C offee and tea – two beverages with centuries of history, bold flavors, an alluring aroma, culinary versatility and a legion of consumers so vast that only water is more popular around the globe. So is it any surprise that these two foodservice powerhouses are back in the spotlight again? We may have found a few reasons. Take a look for yourself and you’ll see what we mean.
Two For Tea? Alongside coffee, tea is as popular as ever among consumers. In fact, a whopping 87 percent of millennials consume tea according to a recent survey. This is due in no small part to a pair of herbal superstars from East Asia known as tumeric and matcha. In addition to the vibrant colorful presentations, both of these ingredients provide bold flavors
as well as an added caffeine boost. However, health benefits are where tumeric and matcha really stand out. Tumeric boasts antioxidants and anti- inflammatory properties while matcha also brings antioxidants that inhibit cancer cell growth as well as combat tooth decay and promote heart health according to some studies. It’s That Time of The Season While coffee and tea are great for any time of the year, seasonal flavors have been quietly dominating the beverage market alongside their traditional counterparts. Sweet tea and lemon remains the dominant summer flavor while autumn has been claimed by pumpkin spice. However, apple- infused flavors, once thought to be limited to cider, have been making their way into mugs across America, giving the pumpkin a run for its money. And is there anything more comforting than peppermint, caramel, gingerbread or eggnog for those brisk
Living Single By now, it’s a near certainty that we’ve all heard of single-serve brewing having been popularized by Keurig but perhaps more interesting than the concept is the reason behind it. As it turns out, consumer preferences have shifted toward what is known as “single origin” coffees, or coffee that comes from a particular part of the globe. Whether it’s the bright, creamy and balanced flavor of Costa Rica or clean, floral and aromatic notes from Kenya, consumers can find exactly what they want and have their cup ready at a moment’s notice. Plus, single-serve technology has the best performance record in the market with the added bonus of sustainability and waste reduction thanks to the introduction of compostable and recyclable pods.
Cold Goes For The Gold When we think of coffee, we tend to think of a hot mug on a chilly morning and a distinct aroma filling the air, instantly turning any room into a cafe. But cold brew is about to challenge that stereotype and maybe even create a new norm, especially since experiencing a 370 percent increase in sales over the last five years. Brewed using a special filter along with cold water and sometimes nitrogen infusion, cold brew coffee offers a smoother yet more pronounced flavor than traditional brews. Not only that, cold brew coffees can also have a higher caffeine content, which is great news for those of us who need a little extra boost in the morning or mid-afternoon. Additional ingredients like soda, tonic water and even lemonade can be added for a more unique and enhanced flavor.
winter days? Then, of course, you have spring – remember matcha? The distinct green color and smooth flavor are very reminiscent of the transition from winter into a new season of vibrant hues and a refreshing atmosphere, making it an extremely popular choice for Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. What’s YOUR Taste? Regardless of where you stand on the coffee vs. tea debate, you’re sure to find something that will convince you of one thing – both have a proud history and tradition with the rare ability to not only satisfy our taste buds and quench our thirst but to also evoke emotions and images that take us to a different place and time. And that’s not about to change anytime soon.
4 shift ™ , a DON publication
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