5 of the Best Nespresso Hot Chocolate Pods

Nespresso doesn’t actually sell hot chocolate pods, since they only sell coffee pods with different flavors… 

We’ve scoured the internet to find third party companies that create Nespresso hot chocolate pods, but the options are quite limited. 

So we decided to share a few hot chocolate pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines as well as Nespresso coffee pods with chocolate or cocoa flavors, which are perfect for those who love their mochas!

Let’s take a closer look at the best hot chocolate pods for your Nespresso machine. 

Unfortunately, none of the options out there are compatible with the VertuoLine machines, BUT this guide will show you a way to make a delicious hot chocolate with just your Nespresso frother or any milk frother you own!

What are the Best Nespresso Hot Chocolate Pods?

First, we are going to give you a quick overview of the best hot chocolate pods, then we will go into more detail about each one. So check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:

Now stick around so you can learn more about each hot chocolate pod, and how to make Nespresso Hot Chocolate beverages without the pods!

1. PODiSTA Hot Chocolate Pods

Best Overall

These third party branded hot chocolate pods are our top choice on this list and for good reason; they taste delicious and they’re super quick and easy to make!

Flavor

The flavor for this Nespresso hot chocolate pod is smooth and creamy with a velvety milk chocolate mouth feel. 

Just remember to add frothed milk to complete your drink! Otherwise, you would be having a shot of concentrated hot chocolate, which come to think of it, doesn’t sound so bad…

Pro Tip

If you don’t own a milk frother, then you can either purchase a Nespresso milk frother that also heats up your milk or if you want to save some money, then you can get a handheld milk frother and warm up your milk in the microwave (learn how to properly heat milk in the microwave here). See below:

Compatibility

These mouth watering sweet hot chocolate pods are compatible with the Nespresso OriginalLine coffee machines. Unfortunately, they are not compatible with the VertuoLine coffee machines.

Cost & Quantity

These pods are reasonably priced at $1.25 per pod or drink and the order comes with 2 packs of 10 pods.

That is considerably cheaper than buying hot chocolate from your local coffee shop, which could cost closer to $5 a cup. 

2. PODiSTA Hot Cocoa Pods Variety Pack

Best Variety Pack

This option is from the same company, but they offer a variety pack with different flavors for those who like their hot chocolate with an extra flair!

Flavor

The hot chocolate flavor is the same as their original hot chocolate capsules, but they’ve added caramel infusion, hazelnut infusion, and mint infusion. And of course, part of the order is the original smooth and creamy hot chocolate that is our best overall choice!

Again, don’t forget to add frothed milk after or before you brew these PODiSTA branded hot chocolate pods. 

Compatibility

These third party manufacturers seem to only create capsules that are only OriginalLine Nespresso compatible, which is quite unfortunate for those of us who own a Nespresso VertuoLine coffee maker. 

Cost & Quantity

Once again, these hot chocolate capsules come with 10 pods for each flavor, which adds up to 40 capsules, bringing the cost per pod to $1.15. 

3. PODiSTA Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Pods

Best Sugar Free Option

Next on our list of Nespresso hot chocolate options is another PODiSTA product, the sugar free option to our best overall choice! 

As we mentioned earlier, the options are limited and we couldn’t seem to find other brands that we as good as this one.

This product is perfect for those who are diabetic or for those who want the pleasure without the guilt, for instance, me… 

Flavor

In this option, you can expect the regular chocolate flavor that you would find in their original product, but it is sweetened with stevia and erythritol. 

Compatibility

I know you know this already, but I have to mention it for those who don’t read everything I have to say in my guides. You know who you are…

These Nespresso chocolate capsules are only compatible with the OriginalLine Nespresso machine. 

Cost & Quantity

The package comes with 10 pods bringing the cost to $1.50 per capsule. 

4. BESTPRESSO Cioccolato Espresso Pods

Best Medium-Dark Intensity

Next on our list of the best Nespresso hot chocolate pods is for those mocha lovers! 

If you don’t know already, mocha is a hot chocolate with espresso in it. It’s the perfect mix between caffeine and hot chocolate. 

BESTPRESSO makes many flavored real coffee capsules, and one of those options is cioccolato, which is chocolate in Italian. 

Flavor

The coffee beans are blended with cocoa powder to create this chocolate flavored espresso. Keep in mind that there is no sugar or artificial flavors added. 

The espresso itself is a medium-dark roast and made of both arabica and robusta coffee beans for the perfect espresso shot.

Compatibility

These chocolate coffee capsules are compatible only with the Nespresso OriginalLine machines. 

Cost & Quantity

The package comes with 120 capsules and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. The cost per pod is about $0.33, which is the cheapest option so far! 

5. L’OR Chocolate Espresso Pods

Best Dark Chocolate Notes

Last but not least, we have L’OR’s chocolate espresso pods, which again, is a great choice for those who love their coffee and their hot chocolate! 

Flavor

The coffee beans are curated by French coffee artisans from both arabica and robusta beans to create a smooth and rich flavor. 

This flavor is then enhanced with a burst of dark chocolate notes with some hints of sweetness. 

Compatibility

These espresso capsules with traditional hot chocolate flavors are compatible with the OriginalLine machines only. 

Cost & Quantity

These L'or hot chocolate pods come in 3 packs of 10 pods each, totaling 30 chocolate flavored espresso pods. This brings the cost to $0.72 per pod. 

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Tips on Making Hot Chocolate with a Nespresso Machine

Here are some quick tips for creating a tasty hot chocolate with your Nespresso machine:

• First, run hot water through your machine to get rid of any coffee residue unless you don’t mind the taste of coffee with your hot chocolate. 
  
  
• Select either espresso or lungo depending on how chocolatey you like your hot cocoa and the cup size you are using. 
  
  
• Use either the in-build milk frother to add steamed milk or use a separate milk frother.
  
  
• Add some of the hot milk to the brewed hot cocoa, and stir the mixture a bit before adding the remainder of the frother milk to your cup.

Nespresso recommends you use their frother (of course they do), but it has great reviews and we vouch for it! See below:

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Hot Chocolate Pods

There are a few things to keep in mind when using hot chocolate pods with your Nespresso machine:

• Your Nespresso machine is made to make coffee, which is why Nespresso does not make hot chocolate pods. So make sure you clean your coffee machine properly every time you use a hot chocolate capsule.
  
  
• The hot chocolate pods and the Nespresso machine do not produce milk and hot chocolate without hot milk is not hot chocolate. So make sure you steam and froth milk to add to your drink.

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How to Make Hot Chocolate With Just a Milk Frother

For this version of hot chocolate, you need milk and Nespresso chocolate squares. 

1. First, add your milk to the Nespresso Aeroccino and turn it on to heat up and froth your milk
   
   
2. While the milk frother is doing its thing, place 2 or 3 Nespresso chocolate squares into your empty mug and microwave for 10-15 seconds (each microwave is different, so play around with the timing)
   
   
3. Once the milk is done frothing, add the milk to your mug and stir it until the melted chocolate squares are incorporated with the milk
   
   
4. You can sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on it or top it off with whipped cream and marshmallows. 

Follow these steps if you don’t own an Aeroccino, but a handheld frother:

1. First, add your milk to your favorite cup, then add 2 or 3 Nespresso chocolate squares to it
   
   
2. Next, place your mug in the microwave and heat up the mixture for 15 seconds, then take it out to stir for 15 seconds, then repeat until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated with the milk
   
   
3. Next, grab your handheld frother and froth your milk until you get some creamy foam on top. Make sure your mug has enough space, otherwise you will make a huge mess.
   
   
4. Finally, you can sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on it or top it off with whipped cream and marshmallows. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

We hope that our limited list of Nespresso hot chocolate pods has helped you find your next favorite menu item! 

If you think we missed a good option, then please let us know and we will make sure to add it to our list.

Happy Hot Chocolating!