What Is Hazelnut Coffee and Why Do People Like It?

The hazelnut blend is a popular flavor with many coffee drinkers. What is hazelnut coffee, its benefits, and how to make your coffee at home?

Americans are the leading coffee drinkers in the world, consuming 400 million cups daily. This is proven by long queues in cafes and the penchant to make coffee at home. 

One of the well-known blends today is hazelnut coffee. It’s a healthy and delicious drink created by adding hazelnuts or syrup to the coffee beans of your choice. In this article, we’ll tell you all things you need to know about hazelnut coffee and why many people prefer it.

All About Hazelnuts

Hazelnut is also known as filbert or cob nut and is rich in nutrients and healthy fats. Alpine monks first used the filbert tree nut to add flavor to their coffee until it was known as “hazelnut” in the 1900s. 

Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts globally. Other prevalent growers include Italy, Washington, and Oregon. Hazelnuts can be eaten raw or roasted as snacks. Additionally, it can be manufactured into cooking oil or even a paste combined with other products such as chocolate, also known as Nutella. Hazelnut is an ingredient that can be used in many commodities, including coffee. 

It’s now one of the most well-known flavors in the coffee industry. What does hazelnut coffee taste like, and how can you add it to your drink?

If you liked this post, you might also like our explainer on what does barley milk tea taste like.

The Taste of Hazelnut Coffee

Zealous coffee lovers search for new blends every time. Those who don’t like the bitter taste of just coffee also find ways to make the experience more appealing.

Hazelnuts have a complex flavor with earthy, marbled, and roasted tones. Its sweet and aromatic nutty taste complements the bitterness of coffee. 

Much like coffee with peanut butter, there are two ways to get the right hazelnut flavor in your coffee: manual roasting and mixtures or syrups.

Hazelnut Coffee Recipe

Hazelnut coffee Recipe
Ground the light roasted coffee beans and hazelnuts

It’s easy to make hazelnut coffee at home with the right equipment and ingredients. You can even customize how your coffee will taste according to your preferences. One way of enjoying hazelnut coffee is by traditional brewing. 

Below is the ultimate recipe guide to make a traditional hazelnut coffee. Here are the ingredients and equipment you will need:

  • 1oz roasted coffee bean
  • ½oz unsalted hazelnuts (shelled)
  • Milk and sweetener of choice to taste (Optional)
  • Hazelnut syrup (Optional)
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee press 

Follow these steps:

  1. Ground the light roasted coffee beans and hazelnuts. The nuts should have their outer skin for better flavor. Aim for a coarse mixture.
  2. Put the mixture on your coffee machine and start brewing. Any available brewer will do. However, it’s best to use a French press to bring out the natural flavor of hazelnuts.
  3. Add milk and sugar or vanilla extract to taste. Use almond milk for a healthier alternative. 
  4. Add hazelnut syrup if you want more hazelnut flavor in your coffee.

However, if you can’t brew, you can also buy the blend online, like this hazelnut-flavored coffee by AmazonFresh. You can even savor the famous hazelnut coffee recipes of Starbucks or Seattle’s Best comfortably at home, skipping the long lines in these coffee shops.

Benefits of Drinking Hazelnut Coffee

Hazelnut coffee is not only favored because of its unique taste. Below are some of the benefits of drinking hazelnut coffee:

For Strong Bones

Hazelnuts contain manganese that supports the body in forming bones and connective tissues. It also helps in blood clotting, osteoporosis, and joint pains.

For Lower Risk of Cancer

Cancer prevention research found out that tocopherols decrease the possibility of cancer. This includes alpha-tocopherol found in hazelnuts.

For Healthy Bowel Movements

Dietary fiber is important for regular bowel movements. Hazelnuts stimulate good digestion and prevent constipation.

For Weight Loss

Hazelnuts promote healthy metabolism and therefore aids in weight loss. It can also help in making you feel full for longer.

For Skin Hydration

Aside from powerful antioxidants, hazelnuts also have Vitamin E, which helps delay the aging process. It also moisturizes the skin for it to be soft and radiant. 

For Heart Health 

Another antioxidant in hazelnuts are phenolic compounds that lower inflammation and cholesterol.

Take note, however, that excessively drinking coffee can still adversely affect your health.

FAQs About What Is Hazelnut Coffee

Is hazelnut coffee healthy?

Yes, drinking hazelnut coffee is good for your health. Hazelnuts, in general, are rich in nutrients and contain healthy fats that are important for a healthy diet.

Is hazelnut coffee made from hazelnuts?

There are two ways to make hazelnut coffee: traditional and artificial. The traditional way incorporates manual roasting and grinding of the nuts with their outer shell and coffee grounds.  On the other hand, most cafés use artificial hazelnut flavored coffee or syrup.

Author

  • Maria Caballero

    Writer and coffee lover, Maria Caballero, is fond of visiting new cafes and trying current trends involving caffeine. She shares amusing experiences to fellow coffee enthusiasts who wants to explore the world of coffee.