Guide · Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso Vertuo compatible capsules UK: what actually works in a Vertuo
Why Nespresso Vertuo machines only brew Vertuo pods, what that means for third-party and supermarket capsules, and the options UK owners actually have.
If you’re searching for Vertuo compatible pods UK shops sell, the short answer is that the choice is narrow. Nespresso says Vertuo pods only work in Vertuo machines, and each pod carries a barcode the machine reads to set how it brews. So the cheap “Nespresso compatible” capsules you see in supermarkets are made for the Original system, not Vertuo. We haven’t tested this in person. This guide is based on Nespresso’s published information and a check of Morrisons’ range on 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
Quick answer: in the UK, Vertuo pods come from Nespresso itself, including the Starbucks pods it makes for Vertuo. Vertuo machines read a barcode on each pod, so the supermarket “Nespresso compatible” capsules you’ll see on shelves are for Original machines and won’t work. Morrisons had no Vertuo pods when we checked on 3 Oct 2026.
Vertuo compatible pods UK: why the choice is narrow
Vertuo works differently from Nespresso’s older Original machines:
- A barcode on every pod. Nespresso says the machine reads a barcode on the rim of each Vertuo pod and adjusts brewing settings, such as temperature, flow and rotation speed, to suit it.
- Spinning, not pumping. Vertuo uses what Nespresso calls Centrifusion, spinning the pod to extract the coffee. Original machines force water through at high pressure, which Nespresso puts at 19 bar.
- Different shapes and sizes. Vertuo pods are dome-shaped and come in several sizes, from espresso to large mugs. Nespresso says the range covers seven cup sizes.
Put together, that means a pod needs the right shape and a barcode the machine recognises. Original-style capsules won’t fit, and Vertuo pods won’t work in an Original machine either.
Who it isn’t for: owners of an Original machine like the Citiz or Essenza. You have a much wider choice of compatible capsules. See Nespresso Vertuo vs Original.
What you can actually buy
Nespresso’s own Vertuo pods
The main source is Nespresso itself, through its website, boutiques and app. We couldn’t check Nespresso’s prices on 3 Oct 2026, so check current price on the Nespresso UK site. Our best Nespresso pods guide covers the range.
Starbucks pods for Vertuo
Starbucks-branded pods for Vertuo are produced by Nespresso under its partnership with Starbucks, rather than by an independent capsule maker, so they’re designed for Vertuo machines. See our guide to Starbucks Nespresso pods, and check the pack says Vertuo before you buy.
Supermarket capsules
When we searched Morrisons’ online shop on 3 Oct 2026, we found no Vertuo pods at all, only Original-compatible capsules. Most supermarket “Nespresso compatible” capsules, including the L’OR, Lavazza and own-brand ranges, are for Original machines. Always check the pack for the word “Vertuo”.
Refillable Vertuo pods
Some third-party sellers offer refillable stainless-steel pods for Vertuo. We haven’t been able to confirm how well they work with each model’s barcode reading, and using non-Nespresso parts could affect your warranty. Read your machine’s manual and the warranty terms first.
Who it isn’t for: anyone hoping to cut costs with cheap supermarket pods. If that matters most, an Original machine may suit you better.
Recycling Vertuo pods
Vertuo pods can go through Podback, the UK’s free coffee pod recycling scheme. Podback says a bag holds around 65 Vertuo pods. Our guide to whether Nespresso pods are recyclable has the details.
Where to go next
Still choosing a machine? Read our Nespresso Vertuo Next review or Vertuo Pop review, or start with our Nespresso guide. Keep your machine running well with our Nespresso Vertuo descaling guide.
Vertuo vs Original pods
| Vertuo pods | Original capsules | |
|---|---|---|
| How the machine brews | Spins the pod (Centrifusion) and reads a barcode on its rim | Pumps water through at high pressure (19 bar, says Nespresso) |
| Cup sizes | Seven, from espresso to large mug (Nespresso) | Mostly espresso and lungo |
| Where to buy | Nespresso’s website, boutiques and app | Nespresso, plus supermarket compatibles from L’OR, Lavazza, Starbucks and own brands |
| Podback | Around 65 Vertuo pods a bag | Around 120 Original capsules a bag |
From Nespresso’s published information and Podback.
Who should buy a Vertuo, and who should buy an Original machine
- Buy a Vertuo if you want big mugs of coffee at one touch and are happy to buy pods from Nespresso.
- Buy an Original machine if you want to shop around for cheaper supermarket capsules. Our Nespresso Vertuo vs Original guide compares the two.
FAQ
Can you use normal Nespresso pods in a Vertuo? No. Nespresso says Vertuo pods only work in Vertuo machines, and Original capsules are a different shape without the Vertuo barcode.
Do supermarkets sell Vertuo compatible pods? We found none in Morrisons’ online range on 3 Oct 2026. Most supermarket capsules are for Original machines.
Are Starbucks Vertuo pods made by Nespresso? Yes. Starbucks pods for Vertuo are produced by Nespresso under its partnership with Starbucks.
Do refillable Vertuo pods work? Some are sold for Vertuo, but we couldn’t confirm how reliably they work, and they may affect your warranty.
Are there cheap Vertuo compatible capsules? Not in UK supermarkets, from what we found. The cheap “Nespresso compatible” capsules are made for Original machines, and Vertuo machines need a pod with a barcode they recognise.
Does Starbucks make Vertuo pods? Yes, through Nespresso. Nespresso UK listed Starbucks Single Origin Colombia Vertuo pods when we checked on 23 Oct 2026. The Starbucks by Nespresso pods in supermarkets are for Original machines.
Will Vertuo pods work in an Original machine? No. Nespresso says Vertuo pods only work in Vertuo machines.