Specialty Coffee Retailer is a publication for owners, managers and employees of retail outlets that sell specialty coffee. Its scope includes best sales practices, supplies, business trends and anything else to assist the small coffee retailer.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/49395
with other sweeteners. Cumberland claims the formulation has less of a licorice aftertaste, notable since Mintel says unpleasant taste or aftertaste is what most often sours customers on a sweetener. HONEY GOES DOWN EASY Natural sweeteners have a distinct edge among health- conscious consumers — particularly honey, with its feel-good background as a sore-throat cure and a hot-tea companion. Honey, raw cane sugar, molasses and brown sugar all are rated more healthy than stevia, sugar or Splenda in the 2010 Mintel survey. "Honey, molasses or syrup use has remained consistent overall, with some notable diff erences by age," the report said. "Younger respondents most likely to be using these products more than last year, while older respondents are using them less." Coff ee prep areas oſt en add bottles of honey or the faster- dissolving simple syrup as alternatives to packet sweeteners. Syrup makers also are adopting natural fl avors to satisfy the taste for something new. Monin produces a Honey Sweetener with the fl oral aspects of honey but the quick-dissolving qualities of other syrups. Morin also off ers Agave Nectar from the same plants used in tequila. Agave is a health-food staple as much for its moderate eff ect on blood sugar as its nuttier honeyed taste. DIET IN THE MIX Stevia has the highest health perception among those aged 18-34, but it's the older customer who is more likely to choose a sugar substitute. Th e Mintel study notes that pressing health issues such as obesity and diabetes can force a switch. Coff ee bars oſt en use sugar-free syrups to produce a less calorie-laden version of their more indulgent frappes and lattes. More barista syrups now are available in low-calorie versions. DaVinci's sugar-free syrup fl avors include cookie dough, crème de menthe, eggnog, pancake, praline and toasted marshmallow. Health concerns also put a harsh light on high fructose corn syrup. It's named the least healthy sweetener by 44 percent of Mintel respondents. Th at sends some diners in search of soſt drinks that use sugar exclusively (Jones Soda Co.) or in retro spinoff s (Pepsi Th rowback). Th e debate over how the body digests high-fructose syrups can overshadow the fact that calories are their big drawback, just like sugared drinks. Moderation may be the best advice for customers with health concerns. Giving a choice of sweeteners makes it harder to overuse any one of them. Baristas can suggest more full- bodied coff ees that tasters can savor without sweeteners. And operators can consider providing sugar and sweetener packets in smaller serving sizes—Amazon.com's SweetMate page makes note that the saccarine packets are half the dose of Sweet'N Low at half the price—and consider it their part helping patrons back off from a sweet habit. SCR COCONUT, GERMAN ROCK AND MORE Here is a look at some of the more "exotic" sugar alternatives now available: Madhava's Organic Coconut Sugar that is grown and harvested sustainably in Bali is an unrefi ned sweetener that is available in two varieties. Coconut Sugar is similar in texture and color to traditional brown sugars, and a Blonde Coconut Sugar can be used to replace granulated white sugar. Both come in 16-ounce bags. Naturally occurring nutrients include magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, B vitamins and amino acids (including glutamine). In addition, Madhava Coconut Sugar is organic, gluten free, vegan, kosher, and GMO free. www.madhavasweeteners.com Domino Organic Light Agave Nectar will not alter the fl avor when sweetening beverages or recipes. It is the perfect everyday sweetener in hot beverages like coff ee and teas, and dissolves easily in cold drinks such as lemonades and smoothies. Light Agave Nectar can be used for baking desserts that are light in color such as vanilla cake, muffi ns and cheesecake. Available in either 23.5 oz. or 11.75 oz. net weight bott les., it is gluten-free, allergen-free, Kosher certifi ed. www. dominosugar.com Savannah Bee Company Tea Honey is 100% pure varietal honey carefully chosen to be the perfect sweetener in fi ne tea without overwhelming its delicate fl avors and fragrance. Versatile enough for spicy Chai, aromatic Green Earl Grey, or a bold mug of Irish Breakfast, it's also a surprising twist in lemonade or minty mojitos. KSA Kosher Certifi ed. htt p://www.savannahbee.com German rock sugar is milder than granulated white sugar. Th e unprocessed rock sugar crystals enhance the natural sweetness of tea without changing the fl avor. www.persimmontreetea.com B-Sweet acai sugar is a low glycemic, eco-friendly sweetener. It's sweeter than table sugar and is perfect for adding to coff ee, tea, lemonade, and sprinkling on cereal. Its ingredients include fruit juice concentrate with fruit sugars, powdered fruit, natural kiwi fruit, natural fl avors, and silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent). acaisweet.com/index.htm 28 | December 2011 • www.specialty-coffee.com