Sweet Pairings: Candy + Coffee/Tea

Delicious Ways to Sip, Savor & Enjoy Gerrit J. Verburg Treats

Coffee and tea already bring warmth and comfort to everyday moments. When paired with the right candy, they become something fun, unique, and unexpectedly delightful! From bold European licorice to fruity chicle and nostalgic gums, these flavor combinations can create delightful contrasts, enhance familiar notes, and add a spark of joy to your daily routine.

Here are some pairings to try at home.

☕ Espresso + Black Licorice or Anise Gum

Bold meets bold.
Rich espresso and European licorice share a strong, concentrated flavor profile - making them natural companions.

Try with:

• Gustaf’s^® Dutch Licorice Cats
• Gustaf’s^® Allsorts
• Black Jack^® Gum

Why it works:

Espresso’s roasted bitterness complements the herbal sweetness and slight salinity of licorice. The combination highlights depth on both sides: the coffee seems smoother, and the licorice tastes warmer and more aromatic.

Simple pairing tip:

Enjoy a small piece of licorice just before your first sip. Let the flavors mingle. It’s a surprisingly elevated moment.

🍫 Cappuccino or Café au Lait + Milk Chocolate

Creamy, cozy, and balanced.

The soft sweetness of milk chocolate pairs beautifully with warm, steamed milk drinks.

Try with:

• Fort Knox^® Milk Chocolate Spoons
• Fort Knox^® Million Dollar Bar

Why it works:

Chocolate melts more readily after a sip of warm milk-based coffee, creating a velvety blend of flavors.

Simple pairing tip:

Break a chocolate bar into small pieces and enjoy pieces between sips. Or, stir gently with a chocolate spoon and let the creamy chocolate melt into the drink.

🍒 Fruity Herbal Teas + Fruity Chicle Gum

Bright, fun, and refreshing.

Fruit-forward candy shines alongside berry, citrus, or tropical teas.

Try with:

• MiniMini™ Fruit Gum
• Fruit-flavored Satellite Wafers
• Gerrit's^® Gummy Pink Cadillacs

Why it works:

Tea brings out fresh, juicy notes in fruity gums, while the candy adds sweetness and a playful twist to your tea ritual.

Simple pairing tip:

Pair peach or berry herbal tea with a piece of fruit gum for a flavor burst that feels like summer - even in winter.

🌿 Black Tea or Chai + Spiced Gum

A warm, aromatic duo perfect for cozy days.

Clove, anise, ginger, and allspice flavors pair beautifully with teas that already feature rich, fragrant botanicals, creating a naturally comforting combination.

Try with:

• Clove^® Gum
• Black Jack^® Gum

Why it works:

Black tea’s tannins soften the warmth of clove and deepen the herbal notes of anise, while chai enhances both with its cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom spice. The result is a layered, comforting flavor experience.

Simple pairing tip:

Sip your tea first, then enjoy a piece of spiced or anise-style gum to bring out the chai’s aromatic spices and give each sip a cozy, nostalgic lift.

🍋 Earl Grey Tea + Citrus Candies

Elegant and aromatic.

Earl Grey’s signature bergamot pairs beautifully with citrus sweets.

Try with:

• Fruit-flavored Satellite Wafers
• Gustaf’s^® Gumbilees Wine Gums

Why it works:

Bergamot adds floral, citrusy complexity that amplifies the bright flavors in the candy. The fruity notes in Gumbilees - like apple, orange, lemon, raspberry, blackberry, and peach - echo the tea’s aromatic profile, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.

Simple pairing tip:

Serve a small bowl of citrus and fruit candies alongside a steaming cup.

✨ Enjoy a New Kind of Candy Moment

Sweet pairings celebrate contrasts: gentle with bold, sweet with spiced, fruity with floral. With candies from Gerrit J. Verburg, the possibilities are endless. The next time you pour yourself a mug or brew a pot, try a new pairing and see how the flavors play together. Try the suggested pairings, or come up with some fun ones of your own!