Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156964
Yerba Mate. Customers are buying to drink alone or to use as mixers for alcohol-free drinks at parties. At Hyde Park Gourmet Food & Wine in Cincinnati, Ohio, low-sugar sparkling waters and teas with hoppy notes are giving the alcohol-free category momentum. "There has been a huge increase in the variety and sales of non-alcoholic specialty drinks at our store," says Evelyn Ignatow, owner of Hyde Park Gourmet. She adds that low-calorie, fruit-juice–sweetened Spindrift Sparkling Water has major traction right now as well as HopTea, "a sparkling bever- age that is great for someone who wants the craft beer experience without the alcohol and calories." Looking Ahead While there has always been a space for alcohol-free beverages, it's definitely becoming more premium and socially accepted. "It's chic to have something more than just water or alcohol-free beer to offer," notes Nielsen. And, with alcohol-free becoming more the norm, there will be a lot to look out for and room for the category to grow. "In the future, I'm sure we will see more CBD-fueled products, and hopefully ones that are both high-quality and affordable," she continues. "Part of making drinks is the ritual and camaraderie, so companies that have a customization element to them and make you feel like you are mixing a drink will surely stand out, as well as those with low-sugar elements and natural sugars." category spotlight Nicole Potenza Denis is a contributing editor to Specialty Food Magazine. NEW PRODUCTS Element Shrub & Club Pineapple Turmeric. Organic apple cider vinegar combines with fresh pineapple, organic turmeric, and just the right amount of fizz to create a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and savory. Ready to drink chilled, less than 20 calories per serving. elementshrub.com Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters & Soda Spritz Aromatic. Spritz Aromatic is a 70-calorie bittered, RTD cocktail or mixer that drinks like an effervescent non-alcoholic Negroni. Made with Gentian tincture and Hella aromatic bitters, this slightly sweet beverage aids in digestion. Also available in zero sugar Dry Aromatic. hellabitters.com HopLark HopTea, The Really Hoppy One. For those who love the flavor of hoppy IPAs, The Really Hoppy One is an alcohol-free brew of organic black tea that is hopped with Simcoe and Citra. Zero calories per can. hoptea.com Mingle Mocktail Blood Orange Elderflower. An uplifting mocktail or mixer with only 40 calories per serving. Natural botanicals give this zero-proof, ready-to-drink sparkling beverage a sophisticated and floral vibe. Organic cane sugar, clean ingredients, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, no HFCS, non-GMO. minglemocktails.com Navy Hill Soda + Tonic with Electrolytes. Crafted to drink alone or with your favorite spirit, this tonic stands out for its added electrolytes of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Hydrating, all natural, and with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Available in Original, Ginger, and Juniper. drinknavyhill.com O.Vine Varietal Wine Essence Water. This all-natural, alcohol-free beverage is comprised of a unique mix of purified water and hidden nutritional benefits of upcycled wine grape residue. Its natural blush color and healthful ingredients are derived from the essence extracted from red or white wine grape skins and seeds. Available in cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay. winewater.com Render Weyla Sparkling Whey Drink. Collaborating with chefs and using the excess whey from cheese companies like Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., these non-alcoholic blends are made with fruit, herbs, and spices to make a tart, fragrant, and naturally sweet drink. Fifty calories or less per 296-ml bottle. Available in Strawberry Fennel Tarragon, Cranberry Ginger Hibiscus, and Blueberry Juniper Orange. renderfood.com Som Cane Vinegar Cordial Pineapple Szechuan Pepper. Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Andy Ricker of Portland, Ore., for customers looking to diversify their drink options without alcohol, this zero- proof tart and sweet mixer can be muddled with Thai Chiles and lime and topped with coconut water and a splash of pineapple juice for an alcohol-free drink. somcordial.com TÖST. This dry sparkling beverage made of a blend of white tea, white cranberry, and ginger with hints of peach and citrus, is reminiscent of Champagne but without the buzz. It comes in a wine bottle and contains 45 calories per eight-ounce serving. tostbeverages.com 52 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com