Delicious dark chocolate adds a hint of sweetness to the espresso bean. Naturally, a satisfying crunch – an authentic pick-me-up. During the Civil War, coffee was coveted by all soldiers, who ate the bean whole. In the early 1900s, confectioners started coating candies in chocolate. The espresso bean was first covered in the 1970s by the company who makes these! 4 oz heat-sealed bag with history on the label.