Find out what makes Chiaro the best selling double espresso pod from Nespresso, what it tastes like, and get drink ideas.
Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro Capsule
Chiaro is the best selling double espresso capsule sold in the US.
Size: Double espresso (2.7 ounces)
Bean type: Arabica
Bean source: Blend from South and Central America
Roast: Medium Roast
Nespresso intensity: 8 (medium-high intensity)
Aromatic notes: Balanced intensity with woody, earthy notes
Caffeine: 180mg
What is a Double Espresso?
A double espresso, or “doppio”, is 2 shots of a espresso.
At Starbucks, you’ll get a 2 shots of espresso in a Grande (16 ounces) sized drink.
A double espresso capsule from Nespresso has 2 shots in a single capsule. This means it also has double the volume and double the caffeine.
Instead of using 2 espresso capsules, you can use 1 double espresso capsule, which will save you money. An espresso capsule is around $1 and a double espresso capsule is $1.15 per pod.
Nespresso has 3 double espresso capsules available only for Vertuo machines:
- Double Espresso Dolce
- Double Espresso Scuro
- Double Espresso Chiaro
Double Espresso Chiaro Taste
The Chiaro is often described as smelling like what you think of when you think of ‘coffee’.
Nespresso calls Chiaro as having cereal notes, which means it evokes the smell of cereal products like bread, toast, and breakfast cereals.
There are also notes of caramel and biscuit.
The Chiaro is smoother than the Double Espresso Scuro and more intense than the Double Espresso Dolce.
There isn’t a need to go heavy on the syrups or sugar since Chiaro isn’t very roasty or bitter.
5 Drinks to Make with the Chiaro
“Chiaro” means “light” in Italian, and this double espresso is meant to be used in hot or iced drinks with milk to bring out its nutty and cereal notes.
1. Iced Vanilla Latte
With double the espresso, the Chiaro is great for iced lattes, which are espresso drink that contain the most milk. The coffee flavor will still shine through all the milk.
2. Cortado
A cortado is a great choice for this Nespresso pod because it’s meant to be made with a double espresso and equal part milk.
Tip: To make the drink extra creamy, use half & half instead of milk.
3. Iced Caramel Macchiato
A very popular Starbucks drink, it combines milk, espresso, vanilla, and caramel in one delicious drink.
4. Americano
If you’re really into the flavor of Chiaro and don’t want to temper it with any milk or sugar, a hot or Iced Americano is for you.
5. Iced White Mocha
Instead of 2 espresso capsules, you can use 1 Double Espresso Chiaro pod to make this caffeinated drink.
Nespresso Capsules Similar to Chiaro
For a coffee similar to Chiaro, look for a Nespresso capsule that has medium bitterness, lower acidity, medium roast, and medium body, plus beans from Central and South America (e.g., Colombia).
1. Double Espresso Scuro
Size: Double Espresso (2.7 ounces)
Beans: Arabica & Robusta
Roast: Medium
Intensity Rating: 11
Aromatic Profile: Roasted, chocolatey
Caffeine: 180 mg
Same size, similar profile, but a little more acidic and stronger aroma than Chiaro.
2. Double Espresso Dolce
Size: Double Espresso (2.7 ounces)
Beans: Arabica & Robusta
Roast: Medium
Intensity Rating: 5
Aromatic Profile: Cereal, malted, smooth, nutty
Caffeine: 180 mg
Same size but slightly less intense and highly rated by Chiaro fans.
3. Orafio
Size: Espresso (1.35 ounces)
Beans: Arabica & a little bit of Robusta
Roast: Medium
Intensity Rating: 6
Aromatic Profile: Woodsy, earthy, caramel, roasted
Caffeine: 75 mg
Smaller size but very similar profile and intensity.
4. Starbucks Pike Place Roast
Size: Mug (7.77 ounces)
Beans: Arabica
Roast: Medium roast
Intensity Rating: 7
Aromatic Profile: Chocolate, toasted nuts, rounded
Caffeine: 190 mg
Checks off same categories as Chiaro but for a full mug.
5. Odacio
Size: Mug (7.77 ounces)
Beans: Arabica
Roast: Medium roast
Intensity Rating: 7
Aromatic Profile: Bold, cereal, full-bodied, lively
Caffeine: 165 mg
Similar tasting profile and intensity, but for a full cup of coffee.
Questions You May Have
Nespresso rates the intensity of their coffees from 1 to 11 for Vertuo capsules. The higher the intensity score, the stronger the coffee taste.
Arabica and Robusta are different coffee tree species. Arabica beans create a more “smooth” cup of coffee and are considered by many as more desirable, while Robusta beans often have a stronger “coffee taste” and its beans usually contain more caffeine. The geographic location, altitude, and soil will give Arabica or Robusto beans different flavor profiles. Blends can be a combination of Arabica beans, mix of Robusta beans, or a blend of both species of coffee beans.
No, the Double Espresso Chiaro makes 2.7 ounces of espresso, which is about ⅓ of a cup.