11 of the Most Popular Coffee Flavors To Check Off Your Bucket List!

Clint Doerfler
Clint Doerfler
 | 
Updated: August 8, 2022
       
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Adding different flavors to your coffee can elevate your entire coffee drinking experience. This is why many people choose to experiment with different flavors, in an effort to find their perfect coffee match.

Also, it's helpful to know which flavor to pair with a particular meal, special occasion, or even the time of day.

So, what's the best flavored coffee to experiment with?

The most familiar coffee flavors include French vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint, pumpkin, caramel, and mocha. These are commonly available and most often consumed by coffee drinkers.

Whether you're just getting started in the coffee world or want to try something new, some of the most well-known varieties are on this list. Read on to learn more about different coffee flavors and what makes each one unique and popular.

The World's Most Popular Coffee Flavors

  1. French vanilla
  2. Peppermint
  3. Hazelnut
  4. Pumpkin Spice
  5. Mocha
  6. Butterscotch
  7. Caramel
  8. Amaretto
  9. Birthday Cake
  10. Highlander Grogg
  11. Kona

What makes these flavors popular?

  • They are familiar and most often used by coffee drinkers
  • They are commonly available throughout the year
  • Each coffee flavor offers a unique taste that can be enjoyed at any time of day

#1 French Vanilla

The most popular coffee flavor by far is French vanilla. When it comes to flavoring almost anything, there's just no way you can go wrong with vanilla's exquisite fragrance and delicious flavor. Vanilla is simply a neutral and soothing coffee flavor.

This makes it the perfect partner for coffee's stronger and more intense taste. If you want to get the best results, use medium or light roast beans with this flavoring.

You don't just want plain vanilla, either. You want French vanilla, which is deeper in flavor because it goes through a different production process than regular vanilla. It's also more caramelized.

Fortunately, because it is so popular, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it in stores. You can find this flavor in a number of products, such as coffee creamers, K-cups, and instant coffees.

It doesn't matter how you take your coffee—black, latte, cappuccino, or macchiato—a few drops will still enhance the taste. And if you want something really special, try adding vanilla to your coffee beans the night before you brew them. The next morning, you'll be able to enjoy the most delicious cup of vanilla-flavored coffee ever!

#2 Peppermint

Peppermint in your coffee might sound strange, but it pairs very well with coffee. It has a minty aroma with a cool taste.

If you're not a fan of a menthol aroma, don't worry—you'll still likely enjoy its wonderful taste in hot coffee, especially during the December holiday season.

Fortunately, you don't have to wait until the winter to enjoy peppermint-flavored coffees.

This seasonal blend makes for a delicious and refreshing summer drink when added to cold brew coffee and iced coffee. Just keep in mind that peppermint is quite a strong flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly or else it will become overpowering.

#3 Hazelnut

The most popular coffee flavors tend to be the ones with a strong and enticing aroma. Hazelnut is one of these flavors, and it has a sweet, buttery taste that most people can't resist.

This flavor is often paired with vanilla and chocolate because it complements these flavors so well. And although the taste is strong, it provides a smooth and mild drinking experience.

You'll find hazelnut coffee in plenty of different varieties, so regardless of your taste preference, you're sure to find something that suits your palate.

#4 Pumpkin Spice

What would Fall be, with its vibrant colors and crisp air, without the comfort of pumpkin spice to soothe your taste buds? This flavor has become the go-to choice for many coffee drinkers, especially during chilly evenings.

Pumpkin spice is a blend of autumn spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It's typically enjoyed during the fall season, when the days grow shorter, and the nights longer.

You can buy pumpkin spice coffee at most coffee shops, or you can get creative and make your own homemade pumpkin-flavored coffee using natural ingredients.

If you're looking to really jump into fall, then we suggest making your own pumpkin spice latte using real pumpkins. Not only will it taste better, but it'll also be healthier and more economical.

#5 Mocha

Mocha and coffee is a heavenly combination that most people can't resist. This is another one of those most popular coffee flavors that has withstood the test of time.

It's also an excellent choice for people who are new to the coffee scene because chocolaty flavor is something most people can appreciate.

The taste of chocolate is quite unique, and it complements the strong, bitter notes of coffee. On top of that, the rich and semi-sweet flavor mingles well with the powerful, nutty taste of coffee.

Mocha generally doesn't overpower your coffee wither. You'll get a beautiful combination of sweetness and chocolate flavor instead.

If iced coffee is your thing, you're really in luck. Next time you visit a café, go for an iced cafe mocha or mochaccino. They are cold, delicious, and make a refreshing summer treat!

Coffee and chocolate is a heavenly combination you can't go wrong with. Mocha is one of those most popular coffee flavors that has withstood the test of time.

Next time you pour a boring cup of coffee, consider adding some dark chocolate syrup.

#6 Butterscotch

You get butterscotch when you mix brown sugar with melted butter. It's not hard to understand why butterscotch is so popular among coffee drinkers, given the delicious, caramel-like flavor with a slight molasses undertone.

Butterscotch is a great choice if you're looking to tone down the acidity of strong coffee. It's also an excellent way to add a new twist to your caramel macchiato. If you find that your coffee is still too strong even after adding some butterscotch, try using it with lighter roast coffee beans instead.

If you're looking for a fantastic taste, add butterscotch syrup to a fresh black espresso. You might be surprised!

#7 Caramel

Without a caramel flavor, this list of the most popular coffee flavors wouldn't be complete. And there would be no caramel macchiato!

The taste is a favorite among many coffee drinkers, and it's easy to see why. It's delectable richness is hard to resist!

Caramel flavored coffee has a strong, robust, and smooth taste that is still sweet and agreeable. This makes for a rich taste and satisfying experience when added to coffee.

The buttery sweetness and nutty aroma of caramel is a great way add some excitement to your coffee! All of these qualities come together to provide a rich and satisfying experience when added to coffee.

You can drink it with or without milk, as the flavor works so well with coffee that there is usually no need to add milk.

Try it next time you're in the mood for something sweet and irresistible!

#8 Amaretto

No, not the Italian liqueur with a sweet almond taste. We're referring to the toasted almond flavor that has become so popular in many desserts and cocktails.

Even though Amaretto sweetener should be both toasty and sweet, expect a hint of bitterness in the flavor. This is because most Amaretto coffee syrups use extract from apricot pits.

The taste may sound odd for coffee, but the almond and apricot flavors actually go quite well with coffee.

Amaretto is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the nuttiness of almonds without the sweetness.

It can also be used to add depth to your coffee flavor. The most important thing is to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

#9 Birthday Cake

They say it's your birthday!...

Well, it doesn't have to be your birthday to enjoy a delicious cup of birthday cake-flavored coffee. This flavor is perfect for those who want the taste of vanilla with a sweet twist.

You'll likely find these coffee beans available in a combo of sweet vanilla sponge, strawberry jam, and cream filling. This makes for a delicious and festive cup of coffee that is perfect for any celebration!

So, if you're looking for a flavor that is both sweet and unique, then birthday cake coffee is the way to go!

#10 Highlander Grogg

If you're looking for a flavor that complements your favorite light roast coffee beans, Highlander Grogg is a great option.

This rich and sweet coffee has hints of Caribbean rum and vanilla, making it a truly unique flavor. Even if you don't usually like coffee, you'll likely enjoy the aroma and taste of Highlander Grogg.

If you're trying to cut out sugar and cream from your coffee for health reasons, this flavor can help make that transition easier. Its mild taste will help you get used to enjoying coffee black in no time.

#11 Kona

Technically, Kona coffee is a variety rather than a flavor. However, we had to include it on our list because of the uniquely amazing flavor these coffee beans offer.

Kona coffee is grown in Hawaii and is one of the most prized and rarest varieties in the world; renowned for being incredibly smooth and less acidic than most other types of coffee.

If you're looking for a truly unique coffee experience, Kona coffee is definitely worth trying. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for this rare variety. Kona coffee can be quite expensive. But many coffee lovers agree that it's more than worth the price.

Natural and Artificial Coffee Flavor: How Is Flavored Coffee Made?

Coffee flavors can be either natural or artificial. Natural flavors are derived from real ingredients like fruits, spices, and nuts, while artificial flavors are created in a laboratory using chemicals.

Natural Flavor

Most coffee beans receive their flavor by way of oils that are sprayed on after roasting.

When naturally flavored, roasters use natural ingredients such as almonds, cinnamon, chocolate, berries, and vanilla. Typically, roasters flavor coffee beans according to a particular flavor profile in order to produce naturally flavored coffee.

Artificial Flavor

If you drink coffee from coffee shops and restaurants, it's likely to be artificially flavored. This is because a coffee shop or restaurant is always looking to fatten their bottom line, and artificial flavoring is cheaper than natural flavoring.

Peppermint is a very popular coffee flavor and is used in many dishes. To make artificially flavored coffee, the beans are soaked in chemicals that contain the desired flavor. Once they have absorbed the flavor, they are ready to be used.

It's always advisable to choose naturally flavored coffee over the artificial variety. Not only is it more nutritious, but the flavor from high-quality syrup is also hard to resist.

However, there's no need to worry if you do decide to drink artificially flavored coffee. These drinks are popular all over the world and are perfectly safe to consume.

Final Thoughts

So there you go—the most popular coffee flavors from all around the world. If you found a flavor that's new to you, go ahead and give it a try!

Different flavors suit different palates, so you won't know if you like it until you try it.

Also, if you're concerned with sugar intake, most of these flavors are available in sugar-free versions.

If your coffee tastes subpar lately, adding a flavor shot may be just what you need to jumpstart your mornings again.

Or, if you want to do something a bit different, why not check out some of the weirdest coffees from around the world?

Who knows—you might just find your new favorite!
Clint Doerfler
From a very young "growth-stunting" age, Clint Doerfler has had a deep-rooted love for coffee. As a result, he founded Coffee Gear Gurus® to share his passion for incredible home brewed coffee with others. When he's not watching true crime shows with family or playing music, he's devoted to helping fellow coffee feins make amazing coffee at home - regardless of their experience.

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