9 Best Flavoured Coffee Beans (Popular and Unique Flavours)
While flavoured coffee might get a bad rap from coffee geeks, there are plenty of coffee brands giving flavoured beans the same care and attention they give single origins. And with no added calories or sugars, flavoured coffee is a healthier option than the syrup-filled chocolate raspberry latte you might otherwise crave.
Read on to find the best flavoured coffee we recommend, whether you’re looking for a classic flavour or a unique coffee drinking experience. We’ve already covered non-flavoured whole bean coffee here, so now lets look at the best flavoured options.
Whittard Of Chelsea Vanilla
Whittard of Chelsea is a familiar name in the world of gourmet drinks, with a long history. A young Walter Whittard set up his shop in 1886 selling tea, coffee and hot chocolate – even at that time roasting all beans on site.
How to Choose the Right Flavoured Coffee
While flavoured coffee doesn’t always have the nicest reputation, there is nothing inherently wrong about the flavouring process (1).
Flavoured coffee beans may seem like a relatively new trend in the West, but coffee lovers have been adding flavours to their coffee for centuries.
In the past, flavours were often added to stale or sub-par beans to mask their naturally poor tastes and aromas. While some low-end brands still take advantage of this strategy, the marketplace is now equally full of companies offering flavoured premium beans.
Whittard Of Chelsea Flavoured Coffee Stacking Tin
- Roast not specified
- Origin not specified
- Arabica
Is there a better way of flavouring coffee?
The most common way to make a flavoured coffee is to add flavour compounds to the beans while they are still warm from the roaster. These can be either natural or synthetic, depending upon the flavour desired, but neither is healthier than the other.
Generally, we extract natural flavours from vanilla, chocolate, nuts, berries, and spices. Whereas you’re more likely to find synthetic oils in play if your preference is for more modern flavours like maple bacon or banana cream pie. In either case, the flavour additives tend to be stronger in aroma than taste, so your nose will be reaping a lot of the benefit (2).
Though consumers tend to shy away from chemical names, there is nothing inherently unhealthy about flavouring coffee.
Indeed, with no added sugars or calories, flavoured coffee may be a healthy alternative to adding spoonfuls of sweetener or shots of flavoured syrup to your brew (3).
But, if you’re concerned about chemical additives or following a Kosher diet, you can always flavour your coffee beans naturally by storing them with aromatics like cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans, but this won’t yield as strong of a flavour.
Another great option is to seek out the best coffee beans in which your favourite flavours are inherently present. If you love a fruit-forward coffee, consider naturally processed Ethiopian beans. If you’re more of a chocolate fan, a dark roasted Brazilian bean might be right up your alley.
The roast level is important
The roast level of coffee has a dramatic effect on its taste and aroma, and different types of coffee roasts better highlight different flavours (4). Although we’re talking about coffee with added flavours, there still is a difference between the types of flavouring of lighter and darker roasted coffees.
The depth to which we roast the coffee has some to do with our perception of acidity, but more to do with the balance of sweetness and bitterness that exist within the coffee.
The best light roast coffees tend to have a bright acidity and mild body. They showcase the bean’s flavours, so when it comes to flavoured coffees, they will put the added flavour at the forefront. As a result, light roasts work particularly well with subtle fruity and floral flavours.
As the roasts get darker, more flavours impart from the roasting process, including notes of toastiness and caramelisation. Therefore, darker roast coffees (like these) have a more substantial body and richer mouthfeel. They are well suited to more robust flavours like chocolate and nuts.
So, when looking for your favourite flavour, bear in mind what type of roast goes better with which type of added flavour.
If you ever decide to roast your own beans, watch our video on home roasting. It might come as handy.
Bean origins matter less.
Where coffee is grown can have a considerable impact on flavour, with different regions of the globe known for their dominant flavour notes. But this effect can be masked in a flavoured coffee bean. Basically, for choosing flavoured coffee it doesn’t matter if you go for the single-origin or the blend.
However, many roasters will opt to use a blend for flavoured coffee. Though blends don’t have the bright and unique flavours of single origins, they tend to offer more balance in both flavour and acidity. This makes them perfect neutral starting points on which to layer flavour.
Another advice is that if you’re buying ground coffee, be sure to invest in best coffee storage container to keep it fresh.
The 9 Best Flavoured Coffee Beans in 2023
While many companies use flavour additives to mask sub-par beans, that is not the case with any of our top nine picks. Whether you’re a chocoholic or nutty about hazelnuts, one of these top-quality flavoured coffees is guaranteed to please.
1. Whittard of Chelsea Vanilla – Best Overall
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: not specified
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
Whittard of Chelsea is a familiar name in the world of gourmet drinks, with a long history. A young Walter Whittard set up his shop in 1886 selling tea, coffee and hot chocolate – even at that time roasting all beans on site.
Now with stores and cafes throughout the country, the brand still retained a slightly old-fashioned charm. Though Whittards is probably more what you think of for a classic English afternoon tea, high-quality coffee has been a part of the brand from the beginning.
Whittard has other flavoured coffees in its line-up, including amaretto and chocolate truffle, but it’s hard to go past the all-around appeal of a good vanilla. It has the strong aromatics of good quality Arabica, lifted by sweet vanilla. It’s rich and aromatic enough to feel like a treat, but versatile enough to enjoy every day. Try it for a cappuccino, iced latte, or even as cold brew.
2. Der-Franz Caramel – Budget Pick
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium-Dark
- Origin: not specified
- Bean: Arabica, Robusta
- Whole bean or ground: Either
The Viennese coffee house played an integral part in coffee’s introduction to Europe, and just the name conjures up images of cosy spaces with creamy coffees and delicious pastries. Viennese brand Der-Franz has been producing coffee since 1926, giving you a chance to indulge in a slice of coffee culture.
This flavoured coffee starts with a mix of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta beans, blended for a balance of aroma and strength. They’re then roasted slow and low using drum roasters to develop extra body. Der-Franz coffees use natural flavourings, and the beans have been UTZ certified for sustainability.
The caramel flavour gets our pick as a good crowd-pleaser, but they have other options to pimp up your brew. Try the classic Vanilla, rich Chocolate, Hazelnut or Cinnamon.
3. Godiva Chocolate Truffle – Best Chocolate
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: Costa Rica
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
Godiva isn’t a big name in coffee, but the Belgian brand has been famous for its chocolates since 1926. So when it comes to choosing from their flavoured ground coffee range, it’s hard to go past the chocolate truffle flavour.
It starts with 100% Arabica beans sourced from Costa Rica. These are then flavoured to replicate Godiva’s classic treats, with intense chocolate notes with a fudgy finish. Enjoy it as a luxurious afternoon pick me up, or go for chocolate on chocolate and pair it with some Godiva truffles.
Once you’ve tried this signature flavour, you might also want to try Godiva’s Hazelnut or Caramel options.
4. Little’s Rich Hazelnut Ground Arabica Coffee – Best Hazelnut
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: Honduras
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
Little’s is a specialty flavoured coffee company, which is good news for flavoured coffee lovers. Some coffee companies use flavour additives as a way to hide their worst beans. But Little’s sources quality beans and only makes flavoured coffee with them.
The company was founded 30 years ago by a husband and wife team. They started it as a rebellion against coffee snobs who looked down on their love of flavoured brews. Today, it is still in the family being run by the couple’s son and his wife. And they maintain their ethos of simply enjoying the coffee you enjoy.
The Rich Hazelnut flavour starts with single-origin 100% Arabica coffee beans from Honduras They do use artificial flavouring, but you can expect a smooth coffee with true hazelnut taste and just a hint of sweetness. Hazelnut is a versatile flavour that works well served black and with milk. Try using this delicious flavoured coffee as a base for a Hazelnut Latte without the need for sugary syrups.
5. Zavida Hazelnut Vanilla – Best Value for Money
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: Central and South America
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Whole beans
This flavoured coffee from Zavida will not only give you a delicious way to start the day, but also provide you with peace of mind about the coffee you are drinking. These 100% Arabica beans have been Rainforest Alliance Certified, which is grown and harvested in a way that’s socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. The brand has also partnered with Trees for the Future, with more than 500,000 trees already planted in rural communities in the developing world.
The combination of vanilla and hazelnut makes these Zavida beans a delightful sensation for both your nose and your tastebuds. After brewing your coffee you’ll be entranced by the sweet smell of vanilla, and the first sip will deliver the nutty taste of toasted hazelnut. This flavour is sold as whole beans so you can grind them to suit your preferred coffee maker.
6. CaffeLuxe Crème Brulee – Best for Milk Coffees
Specifications
Roast Level: not specified
- Origin: not specified
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
One of the best things about buying flavoured coffee is that you can indulge in your favourite dessert flavours without the sugar (and calories) that normally goes with them. This flavoured coffee from CaffeLuxe contains no sugar but will deliver the sweet creamy tastes of custard. The flavour develops best when served as a strong coffee, which makes it ideal as a base for milk drinks such as lattes or even iced coffees.
CaffeLuxe is big on dessert flavours, so if Crème Brûlée isn’t your style, you can pick from Choco Cherry, Toffee Caramel, White Choco, Irish Cream, classic Chocolate, natural Vanilla and Hazelnut.
7. Kauai Coffee Vanilla Macadamia Nut – Best Splurge
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: Hawaii
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
Hawaiian coffee is some of the best in the world, so some people might consider it sacrilege to add flavour. But don’t let that put you off trying this delicious brew.
Kauai Coffee makes a range of flavoured coffees, including Pumpkin Pie and Coconut Caramel crush, but we think the Vanilla Macadamia gives just a hint of the tropics without overpowering the natural tastes of the coffee. Vanilla adds classic dessert aromatics, while macadamias add a sweet nuttiness.
The Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in Hawaii and produces not only flavoured coffee but also speciality estate reserve beans that showcase the best the country has to offer. Kauai coffees are produced and packaged using sustainable and environmentally sound practices.
8. Coffee Direct Vanilla Nut – Best for After Dinner
Specifications
Roast Level: Medium
- Origin: n/a
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Whole bean
The name of Coffee Direct neatly sums up the company’s vision. The founders James and Lewis wanted customers to experience the freshest roast coffee possible, so they skipped the retail middleman and started shipping directly from their roastery to the public. Fifteen years on and the brand sources and roasts more speciality beans than ever before – along with teas, hot chocolate, and flavoured coffees – but they still roast fresh to order
It was a hard task narrowing it down from the range of 20 or so flavours from Coffee Direct, but the Vanilla Nut stands out as an elegant after-dinner choice. The sweet floral vanilla, earthy nuts, and bittersweet coffee beans combine beautifully into something more than the sum of their parts. This full-bodied brewing is a lovely pairing with dessert. But if it doesn’t take your fancy, you also have the option of tastes like Banana Creme, Chocolate Mint, or Tiramisu.
9. Whittard of Chelsea Flavoured Coffee Stacking Tin – Best Sample Pack
Specifications
Roast Level: not specified
- Origin: not specified
- Bean: Arabica
- Whole bean or ground: Ground coffee
To round out the list of the best flavoured coffees, it’s back to Whittard of Chelsea. Their vanilla might have great everyday appeal, but when it’s time for a special cup of coffee, you’ll want to look for a more celebratory taste. And what could be more celebratory than Christmas?
This gift box contains three Christmas-themed flavoured coffees, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them at any time of year. The Gingerbread flavour will have you ready to immediately cosy up around a fire, whereas the Maple Syrup coffee could make the perfect accompaniment to a breakfast of pancakes. The Cinnamon flavour can be enjoyed on its own, or used as the base for more extravagant drinks like a Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
The decorative tins make coffee great for a gift, but really, it’s just a great excuse to buy them for yourself and have an array of flavoured coffees at your disposal.
The Verdict
Whether you’re looking for a new flavour to start your day, the perfect dessert pairing, or just a way to cut back on the sugar in your morning brew, flavoured coffee is a great option. And with this list, you can rest assured you’re buying from a brand that prioritises great coffee beans as the backbone of their flavoured offerings.
The Home Grounds overall favourite for best flavoured coffee is Whittard of Chelsea’s Vanilla flavour. It’s a 100% Arabica coffee from a respected brand, with a rich vanilla flavour that will elevate your morning brew.
FAQs
Yes, you can put vanilla extract in your coffee. In fact, it’s a common coffee flavour. Start with about ¼ teaspoon per cup of coffee. Another natural way of adding vanilla flavour to your coffee is to store a vanilla bean along with your coffee.
Yes, flavoured Coffee is Keto friendly because it contains no added sugars.
The difference between naturally and artificially flavoured coffees is that we extract the former from its natural source while the latter comes from a lab. But in most cases, the aromatic chemical compound added to your coffee is identical (6). On a related note, here’s where you can learn how to flavour coffee.
References
- Johnson, J. (n.d.). Flavoured Coffee Beans. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/13764040-calories-in-coffee/
- Clayton, L. (2013, February 20). The Dark Side of Flavoured Coffee. Retrieved from https://www.seriouseats.com/the-dark-side-of-flavored-coffee-how-flavored-coffee-is-made
- Beck, L. (2018, May 3). Flavoured coffee beans: Are they unhealthy? Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/flavoured-coffee-beans-are-they-unhealthy/article557714/
- Hoos, R. (2017, March 17). The Impact of Roasting on Coffee’s Flavour. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20211023071102/https://scanews.coffee/2017/03/17/the-impact-of-roasting-on-coffees-flavor/
- Daley, B. (2011, March 8). What’s the difference between vanilla and French vanilla? Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/whats-the-difference-between-vanilla-and-french-vanilla/
- Kennedy, C.R. (2015, September 21). The Flavour Rundown: Natural vs. Artificial Flavours. Retrieved from https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/the-flavor-rundown-natural-vs-artificial-flavors/
