Caffeine content of Nespresso？ pod coffee

Little independent information on the caffeine content of the popular Nespresso？ coffee pod range exists. To quantify the caffeine content of Nespresso？ pod coffees. Initially, three serves (ristretto (S), espresso (M), lungo (L)) of two pod varieties (Livanto and Roma) were prepared on three different Nespresso？ machines (2 × U-Delonghi (1 × 5 years since purchase (old), 1 × recently purchased (new)), 1 × new Lattissima Pro (alternate)) using two different batches (sleeves). Caffeine content was then determined via triplicate samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. Differences in content (i.e. serve size, machine or sleeve) were determined via an analysis of variance or paired sample t-tests. Coffees prepared on different machines or pods from different sleeves did not influence the caffeine content (old = 63 ± 13, new = 60 ± 8, alternate = 60 ± 10 mg·serve–1; p = 0.537, sleeveA = 63 ± 11, sleeveB = 59 ± 9 mg·serve–1; p = 0.134). Less caffeine was delivered in S (51 ± 7 mg·serve–1) compared to larger sizes (M = 66 ± 7 and L = 66 ± 10 mg·serve–1). Subsequently, the caffeine content from two serve sizes (S and L) from 17 other varieties within the Nespresso？ range was determined and compared to the manufacturer’s values. Caffeine content (all pods) ranged from 19 to 147 mg·serve–1, and represented 51–162% of manufacturer’s values. Nespresso？ consumers are exposed to variable amounts of caffeine, which often differ from the manufacturer’s reports