I tried own-brand Nespresso pod dupes – one supermarket beat the signature brand

March 21, 2023 Stan

COFFEE is the go-to pick-me-up for millions of Brits every morning.

But along with many other household items, the cost of coffee is soaring.

The Sun's Consumer Reporter James Flanders put Nespresso-compatible supermarket pods to the test — The Sun’s Consumer Reporter James Flanders put Nespresso-compatible supermarket pods to the testCredit: Darren Fletcher

I’m a sucker for Nespresso’s original pod-based brews, but it’s hard to ignore their high cost.

Ten of my favourite pods set shoppers back a whopping £4.20 – which works out at 42p per pod.

But some Nespresso pod packs cost upwards of £4.90 each.

If you’re not lucky enough to live near a Nespresso kiosk you’ll also face a £4.95 delivery charge when ordering online if you purchase less than 100 capsules.

I tested cook-at-home meals from chains - only a few tasted like real thing

I tried 6 water gadgets to see if they save money & cut energy bills

This means that I’d have to spend £42 to get free delivery.

With this in mind, I sought to test and compare medium-strength supermarket own-brand pods and the results were surprising.

The best-tasting pod cost just 25p each and I’ll be rushing back to get my hands on more.

Here’s the full results of the taste test.

Aldi Specially Selected Lungo Coffee Pods

£1.79 for 10
18p per pod
Strength: 4

Aldi's pods cost 18p each — Aldi’s pods cost 18p eachCredit: James Flanders

Aldi’s pods were the cheapest tested and while low cost is always a major drive for me, the flavour of the coffee didn’t blow me away.

The coffee had a nice sweetness with a hit of nuttiness but it was lacking a stimulating aftertaste.

It was also disappointing that the pods themselves cannot be recycled.

TASTE: 4/10
VALUE: 10/10
TOTAL SCORE: 14/20

Asda Extra Special Colombian Coffee Pods

£2.60 for 10
26p per pod
Strength: 8

Asda's pods cost 26p each — Asda’s pods cost 26p eachCredit: James Flanders

Asda’s Nespresso-compatible pods are in fact fully recyclable which for me is a great start.

The supermarket’s Colombian pods have quite a fruity and strong flavour.

But the aftertaste was far too bitter for my liking.

TASTE: 3/10
VALUE: 9/10
TOTAL SCORE: 12/20

Costa Coffee Nespresso Compatible Signature Blend

£2.75
28p per pod
Strength: 5

Costa's pods cost 28p each — Costa’s pods cost 28p eachCredit: James Flanders

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I tend to pick Starbucks coffee over both Cafe Nero and Costa.

I often find Costa’s coffee far too smooth and weak.

Costa’s own pods did little to change this opinion. They were far too smooth and had zero bitterness.

And if you were to add steamed milk to a shot of this pod it would be way too watered down.

To make things worse – the pods cannot be recycled.

TASTE: 1/10
VALUE: 7/10
TOTAL SCORE: 8/20

Co-op Single Origin Colombian Fairtrade Coffee Pods

£4.50
45p per pod
Strength: 7

Co-op's pods cost a whopping 45p each — Co-op’s pods cost a whopping 45p eachCredit: James Flanders

These were the most expensive pods tested overtaking the cost of Nespresso’s own original pods.

But the flavour was decent. The coffee had a sweet caramel flavour without an overly bitter aftertaste.

Co-op’s pods are also 100% aluminium and are fully recyclable after being rinsed clean.

TASTE: 8/10
VALUE: 2/10
TOTAL SCORE: 10/20

Lidl Deluxe Colombian Coffee Capsules

£1.99
20p per pod
Strength: 6

Lidl's pods cost 20p each — Lidl’s pods cost 20p eachCredit: James Flanders

These pods have a smooth but strong flavour – something I’m always on the hunt for.

However, I found that the coffee had a chemical type aftertaste.

Lidl’s pods cant be recycled which makes them far less appealing.

TASTE: 4/10
VALUE: 9/10
TOTAL SCORE: 13/20

Morrisons The Best Fair Trade Colombian Pods

£2.89
29p per pod
Strength: 7

Morrisons' pods cost 29p each — Morrisons’ pods cost 29p eachCredit: James Flanders

These pods delivered a reasonably strong taste to begin with but it soon became weaker with each sip.

The aftertaste was also overly bitter and I worry that it would be too weak to have with steamed milk.

Morrisons’ pods also can’t be recycled.

TASTE: 5/10
VALUE: 7/10
TOTAL SCORE: 12/20

M&S Fairtrade Colombian Espresso Pods

£3.20
32p per pod
Strength: 6

M&S' pods cost 32p each — M&S’ pods cost 32p eachCredit: James Flanders

These pods delivered a strong and rich coffee with hints of caramel.

The coffee has a fresh aftertaste with a hint of bitterness that’s not overpowering.

I would definitely consider buying these again – especially as the pods can be recycled through Nespresso’s own scheme.

TASTE: 8/10
VALUE: 6/10
TOTAL SCORE: 14/20

Nespresso Genova Livanto

£4.20
42p per pod
Strength: 6

Nespresso's pods cost 42p each — Nespresso’s pods cost 42p eachCredit: James Flanders

Nespresso pods are just right, after all, they’re the ones who invented the system.

The coffee is strong but not overpowering and the aftertaste is delightful.

The pods are fully recyclable but the only thing letting Nespresso’s own pods down is the price – they’re still on the expensive side of things and the price is a huge factor for me.

TASTE: 10/10
VALUE: 4/10
TOTAL SCORE: 14/20

Ocado Lungo Coffee Pods

£2.50
25p per pod
Strength: 7

Ocado's pods cost 25p each — Ocado’s pods cost 25p eachCredit: James Flanders

These are the winner for me. They taste as good as Nespresso’s pods but cost just under half the price.

The coffee has a deep and rich flavour without any harsh bitterness – they’re my new go-to.

The pods make a really great cup of coffee and a single shot would go a long way if paired with steamed milk.

The only downside is that the pods are not recyclable.

TASTE: 10/10
VALUE: 9/10
TOTAL SCORE: 19/20

Sainsbury’s Colombian Lungo Taste The Difference Coffee Pods

£2.60
26p per pod
Strength: 7

Sainsbury's pods cost 26p each — Sainsbury’s pods cost 26p eachCredit: James Flanders

A really good effort from Sainsbury’s here. The coffee delivered from these pods has a pleasant strength and would go well with steamed milk.

But overall the coffee lacked the complexity that other pods delivered and the flavour lacked the stimulating bitter aftertaste that makes a superb cup of coffee.

The pods are fully recyclable when rinsed out which is handy.