2017 UPDATE: We have completely updated this article. Check out A Coffee Drinker’s Guide to Coffee Candies.
As a coffee fanatic, I’ve often sought ways to extend my love of coffee and simultaneously placate my sweet tooth. So, I’ve taken to eating coffee-flavored candy. It is worth noting that there is no such thing as a coffee flavoring that is completely man-made. All coffee flavoring is derived from coffee because the taste of coffee is just too complex to be replicated accurately. But just because it is derived from real coffee does not mean that all coffee candy is created equal.
Pocket Coffee
This candy starts with a caramelized sugar pocket for a sweet espresso liquid. The caramelized sugar is coated with European milk chocolate. The manufacturer (Fererro) claims that eating three pieces is equivalent to a shot of espresso, and I have to admit that I got a buzz off of the candy. I brought it to work to share with co-workers. They loved it and asked for more.
Review for Pocket Coffee: Fantastic!
Coffee Rio
This candy’s consistency is similar to chewy caramel. It sticks to your molars and tastes like a cup of coffee with lots of cream and sugar. You can purchase it by the bag at specialty grocery stores.
Review for Coffee Rio: Very Good
Rademaker’s Hopjes
This is a little hard candy from Holland. It’s pretty tasty. The coffee flavor is evenly distributed throughout the candy and tastes a little like a Frappuccino. Getting this candy can be a little tricky. I stumbled upon it at a local coffee shop.
Review for Rademaker’s Hopjes: Good
Brach’s Coffee Candy
This hard candy smells like coffee and is colored like a cup of weak coffee, but it tastes nothing like coffee. It’s so gross that I spit it out before finishing the piece. You can find it at your local supermarket in Brach’s bulk candy display.
Review for Brach’s Coffee Candy: Yucky
Rocket Chocolate
This candy is marketed “for adults only” and claims to boost energy like a cup of coffee. It has a gunk-filled center surrounded by low-grade chocolate. It’s lousy; stay away from this brand. Trust me, you don’t want to try this candy, so locating it shouldn’t be a concern.
Review for Rocket Chocolate: Horrible
Resources
A Coffee Drinker’s Guide to Coffee Candies – Our updated guide to Coffee Candies.