Nespresso machines are made for coffee. Tea capsules for them are made by other companies, such as ours, and are not made or sold by Nespresso. If you own an OriginalLine machine, you can use tea pods that are made to fit it. Here is what works and how to brew.
Two machine families, two capsule shapes
Nespresso machines come in two families. OriginalLine capsules are small and bell-shaped. VertuoLine capsules are larger and dome-shaped. They are not interchangeable, so the first step is to check which one you own.
Which tea capsules fit?
Our tea pods for OriginalLine machines fit OriginalLine machines only. They do not fit VertuoLine machines. If you use a Keurig-style brewer, see our tea capsules for K-Cup brewers.
What "Nespresso compatible pods" means
When a box says "Nespresso compatible," the capsules were made by another company to fit a Nespresso machine. Nespresso does not make, test or approve them, and that includes ours. The word "compatible" on its own does not tell you which Nespresso system the pods are for, so look for the system name on the box: OriginalLine or Vertuo.
What to check before you buy compatible pods
- The system name. It should match your machine. Pods made for OriginalLine will not work in a Vertuo machine, and the other way around.
- What is inside. Compatible pods come with coffee, tea and other drinks. Make sure the box says tea if that is what you want.
- Price per pod. Boxes hold different numbers of pods, so compare the price per pod rather than per box. Larger packs and bulk orders usually cost less per cup.
- Caffeine. If you drink tea in the evening, look for decaf or caffeine-free herbal options.
Coffee pods and tea pods in the same machine
You don't need a second machine for tea. An OriginalLine machine can brew both, as long as the tea pods are made for OriginalLine. Tea just needs a different run than espresso, and the steps below show how. Browse all tea pods compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine.
How to brew tea in a capsule machine
- Insert one capsule and close the lever.
- Use a cup or mug and pick a short size.
- Run the machine for about 30 to 45 seconds, then stop.
- Let the tea rest for a few seconds before you drink it.
A shorter run gives a stronger cup. Run it longer if you like it lighter.
Which flavors can I choose?
You can choose black, green, decaf and caffeine-free teas, as well as variety packs if you want to try several. Larger packs are available for offices and other businesses.
Quick checklist
- Check that your machine is OriginalLine.
- Pick your flavor, or start with a variety pack.
- Brew for 30 to 45 seconds.
