The Limited-Edition Nespresso Pod That Is Underwhelming Coffee Lovers

Nespresso announces limited edition flavors each year. Sometimes fun and festive, sometimes perfect to make latte macchiatos, the flavors are available until there is no more stock, so when they are gone, they are gone. While some of the limited editions have knocked it out of the park (and we wish we could have them all year long), others fall short. Coffee lovers who enjoy sweeter pods may be tempted by the sound of almond croissant capsules, but buyer beware! A distinct artificial taste is a common complaint from consumers, with many reviewers expressing feelings of underwhelm and disappointment after sampling.

The 2024 festive offerings include coffee capsules, limited edition machines, chocolate, and biscuits tucked into an advent calendar. On the fourth day, the almond croissant flavor makes its appearance. Even if you don't want to purchase an advent calendar of surprises, the flavor can be purchased in packs of 10 and are described by Nespresso as delivering indulgent, smooth notes of sweet vanilla and almond with layers of brown caramel, butter, and pastries. The flavor is part of an overall experience developed by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert in a partnership powered by Belmond, a luxury train company, so a romantic theme of travel accompanies the creation, along with the design of the calendar with train windows that open to reveal daily treats. The almond croissant flavor is meant to result in coffee that might symbolically transport drinkers to Paris, but the effort has received mixed reviews. 

Made up of an Arabica base composed of Brazilian and Colombian beans roasted to medium darkness with flavor added after roasting, Imbert recommends using the capsule to make cappuccinos to fully appreciate the tasting notes. Nespresso provides a recipe to make lattes garnished with caramelized sugar spritzed with orange blossom water. Still, the flavor has drawn comparisons to cheap marzipan candy. "Honestly, the default flavored Nespresso capsules are better than the limited edition ones this time," remarked one drinker. Another taster likened the flavor to a paper bag.

Other determined coffee drinkers got creative with their pods by adding ingredients to build coffee recipes to make palatable drinks. Honey, vanilla paste, half and half, syrups, and flavored creamers are some of the add-ins at-home baristas used to make coffee drinkable. Regardless, not every coffee drinker hates the stuff, and some fans are looking to buy more capsules for their kitchens. If you are looking for a daily treat, the calendar offers new and familiar flavors that can be used in original and Vertuo machines, so out of the batch, there may be a few flavors that can be enjoyed. On the final day, you can look forward to a mug as a reward for your persistent endurance.