The Reason Your Nespresso Latte Tastes Funky (And How To Fix It)

Fans love Nespresso machines for bringing the café experience home, delivering high-quality coffee that rivals your favorite Starbucks order. However, these machines do require some maintenance. If your Nespresso latte tastes off, the issue might not be the coffee pods or milk. Instead, it's likely because of the machine itself. Over time, old coffee residue and oils build up in the gears, water tank, and pod container, potentially leaving a stale aftertaste. TikTok creator @brookelynlikesespresso shared the ultimate solution: regular deep cleaning. This Nespresso hack for better coffee involves running a cleaning cycle and thoroughly washing the machine.

To start, learn how to clean your Nespresso machine by running its cleaning mode, which flushes out leftover coffee oils. For models like the Vertuo Pop+, this is done by closing the machine with no pod inside, triple-tapping the button, and waiting for the light to flash orange. Place a heatproof cup under the spout to collect the liquid, and your machine will do the rest. You'll also want to take out the container that collects used pods and give it a deep clean as well, since lots of moisture can build up in there from the hot, just-used pods, creating a perfect environment for mold. Spray water on the gears to remove any stuck residue, and rinse the water tank to prevent bacterial buildup. Doing this weekly can significantly improve your latte's flavor. 

Not only does Nespresso make a great gift for the coffee lover in your life, but a clean machine ensures that every cup tastes fresh. Cleaning the removable parts of the machine — like the water tank and trays — is a good regular practice. But using a descaling solution is also recommended about every 6 months if you use your machine regularly. This helps flush the inside of the machine, removing any mineral buildup from the water you use to make your coffee. While you can use vinegar or citric acid for this, Nespresso also makes a handy descaling kit with a special cleaning solution. Run the auto-clean feature using this solution for best results.

Even with a perfectly cleaned machine, the coffee pods you use can greatly affect your latte's flavor. While Nespresso's official pods are optimized for flavor and compatibility, third-party options can disrupt the brewing process if they don't fit properly, leading to weak or funky-tasting coffee. While experimenting with third-party pods can save money, always check compatibility with your specific machine. Proper pod selection can prevent common issues like bitterness or weak flavor. Finally, don't overlook milk quality. Subpar milk can mute the richness of your latte. Opt for fresh, full-fat, or barista-specific milk for creamier froth and better taste.

Ultimately, the perfect latte starts with three essentials: a clean machine, high-quality pods, and fresh milk. By combining these, you'll transform your at-home Nespresso experience into something truly indulgent.