What Does Salt Do To Sweet Treats - Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee Recipes And The Science Behind Why This Flavor Combination Works

Quick Answer 

Salty and sweet combinations have become staples in our society, with this pairing even making its way out of bakeries and into pizzarias, coffee treats, and more. It doesn’t seem like it would work - salty pretzels covered in sweet milk chocolate, salted taffies, sea salt infused caramels covered in classically bitter dark chocolate swirled amidst bold and smooth coffee. But somehow, it actually does. And that’s the kind of science we’d like to explore here today, looking at what salt actually does in a sweet treat, including a few ways you can enjoy this flavor combination in your decadent mug of Lifeboost Coffee! 

Key Takeaways 

• There’s Salt In My Sweet Treat! - the science behind what does salt actually does in and to a sweet treat 
  
• 3 Sensational Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee Recipes 
  
  
  
  • Iced Salted Cream Mocha (dark chocolate sea salt caramel cold brew sweetened with simple syrup and dark chocolate sauce, topped with salted cream and a drizzle of both dark chocolate and caramel sauces)
    
  • Salted Candy Cup (hot latte with Ghirardelli salted caramel dark chocolate, dark chocolate sea salt caramel coffee, and steamed milk)
    
  • Sailing Frozen Salty Seas (frozen/blended dark chocolate sea salt caramel coffee)
    

You’re baking chocolate chip cookies, a sweet treat classic, but as you scan the recipe, you notice it calls for a half teaspoon of salt…why? 

You scan the decadent chocolate selections in the candy aisle of the grocery store and notice dark chocolate sea salt caramels, salted milk chocolate, saltwater taffy…again, why? 

What’s with the salt in our sweet treats? 

Salted sweets aren’t anything new. 

Chocolate covered pretzels, anyone? Sweet, honey glazed ham? Salt on watermelon? Sweet pineapple on a pizza? 

This sweet and savory flavor combination spans most areas of culinary experience these days - even coffee - yet still, it’s rather intriguing, don’t you think? 

So, what does salt actually do to a sweet dessert or drink? 

And, better yet, why/how does it work? 

These salt-hinted confections certainly seem to universally satisfy our sweet tooth, despite what such additions may sound like upon first hearing. 

But, why? 

So then, enough with the questions, let’s get on with the answers…

Today we’re seeking to sweeten this salty pot, rather than stir it, looking at this now widely recognized flavor duo - salty and sweet. 

We’ll take a look at the science behind it all…

We might throw in a few not-so-subtle digs about the great pineapple on pizza debate…

We’ll look at what this unique flavor combination can do in your cup of coffee…

And, we’ll culminate this tasty combo query with some decadently sweet and subtly salty Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee recipes! 

Sure sounds yummy to me! 

So, let’s get down to business…sweet and salty business that is…

There’s Salt In My Sweet Treat!

According to culinary experts, “salt plays a key role in making sweet desserts better” (1). 

But, how? But, why? 

Full confession…and please don’t pull out your pitchforks…I rarely pull out my jar of sea salt when I bake. 

- Winces, and hides face as typing continues for fear of backlash. - 

It’s almost like I’ve feared my Christmas cookie platters will be overpowered by saltiness, hiding the nutmeg, the honey, the chocolate, the cranberries (not all in the same recipe, but you get it). 

It’s like I’m afraid my trusty pan of brownies made from a recipe passed down over many decades will be transformed into a pineapple on pizza fiasco if I cave to that small line that reads “½ teaspoon sea salt.” 

In other words, I’m learning this science right along with you today, and my ears/eyes are piqued, my mind open…
So, let’s take a look: 

• Salt is said to make the other flavors in your sweet treats bolder (1). 
  
• Salt improves the overall texture and quality of baked goods and other typically sweet confections (1). 
• Salt increases the complexity of a dessert (1). 
• Salt seems to enhance sweetness (1, 2, 3). 
• Salt counteracts bitterness (dark chocolate or coffee, anyone?) (1, 2)

The culinary experts cook and bake with confidence, creating tasty plates on repeat with the above facts in mind. 

But, I’m still not so sure. 

No offense to any culinary masterminds reading this, I just need a little more lab coat convincing. So, now it’s time to dig deep into the science of it all. 

1- Contrast Is The Key

My fear of using salt when baking sweet treats comes from the fact that I think salt will only add saltiness. 

But, according to the science here, that salty addition actually serves to bring contrast to the dish or drink, in turn actually amplifying the overall sweetness of the treat (3). 

Apparently (I sheepishly confess after viewing the hard evidence proving my baking efforts to be in error), human taste receptors become heightened when even a small amount of salt is present (3). 

Here, the salt serves to block the bitter tastes in such items while amplifying those desired sweet notes (3). 

And, if that wasn’t enough proof, “studies in sensory science show that a .5-1% salt solution can make sucrose (table sugar) taste up to 20-30% sweeter…with the right amount, flavors become vibrant” (3). 

2- Reduces Bitterness

I touched on this above, but the addition of salt to some items also tames or reduces bitterness (1). 

For instance, some foods or drinks like cocoa, coffee, and nuts can be naturally bitter. And, while this unique taste is typically what draws some folks to these items, salt can pleasantly reduce the bitterness in these foods/drinks (1). 

This is because salt brings balance to such foods/drinks, acting as a “flavor modulator, rounding out and harmonizing all the tastes” (1, 3). 

More specifically, “sodium has been shown to orally suppress bitterness where it directly interferes with the perception of bitterness in taste pores, a phenomenon sometimes called bitter blocking” (4). 

So, what’s technically happening here is not that salt is actually enhancing sweetness so much as it’s suppressing any bitterness that’s present which allows the sweet flavors to move to the forefront for our enjoyment (4). 

And, all of us here with a sweet tooth just said, “thanks, salt!”

3- Adds Depth

Thus far, if you caught my baking without salt confession above, you know my toes have been rightfully stepped on as we’ve weighed in with the science today, but this point truly seals the deal…

Omitting salt from those sweet treats that call for it can make desserts and drinks seem one-dimensional, lacking depth of flavor (1). 

This depth is created through each of the points we detailed above due to both the balance and contrast salt brings to sweet treats. 

The thing is, this element is likely why we’re all so drawn to sweet and savory combinations. 

This combo moves treats - whether we’re talking honey on ham, pineapple on pizza (nope, nevermind, scratch that, can’t do it), milk chocolate on salted pretzels, sea salt in/on caramel and/or dark chocolate, sea salt in coffee, and on and on - from ordinary to something exceptional, something that lights up our tastebuds and delivers a flavor that truly seems unparalleled. 

So then, what do you think…is it time to test this science out as we craft some incredibly decadent, sweet and salty coffee recipes? 

That’s right, sweet and salty work in your brew too! 

This fabulous flavor combination is most evident in our Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee, and we’ll highlight this brew in the following recipes. 

But, feel free to use any of our classic roasts in these concoctions as well, as there are subtle sea salt additions included in each of the recipes listed below. 

Enjoy!

3 Sensational Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee Recipes

1- Iced Salted Cream Mocha

Science has just confirmed what we’ve all known for some time - salt and sweet are hard to beat. 

And, that’s exactly what this cup (5) is - hard to beat! 

Faint echoes of sweetness from the dark chocolate and caramel sauces topping your brew mingle with the subtle saltiness of the cream, this combination greeting your lips upon first sip.

Then, as these flavors give way to the rich, bold brew below, your taste buds rejoice at this balanced blend of slightly bitter, yet sweet, dark chocolate, rich and decadent caramel, soft, velvety cream, and bold, smooth, single origin cold brew. 

Heavenly! 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee 
  
• ¼ cup whipping cream
  
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  
• 2 teaspoons dark chocolate sauce
  
• 2 teaspoons simple syrup (see recipe below)
  
• Dark chocolate sauce, optional for topping
  
• Caramel sauce, optional for topping
  
• Ice 

Instructions 

• Combine whipping cream and sea salt in a small, chilled bowl and whisk vigorously until the salt has been fully incorporated and the cream begins to thicken. You won’t need to whisk until soft peaks form on this one, you’re just seeking to thicken the mixture. *You can also add the cream and sea salt to an electric frother and froth on the cold setting. This will slightly thicken it without turning it fully into whipped cream. 
  
• Add ice to a tall glass, then top with cold brew, dark chocolate sauce, and simple syrup, stirring to combine. 
  
• Add a few large spoonfuls of the salted cream on top of the sweetened cold brew, then drizzle with a small amount of dark chocolate syrup and caramel syrup if desired. Enjoy! 

Homemade Simple Syrup

• 1 cup filtered water
  
• 1 cup cane sugar

Add sugar and water to a small saucepan and stir gently. 

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve. 

Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has reached boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely prior to storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

*Personally, I like my simple syrup to be a little bit thicker than a traditional syrup, so I often reduce the water by ¼ cup or so to achieve this. If your preference is similar, just be sure to fully dissolve the sugar with an extra stir or two. I also feel like this gives the syrup a richer flavor which pairs well with the caramel notes in this cup.

2- Salted Candy Cup

Have you ever had a real food latte? 

We put together an ebook a while back that covered this tasty sensation, sharing our own creations inspired by the trend of adding real foods - like candy, pudding, jam, cookies, etc. - to freshly brewed espresso, combined with milk, cream, and other options to then yield a uniquely tasty treat. 

And, this recipe highlights the same concept…using an already prepared treat, here a square of rich, decadent Ghirardelli salted caramel dark chocolate, as an ingredient in a sinfully delicious latte. 

This method essentially removes a few steps/ingredients in the recipe process allowing you to whip up this hot, delicious brew in no time. 
Did I mention it’s also delicious? So good! 

Ingredients

• 4 ounces strongly brewed Lifeboost Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee
  
• 1 square Ghirardelli salted caramel dark chocolate 
  
• 4 ounces whole milk 

Instructions

• Unwrap Ghirardelli salted caramel dark chocolate square and add it to the bottom of a medium sized mug. 
  
• Top the Ghirardelli square with strong, freshly brewed coffee, and let it rest for roughly one minute. 
  
• After approximately one minute, gently stir the coffee and chocolate candy together until combined. 
  
• Add milk to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. (You can also steam the milk with the wand of an espresso machine or heat the milk, then froth with a handheld frother.)
  
• Top the coffee/candy mixture with the heated, frothed milk, and enjoy! 

3- Sailing Frozen Salty Seas

There’s one thing we didn’t cover in our science-y salted discussion above, and that’s temperature. 

Did you know the temperature of your food…or drink…can influence the flavors you experience in that item (6)? 
When you enjoyed the hot latte recipe above, you likely experienced less bitterness than what is typical of freshly brewed coffee, especially a strong rendering of your brew, as the heat can work with the salt to tame the bitterness (6). 

To contrast, here we’re whipping up a frozen treat, and the chilly temps should allow you to experience greater balance (6, 7) - the chilly temperature softens sweetness, the presence of salt softens the bitterness of the dark chocolate and the coffee, and the result is a balanced, chilly brew that boasts a bit of all the bests - subtly salty, smooth, rich, sweet…just pure yum! 

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 8 ounces cold brewed Lifeboost Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Coffee
  
• 4 ounces dark chocolate almond milk 
  
• 1 tablespoon salted caramel sauce 
  
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate sauce 
  
• 1 ½- 2 cups ice 
  
• Whipped cream, for topping
  
• Shaved dark chocolate, for topping
  
• Flaky sea salt, a tiny pinch for topping

Instructions 

• Add cold brew, dark chocolate almond milk, salted caramel sauce, dark chocolate sauce, and ice to a high-powered blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. 
  
• Divide the mixture between two glasses, then top with whipped cream, shaved dark chocolate, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, and enjoy!
  

FAQ

1- Can the iced recipe be served hot, and could the hot recipe be served cold? What about the frozen one, could it simply be served over ice?

Absolutely! 

Here’s a few tips to swap the temps on these treats: 

Recipe #1  

To enjoy this one hot, simply prepare your thickened salted cream either by whisking or you can add the cream and sea salt to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. 
Then, freshly brew (instead of cold brewing) the coffee and pour into your favorite mug. 
Add the simple syrup and dark chocolate sauce, stir, then top with the salted cream, followed by the dark chocolate and caramel drizzles. 

Recipe #2

To enjoy this one cold, you’ll want to brew the coffee (hot) as you normally would, adding it to the Ghirardelli salted caramel dark chocolate square in your mug and allowing these to combine (let it rest, then stir to combine). 

Then, you can let this come to room temperature before adding ice to a glass, topping it with this coffee/candy mixture, then simply stirring in some cold milk to finish it off. 

Recipe #3

To enjoy this one iced, I’d personally recommend scaling back the sauces a bit since you won’t be blending a large amount of ice in it. 
For a single serving, simply add a teaspoon (instead of a tablespoon) of each sauce to a glass, then top with cold brew, stirring to combine. 
Add dark chocolate almond milk, a small handful of ice, then top with whipped cream, shaved dark chocolate, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Coffee contains caffeine and you should consult with a health care professional with any concerns you might have on the effects of coffee on your health and well being. Additionally, the way coffee is grown, low acid coffee, decaf coffee, as well as different roast types (light, medium, dark, etc.) can alter caffeine levels. If you have questions about the caffeine levels or pH levels of our coffee, please reach out to our support team for clarification. If you have any concerns with how our coffee, or any product will affect you or your health, consult with a health professional directly.

https://simplyummy.com/why-sweet-treats-recipes-ask-for-salt/#the-science-behind-salt-in-sweet-treats (opens in new tab)

https://pastrychefonline.com/what-does-salt-do-in-desserts/ (opens in new tab)

https://cooklikeanerd.com/blog/science-behind-salt-in-baking-recipe/ (opens in new tab)

https://www.discovermagazine.com/savoring-the-science-of-salty-and-sweet-3354 (opens in new tab)

https://whiteonricecouple.com/sea-salt-iced-coffee/#recipe (opens in new tab)

https://www.sonndacatto.co.uk/blog/how-temperature-affects-taste (opens in new tab)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4542652/ (opens in new tab)

References for the article to confirm data and information.