Whether you enjoy bold, dark espresso, smooth, rich French press coffee, or soft, creamy latte, pairing your coffee with the right food can enhance your coffee-drinking experience.
In this guide, we explore 12 pairings — both sweet and savory — that can transform your daily coffee ritual into something more exciting.
1. Dark Chocolate
Rich, bittersweet chocolate and coffee share many of the same aromatic compounds, which is why they feel like a natural match.
Both have deep roasted notes, subtle bitterness, and a complexity that can range from fruity to earthy depending on origin.
The deep cocoa bitterness enhances coffee’s roasted complexity, while the chocolate’s fat content smooths out any harsh edges.
- Best Beans — Arabica beans, especially those from Latin America grown at high altitudes, pair well with dark chocolate thanks to their natural sweetness and undertones of chocolate and nuts.
- Best Roast — Dark roast brings out rich, smoky, caramelized flavors that complement dark chocolate. Medium roasts also work well, bringing a balance of brightness and depth to the pairing.
- Best Brewing Method — Espresso is the perfect coffee to pair with dark chocolate. It’s strong, bold, and smooth, complementing the intensity and bitterness of dark chocolate. The French press is another great option, offering a longer drink with a fuller body.
2. Biscotti
This Italian classic is made for coffee. Its crunchy, twice-baked texture holds up well when dunked into coffee, softening and absorbing the rich, bold flavors of the brew.
They come in a range of flavors such as caramel, almond, hazelnut, and chocolate chip — all of which pair beautifully with coffee.
The lightly sweet flavor profile of biscotti doesn’t overpower the coffee, making it the perfect complementary biscuit for enjoying with the morning, lunch, or evening brew.
The act of dunking also creates a cozy, ritualistic experience that feels distinctly European.
- Best Beans — Arabica coffee from Central America offers nutty, caramel notes that pair perfectly with biscotti.
- Best Roast — Medium roast balances dark, bold, smoky flavors with light, fruity, tropical notes.
- Best Brewing Method — Espresso-based coffees such as cappuccino, latte, and Americano are matches made in heaven. However, you can pair a biscotti with almost any brew type.
3. Banana Bread
The moist, tender texture and subtle sweetness of banana bread make it a comforting pairing for coffee.
The mellow banana flavor pairs incredibly well with the deep, nutty, chocolatey notes of roasted coffee.
The coffee can help cut through the richness and density of the bread, while the banana flavor brings out a smooth, almost creamy taste in the coffee.
- Best Beans — Arabica coffee from Vietnam, such as Da Lat, pairs incredibly well with the creamy yet tropical flavors of banana bread. The nutty, deep complexity of these beans, combined with the subtle sweetness of banana bread, makes the perfect match.
- Best Roast — Medium roast coffee offers deep, bold flavors without overpowering the mellow flavors of the bread.
- Best Brewing Method — Pour-over, drip coffee, cold brew, and French press coffee are perfect for pairing with banana bread. Black coffee cuts through its richness, while white coffee adds to the creaminess.
4. Cured Meats
Thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo offer a savory, fatty, salty contrast to the roasted, slightly bitter notes of coffee.
The fat content in the meat coats the palate, making the following sip of coffee taste smoother and more complex.
The smoky, umami flavors of cured meats often mirror the roasted, nutty notes in coffee, creating a pairing that’s both bold and deeply satisfying.
We recommend serving strong black coffee alongside a charcuterie spread next time you have friends over for an afternoon meal.
- Best Beans — Well-balanced arabica-robusta blends such as Saigon OG work incredibly well with cured meats. The dark, bold, strong flavors of robusta and the smooth, subtle sweetness of arabica pair perfectly with cured meat.
- Best Roast — Dark roast complements the natural smokiness of cured meats, while medium roasts offer a balanced contrast with fruity, floral, and nutty notes.
- Best Brewing Method — Pour-over coffee (hot) or cold brew (chilled) serves well with cured meats.
5. Croissants
Croissants are buttery, flaky French pastries. Their light, airy layers and rich butteriness pair well with coffee. The butter coats the palate, making each sip of coffee taste smoother and more complex.
Croissants can also be dipped in your coffee to absorb the flavors of the brew — this is common practice in France.
Both savory (plain) and sweet croissants pair well with a variety of brews. However, when paired with a milk-based drink like a latte or café au lait, the result is especially luxurious.
- Best Beans — Arabica coffee from Colombia or Costa Rica offers smooth, balanced flavors that don’t overpower the light butteriness of the croissant.
- Best Roast — Medium to dark roast beans offer deep, bold notes that pair perfectly with the baked, slightly toasted taste of croissants.
- Best Brewing Method — Lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites create a particularly luxurious experience when paired with croissants. However, most brews pair well.
6. Lemon Cake
The tangy brightness and crumbly, moist texture of lemon cake create a delightful contrast to the deep, roasted notes of coffee.
The citrus cuts through the richness of the coffee, cleansing and refreshing the palate between sips.
This pairing is decadent — perfect for afternoon social gatherings when you want to serve some light but packed with flavor.
- Best Beans — Arabica and well-balanced arabica-robusta blends like DaNang work well with lemon cake.
- Best Roast — Light roasts complement the sweet, delicate flavors of lemon cake. The roast’s bright, floral undertones pair well with the tropical citrus taste. Medium roasts also work well, adding a balanced contrast to the sweet flavors of the cake.
- Best Brewing Method — Black pour-over or drip coffee works well with lemon cake. The thin body and lighter flavor balance well with the light, moist texture of the cake. Iced coffee and cold brew also pair well when the weather is pleasant.
7. Hazelnut Tarts
Hazelnut tarts have a rich, buttery shortcrust filled with a nutty, sweet spread that complements the nutty, chocolate, roasted tones of coffee.
The toasted flavor of hazelnuts blends seamlessly with both black coffee and milky espresso-based brews.
This pairing feels refined yet comforting — perfect for formal lunches as well as Sunday mornings on the couch.
- Best Beans — Arabica, robusta, and blends work well with hazelnut tarts. Opt for an arabica such as DaLat for smooth, sweet flavors. Choose robusta for dark, bold flavors and slight bitterness. Opt for a blend if you want the characteristics of both beans.
- Best Roast — Dark roasts offer smoky, caramelized notes that pair brilliantly with hazelnut. Medium roasts bring a similar experience to the table with a slightly brighter finish.
- Best Brewing Method — Espresso, macchiato, or Americano pairs well with hazelnut tarts if you prefer black coffee. If you’re looking for a more indulgent, luxurious experience, pair them with a latte or flat white.
8. Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, spiced cinnamon rolls are one of coffee’s most comforting companions.
The sweet dough, buttery glaze, and cinnamon’s aromatic warmth amplify the cozy qualities of coffee, especially on a chilly winter morning.
Cinnamon also naturally enhances the perception of sweetness in coffee, making it a pairing that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
- Best Beans — Arabica, robusta, and blends can be paired with cinnamon rolls. Which type you pick depends on your flavor preference. Arabica is smooth and mild, robusta is bold and bitter, and blends balance the characteristics of both beans.
- Best Roast — Dark and medium roasts work well with cinnamon rolls. The bold, roasted, nutty notes of these roasts contrast with the sweet, spicy flavors of these baked treats.
- Best Brewing Method — Latte, cappuccino, French press, or drip coffee all work well with cinnamon rolls. Creamy coffees offer an indulgent experience while black coffees cut through the sticky richness of the pastry.
9. Strawberries
Fresh strawberries bring a juicy, tart sweetness that refreshes the palate between sips of coffee. This pairing works surprisingly well, especially with light or blonde roasts that are cold-brewed.
Light roast arabica cold brew has a pronounced fruity acidity and floral undertones that pair perfectly with strawberries and similar tart fruits (raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and blueberries).
The contrast between the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries and the deeper, roasted, slightly bitter flavors of coffee creates a contrasting, but balanced, pairing.
- Best Beans — Arabica coffee pairs extremely well with strawberries, but arabica-rich blends also work well.
- Best Roast — Light roast arabica is the best pairing for strawberries. Its light, fruity acidity works extremely well with the tart sweetness of the berries. Medium roasts can also complement the flavor of strawberries in a contrasting way.
- Best Brewing Method — Cold brew and strawberries make the perfect pair. The subtle, light, fruity, floral flavors of arabica cold brew complement the berries perfectly. Iced coffee, frozen coffee, and Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sửa đá) also pair well — providing a sweet creaminess.
10. Smoked Salmon
The savory, smoky richness of smoked salmon can bring out the dark, earthy notes of coffee. The saltiness of smoked and cured salmon also balances out the bitterness of bold brews and can actually make the coffee taste sweeter.
The fatty texture and oily nature of salmon can also coat the palate, making each sip of coffee taste smoother and more luxurious.
While it’s an unconventional pairing, it can be extremely satisfying — it’s well worth trying.
- Best Beans — Arabica, robusta, and arabica-robusta blends pair well with smoked salmon. The stronger and bolder the beans, the better.
- Best Roast — Dark roast pairs best with salmon. Its toasted, caramelized flavors complement the salty, smoked, fatty fish.
- Best Brewing Method — Espresso, French press, and strong pour-over coffee pair extremely well with smoked salmon. Moka pot, Aeropress, and other concentrated brewing methods also work well.
11. Avocado Toast
Another unusual but satisfying pairing is avocado toast. Ripe, creamy avocado on a toasted wholemeal bread offers a mellow, buttery flavor that complements the dark, bold flavors of coffee. The oily fattiness of avocado also coats the palate — making each sip of coffee seem smoother and more complex.
A slice of avocado toast and a dark, bold, black coffee is the perfect breakfast pairing. Latte, cappuccino, or a flat white adds a light, velvety creaminess — perfect for a luxurious afternoon snack.
- Best Beans — Arabica and arabica-rich blends work well with the creamy, oily texture of avocado.
- Best Roast — Dark roasts provide nutty, toasted, caramel-like flavors that complement avocado toast perfectly.
- Best Brewing Method — Espresso, Americano, drip coffee, or pour-over are perfectly consumed black at breakfast. Cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites pair well with avocado toast as a cafe-inspired lunch or afternoon snack.
12. Aged Cheese and Fruit
A cheese and fruit platter combines sweet, tart, and savory flavors in one bite, which can bring out coffee’s complexity in unexpected ways.
Soft cheeses like brie add creaminess, while fruits like figs or grapes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the roasted notes of coffee. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gruyère, and Gouda add acidity and saltiness, making your coffee seem naturally sweeter and more complex.
Pairing the right cheese with coffee can create tasting experiences that rival wine pairings.
- Best Beans — Arabica, robusta, and robusta-arabica blends all work well when paired with aged cheese and fruit platters. Opt for a robusta for strong, dark, bitter notes. Opt for an arabica for a light, sweet, smooth experience. Choose a blend for a balance between smooth, sweet, bold, and bitter.
- Best Roast — Dark and medium roasts work well when paired with cheeses and fruits. Their bold, toasted flavors complement the salty, savory, acidic flavors of cheese. The sweetness of the fruit can also mellow out the bitterness of robusta-rich dark roasts.
- Best Brewing Method — Bold, concentrated brews made with an espresso machine, moka pot, percolator, or Aeropress are perfect for pairing with cheese and fruit.
Coffee and Food Pairing Chart
Use the pairing chart below for a quick reference to find out which coffees to pair with which foods:
FAQs: What Goes With Coffee?
Want to learn more about pairing food, spices, and flavors with coffee?
Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below:
1. What Foods Pair Well With Coffee?
Coffee pairs well with a variety of foods, including chocolate, fruit, nuts, pastries, and even cheese. The key to finding a good food pairing for coffee is to balance its bitterness with complementary and contrasting flavors — this is why sweet foods work so well.
2. Does Chocolate Pair Well With Coffee?
Yes. Chocolat pairs well with coffee. Its sweetness complements the bitter, roasted flavors of coffee. Dark chocolate works especially well with strong, bold espresso and Vietnamese coffee. Milk and white chocolate pair well with drip and pour-over brews.
3. What Desserts Go Best With Coffee?
Several desserts pair well with coffee. The most popular combinations include tiramisu, brownies, biscotti, cheesecake, and coffee-flavored ice cream. Sweet, creamy, nutty, and chocolatey desserts help balance out the bitter notes of coffee.
4. Do Nuts Go With Coffee?
Yes. Nuts pair incredibly well with coffee. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, and even peanuts pair well with coffee. The earthy, slightly sweet flavors of these nuts enhance the roasts and nutty undertones of coffee.
5. Can Cheese Be Paired With Coffee?
Yes. Although it seems like an unlikely pairing, cheese can work well with coffee. Soft cheeses like brie pair well with milder coffees, while aged hard cheeses like gouda, cheddar, and emmental complement bolder coffees like espresso and macchiato.
6. What Type of Bread Goes Well With Coffee?
Sweet breads pair well with coffee. Cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and iced buns work well with dark roast arabica and robusta blends as well as rich, bold espresso. Savory breads such as sourdough, rye bread, and croissants pair well with medium and dark roast drip and pour-over coffee.
7. Can You Drink Coffee With Savory Foods?
Yes. You can drink coffee with savory foods. Breakfast sandwiches, bacon and eggs, smoked meats, and even certain pasta dishes work well with freshly brewed coffee.
8. What Spices Enhance Coffee Flavors?
Several spices work well in coffee and as part of a food pairing. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla are popular spices to pair with coffee. Vanilla syrup, pumpkin spice, and crème brûlée creamers are excellent options for enhancing coffee.
9. Do Certain Coffees Pair Better With Specific Foods?
Yes. Different beans (arabica, robusta, and liberica) all have qualities that pair with certain foods. The roast level — light, medium, and dark roast — should also be taken into account during food pairings. Light roast arabicas pair well with fruit-based pastries, medium roast arabica and robusta pair well with nutty or chocolatey deserts, and dark roast robusta pairs well with bold, rich foods like grilled meats and cheeses.
10. What Goes With Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee pairs well with a range of light desserts. The natural sweetness of milky iced coffee works well with fruit tarts, yogurt parfaits, cheesecakes, and chilled puddings.
