A Guide to Coffee Pairing:

When you’re pairing coffee, you’re looking to marry your coffee with your food. You want it to be a happy union, one where the flavours complement each other and work seamlessly together without effort. 

Who isn’t partial to a piece of homemade carrot cake with fluffy cream cheese frosting and a cappuccino halfway through a morning of retail therapy? However, there is actually a sophisticated art to coffee pairing, and it all depends on the variety of coffee you choose. 

Coffee has a wide profile of flavours, from fruity and bright to deep and chocolatey. Your preference will help determine what food will taste best with your coffee. 

• Light Roast – Bright acidity, floral, fruity, tea-like notes.

• Medium Roast – Balanced acidity, caramel, nutty, cocoa flavours.

• Dark Roast – Bold, smoky, dark chocolate, toasted nuts.

Here are some classic coffee pairings based on the roast type and flavour notes:

Light Roast Pairings (Fruity, Floral, Citrusy)

• Pastries & Croissants – Enhances the light and buttery flavours.

• Fruity Desserts (Berry Tarts, Citrus Cakes) – Complements the fruitiness.

• Goat Cheese or Ricotta – Contrasts with the acidity and enhances creaminess.

Medium Roast Pairings (Nutty, Caramel, Cocoa Notes)

• Milk Chocolate or Caramel Desserts – Matches the smooth, sweet undertones.

• Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts) – Enhances the natural nutty notes.

• Egg-based Dishes (Omelets, Quiches) – Balances richness with mild acidity.

Dark Roast Pairings (Bold, Smoky, Dark Chocolate)

• Dark Chocolate – Complements deep cocoa flavours.

• Grilled Meats & BBQ – The smoky, bold notes pair well with charred flavours.

• Aged Cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, Gouda) – Stands up to the strong, sharp flavours.

Special Pairings

• Espresso & Dark Chocolate – A perfect match for strong, rich flavours.

• Cold Brew & Sweet Desserts – The smooth, less acidic coffee pairs well with cakes.

• Latte & Cinnamon Rolls – The creamy texture of a latte complements the spiced, sweet bread.

At Stokes, we offer a Coffee & Chocolate Tasting experience ideal for those who want to see how their favourite sweet treat and drink can pair so well together. You’ll follow us on a tour of our coffee roastery. It gives you a brilliant insight into the process of turning green coffee into our award-winning products. You'll then join Mike (Our Coffee Guru) in our Barista Training Academy to taste six different coffees and chocolate together to compare notes!

For more information, contact a member of our team on 01522 523 548.