I can say that I am part of the community of college students that took on the job of barista as a way to make my way through school. During that time, I saw first-hand the rise in consumer demand for healthy milk alternatives. Califia Farms is one of the companies continuing to meet this growing need, having most recently unveiled two new additions to its line of Barista Blends: Mushroom Oat Barista Blend and Hemp Barista Blend.
"Our research found that 1 in 4 coffee drinkers would rather go without coffee if their preferred milk is unavailable. The right plant-based milk is a vital part of the coffee experience," said Suzanne Ginestro, Chief Marketing Officer, Califia Farms. "Our new Mushroom Oat and Hemp Barista Blends have the creaminess and consistency that elevate the at-home coffee experience with the added benefits of functional ingredients."
The new barista-tested plant milks also double as creamers to offer shoppers greater variety in their morning coffee experience while delivering nutritious, functional ingredients, Califia noted in a press release.
The company found that functional ingredients were the most important quality in plant-based alternative milks and creamers according to one in five coffee drinkers in a study conducted by OnePoll of behalf of Califia.
Califia’s survey also found that consumer willingness for coffee experimentation has also grown throughout the last year, with 42 percent of coffee drinkers recreating their coffee drinks at home and even trying expert trends such as latte art. The new Barista Blends were developed with professional baristas, making them the perfect offering for consumers looking to spice up their routine, as the products steam and foam beautifully without compromising on taste.
"Mushroom Oat and Hemp Barista Blends are nutritious additions to the average cup of coffee with benefits like calcium and healthy fats," said Ashley Koff, registered dietitian and Chief Executive Officer of The Better Nutrition Program. "They also deliver on creamy taste and are allergen-free options that can be enjoyed on their own or in baking and cooking recipes."
Califia noted that its new Mushroom Oat Barista Blend is one of the only ready-to-use oat milks made with certified organic mushroom extracts and 3,000 mg of whole Cordyceps, 2,400 mg of Lion's Mane mushrooms, and a smooth, earthy, full-bodied flavor.
The Hemp Barista Blend features a mild, nutty flavor and is an excellent source of calcium. It also Contains omega-3 ALA fatty acids and no added sugar.
Both of the new Barista Blend products are available at leading retailers nationwide including Whole Foods, and have an MSRP of $5.99.
How will the alternative milk sector continue to evolve? Keep reading Deli Market News for the answers.
