Chocolate-covered coffee bean facts for kids
A mix of white, milk, and dark chocolate coffee beans
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| Alternative names | Chocolate covered espresso beans |
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| Type | Confectionery |
| Place of origin | US |
| Main ingredients | Coffee beans, chocolate |
Chocolate-covered coffee beans are fun and tasty treats! They are made by taking roasted coffee beans and covering them in different kinds of chocolate. You can find them coated in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
These snacks are usually not super sweet, especially the ones with dark chocolate. The coffee bean inside gives them a slightly bitter taste, which mixes well with the chocolate. Like other chocolate snacks, they contain some fat. Since their main ingredient is coffee beans, they also have a lot of caffeine. Some brands can have over 300 milligrams of caffeine in just one serving (about 40 grams)! That's a lot, so it's good to enjoy them in small amounts.
What Are They?
Chocolate-covered coffee beans are a type of candy or sweet snack. They combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the strong, unique taste of coffee. People enjoy them for their interesting mix of sweet and bitter flavors. They are also popular because of the energy boost they can give you from the caffeine.
How Are They Made?
Making these treats is quite simple. First, coffee beans are roasted, just like they would be for making coffee. Roasting brings out their flavor. After roasting, the beans are cooled. Then, they are coated in melted chocolate. This coating can be done in a special machine that tumbles the beans while pouring chocolate over them. Once covered, the beans are cooled again so the chocolate hardens. This process creates a crunchy, flavorful snack.
Types of Chocolate
You can find chocolate-covered coffee beans with different types of chocolate:
- Dark chocolate: This type is less sweet and has a stronger, slightly bitter chocolate flavor. It pairs well with the bitterness of the coffee bean.
- Milk chocolate: This is a sweeter and creamier option. It offers a milder chocolate taste that many people enjoy.
- White chocolate: While not technically chocolate (it doesn't contain cocoa solids), white chocolate is very sweet and creamy. It provides a different flavor contrast to the coffee bean.
Sometimes, you might even find them covered in a mix of these chocolates or with added flavors like mint or caramel.
Caffeine Content
It's important to remember that coffee beans naturally contain caffeine. Because you are eating the whole bean, chocolate-covered coffee beans can have a lot of caffeine. For example, a small handful might contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. This is why they are often eaten as a pick-me-up or a small energy boost. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition label if you are curious about the exact caffeine amount in a specific brand.
See also
In Spanish: Granos de café cubiertos de chocolate para niños
