Prepared Foods showcases new beverage products debuting in April 2019.

AWARD WINNER

The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, earned one of National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2019 Food and Beverage Awards (FABI) for new Odwalla Craft Ades. The line includes premium lemonades and limeades infused with herbs, spices, and botanicals to deliver an artisan-inspired beverage experience.

“The FABI Awards honor the year’s most delicious, unique, and exciting food and beverage products that benefit restaurant operators, chefs, and bartenders alike,” said Scott Redler, chief operating officer and co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and 2019 co-chair of the National Restaurant Association Show. “Attendees of this year’s Show will have exclusive access to taste test, meet and greet, and learn more about these unique and trending products and companies, all in one place.”

Coca-Cola says the line includes six unique flavors—including Blackberry Basil Lemonade, Lavender Mint Lemonade, Spicy Watermelon Lemonade, Tangerine Passionfruit Lemonade, Strawberry Guava Lemonade, and Pomegranate Limeade. The drinks are sweetened with cane sugar and natural flavors and are available to foodservice operators in a frozen concentrate format. Once thawed, the product is mixed with water and dispensed through bubblers or handcrafted in small batches or pitchers.

Odwalla Craft Ades were one of 32 total FABI honorees and one of four beverage winners. All products will be showcased during NRA’s annual Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 18-21 in Chicago at McCormick Place.

TEA SODAS

Teatulia Organic Teas, Denver, has introduced Tea Soda, its first ready-to-drink line.

Tea Sodas feature real brewed tea, fruit, herbs and just the right amount of sparkle. The 100% organic and ethically-sourced effervescent drinks were originally introduced at Teatulia’s Denver-based Tea Bar and have been best sellers from the start, officials say.

“The overwhelmingly positive reactions we got at Tea Bar told us we were onto something big with Tea Soda,” says Linda Appel Lipsius, CEO and Co-Founder of Teatulia. “Lightly sweetened with cane sugar, Tea Sodas deliver pure refreshment and are a great alternative to natural soda, sparkling water and even energy drinks. We chose cans because they are infinitely recyclable and in line with the commitment to minimal waste packaging we’ve always had with our hot teas. Tea Sodas are spot-on trend with what today’s consumer is looking for.”  

 Teatulia’s Organic Tea Sodas are served in sleek, 12oz cans with designs that reflect the bright splashes of color found at the Holi Festival. They come in four flavor combinations with layers customers can taste, officials say.

• Organic Green Tea Soda: Green Tea, peach, blackberry, lime and cilantro. Caffeinated

• Organic Black Tea Soda: Black Tea, pineapple, peach, lime and cucumber. Caffeinated

• Organic Lemongrass Tea Soda: Lemongrass Tea, wild berry, lime and lavender. Naturally Caffeine Free

• Organic Mint Tea Soda: Mint Tea and hibiscus lemonade. Naturally Caffeine Free

 The lineup will initially be offered in foodservice venues across the United States. 

PLANT-POWERED HYDRATION

With 82% of consumers seeking functional beverages with multiple benefits1 to help them reach their well-being goals, Campbell’s Foodservice, Camden, N.J., launched the V8 +HYDRATE line.

“This plant-based beverage, made with real food ingredients, demonstrates Campbell’s desire to help consumers stay hydrated and get more vegetable servings—at the same time,” says Melissa Price,  director of marketing, U.S., Campbell’s Foodservice. “We saw an opportunity to fill a void in the anytime refreshment market and bring something unique to the category, because many of the existing options were either too expensive for operators or guests didn’t love the flavors. V8 +HYDRATE offers superior hydration and a clean, crisp, delicious taste at an affordable price and is a good-for-you choice for guests on the go who need a pick-me-up—whether it’s at the start of the day, after a workout or during a commute.”

Price says the new offering is non-GMO, gluten free and vegetarian and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Unlike other plant-based beverages, V8 +HYDRATE is 50% sweet potato juice, which provides natural electrolytes and glucose to aid in muscle recovery and restoration with a clean, crisp taste.

V8 +HYDRATE has an isotonic formula that replenishes nutrients and fluids quickly and is also a good source of antioxidant vitamin C. It’s available for foodservice in Strawberry Cucumber and Orange Grapefruit flavors, each 11.5-ounce can contains one full serving of vegetables and only 70 calories.

READY-TO-SERVE COLD BREW

S&D Coffee & Tea, Concord, N.C., is introducing a line of Ready-to-Serve Cold Brew Coffees. 

The new cold brew offerings come in a convenient bag-in-box format to provide a turn-key solution for operators looking to satisfy demand—without the added labor or costs often associated with scratch-made cold brew coffee. There’s no need for in-house measuring and brewing or concerns about running out. The new product also is shelf-stable and ready to serve.

Here’s how S&D describes each of five new flavors: 

Black & Bold – Rich, bold and refreshing, made with 100% cold brew Arabica coffee

Café au Lait – Modern, French-style cold brew coffee blended with Grade A low-fat milk and sweetened with a hint of pure cane sugar

Salted Caramel – rich, smooth caramel-flavored 100% cold brew Arabica coffee, finished with sea salt

Horchata – Unique Hispanic-style spiced blend of 100% cold brew Arabica coffee flavored with cinnamon, a hint of mocha and Grade A milk

Café a La Mode – A contemporary blend of cold brew espresso extract, French vanilla, rich mocha and Grade A whole milk

CRAFT MIXERS

Affinity Beverages LLC, Locust Valley, N.Y., is expanding in the craft mixers category. Already known for its Regatta Ginger Beer and Regatta Light Ginger Beer, Affinity has added three more Regatta premium mixers: Dry Citrus Sparkling Tonic, Royal Oak Ginger Ale and Pacific Sea Salt Club Soda.

“Consumers today are tuned in and educated about the products they consume. They want products that share their values and enhance their lifestyle. Regatta Craft Mixers are expertly crafted in small batches using the finest ingredients to appeal to these discerning customers,” says Sam Zarou, CEO of Affinity Beverages. “Our products are American-made, non-GMO Project Verified, and use the finest natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives. Simply said, our craft mixers make better cocktails and are available in packaging that fits our active and social lifestyle.” 

too expensive for operators or guests didn’t love the flavors. V8 +HYDRATE offers superior hydration and a clean, crisp, delicious taste at an affordable price and is a good-for-you choice for guests on the go who need a pick-me-up—whether it’s at the start of the day, after a workout or during a commute.”

Price says the new offering is non-GMO, gluten free and vegetarian and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Unlike other plant-based beverages, V8 +HYDRATE is 50% sweet potato juice, which provides natural electrolytes and glucose to aid in muscle recovery and restoration with a clean, crisp taste.

V8 +HYDRATE has an isotonic formula that replenishes nutrients and fluids quickly and is also a good source of antioxidant vitamin C. It’s available for foodservice in Strawberry Cucumber and Orange Grapefruit flavors, each 11.5oz can contains one full serving of vegetables and only 70 calories. 

COLD PRESSED JUICES

Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, Fort Pierce, Fla., earned a NRA 2019 Food and Beverage Award for its Natalie’s Holistic Cold-Pressed Juice line. A “Purify” variety includes blood orange, grapefruit, dandelion and ginger ingredients. A “Relax” variety is made with orange, pineapple, chamomile and passion flower. A “Resilient” juice features blood orange, elderberry, turmeric, black pepper and ginger. 

TRENDING FRUIT FLAVOR

National distributor US Foods, Rosemont, Ill., introduced a “Spring Scoop” of new products, including a Non-GMO Prickly Pear Lemonade.

“Quench the thirst for quality ingredients, prized versatility and trending flavor,” the company says. “Made with real prickly pear purée, this beverage is Non-GMO Project Verified, sweetened with cane sugar (not high-fructose corn syrup) and free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and concentrates. It’s a unique, on-the-rise fruit flavor that will jazz up any cocktail mix or beverage menu.”

US Foods says the offering helps operators meet consumers’ growing interest in Non-GMO Project Verified products. Meanwhile, the versatile drink may be used as a cocktail base, a stand-alone beverage or in non-alcoholic drinks.