Gulf News Likes Starbucks’ 10-Roast Nespresso Original Sampler

Gulf News has reviewed the Starbucks by Nespresso variety pack and calls it a sensible buy for people who already own a Nespresso Original machine and like to switch coffees during the week.

The box holds 100 capsules, ten each of ten Starbucks coffees, according to the review: Sunny Day Blend, Single-Origin Guatemala, Blonde Espresso Roast, Pike Place Roast, Single-Origin Colombia, Breakfast Blend, House Blend, Caffè Verona, Espresso Roast and a decaf Espresso Roast. That runs from Starbucks’ light Blonde roast through medium Pike Place to dark Verona, so there’s something for an espresso drinker and a latte drinker in the same house. Gulf News suggests the Espresso Roast as the base for homemade lattes, with the Blonde for anyone who wants it gentler.

The important detail is which machine it’s for. Gulf News points out that these are Original capsules, and that Starbucks makes a separate line for Vertuo machines. Original pods won’t fit a Vertuo, and the other way round. The review is written for shoppers in the UAE and doesn’t give a price, and it notes that a 100-pod box only makes sense if you get through coffee fast.

Our take: a sampler like this is a cheap way to find out which Starbucks roast you actually like before buying a sleeve of one. Just check the box says Original or Vertuo before you order. Our guide to Nespresso-compatible pods covers other Original options, and you can check the variety pack’s price on Amazon.