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So, you have a great cup of coffee. Sometimes sipping on a latte, mocha, or iced coffee is all you need. However, in many cases, adding some extra nourishment is in order. There are tons of foods out there which make use of coffee as an ingredient that are perfect for a java lover. There are also specific coffees that go well with certain dishes but not others. We’ll look at all those things, as well as what treats you can order at the local coffee shop if you’re interested in healthy consumables.
Foods Made Better With the Addition of Coffee
If you are interested in trying coffee in a new and exciting way, what about adding it to your favorite dishes? Brewed coffee and ground coffee are both excellent additions to snacks and meals. Coffee adds a unique texture and bold flavor that will get your taste buds going, while also offered outstanding health benefits. If you have never added coffee to your bacon, sauces, or chili, now is the time to start. We’ll go over a few of the best uses for an injection of java in your food.
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1. Bacon
If you’re anything like a lot of people, you probably love the smell of fresh coffee and bacon sizzling in a pan. But have you ever considered putting the two together for a harmonious marriage? It’s easy as pie and will hit the spot for a delicious, hearty breakfast. All you need is some maple syrup, a shot of espresso, and some thick cut bacon. Add some toast and eggs for a full morning breakfast sure to please.
2. Chil
When the weather starts to get colder, chili is a comfort food that has tons of excellent nutrients, such as tomatoes which are rich in lycopene and beans which are super heart healthy. When you add a dash of coffee to your pot of chili, it adds to the flavor profile. You can expect a more complex and robust taste that your mouth will love.
3. Mole Sauce
If you aren’t familiar with mole, it’s a sauce that is present in dozens of Mexican dishes. It has many ingredients including chocolate, chili peppers, and various spices. It offers an intense taste to any dish it is used on and is sure to get your palate going. To add an extra layer of flavor, think about tossing in a little coffee the next time you prefer it.
4. BBQ Sauce
Coffee works well as a contrast to sweet flavors like the ones found in many BBQ sauces. It helps pull out the rich flavors of the ingredients and takes the sauce to the next level. Add a touch of coffee and you can use it on your steak, burgers, chicken, tofu, or turkey. It works well no matter what it’s used on and offers a little something different.
5. Dry Rubs
Just like with BBQ sauce, coffee works well in your favorite dry rub. A ground coffee can be combined with other spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. The combination is great for your health and is sure to be appreciated by your entire body. Plus, it tastes darn good!
6. Smoothies
Want to make your morning smoothie really tasty and capable of putting a spring in your step? Try a simple combination of Greek yogurt, your nut butter of choice, ice, almond milk, berries, and coffee for a fast, easy breakfast. You can stave off hunger for hours and keep yourself energetic until lunch rolls around. Plus, there’s no reason to stress about your blood sugar dropping.
7. Oats
If you’re a fan of the craze that is overnight oats, there is a great way to bump up the flavor profile. Instead of soaking your oats in water or milk, try some hazelnut coffee for additional flavor. Oats are a great food option, since they help aid weight loss and digest slowly. They also offer defense against diabetes, and now, they can be super tasty, as well.
8. Parfaits
For those who prefer a parfait over overnight oats, you do not have to go without the taste and caffeine of a cup of coffee. It only takes a small change to your recipe for this one. Before you add the high-protein yogurt between layers of granola and berries, mix it a bit of coffee and a teaspoon of chia seeds. If you prefer, you can make it the night before, so you can grab and go the next morning.
9. Protein Shakes
While coffee is great in smoothies, it also works well in your daily protein shake. The taste of the coffee will mesh amazingly with either vanilla or chocolate protein powder. The protein will help keep you feeling full and boost your metabolism, so you can lose those extra pounds. A shake in the morning will get you closer to your recommended intake every day.
10. Ice Cream
Okay, when we mention ice cream, we’re not talking about the stuff you grab from the frozen section at your local grocery store. This stuff is packed with tons of sugar and lots of artificial ingredients, which means it’s not great for your body. Instead, make some ice cream at home. Use a healthy yogurt blended with a cold brew coffee of your choice. You can toss in some bananas as well and freeze it for a while. You get a tasty, cold snack that isn’t full of unhealthy ingredients.
11. Chocolate
For those trying to eat healthy, chocolate doesn’t have to be off the table. As long as you use dark chocolate, you can enjoy chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, or chocolate bars. Adding in a zing of coffee will bring out the flavor of the chocolate for a tasty and guilt-free treat. It’s a sure-fire new favorite late-night snack option.
12. Salad Dressing
Moving away from sweet treats for a minute, let’s consider the humble salad. Are you surprised that coffee can play a part in this simple lunchtime favorite? You shouldn’t be. When you’re whipping up a batch of salad dressing, combine vinegar, olive oil, espresso, honey, lemon, salt, pepper, and garlic. This is sure to take your salad from boring to extraordinary.
13. Butter
Another coffee addition that might sound strange at first is in butter. Butter is flavorful on its own, but coffee can add that pep in your step. To make homemade butter, all you need is to mix coarse ground coffee with heavy cream and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day use your food processor to mix it all up with a bit of salt. This will turn the concoction into buttermilk. After that’s done, drain the water and you’re good to go.
14. Muffins
You may be familiar with the idea of coffee cake for breakfast, but that isn’t the only sweet breakfast available with a hint of coffee and caffeine. You can take your normal muffin recipe and add a touch of coffee before baking. It works especially well with muffins contained chocolate or nut butters. Or add a dash to your favorite minute muffins for a quicker snack.
15. Stews
Just like chili, stews are a fantastic, hearty meal for winter evenings with friends or family. No matter what you toss in your stew pot, a strong coffee blend can add to the taste and aroma of the dish. The coffee will also help balance out all the other flavors. As an added perk, with a one-pot dish, cleanup is easy and fast, so you can focus on other things.
16. Brownies
When you have a hankering for a fudgy, rich, chocolatey brownie, there’s no better time to make use of your favorite coffee. Add a bolder flavor to your brownies and extra aroma by infusing the batter with coffee. It will bring out the chocolatey taste even more than usual.
17. Baked Beans
Whether you’re holding a BBQ for Independence Day, making a few sides for family dinner, or heating up baked beans while camping, coffee is a great addition to the mix. There’s not much to this one so you don’t need to be a gourmet cook. Just dump a cup of coffee in with your baked beans for a flavor that has people raving. It might sound strange, but it’s super tasty.
18. Crackers
This is less of an addition and more of an excellent coupling, although coffee can be incorporated in both. You can make some delicious crackers using nothing more than egg, water, and almond flour but a bit of ground coffee can add another dimension to the flavor. These crackers are tasty with a cup of coffee in the morning when you want something light.
19. Ahi Tuna
For fans of ahi tuna, finely ground coffee can be a nice touch to build on the flavors. To make a delicious crust, you just need to combine, cocoa powder, coffee, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Sear the crust on the tuna in a pan at high heat until the sides are brown.
20. Chia Pudding
If you want to combine your morning cup of joe and breakfast, chia pudding is a great option. Remove the regular liquid you use and substitute coffee in. Coffee will help boost your metabolism while chia seeds give you omega-3s that boost your energy and satiate your appetite. It’s a great breakfast option to keep healthy or shed a few pounds.
21. Cocktails
Those who appreciate a bit of alcohol on occasion can add to the excitement by incorporating coffee too. You get the coffee buzz and the effects of your favorite alcohol. Plus, this is a simple cocktail option. Pick up a warm, nutty liqueur and add a shot to your iced coffee blend of choice. It’s tasty and fun!
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Snacks to Eat With Coffee & Tea
If you’re looking less for coffee that is blended and mixed with coffee and more for a snack that tastes fantastic with a cup of coffee, don’t worry. There are many options out there for you, as well. These work especially well for gatherings where coffee or tea will be served and guests may want a bite to eat during the event. Some of these might seem obvious, but others less so. What is guaranteed is that each is tasty and enhanced by the taste of a great organic coffee.
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1. Scones
Whether you’re enjoying coffee or tea, hot or cold, scones are a traditional option for a reason. The scones are straightforward to make and offer a light, tasty treat. You can add some fresh fruit to the scones or try various jams for that burst of flavor. If kids will be eating the scones, plain scones are often a huge hit.
2. Donuts
Everyone appreciates the classic combination of donuts and coffee. The best thing about donuts is that there are dozens of varieties to choose from. Go with plain glazed, sugar and cinnamon, cinnamon sprinkled, stuff, or chocolate glazed. If you’re hosting an event, make sure to have a variety so there is something everyone will enjoy.
3. Cakes
While it might be more conventional to have tea and cake, cake can also pair amazingly well with a rich, dark coffee. Everything from fruit cake, cream cake, pineapple upside down cake, sponge cake, and chocolate cake can be improved with the addition of a cup of coffee. If you prefer single serving cakes, consider muffins or cupcakes instead.
4. Cookies
No matter what sort of cookies hit the spot for you, they can all go well with a pot of coffee. This is a traditional option that is often found at a tea party but goes just as well with your favorite cold brew or organic hot java. Try some fancy gourmet cookies or bake your own from fresh ingredients.
5. Sandwiches
So far, we’ve focused mainly on sweet snacks, but that isn’t the only food that pairs well with an excellent coffee. If you want to go with something more savory, consider the simple sandwich. You can offer all sorts of choices for your guests with toppings ranging from deli meats, eggs, cheese, vegetables, and more on grilled, toasted, or regular bread.
6. Flavored Breads
As an alternative for cakes with a sweet but less intense flavor, a flavored bread might just hit the spot. You can go with a fruit bread like lemon, blueberry, or banana, or go for something with cinnamon, nuts, chocolate, or all three. Each of these options will pair well with a great coffee.
7. Pies
When you hear the word pie, you probably think about a sweet dessert with fruit, cream, or nuts. These can go well with your favorite coffee but aren’t the only options you have. Everything from vegetable pies, meat pies, picnic pies, and chicken pies can benefit from some coffee or tea on the side. An assortment is sure to be a hit at your next celebration.
8. Tarts
Similar to the pie is the tart. Both can be either sweet or savory, but a tart has only a bottom crust and shallow sides. You can go with a cream filled tart, jam filled tart, custard tart, or something even simpler. No matter what you choose, it will go well with any coffee you serve.
9. Crackers
If you don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking or baking, crackers are a light, crunchy snack that people love. You aren’t going to fill up, but you are going to enjoy the taste on your tongue. Anything from butter crackers to cheese crackers and herbed crackers will fit the bill and complement the coffee.
10. Mathri
Those who prefer a more exotic treat with their coffee may find mathri is an excellent option. This is an Indian snack that is often eaten with tea or coffee. Mathri can be made plain, with ajwain seeds, or dried fenugreek leaves. These are crunchy and crispy like a cracker and will offer something new to your party guests.
11. Samosas
Another Indian snack option, one with a heartier flair, is the samosa. Samosas are crispy, triangular shaped, stuffed snacks that can be filled with meat and vegetables. This is a fantastic option if you want something your guests can easily fill up on while visiting. Plus, it’s super tasty and works well with coffee.
12. Kachori
Finally, to round out the Indian snack options, you can try the kachori. This is a stuffed snack with a crisp outside of potato. The inner filling is spicy and decadent and goes well with a creamy chai or coffee.
Strange Snacks Made Better With Coffee
If you’re used to drinking your bulletproof coffee or cold brew with a scone, muffin, or donut, you may be looking for other options. The snacks listed above are a great option, but sometimes they can be a little involved for a snack you chow down on alone. That’s okay, there are plenty of options for single serving snacks and we’ll share a few with you.
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1. Salted Almonds
Salted almonds are a great, quick snack and they go amazingly with coffee. For the best possible results, consider some sort of coffee drink with mint flavoring. A mocha mint latte is a great option with these savory nuts.2. Spicy Peanuts
If you prefer a different nutty snack without the pack of salt in the almonds above, spicy peanuts might be right up your alley. The combination of sweet and spicy is the best combination so make sure you pair with a sweet blend of java.
3. Dried Cranberries
Not everyone has a taste for nuts, and some people have allergies which makes consuming them impossible. If you’re one among that number of people, you could go with some dried fruit. Cranberries are a great option, but other fruits can pair as well. Eat a few with your favorite hot mocha or sprinkle them on top of the whipped cream.
4. Dark Chocolate Bar
This option may not be quite as strange as some of the others here, but you can still mix things up. Consider pairing a dark chocolate bar that you love with a fruit-scented coffee. Blackberry or raspberry can be a great combination you may not have considered.
5. Nutella
Nutella is undeniably tasty and adds a great flavor profile to any coffee. The best part is that you can eat it with a spoon, on a scone, or simply drop a spoonful into your favorite coffee. It will give you extra energy and keep you going until your next meal.6. Peanut M&M’s
Peanut M&M’s are a great addition to your hot coffee to give it a zap of sweetness. Plus, the warm peanuts make a nice addition as a snack. What you may not know if these tasty candies also work well with a frozen coffee, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
7. Kettle Corn
If you’re sipping on a latte, kettle corn works as a sweet, light snack to go with it. You can try it with any flavor you like, but butterscotch or caramel might be the best choices. The flavors will work well together for a tasty treat.
8. Fig Newtons
Fig Newtons may be a holdover from childhood, but they’re still delicious even for adults. If you want to really amp up the comfort snack, zap the Newtons in a microwave for a few seconds before eating. A traditional cappuccino can pair well with this snack.
9. Butter Mints
Butter mints are soft and sweet and make a fantastic snack all on their own. However, when you pop a few into an extra hot mug of Americano, they take on a whole new life. The candies will melt slowly and add a distinct flavor that you are sure to love.
Tips and Tricks When Visiting the Coffee Shop
While we’ve mentioned a few healthy foods that go well with coffee, it’s worth considering all on its own. If you are dieting, looking to lose weight, or just want to eat fresh, healthy foods, there are options for eating with your favorite mug of coffee. It can be hard to find healthy options at the local coffee shop, but it can be done. We’ll share a few options that won’t have you feeling guilty after you lead out the doors. We’ll also offer a few tips to use along the way.
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1. Alternate with Green Tea
While coffee has a ton of excellent health benefits, research shows that more than five cups a day can lead to more stomach fat. However, green tea is the exact opposite due to high catechin content. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consume coffee, but if you drink a lot of it, think about swapping out a few mugs for a green tea, instead.
2. Go for Freshly Ground Coffee
When you are drinking java every single day, it’s best to get the most benefits possible out of the habit. There’s a simple way to do that when you hit up the local coffee shop. When you see a worker grinding and brewing beans, that’s the right time to make your order. Coffee is a great way to boost weight loss thanks to its micronutrients so keep drinking.
3. Try a Cold Brewed Coffee
There are a couple of things that occur when traditional brewed coffee is chilled and stored. The first is that it starts to lose the original taste it had. Second, it begins to lose the polyphenols which offer the health benefits coffee is known for. Instead of regular iced coffee, go for a cold brewed cup. It might be a bit more expensive, but it tastes better and is better for you. It’s also less bitter, which means no need for additional sugar.
4. Stay Away from the Croissants
It might seem like a croissant is a simple, healthy breakfast option, but that isn’t the reality. These treats are flaky and buttery but can also have a ton of calories. This is especially the case when you go for a flavored chocolate, vanilla, or almond croissant. Instead, try a bowl of oatmeal or other healthy option.
5. Choose the Right Dairy Option
You probably know that creamer is a big no-no but choosing the right milk can also be a bit of a dilemma. For many years, it was believed that whole milk was best consumed in small amounts. Recently, research shows that this may not be entirely true. However, some nutrition experts still believe low-fat is better than whole. Because there is no definitive answer, we recommend switching it up and going for moderation when possible.
6. Give the KIND Bar a Shot
When you’re considering a snack bar with your coffee, some are better than others. KIND bars are often recommended due to being low in sugar but packed with nuts that offer plenty of protein and fiber. What’s great is that a lot of coffee shops carry this type of bar so getting ahold of one is simple. You’ll also find them at most convenience stores, so you can stock up. Try this instead of a bagel or muffin for better nutrition.
7. Switch it Up with Espresso
Those who typically sip on flavored or pre-sweetened coffee can start to drop all the sweetness by choosing to use less sugar packets or asking for less flavor pumps. When you drop to even half the syrup, you will consume less sugar and calories. After weaning yourself down, you’ll eventually reach the point where a plain espresso or other drink is what you are craving.
8. Say No to Bran Muffins
It would make sense that a bran muffin would be healthy, but in most cases, this isn’t accurate. Most of the bran muffins you pick up at a coffee shop are little more than a cupcake you can eat for breakfast. They can pack in the calories and a lot of that is from fat. So, drop the bran muffin for a much healthier café trip.
9. Forget the Cream Cheese
A bagel isn’t the best choice when it comes to a healthy meal to begin with, but it gets only worse when you smear on the cream cheese. It adds calories and a ton of fat at the same time. If you do choose a bagel, nix the cream cheese, or put on a thin layer yourself.
10. Nix the Sweeteners and Sugar
While a single packet of sugar only contains four or five grams, most people aren’t going to add a single packet. If you are looking to drop your sugar consumption level, it’s better to avoid adding it to your mug altogether. Contrary to common belief, the artificial sweeteners aren’t always much better. Instead, consider adding some spices like cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
11. Give Oatmeal a Chance
With overnight oats hitting the world like a storm, it’s not difficult to find food options with this whole grain. If you want to add this to your own meal schedule, choose an oatmeal that is unflavored and add in nuts or some fresh fruit. The options with brown sugar or dried fruit are less optimal, since they contain more calories and sugar.
12. Skip the Whipped Cream
If you enjoy the fancy drinks like Frappuccinos and mochas, one of the best ways to lower the amount of sugar and fat is by nixing the whipped cream topping. Depending on the size that you order, this can save you from consuming 50 to 1k00 calories. While the drink of choice might still not be healthy, it’s a bit less so with this simple request.
13. Try Less Syrup Pumps
If there is no way you are going to drop your favorite sugary coffee from your morning, consider dropping the amount of syrup pumps that you get. Each pump adds empty calories to your drink that your body has no need of. Asking for a light sugar or only using half the amount of syrup can make your drink of choice less calorie packed and less sugar-filled.
14. Stay Away from Featured Drinks
All the major coffee chains out there regularly put out special seasonal drinks, such as the pumpkin spice. The problem is that most of these drinks are filled with sugar and extra calories. Studies also show that those who opt for seasonal drinks tend to add on extras like bagels and pastries, which aren’t optimal for weight loss. Stay away from the special drinks and stick with your regular standby beverage.
15. Don’t Choose the Glaze
Glaze is nothing more than a mixture of fat and sugar in liquified form. It’s made of vanilla, sugar, and heavy cream. If you want to indulge with a donut, pick something without the glazed topping. For the healthiest option, think about ordering a couple of donut holes along with a package of nuts or some fresh fruit. The protein and healthy fats will keep you full and slow sugar absorption.
16. Drop the Scone
Just like the might croissant, the scone is not the best meal to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The reason scones are so tasty is due to the large amounts of flour, butter, and sugar. This pastry can pack in up to 500 calories, so leave it behind. Find another snack to pair with your beverage.
17. Pick Up a Banana
Many coffee shops have menus that are filled with sugary foods. However, they also often offer fresh fruits like bananas. The reason for that is because they’re inexpensive, have a decent shelf life, and are non-perishable. If you don’t see bananas for sale but smoothies are on the menu, there are definitely bananas in the back so just ask.
18. Ask About Milk Alternatives
Those who are cutting back on dairy or who are lactose intolerant often opt for almond or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself, but before you choose a milk, ask your barista if it contains carrageenan. This ingredient can lead to stomach issues like gas and bloating.
19. Grab the Egg and Cheese
If you’re stopping in for breakfast, one of your best options may be the simple egg and cheese sandwich. It usually doesn’t have a huge number of calories and it contains a punch of protein that will help sate your appetite as the day goes on. Plus, the eggs offer their own amazing health benefits.
20. Don’t Stay Long
The longer time you are spending hanging out at your favorite café, drinking a coffee and listening to your playlist, the more likely you are to grab a sweet cookie or pastry peeking out from behind the glass. Instead, try to get in and out so the temptation isn’t present. Get some exercise or head to work instead.
Tips for Coffee Pairing
Another aspect of coffee and food that isn’t talked about is pairing. Certain coffees match up well with specific foods to give a fantastic dining experience. Coffee has all sorts of tasting notes and flavors and not everyone has the same palate, but the tips below will give you a great place to start when pairing coffee with snacks and meals.
- Meats – A dark roast coffee is considered the best for pairing with meats. Lamp, beef, and pork complement coffee from India, Papua New Guinea, and the Dominican Republic quite well.
- Chocolate – When pairing java with chocolate, consider coffees from Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, and El Salvador. For the Brazilian coffee, dark chocolate is especially complementary.
- Poultry – When you want to pair with poultry, seek out coffee that offers fruity notes. These often come from Costa Rica, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Jamaica, and Bolivia.
- If you’re savoring berries, consider coffees from Ethiopia, Kenya, Jamaica, Uganda, and Yemen. For other fruits, including citrus, go with Bolivian, Costa Rican, Ugandan, or Tanzanian java.
- Spicy Dishes – An iced coffee is best, preferably one with coffee from Honduras, Nicaragua, or Costa Rica.
- Breads – Whole grain, wheat, and whole wheat breads pair well with coffee from Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, and Brazil.
Conclusion
Coffee is more than a beverage. It can be a whole lifestyle. There are great foods that incorporate coffee, foods that taste twice as good with a cup of coffee in hand, even coffees from various locations that enhance certain meals. At this point you should have a great grasp on the art of pairing coffee, eating healthy in a coffee shop, and even making your own scrumptious dishes with coffee as an ingredient.
Bonus Questions
1. What fruits go well with coffee?
The top four fruits for enjoying with your coffee are banana, orange, blueberry, and raspberry. However, depending on your coffee drink of choice, other fruits may make an exciting complement to your hot or iced beverage.
2. Is coffee with lemon good for you?
Sure! You can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to your coffee in order to burn fat quicker. It also has detoxification and cleansing benefits and can improve your digestion.
3. How do you serve espresso with lemon?
When it comes to espresso, you can cut the bitterness by popping the ring in your mug. However, if you enjoy the bitter taste but not the aftertaste, chew on the ring after taking a sip.
4. Is it bad to put vanilla extract in coffee?
For those who enjoy a sweet cup of coffee, vanilla extract is a fantastic alternative to sugar or creamer. Almond extract is another great option with a distinct flavor profile.
5. What is the best time to drink black coffee?
The recommended time to consume coffee or other beverage and products with caffeine is between 10 AM and noon and between 2 PM and 5 PM. These times are when your body has the lowest levels of cortisol.
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Sources:
https://www.eatthis.com/cooking-with-coffee/
https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/snacks-that-pair-well-with-coffee
https://www.eatthis.com/coffee-shop-weight-loss/
https://www.thecoffeeowlsociety.com/2017/08/24/a-simple-guide-to-coffee-pairing/
https://greatist.com/eat/heathy-ways-to-boost-your-cup-of-coffee
Last update on 2024-11-10 at 04:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API