenty of blends. Nespresso’s own capsules make sense if you prefer ordering direct and want to stay with one maker. Just avoid L’OR’s XXL capsules unless you own a L’OR Barista machine.
Where to go next
Choosing a machine? Read our Nespresso Citiz review, compare Nespresso Vertuo vs Original, or browse capsule coffee and pod machines.
FAQ
Do L’OR pods work in Nespresso machines? L’OR Classic capsules are designed for Nespresso Original machines. L’OR XXL capsules are not, and neither works in Vertuo.
Are L’OR pods cheaper than Nespresso? L’OR Classic 10-packs were £4.25 at L’OR UK, checked 3 Oct 2026. We couldn’t check Nespresso’s prices on that date, so compare at the time you buy.
What’s the difference between L’OR Classic and XXL? L’OR says Classic capsules fit Nespresso Original and L’OR Barista machines, while XXL capsules are only for L’OR Barista machines.
Can you recycle L’OR pods? Yes, through Podback, using the white bag for Original-style capsules.