What Are Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans?
One of the great things about chocolate covered coffee beans is that they’re a concentrated source of caffeine. A small handful, about 28 beans, can provide 150-200 mg of caffeine—similar to two cups of coffee! They also have antioxidants, especially in dark chocolate, which are known to support heart health. I love these beans for an afternoon pick-me-up when I need a quick energy boost, plus the flavor combo of coffee and chocolate is always satisfying.
Benefits of Eating Chocolate Covered Coffee Bean
Chocolate covered coffee beans are roasted coffee beans coated in chocolate, and they come in flavors like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and even white chocolate. They combine the bold taste of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate, making them a perfect snack for coffee lovers. I’ve tried many varieties, and they’re excellent if you’re looking for both a caffeine boost and a sweet treat. In fact, the caffeine in chocolate covered espresso beans can match a cup of coffee, depending on how many you eat!
Popular Chocolate Types for Coating Coffee Beans
- Dark Chocolate: For a bolder, less sweet snack, dark chocolate covered coffee beans are the way to go. The rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the coffee beans.
- Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier snack, milk chocolate covered coffee beans strike a nice balance between sweetness and coffee flavor.
- White Chocolate: Though not made from cocoa solids, white chocolate offers a creamy and sweet coating, making it a lighter option for those who prefer sweeter treats.
Top Brands of Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
- Dilettante Chocolate Espresso Bean Blend – A variety pack with dark, milk, and white chocolate covered beans, great for trying different flavors.
- Hoosier Hill Farm – Known for their high-quality dark chocolate espresso beans, which pack a rich, deep flavor.
- Madelaine Premium Dark Chocolate Beans – These gourmet dark chocolate covered beans are smooth and indulgent, perfect for anyone who enjoys high-quality chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans at Home?
Making chocolate covered coffee beans at home is simple. Pick your favorite coffee beans—dark roast or espresso beans work best. Melt your choice of chocolate (dark, milk, or white), then dip the beans in the melted chocolate. Spread them on parchment paper to cool, and you can even dip them twice for an extra-thick chocolate coating. I’ve done this myself, and it’s a fun way to create a custom treat that stays fresh if stored in a resealable pouch.
Are Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Healthy?
While chocolate covered coffee beans have some health perks—like the antioxidants in dark chocolate—they can also be high in sugar and calories, depending on the type of chocolate used. For example, a serving of about 20 beans can contain around 200 calories. Because of the caffeine and sugar, it’s a good idea to enjoy them in moderation. I find dark chocolate covered beans to be the healthiest option, as they have less sugar and more beneficial compounds than milk or white chocolate varieties.
How to Choose the Best Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans?
When picking chocolate covered coffee beans, consider your taste preference. If you enjoy bold flavors, opt for dark chocolate. If you’re more into sweets, go for milk chocolate or even white chocolate beans. From my experience, it’s also important to check that they come in resealable packaging to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
These beans aren’t just for snacking! I love mixing chocolate covered coffee beans into trail mix, using them as a topping for ice cream, or even adding them to baked goods like cookies. They bring a crunchy, coffee-flavored kick to just about anything, making simple treats a bit more exciting.
Stats to Know:
- A single chocolate covered coffee bean has about 5-7 mg of caffeine, so eating 20 beans can give you the same caffeine boost as a cup of coffee (about 150-200 mg).
- Dark chocolate contains about 70% more antioxidants than milk chocolate, making dark chocolate covered coffee beans a healthier choice.
Analogy:
Eating chocolate covered coffee beans is like enjoying a mini coffee and dessert in every bite. You get the energizing kick of caffeine along with the rich, sweet taste of chocolate, all in one snack.
FAQ
Q: How much caffeine is in chocolate covered coffee beans?
A: Each chocolate covered coffee bean has about 5-7 mg of caffeine. Eating 20 beans can give you around the same caffeine as a cup of coffee, which is 150-200 mg.
Q: Are chocolate covered coffee beans healthy?
A: They can be a healthy snack if eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate versions offer more antioxidants, but they also have sugar and calories, so don’t overdo it!
Q: Can I make chocolate covered coffee beans at home?
A: Absolutely! It’s easy to melt chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and dip your favorite coffee beans. Let them cool on parchment paper, and you’ll have your own homemade chocolate espresso beans in no time.
Q: Do chocolate covered coffee beans taste like coffee?
A: Yes, they have a strong coffee flavor because they use whole roasted coffee beans. The chocolate adds sweetness, balancing out the coffee taste.
Q: How should I store chocolate covered coffee beans?
A: It’s best to keep them in a resealable pouch or airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch. Refrigerating or freezing them can help them last even longer.
