10 Best Espresso Coffees 2025 in the United States

The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Double Espresso Scuro offer a dark and bold espresso experience with a full-bodied flavor. The dark roast level is achieved through a unique roasting process that separately roasts Robusta and Arabica beans, resulting in an intense cocoa note and smoky character.

Those who enjoy a rich and intense espresso will likely appreciate this blend, especially with its added complexity of cocoa and vanilla notes that are enhanced when milk is added. The espresso brews a 2.7 fl. oz. serving, making it a double shot for an extra boost of caffeine. The capsules are designed exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo machines, which means they won't be compatible with Original Line machines.

The product also emphasizes sustainability, with fully recyclable aluminum capsules and a commitment to environmental performance. One drawback could be its exclusivity to Vertuo machines, limiting its use for those with different espresso machines. Additionally, as a pre-packaged capsule, some might find it lacks the freshness of freshly ground beans. However, for convenience and consistent quality, these capsules are a strong choice in the espresso-coffee category.

Illy Ground Espresso Coffee in the Intenso Bold Roast offers a rich and intense espresso experience, thanks to its dark roast level which brings out deep cocoa and dried fruit notes. Using 100% Arabica beans sourced from multiple regions including South and Central America, India, and Africa, it delivers a consistent flavor quality that espresso drinkers appreciate.

Since this is pre-ground coffee specifically made for espresso machines, it saves you the hassle of grinding beans yourself, but it does mean less control over grind size, which can affect how perfectly your espresso extracts. The packaging is pressurized and sealed to lock in freshness and aroma until you're ready to brew, which helps maintain quality over time compared to typical ground coffee bags.

Being a blend rather than a single-origin means the flavor is crafted for balance and boldness rather than unique regional notes. Illy is also notable for its sustainability efforts, holding a B Corp certification that reflects responsible sourcing and production. This coffee suits espresso lovers who want a convenient, bold, and reliably flavorful shot without dealing with grinding beans but might not satisfy those seeking more customization or single-origin complexity.

The Nespresso Capsules Vertuo, Espresso Bold Variety Pack offers 40 coffee pods with a mix of 20 Diavolitto (intensity 11) and 20 Altissio (intensity 9) espresso pods. These pods feature a blend of South American Arabica and Central American Robusta beans, delivering a robust and intense flavor profile that's sure to please those who prefer strong coffees.

The coffee is available in a dark roast, making it ideal for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied espresso experience. The pods are designed to brew 1.35 oz traditional espresso drinks using the Nespresso VertuoLine machines, which is quite convenient for quick, single-serve coffee preparation. Additionally, the pods are made from fully recyclable aluminum, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

However, potential drawbacks include the reliance on the specific Nespresso VertuoLine machine, which could be limiting if you don’t already own one. Also, while the bold flavors will appeal to many, those who prefer lighter or more nuanced coffees might find this variety pack a bit too intense. This product is best suited for strong coffee enthusiasts who value convenience and sustainability.