An article of manufacture useful for adding creamer base to hot beverages such as coffee or tea-based beverages comprises (a) a center core comprising a creamer base (for example, the creamer base preferably comprising a high-intensity sweetener and a humectant), and (b) an outer coating at least partially encapsulating the center core, the outer coating comprising chocolate. In a preferred embodiment the chocolate comprises not more than 10 percent by weight of cocoa butter and at least 20 percent by weight of vegetable oil, and with the chocolate coating preferably having a softening point of at least about 100.degree. F. In a preferred embodiment, the article further comprises (c) an elongate stirring member having a distal end portion, with the distal end portion connected to the outer coating.