The Perfect Pairings with Coffee: Sweet and Savoury

Coffee is almost always better with a bite to eat. You might be wondering what the best snacks are to complement the complex balance of flavours in your favourite brew. In this blog, we'll explore the art of pairing coffee with various foods, answering common questions and offering inspiration for your next coffee break. For those that love to enhance their coffee experience with both sweet and savoury food parings, we’ve come up with some great options for you.

The Best Flavours to Pair your Coffee with:

Let’s start by looking at what specific tastes work best with coffee's distinctive flavour. While coffee flavours can vary according to their roast, origin, or flavour method,  there are some common taste elements that pair well with coffee include:

1. Sweetness: Whether from sugar, honey, or natural fruit tastes, sweetness can complement the bitterness of coffee and enhance your experience by stimulating a higher range of taste buds.
2. Richness: Creamy, indulgent foods like chocolate, cheese, and pastries can provide a luxurious contrast to the intensity of coffee, creating a satisfying balance.
3. Nuttiness: Nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans, offer a toasty, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of coffee.
4. Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom can add depth and complexity to coffee, enhancing its aroma and flavour.

What Foods Pair Nicely with Coffee?

Coffee's complex flavour profile makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of foods. Some classic pairings include:

Sweet:

1. Pastries and baked goods: From flaky croissants to buttery scones, pastries are a natural match for coffee, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
2. Chocolate: The rich, indulgent taste of chocolate complements the boldness of coffee, creating a harmonious pairing that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
3. Fruit: Fresh or dried fruit, such as berries, figs, or citrus, can provide a refreshing contrast to the intensity of coffee, balancing its acidity with natural sweetness.
4. Cake: Don’t forget cake! The sweet, light crumbly slice offers the perfect antidote to the rich, hot cup of coffee. Personally, I like a citrus cake (lemon or orange drizzle) with my cuppa as the light tartness balances nicely with more nutty coffee flavours.

Savoury: 

1. Cheese: Yes Cheese! This unlikely pairing can be a delicious combination, if you get it right. I’d recommend staying away from more creamy cheeses, like brie or goats cheese, as their more delicate flavours can get lost to a strong cup of coffee. A harder, more salty cheese like a mature cheddar. Personally, I find a hard, fruity comtè, with its silky and nutty texture is ideal savoury counterpoint to a rich coffeee.
2. Nuts: Whether roasted, salted, or candied, nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with coffee's depth and richness. These are the perfect snack to boost your energy and quench your hunger alongside hat mid-morning cup of coffee.
3. Breakfast sandwiches: A hearty breakfast sandwich, featuring eggs, cheese, and your choice of protein, can provide a satisfying balance to the boldness of coffee.
4. Avocado toast: Creamy avocado spread on crunchy toast makes for a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to your morning coffee.

What Drinks or Liquid Flavours Complement Coffee?

In addition to specific food pairings, there are certain beverages and flavours that complement the taste of coffee:

1. Milk and cream: Whether steamed and frothed for a latte or simply added as a splash of cream, dairy products can mellow the bitterness of coffee and add a creamy texture.
2. Vanilla: The sweet, floral notes of vanilla can enhance the natural flavours of coffee, creating a harmonious pairing that's both comforting and indulgent.
3. Caramel: The rich, caramelized sweetness of caramel pairs beautifully with the boldness of coffee, adding depth and complexity to every sip.
4. Citrus: Bright, citrusy flavours like lemon or orange can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of coffee, awakening the palate and brightening the overall drinking experience.

Whether you prefer a classic espresso or a frothy cappuccino, the right pairing can take your coffee-drinking experience to the next level. From sweet pastries to savoury snacks, there's no shortage of delicious options to enjoy alongside your favourite brew. By experimenting with different flavours and textures, you can discover new and exciting combinations that tantalise your taste buds and make every coffee break a moment to savour. Use this guide to create some of your own pairings. Get in touch at hello@newkingscoffee.co.uk to let us know if you discover any favourite or surprising combinations you’d like to share!