One the newest food trucks to make its debut is Chaunie’s Coffee & Such which rolled up to its first customers in March 2018. The coffee scene continues to grow in Jacksonville and Chauntel’s black truck with white lettering is definitely a newbie you don’t want to miss. The concept is simple – to bring together communities from around the world with a cup a coffee that does the most good. The front of this truck reads “global coffee, local eats.” I love companies who give back and are created by people with passion which made me really interested in this one. After three years as a missionary traveling the world and meeting people, Chauntel decided to open her food truck. She brings her global experiences and the organizations she met along the way to us.
The menu has a variety of coffee drinks, both hot and cold, as well as tea and pastries. There are multiple milk alternatives and flavors, including an all-natural homemade vanilla that is subtly sweet. Not sure what to order but want to try something new? Tell Chauntel what you normally drink and she will offer you something your taste buds will thank you for. Here’s the scoop on just a few of the items I got to try:
The Americano ($2.75) is simple, super smooth, and has a bold flavor without being bitter. The beans are a dark roast and come from a coffee farm in India. What’s even better is that every cup sold supports an organization that combats sex-trafficking in Mumbai, India.
The Cold Brew ($4) is the most popular menu item and rightfully so. This drink is made with medium roast beans and comes in two sizes. My go-to is the cold brew with house made vanilla crème ($4.50). Take a traditional cold brew and add a creamy sweetness with a hint of vanilla and you get this one. It’s a must for those hot summer days or afternoon coffee breaks. If you’ve never tried cold brew before, it is not iced coffee. Iced coffee is typically a hot drip coffee that has been chilled after it’s brewed hot. Cold brew uses a different technique which gives it a much different flavor than regular coffee – and is typically more pricey. Cold brew is ground coffee which is slowly brewed in cool water.
The Vanilla Latte ($4) is the second most popular menu item and is made with vanilla flavor made in house. You know those vanilla lattes that send your heart into palpations because they are overly sweet and you lose the flavor of the coffee beans? Well I’m happy to report, this is not that latte. This vanilla latte is super smooth with a hint of vanilla. Other flavors you can try are mocha, salted caramel and housemade sweet crème. You probably won’t get latte art in your paper to-go cup, but what lacks in looks, makes up in taste.
The Chai Tea Latte ($4) is made with hot black tea and spices. This coffee alternative is full of rich flavors of chai packed into a 10 or 16 oz cup. The aroma of chai will send your taste buds on an adventure as you sip the warm, creamy drink. If you’re looking for a milk alternative as well, Chaunie’s offers skim, cashew, coconut and oat milk options.
Let’s talk about the “& Such” at Chaunie’s. Specifically, the cinnamon roll. If you love cinnamon, you will love this roll. The rolls are baked fresh daily and when they are gone, they are gone. The cinnamon roll I had was sweet, baked evenly throughout and paired perfectly with the cold brew. I was really surprised just how good this was. Of course, this is a sugar overhaul at 9AM in the morning, but this was so fresh, soft and full of flavors in every bite. I would definitely order it again. The food truck offers one or two different pastries (prices vary) each day which are made locally, by Chauntel.
Without brick and motor, customers can find Chaunie’s Coffee & Such all around Jax. We all know this can create some frustrations when you really want that Chai Tea Latte, or Mocha Frappe (or in my case, another cinnamon roll) but you can find a full schedule of the where the truck will be on their website as well as inquire about private events. You can also follow Chaunie’s Coffee & Such on Facebook and Instagram (@chauniescoffee) too for updates and happenings.
Maybe it’s the coffee that makes coffee shops (or trucks!) such a pleasant experience for me, but Chaunie’s Coffee & Such is no exception. When you walk up you’re greeted with a smile by people who really care about providing a great product. Since all items are made to order, you might have to wait just a little bit longer than you’re used to, but use this time to ask Chauntel about her truck, meet someone new, or enjoy the fresh Florida air for just a few minutes of your busy day.
Note: From time to time we’re invited out to try a restaurant or to taste new menu items. This meal is usually comped, as this one was. We’re under no obligation to write a positive review or any review at all when we’re invited out to try a place. Every review you see on our site will be an honest review of the place whether or not the restaurant provided us with the meal at their cost.
Cassie is a Jax native, Osprey and San Marco resident. This dog-mom loves exploring local restaurants and traveling to new cities. Professionally a CPA, she spends her free time discovering food, wine and beer on the First Coast and working out to burn it off. It’s all about balance, right? Follow her on Instagram @sweetplussavory