8 Best Hot Chocolate Nespresso Pods

Are you looking for a comforting drink that’s sweeter than coffee? Let’s explore the best hot chocolate Nespresso pods to bring joy on cold winter mornings.

Best hot chocolate Nespresso pods
Nespresso doesn’t sell hot chocolate pods

If you have a sweet tooth, then a cup of coffee just doesn’t hit the spot sometimes. Nespresso coffee brewers are so popular because they simplify the process of brewing your morning cup of Joe, but what if you’re craving hot chocolate? 

Although Nespresso doesn’t sell hot chocolate pods, several other brands saved the day by releasing Nespresso-compatible hot chocolate capsules. You might also be interested in our guide on the best Nespresso machines.

Our Top 3 Best Hot Chocolate Nespresso Pods For You

Below is a comparison table of the top three items from this article to help you choose which is best for you.

03/07/2024 09:59 pm GMT

1. Dolce Vita MiniCiock

Dolce Vita is an Italian brand whose name translates to “the sweet life,” so, you know, offering decadent treats is what it does best. Dolce Vita offers fun flavored pods compatible with Nespresso and competitors such as Dolce Gusto and Tassimo.

The Nespresso-compatible MiniCiock pods brew a small but mighty cup of hot cacao. You simply brew using the espresso option on your device. 

2. La Capsuleria Hot Chocolate 

La Capsuleria is another Italian brand offering Nespresso-compatible hot chocolate. These pods are compatible with all of the Nespresso OriginalLine but not the Vertuo brewers. 

You can whip up a creamy hot chocolate with the push of a button, but if you bought these before realizing they won’t fit in your Vertuo model, you can open the capsule and brew like a standard instant hot chocolate. The taste is highly rated; however, some customers found the serving size a bit small and would have preferred a more robust flavor. 

3. Bestpresso Cioccolato

If you still want a hit of espresso, Bestpresso is for you. The Cioccolato brew is a blend of espresso and cacao beans. 

It has a deep, rich flavor and smells heavenly. As cacao is not as sweet as a classic hot chocolate, you can add your sweetener of choice to taste after brewing.

Bestpresso Coffee for Nespresso Original Machine 120 pods
$39.99
  • Certified Genuine Espresso Chocolate Blend (Medium Intensity)
  • Pods Compatible with Nespresso Original
  • 60 Days Satisfaction Guarantee
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 09:59 pm GMT

4. L’OR Espresso Chocolate 

For the best of both worlds, you can opt for the L’OR espresso chocolate capsules. The espresso is a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee, so you can enjoy a caffeine kick without sacrificing flavor. These mocha pods are ideal if you don’t like to go overboard with your chocolate, as the coffee taste still shines. 

Always ensure before purchasing that the pods are compatible with your Nespresso model. L’OR pods are compatible with most Nespresso machines except for Vertuo models, including Expert and Prodigio brewers.

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03/08/2024 01:30 am GMT

5. PODiSTA Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Pods

Barista making a cup of hot chocolate art with steamed milk
Brew a short shot and top it with warm or steamed milk

If you want that delicious chocolatey goodness but want to reduce your sugar intake, then the PODiSTA sugar-free hot chocolate pods are for you. PODiSTA offers several kinds of hot chocolate pods, but the sugar-free one is a game changer.

It’s sweetened with natural sweeteners. For the best results, use these pods to brew a short shot and then top it with warm or steamed milk. These pods are compatible with OriginalLine brewers. 

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03/08/2024 01:35 am GMT

6. Belmio Chocolate Therapy

If you love that chocolate taste but don’t actually want to brew chocolate in your Nespresso machine, then flavored coffee is for you. Belmio’s Chocolate Therapy pods are medium roast espresso pods with a chocolatey flavor. 

The coffee is a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans, so these pods pack quite the punch in the morning. Like the other Nespresso hot chocolate pods on this list, these are suitable for OriginalLine brewers.  

7. Real Coffee Sweet Hot Chocolate

For a simple hot chocolate, Real Coffee has you covered. The brand offers a classic hot chocolate and a dark hot chocolate pod for bolder flavors. It’s advised to push the espresso button twice during the brewing process to ensure you get the full flavor. 

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03/08/2024 01:40 am GMT

8. Columbus Café & Co. Cookie Chocolate Espresso

For a fun twist on the classic hot chocolate flavor, you’ll love the cookie chocolate espresso pods from Columbus Café & Co. The brand has lots of fun offerings, but the coffee, cookie, and chocolate combination is a match made in heaven. Best of all, there is no added sugar, so you get a wake-up call in the morning guilt-free. 

Columbus Café & Co. also offers Dulce Gusto compatible pods, so ensure you have the correct product in your basket before purchasing. Like other options, these are not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines. 

How To Brew Nespresso Hot Chocolate

How you would brew Nespresso hot chocolate depends on the pods you have purchased. Always check the instructions on the packaging before brewing for the best results.  

Materials Needed:

  • Hot chocolate pod
  • Nespresso machine
  • Milk frother
  • Milk

Method:

Step 1: Add The Pod 

First, select a hot chocolate pod and place it in your Nespresso machine. 

Step 2: Brew An Espresso Shot

Most pods should be brewed like a standard espresso shot. For a stronger flavor, you can add a second pod, but it’s best to try the drink first.

Step 3: Steam Your Milk

Although you can drink the concentrated chocolate shot, most people prefer to dilute it with water or milk for a more traditional hot chocolate experience. While the hot chocolate is brewing, whip up frothed milk with your milk steamer. If you don’t have one, you can heat the milk over the stove and use a hand-held frother to get a creamer consistency. 

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Pour your steamed milk over your chocolate and stir. Then feel free to garnish with cream or marshmallows and enjoy! If you love experimenting in your kitchen, check out our guide on the best Nespresso Vertuo pods for iced coffee. 

How To Brew Nespresso Hot Chocolate Without A Pod

Flowing chocolate on a spoon over white background
Add hot chocolate powder or syrup to hot water

If you don’t have a Nespresso hot chocolate pod, you can still whip something together. 

Materials Needed:

  • Milk
  • Hot chocolate powder or syrup
  • Milk frother
  • Flavored coffee pod (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Brew Without A Pod In The Chamber

To prepare your hot chocolate, you will need hot water. You can simply get a shot of hot water by brewing your Nespresso machine as normal without a pod. If you want to make a mocha, you can use a chocolate-flavored Nespresso pod at this step for a stronger chocolate flavor.

Step 2: Add The Chocolate

Add your hot chocolate powder or syrup to your hot water and mix thoroughly. If you’re using a powder, it’s okay at this step if it isn’t fully dissolved, as the extra liquid added later will help it along.

Step 3: Froth Your milk

Next, it’s time to prepare your milk. The CitiZ&Milk brewer comes with a built-in Aeroccino frother, but you can purchase it separately. If you have neither, you can heat milk on the stove and use a hand-held milk frother to get that ideal texture.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Once your milk is ready, add it to your small hot chocolate and stir well. Feel free to garnish with cream, chocolate flakes, or marshmallows. 

FAQs About Nespresso Hot Chocolate Pods

Can I Brew Hot Chocolate Pods With Milk?

You should never put milk into the water reservoir of your Nespresso machine as it will damage your brewer, brew a poor-quality drink, and is difficult to clean. Instead, top small hot chocolates with warm or steamed milk.

Is Hot Chocolate Or Flavored Espresso Better?

When it comes to taste, it depends on whether you prefer plain chocolate or mocha. As for functionality, many brands don’t offer true hot chocolate as chocolate doesn’t have the same consistency as coffee grounds. It’s advised to run water through your machine after brewing chocolate drinks.

Are There Any Hot Chocolate Pods For Nespresso Vertuo?

At the moment, there don’t appear to be any hot chocolate pod options for Nespresso’s VertuoLine. Instead, if you have a milk frother, you can prepare steamed milk and combine it with hot chocolate powder or syrup.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.