Favorite Flavored Coffee Beans

Flavored coffee beans are coated with flavor compounds to supplement coffee beans' natural taste. It is said that flavors also help extend shelf life of the coffee by disguising changes in flavor due to decaffeination or aging processes. Flavored coffees have been popular since ages but the gourmet coffee boom of the 1990s resulted in an increased interest in exotic flavors of coffee. The type of bean used to make flavored coffee greatly impacts the taste of the finished product.

Flavoring oils are combinations of natural and synthetic flavor chemicals which are compounded by professional flavor chemists. Natural oils used in flavored coffees are extracted from a variety of sources, such as vanilla beans, cocoa beans, and various nuts and berries. Cinnamon, clove, and chicory are also used in a variety of coffee flavors. Synthetic flavor agents are chemicals which are manufactured on a commercial basis.

Flavors are always added to roasted beans before they are ground. The beans are placed in a large mixer which is specially designed to gently tumble the beans. The flavors are usually introduced via a pressurized spray mechanism which breaks the oils into tiny droplets which allows for better mixing. Oils are added very gradually to guard highly concentrated flavors. The beans are turned for a set amount of time to ensure the flavor is evenly spread. This process usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on the mixing characteristics of the oil. When the beans are properly coated, they take on a glossy finish that indicates a uniform distribution of oils.