Getting into coffee can be a lot of fun, especially when you realize it’s not just about the drink – it’s about what you eat with it, too. Pairing coffee with food might sound fancy, but it’s pretty simple, and the right combo can take your coffee experience to a whole new level.

Here’s a quick guide to get you started, whether you’re sipping a quick brew in the morning or lounging around with a latte on a lazy weekend.

Let’s talk coffee types

Before we get into food, it helps to know your coffee. We have a ton of blogs about this, but in case you need a quick refresher, here’s a basic run-down.

·        Espresso: Bold, concentrated, and a little bitter. It’s the small, strong stuff you see in tiny cups.

·        Latte: Espresso with a lot of milk, creamy, soft, and way more mellow.

·        Cold brew: Steeped in cold water for hours, it’s smooth, a little sweet, and less acidic than regular coffee.

·        Americano: Espresso with hot water. A bit more diluted but still bold.

You don’t need to memorize every coffee type – just keep these basics in mind when you think about pairings.

The basics of pairing

When you pair coffee with food, it’s all about balance. Here are a couple of easy rules to follow:

·        Bitter with sweet: Stronger, more bitter coffee (like espresso or dark roast) pairs really well with something sweet. Think of the classic combo of coffee and dessert – bitterness makes sweets pop even more.

·        Creamy with savoury: A latte or cappuccino goes great with savoury breakfast foods, like eggs or avocado toast. The creaminess of the milk softens the stronger flavours in the food.

·        Light and flaky: Lighter coffee, like a blonde roast or cold brew, goes well with lighter pastries, like croissants or scones. It’s a refreshing combo that won’t overpower your snack

Fun pairings to try

·        Espresso + Chocolate cake: The richness of the cake is a perfect match for the boldness of espresso. If you like dark chocolate, even better!

·        Latte + Avocado Toast: The creaminess of a latte softens the savoury flavours in the toast, making each bite feel super comforting.

·        Cold Brew + Bagel with cream cheese: Cold brew is smooth and light, so pairing it with a chewy bagel and cream cheese creates a nice balance

·        Americano + Croissant: A buttery, flaky croissant paired with a smooth Americano? It’s a breakfast dream.

The best part about coffee pairings? There are no rules! Your taste buds are in charge. Try different combinations and see what you like. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or making a full brunch spread, there’s a coffee and food combo for every occasion.