As a coffee lover, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy my favorite drink. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered chocolate covered espresso beans. These little treats are the perfect combination of rich, decadent chocolate and bold, flavorful espresso. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about chocolate covered espresso beans, from their benefits to how to make them at home.
Introduction to Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Chocolate covered espresso beans are exactly what they sound like – whole coffee beans that have been coated in chocolate. The result is a crunchy, chocolatey treat with a bold coffee flavor. These treats are popular among coffee lovers and can be found in many specialty coffee shops and online stores.
One of the great things about these beans is that they come in a variety of flavors. You can find them coated in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and even flavored chocolate like raspberry or mint. They’re the perfect snack for when you need a little pick-me-up.
Benefits of Consuming Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Not only do chocolate covered espresso beans taste amazing, but they also offer some potential health benefits. For example, coffee is known to be rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. And because chocolate is also high in antioxidants, the combination of coffee and chocolate in these treats makes for a powerful antioxidant boost.
Additionally, the caffeine in these beans can help to improve mental alertness and reduce fatigue. This makes them a great snack to have on hand when you need a little extra energy to get through the day.
How Much Caffeine is in a Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean?
One of the most common questions people have about chocolate covered espresso beans is how much caffeine they contain. The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of coffee bean used and the amount of chocolate coating. In general, a single chocolate covered espresso bean contains around 6-7 milligrams of caffeine. This means that if you consume a handful of these treats, you’ll be getting a significant caffeine boost.
Calories and Nutrition
While chocolate covered espresso beans do offer some potential health benefits, they’re also high in calories and fat. A single chocolate covered espresso bean contains around 6-7 calories, which means that a handful of these treats can quickly add up. Additionally, the chocolate coating is high in fat and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
That being said, these beans can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Just be sure to keep track of how many you’re consuming and balance them out with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own chocolate covered espresso beans at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole coffee beans
- Chocolate chips or bars (your choice of dark, milk, or white)
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
To make the beans, start by melting the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Once the chocolate is melted, add the coffee beans and stir until they’re fully coated. Use a fork to remove the coated beans from the chocolate and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to harden, then enjoy!
Recipe for Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
If you’d like a more detailed recipe for chocolate covered espresso beans, here’s one to try:
- 1 cup whole coffee beans
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
- Add the coffee beans to the chocolate and stir until they’re fully coated.
- Use a fork to remove the coated beans from the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
Where To Buy Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
If you’re not up for making your own chocolate covered espresso beans, you can easily find them at many specialty coffee shops and online retailers. Some popular brands include Kicking Horse Coffee, Bissingers, and Trader Joe’s. Just be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that you’re getting high-quality ingredients and a flavor you’ll enjoy.
Variations
As I mentioned earlier, these espresso beans come in a variety of flavors. Some popular variations include:
- Dark chocolate espresso beans
- Milk chocolate espresso beans
- White chocolate espresso beans
- Flavored chocolate espresso beans (such as raspberry or mint)
- Dark chocolate covered coffee beans with sea salt
Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite!
Conclusion
Chocolate covered espresso beans are a delicious and indulgent treat that offer a unique combination of rich chocolate and bold coffee flavor. While they’re high in calories and fat, they also offer some potential health benefits and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Whether you’re buying them from a specialty coffee shop or making them at home, these beans are a great snack to have on hand when you need a little pick-me-up. So go ahead and indulge – your taste buds (and maybe even your health!) will thank you.
