Tasting notes & flavour profile
Intensity
Flavour notes
Flavour profile
Lavazza Maestro Ristretto is the short, intense espresso in the Maestro collection, Lavazza's aluminium capsules for Nespresso Original machines. Lavazza blends Arabica and Robusta from Africa, Asia and the Americas, with a dark roast: an intense, full-bodied espresso with chocolate and caramel notes, rated 12 on Lavazza's intensity scale of 13. Serve as a short shot in a small cup; the aluminium protects the ground coffee from light and oxygen until extraction.
Machine compatibility
Box of 100 capsules · Aluminium capsules
Compatible machines:
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This product is also available in a pack — −5% compared with buying boxes individually.
Frequently asked questions
Are Maestro Ristretto capsules really compatible with Nespresso?
Yes — 100% compatible with Nespresso Original machines. Lavazza developed the Maestro range specifically for this market after the Nespresso patent was opened up in 2012. Maestro capsules conform to Nespresso Original's geometry and extraction parameters. Compatible with all Original machines: Essenza Mini, Pixie, Inissia, CitiZ, Lattissima, Creatista, Atelier, U, Prodigio, Le Cube, Expert, as well as OEM machines under the Krups Nespresso, Magimix Nespresso and De'Longhi Nespresso brands.
Please note: not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo (a different system using barcoded capsules and centrifugal extraction).
What's the difference between Maestro Classico, Ristretto and Lungo?
Three coffees from the Lavazza Maestro collection for Nespresso Original:
- Maestro Classico — 100% Arabica, intensity 9/13, cereal and biscuit notes.
- Maestro Ristretto (this product) — Arabica and Robusta, intensity 12/13, chocolate and caramel notes.
- Maestro Lungo — 100% Arabica, intensity 5/13, floral and fruity notes.
How do they differ from official Nespresso Ristretto capsules?
They are two different companies: Lavazza, a coffee roaster founded in Turin in 1895, blends and roasts its own coffees for the Nespresso Original format. Lavazza states that it is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Nespresso. Like Nespresso capsules, Maestro capsules are made of aluminium; the price per capsule for each product is shown on its product page.
What other Maestro blends and Nespresso-compatible capsules are available at Cafemalin?
Yes:
- Lavazza Maestro: Classico, Ristretto and Lungo, plus a mix-and-match pack of the three.
- illy : Espresso Classico compatible with Nespresso.
- Kimbo: Napoli, Barista and Ristretto compatible with Nespresso.
Are aluminium capsules recyclable?
Yes, aluminium can be recycled. Put used capsules with your packaging for recycling, following your local council's guidelines: emptying out the grounds first (they can be composted) makes the capsules easier to recycle.
How many cups do 100 capsules make, and how should you store them?
100 espresso (one capsule = one cup, around 5,7 g of coffee per capsule). Household estimates:
- 1 cup per day : ~100 days per box.
- 3 cups per day (household of 2 people): ~33 days per box.
- 5 cups per day (household of 3 people): ~20 days per box.
The best before date is shown on each box; store it at room temperature, away from light.
Verified product reviews from our customers
Recent reviews
‘I like it!!’
‘The Lavazza capsules get crushed every other time and the coffee doesn't come through, leaving the capsule unusable. I don't think they're compatible with all Nespresso machines!’
‘Delivery as expected.’
‘Good coffee!’
‘Excellent coffee with an intense flavour, just as I like it’
“Excellent”
‘No issues, everything matches my order’
- Patrice B.Verified purchase
5/5I like it!!
Review dated , following an experience on 15/01/2026 - Joël L.Verified purchase
3/5The Lavazza capsules get crushed every other time and no coffee comes out, leaving the capsule unusable. I don’t think they’re compatible with all Nespresso machines!
Review dated , following an experience on 11/02/2025 - Anonymous A.Verified purchase
5/5Delivery as expected.
Review dated , following an experience on 26/08/2024 - Anonymous A.Verified purchase
5/5Good coffee!
Review dated , following an experience on 08/06/2024 - Anonymous A.Verified purchase
5/5Excellent coffee with an intense flavour, just as I like it
Review dated , following an experience on 05/04/2024 - Anonymous A.Verified purchase
5/5Excellent
Review dated , following an experience on 23/03/2024 - Jean-Louis D.Verified purchase
5/5No issues, everything matches my order
Review dated , following an experience on 30/07/2023
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- Only customers who have ordered from Cafemalin are invited by email to leave a review after receiving their order.
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All published reviews are collected and verified by Avis Vérifiés, an independent trusted third party certified by AFNOR to the NF ISO 20488 standard. View the certificate.





















