Why Putting A Chocolate Bar In Your Coffee Is A Good Idea
Can I put chocolate in coffee? If you are a coffee enthusiast, you probably have some ideas about making every cup better than the first one. But is chocolate a great addition to that?
You can mix coffee and chocolate. It is called cafe mocha in coffee shops. While cafe mocha commonly consists of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, you can use a chocolate bar for your mix.
Can I Put Chocolate In Coffee?
Coffee is a part of my daily routine as it gives me the energy I need to start my day. However, a cup of coffee alone can be boring if taken every day. That is why I wondered, can I put chocolate in coffee?
I read different cookbooks, and it turned out that a coffee and chocolate bar combo is an excellent idea. Not only does it taste good, but a cup of coffee mixed with a chocolate bar has a health benefit, too.
Moreover, coffee and chocolate both contain flavonoids. This antioxidant has health benefits including:
- prevention of heart disease
- anti-inflammation
- fights off free radicals
What Benefits Do Mixed Coffee Have?
Professor Joe A. Vinson, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton, decided to study antioxidants from different products. He found out that the flavonoids in coffees are lower than what teas contain.
Still, coffee has higher flavonoids than anything one can think of in beverages, such as milk and fruit juices. Moreover, since many people drink multiple cups of coffee daily, it is the top source of their antioxidants from food.
Does Chocolate Contain Antioxidants?
But can I put chocolate in coffee? Professor Vinson also studied the possible benefits of chocolate. According to him, cocoa butter, the fat present in chocolate, contains stearic acid. Such is an unusual fatty acid that does not cause a person’s cholesterol to rise.
That said, you can add a chocolate bar to your coffee. However, you need to consume this drink in moderation as chocolate bars contain calories and sugar.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Bars In Coffee?
Adding a chocolate bar to your coffee will give it a rich and soothing flavor. The chocolate gives your cup of joe a new flavor, allowing you to enjoy a better source of caffeine. However, the melting process can be challenging if your coffee is not hot enough.
So, after finding the answer to the question, “can I put chocolate in coffee,” the next thing you need to know is how you can easily melt chocolate bars in coffee.
There are two ways to melt a chocolate bar before adding it to coffee.
Over The Heat
Chop your chocolate bar into smaller pieces. Next, boil water into a pot and place a heat-safe bowl on top of it. Once the water is boiling, put the chopped chocolate into the bowl and whisk until it melts.
Finally, add your melted chocolate into a cup, pour hot coffee, and stir well.
If you enjoy your coffee cold, you can also do the same process and put it in the fridge to cool.
Mix The Chocolate With Water
It would be best if you chopped the chocolate bar to help it melt quickly for this method.
Melt the chopped chocolate in a small amount of hot water.
Then, gradually add small amounts of water until you get the consistency you want. Make sure to stir the mixture every time you add water for it to melt down evenly.
Moreover, your water should not be too hot, or the chocolate melt will become grainy. Once you melt your chocolate bar enough, that is when you can add your coffee.
Does Chocolate Go Well With Coffee?
Coffee is among the most popular beverages. People drink it in the morning to wake them up, while some take coffee to boost their function any time of the day.
On the other hand, there is no denying that people love chocolates since they smell and taste good.
Can I put chocolate in coffee? Definitely. However, will this combination go well with each other?
Chocolate and coffee have many flavors in common. They are both intense, slightly bitter, and have fruity notes. For this reason, mixing them makes a good combination.
However, there are a few things to consider when combining coffee and chocolate. Knowing these factors will help you ensure that your coffee and chocolate mix will taste fantastic.
For instance, you need to pay attention to the acidity of your coffee. Meaning you must ensure that you are only using freshly roasted coffee. This way, your chocolate coffee will taste great without any acidity in it.
You also need to pay attention to your coffee, as some beans have deep layers of complexity. For example, some coffee beans have intense flavors like dark chocolate or pepper. For such coffees, you need to add sweet chocolates.
Meanwhile, some coffee beans are earthy and sweet. A hint of bitterness can balance out such that you can achieve by adding dark chocolate.
What Is Coffee And Chocolate Mixture Called?
I found out that coffee shops sell coffee mixed with chocolate. They call it cafe mocha.
Cafe mocha is composed mainly of espresso and hot milk added with chocolate. Coffee shops typically use cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for making cafe mocha, but you can also use chocolate bars.
Moreover, there is a variant called white cafe mocha. It contains white chocolate instead of dark or sweetened chocolate.
Another variant is called mochaccino. Such consists of a double espresso shot, steamed milk, and chocolate.
Furthermore, the third coffee and chocolate variant uses a coffee base rather than espresso. Meaning the combination would be coffee, steamed milk, and then chocolate. This drink is almost the same as adding coffee to hot chocolate.
What Might You Put In Your Coffee?
There is no denying that taking a simple cup of coffee every day can be dull in the long run. But, more than that, registered dietitian Adina Pearson said that coffee is an appetite suppressant. So, people who drink coffee more than once a day may lose their appetite, which causes them to undereat.
If that happens, they will not be able to get the daily nutrients that they need.
Fortunately, there are three additions that you can mix with your coffee to make it healthier.
1. Cinnamon
Just like chocolate bars, cinnamon is packed with antioxidant properties that are beneficial for your body. So can I put chocolate in coffee? Of course. But for people who are not fond of chocolates, cinnamon can be a perfect alternative.
Cinnamon lowers blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this spice adds sweetness to your coffee without adding calories. This way, you can cut back on the sugar you add to your joe.
2. Plant-Based Milk
If you add milk or other dairy products to your coffee, a healthier option is to use grass-fed dairy or organic milk. Organic dairy options contain more nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. This way, you will be able to enjoy your cup of joe healthily.
For instance, you can use creamers and milk made from coconut, almond, cashew, and other plant bases. They are lower in calories than regular creamers.
3. Only Use A Packet Of Sugar
The only recommended amount of added sugar a person must consume per day is six teaspoons. So while you can add sweeteners to your coffee, you need to be mindful of the amount you use.
Opt for packets or use a measuring spoon instead of pouring sugar from a large container into your coffee. This method will allow you to track how much sugar you are taking.
In addition, stick to only one packet or one teaspoon.
If you ask, “can I put chocolate in coffee,” you definitely could. But if the chocolate bar you are using is already sweetened, it is best to skip adding granulated sugar altogether. The same goes for using pre-sweetened creamer or milk for your coffee.
What We Learned
When eaten separately, both chocolate and coffee provide the body with flavonoids. So, adding a chocolate bar to your coffee will make it taste better and give you the antioxidants that you need. These antioxidants help your body fight off free radicals, reduce inflammation, and prevent heart-related diseases.
Apart from chocolate, there are other healthy additions to mix with your coffee. For instance, cinnamon is also a great source of antioxidants. So, if chocolates are not your thing, a dash of cinnamon can be a great source of flavonoids.
That said, you should start adding a chocolate bar or cinnamon to your coffee to make it a healthy daily drink.
