Have you ever walked into a local coffee shop and been instantly inundated by the smells and sounds? It can be somewhat intimidating when exposed to such an overload of the senses. The flavored coffee world is that of wonders. From whiskey coffee to raspberry, the possibilities are truly endless. There are even candy-flavored coffees such as peppermint and cotton candy flavored as well. While staunch coffee-drinkers may disagree with the thought of adding flavor to coffee before brewing. Others cannot live without their favorite flavored beans. So what is Hazelnut coffee?
Coffee purist or not, you can also add flavors after brewing, as many people frequently do. This article will discuss hazelnut flavored coffee, its popularity, and its history. Soon you too can walk into your local coffee shop with confidence and order your custom, personalized brew to help provide the energy boost you need to conquer your day.
What is Hazelnut Flavored Coffee?
Hazelnut coffee is one of the most famous flavors among coffee drinkers worldwide. Historically, the use of hazelnut in coffee goes back centuries. The nut, originally from the Filbert tree, was used by Alpine monks to flavor their coffee.
It wasn’t until recent years (the 1900s) that the standard nomenclature was adopted, and the relatively large nut became officially known as the hazelnut. In the modern era, people use extracts to add flavor to their coffee.
There are a couple of ways hazelnut finds its way into the coffee. Traditionally known as the hazelnut, technically, the name is the Filbert nut. This rather large nut has found its way into daily consumables everywhere. Roasteries may add artificial hazelnut flavoring to beans post-production to ensure every cup brewed packs a nutty flavor.
Alternatively, flavored syrups are used most frequently to flavor any plain coffee with the hazelnut’s richness. These flavorings are typically artificial as well. While there are different options, traditionally, hazelnut flavoring has been married with coffee for centuries, and a good reason. So how do we make hazelnut flavored coffee?
How to Make a Hazelnut Flavored Coffee?
If hazelnut is your favorite flavor, then you’re in luck; it is very simple to get hazelnut coffee at home. Whether you buy ground coffee or beans, you can get coffee already flavored before brewing. If flavored beans aren’t your style, add flavored hazelnut syrups so that you too can have a coffee shop quality brew at home.
While the Alpine monks of centuries passed crushed up whole hazelnuts to flavor their coffee, modern problems require modern solutions. Flavored creamers are also a great option to enrich your morning cup. Just beware of the hidden calories and sugar. The rise in hazelnut popularity as a flavor at an all-time high is seen throughout food culture and coffee culture. So what is all this talk of hazelnut about? What does it taste like?
What Does it Taste Like?
Hazelnut flavoring is pretty spicy. The rich nutty flavor of hazelnut is both aromatic and sweet. The sauce complements coffee’s bitterness very well. Many describe hazelnut as a decadent, complex flavor of fragrant nuttiness. Typically very sweet and indulgent, it is easy to understand why hazelnut flavors’ popularity are at an all-time high. Thanks to such food products as Nutella and Ferro Roche, pop culture has taken the hazelnut flavoring scene by storm.
With many flavoring uses, from ice cream to cakes and even baby formula, it is evident that hazelnut flavoring is here to stay. Some coffee house establishments use a combination of vanilla and hazelnut syrups to create a French vanilla flavor. But buyers beware; there are hidden calories in the added sweeteners, in some places, the sugar content is troubling.
So how many calories are in a hazelnut flavored coffee? Let us discuss some popular establishments and their caloric sums when combined with traditional coffee beverages.
How Many Calories in a Hazelnut Coffee?
Typically when indulging, calories are the last thing on the mind. But if you’re like most people, you get your coffee the same way every day, consistently. Without proper guidance and knowledge, the calories in your daily coffee can add up fast. A hazelnut-flavored latte can be as much as 250 calories per 16-ounce serving at your typical coffee chain. This, of course, goes up with additional flavors added.
Even milk choice contributes to caloric intake where added sugars to non-dairy options are frequently present. Your best bet for lower calories is to order your hazelnut flavored coffee black or with light or nonfat dairy/non-dairy creamer. Alternatively, if you opt for making your coffee at home, hazelnut flavored coffee beans or grounds are the best options when counting calories.
At about five calories per serving, hazelnut flavored coffee beans or grounds offer little to no additional calories to your morning cup of Joe. You can find these flavored coffee beans or grounds at just about any local grocery store, but they are readily available online as well. Start by checking your local coffee shops and roasteries, as they are your best option. Remember to support local businesses and to shop local whenever possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hazelnut flavored coffee is here to stay. This abundance of hazelnut flavoring in our culture is not a trend but, in fact, a permanent fixture in our society. In recent years, the prevalence of hazelnut flavorings is expanding exponentially. Any coffee shop in the country is sure to have you covered for your hazelnut flavoring fix.
Throughout history and for centuries, the hazelnut has been paired with coffee to complement its flavors better. The Alpine monks of centuries past had the right idea; coffee and hazelnut are a match made in heaven. Through this article’s help, you too can order with confidence the next time you find yourself visiting your favorite local coffee shop.
This introduction to flavored coffees is just barely scratching the surface. The possibilities of flavoring coffee are genuinely endless. There are many flavorings to pair with your morning coffee, but with a little knowledge, hopefully, you too will soon find your perfect cup to add to your morning routine.
