I am not a big drinker, nor do I partake much in sugary beverages. So when I saw the array of items at the Winter Fancy Food Show that were either low in sugar, or possess no sugar at all, I was extremely excited to learn more about them. Here are some of my favorite items from WFFS.
BOS Rooibos
Being an avid tea drinker, I was especially thrilled to find an immense array of teas available at WFFS. We drink rooibos tea every single day — I’m drinking some right this minute — so I was excited to meet Jeff Donaldson of BOS, a brand of organic rooibos teas. The company started 10 years ago, creating an organic farm just outside of Cape Town. The rooibos is hand-harvested, and then shipped to various companies across the globe. They are the only rooibos red tea company in the US.
Tea bags are traditionally used in South Africa, but the company also offers canned beverages besides the tea bags. In order to maintain sustainability, for every 2000 cans of teas BOS sells, a tree is planted. In the last 10 years, 24,000 trees have been planted and maintained. To further promote sustainability and environmental benefits, the company also gives away stainless steel straws to go with the ready-to-drink teas. These beverages include a sparkling unsweetened drink, as well as a lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar tea. Rooibos is high in antioxidants and helps with inflammation.
For more information on BOS, please click here.
Fentimans
This company has been making natural botanical craft soda for over 100 years. Their artisanal sodas and mixers are brewed for seven days, using a time-honored botanical brewing process, resulting in a quality soda that is absolutely delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed all the natural flavors of these incredible line of sodas and mixers … my favorites were Rose Lemonade, Pink Ginger, and Gently Sparkling Elderflower.
For more information please visit their website
Gowan’s
Who knew there were SO many varieties of apples available? I certainly didn’t. I had the pleasure of meeting Sharon Gowan, who walked us through her family’s line of heirloom ciders. This sustainable family farm has been around for six generations and possesses 83 kinds of heirloom apples. We tasted several of the ciders including Macintosh, fresh, tart cider with lemon and pineapple hints; Gravenstein leans towards floral with apricot, orange and natural wood notes; and 1876 Heirloom, which comes across strong with crisp ripe apple and notes of stone fruit and caramel. These ciders are great paired with food, or on their own.
For more information, please visit their website
Muddle & Wilde
I would have completely walked pass this booth had Moira Gilbert and Laura Menz not called out to us to try a sample of their product. It all started with a party. Moira and Laura were tired of the white wine and rose that’s prevalent at every party, and wanted something different. They weren’t pleased with the sugar-loaded, artificial mixers widely available on the market, so they decided to create some with the fresh citrus and herbs from their garden. This bold move resulted in them founding their hand-crafted syrup company, the very next day. These beautifully fresh, natural, low-sugar, and incredibly tasting mixers are a great addition to your life, whether you’re adding it to a cocktail, or simply, sparkling water for a palate booster.
For more information please visit their website
Surreal Brewing Company
I was really impressed by the non-alcoholic beers by this company. Surreal Brewing Company was launched in 2018 by husband and wife Tammer Zein-El-Abedein and Donna Hockey. I’m not a big drinker, so any alternative ways to enjoy beverages is always interesting to me. These beers are non-alcoholic, and possess the same great taste as regular beers. I especially enjoyed the Pastry Porter, which comprised of coffee and chocolate notes; 17 Mile Porter with only 50 calories a can. There are others including a Red IPA, Hazy IPA and a malty Kolsch-style brew with hints of honeydew melon.
For more information please visit their website
Thank you for stopping by and taking a ‘taste tour’ of our family cider orchards. Welcome!
Thank you for speaking with us and showing us your wonderful products.