[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":765},["ShallowReactive",2],{"item:\u002Fcoffee-drinks\u002Fblended-bliss":3,"platform:site":254,"more:\u002Fcoffee-drinks\u002Fblended-bliss":702},{"id":4,"title":5,"aiRevisedAt":6,"authors":7,"body":12,"canonical":170,"category":171,"categorySlugs":182,"cid":183,"cover":184,"description":189,"extension":190,"featured":191,"language":192,"meta":193,"navigation":194,"noindex":191,"ogImage":195,"path":196,"publishedAt":197,"readingMinutes":198,"recipe":170,"related":199,"revisedAt":170,"seo":233,"seoDescription":189,"seoTitle":5,"sortKey":170,"sources":234,"stem":238,"tagSlugs":239,"tags":243,"translations":250,"type":251,"url":252,"__hash__":253},"platformItems\u002Fplatform\u002Fitems\u002F52828.md","Beyond the Caffeine Fix: Health-Forward Blended Drinks for the Modern Café","2026-10-20T11:20:36.000Z",[8],{"name":9,"slug":10,"role":11},"Elliot Bailey","elliot-bailey","author",{"type":13,"value":14,"toc":166},"minimark",[15,19,22,31,37,42,45,51,54,57,60,63,66,70,73,76,79,82,85,92,96,100,103,106,111,114,118,121,124,127,131,134,137,145,153,157,160,163],[16,17,18],"p",{},"In February, our Café Crossroads section highlighted Down Dog Healing Café, an ayurvedic spot in Philadelphia. The shop offers organic coffee, restorative teas, cold-pressed juices, tonics, and herbal elixirs. Owner Kei Kurimoto shared that even with such a specialized menu, she watches more customers open up to Down Dog’s goal of serving feel-good beverages. Over time, regular coffee drinkers would cautiously sample the shop’s teas, then eventually pop in for a vitamin C–packed wellness shot. That gradual change felt natural—much like the produce the staff juices for local yoga teachers, vegans, and runners in need of a cool drink.",[16,20,21],{},"The demand Down Dog has tapped into is growing daily in cities worldwide. As people grow more curious about the origins of their food and drinks—coffee and tea included—and more aware of what benefits their bodies, cafés are hunting for ways to add healthful items that go beyond simple refreshment and a caffeine lift. Yet we still love our coffee and tea as they are. A splash of almond milk may add nutrition to a cup of Costa Rican coffee, but it can also mask the roast’s delicate notes. Fortunately, there’s a category that fits the bill—higher price point, barista-friendly, and suitable for both coffee and tea—that can strengthen a shop’s healthful image: blended drinks offer ample room for nourishing café fare.",[16,23,24],{},[25,26],"img",{"alt":27,"height":28,"src":29,"width":30},"Matcha Frappé: Fill a sixteen ounce glass to the top with ice and then fill it with your favorite milk (both dairy and non-dairy work well). Pour into a blender. Add two tablespoons of Aiya Matcha Zen Cafe Blend (or two Matcha Zen Cafe Blend Sticks), and blend until smooth. (Recipe courtesy Aiya America.)",696,"\u002Fuploads\u002F3d78b59bd696c8059d2f.webp",1200,[16,32,33],{},[34,35,36],"em",{},"Matcha Frappé: Fill a 16-ounce glass with ice, then top with your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy both work). Pour into a blender. Add two tablespoons of Aiya Matcha Zen Cafe Blend (or two Matcha Zen Cafe Blend Sticks) and blend until smooth. (Recipe courtesy Aiya America.)",[38,39,41],"h4",{"id":40},"giving-the-frappé-a-healthful-update","Giving the Frappé a Healthful Update",[16,43,44],{},"To attract customers who might be heading to pilates, finishing a run, or trying to cut sugar or gluten, retailers are increasingly looking for items that are wholesome and delicious—and that justify the higher price that quality ingredients demand.",[46,47,48],"blockquote",{},[16,49,50],{},"“We’ve definitely seen a move with blended drinks towards things that are healthier; really simple ingredients seem to be something consumers care more and more about.”",[16,52,53],{},"There are several approaches to blended drinks. One is the classic combination of concentrated coffee, dairy base, ice, and flavored syrup. Updating your blender staples doesn’t require reinventing the wheel; this formula has proven itself for years. We’ll explore more innovative options shortly, but first, here are some tips for refreshing the frappé by selecting products that deliver.",[16,55,56],{},"“We’ve definitely seen a move with blended drinks towards things that are healthier; really simple ingredients seem to be something consumers care more and more about,” says Andrea Ramirez, customer marketing manager at Torani. That’s partly why the company recently shifted to all-natural coloring (using ingredients such as carrot), adjusted the sugars in its syrups, and introduced a preservative-free line of real-fruit smoothie bases.",[16,58,59],{},"Most beverage companies are following similar paths. Da Vinci Gourmet’s All Natural syrup line contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. Sweetbird syrups hold the distinction of being the only syrups approved by the Vegetarian Council and Viva! Vegan. Big Train’s Real Fruit Smoothie Concentrates are rich in antioxidants, with added green tea and vitamin C.",[16,61,62],{},"Boosting your blended menu with products aimed at health-conscious coffee drinkers is simpler than ever. When selecting bases, choosing ingredients with an all-natural focus signals to customers that you share their concern for quality. Real dairy bases and quality nut milks—whether made in-house or bought from a distributor—deliver richer flavor and a better marriage of milk and coffee. You can even toss fresh fruit, real honey, cinnamon, or high-quality chocolate into the blender to make frappés more flavorful and satisfying.",[16,64,65],{},"And “it’s really reassuring to be able to read through the ingredients, and feel very comfortable with what you see on there,” Andrea notes.",[38,67,69],{"id":68},"navigating-dietary-restrictions","Navigating Dietary Restrictions",[16,71,72],{},"Lactose intolerance, gluten allergies, sugar sensitivities—however you look at it, a large share of your customers likely limit their diet in some way, whether by choice or necessity. Yet those same customers still want frozen refreshment during summer. Offering a range of blended drinks free from common allergens like nuts and dairy ensures a positive experience even for the most particular guests.",[16,74,75],{},"More consumers are turning to alternative milks, and whether the reason is lactose intolerance, a dairy allergy, or a wish for fewer calories, incorporating them into blended drinks makes sense. Fortunately, it’s easy. Richer non-dairy milks such as soy, coconut, and especially nut milks hold up well in coffee and tea. Almond milk is quickly gaining prominence, and according to Califia Farms CEO Greg Steltenpohl, almond milk is even more versatile in cold applications than in hot drinks.",[16,77,78],{},"“The same way dairy products have a lot of diverse applications, so do plant-based milks,” says Greg. “So if you’re looking for lighter smoothies with lower calories, or lighter blended drinks compared to dairy, nut milks are a great way to go.”",[16,80,81],{},"Most nut milks are also gluten-free and lower in fat than cow’s milk. Greg credits almond milk’s superior blending performance to its smooth, non-chalky texture. Califia’s Barista Blend and Pacific Barista Series are non-dairy, barista-focused milks that work well with a steam wand and blend nicely with coffee, tea, and ice.",[16,83,84],{},"Of course, for customers with nut allergies, it’s wise to stock at least one other alternative milk; soy is popular, while coconut and hemp have their own followings.",[16,86,87],{},[25,88],{"alt":89,"height":90,"src":91,"width":30},"Berry Smoothie: 1½ cups ice, ½ cup strawberries, ½ cup raspberries, ½ cup blackberries, ¼ cup blueberries, 1 Tbsp. honey, ¼ cup cranberry juice",800,"\u002Fuploads\u002F8865d7b88f4efd3514ea.webp",[16,93,94],{},[34,95,89],{},[38,97,99],{"id":98},"varying-your-sweeteners","Varying Your Sweeteners",[16,101,102],{},"Sugar is a key part of the blended drink. It makes this menu staple taste good, but not all sugars are the same. Some have a higher or lower glycemic index (which affects blood sugar), some are more or less natural (processed), and some sweeteners aren’t actually sugar at all—just imitations.",[16,104,105],{},"You likely have customers who ask for sugar-free sweeteners in their lattes—why not extend that option to blended drinks? Sugar-free syrups made with Splenda or stevia, which comes from a plant, closely mimic the taste of sugar while cutting calories significantly, and there are dozens available to purchase. For other natural sweeteners, honey, maple syrup, and agave each bring their own rich flavor. Agave is one of those “low glycemic” choices and dissolves easily in cold liquids, unlike honey.",[46,107,108],{},[16,109,110],{},"You likely have customers who request those sugar-less sweeteners in their lattes—why not extend that option to blended drinks?",[16,112,113],{},"Sometimes these premium sweeteners can be pricey, and after many requests for alternative sugar syrups, Torani recently launched both honey and agave syrups for blending into café creations. Andrea suggests the honey syrup blended with almond milk, ice, and almond syrup; or with espresso, ice, and a cream base.",[38,115,117],{"id":116},"exploring-tea","Exploring Tea",[16,119,120],{},"Tea has long been praised for its health properties, and green tea especially is making waves as a healthy energy booster. It’s also one of the most popular teas globally, and finely milled green tea, or matcha, shines in blended drinks just as it does in a green tea latte or green tea ice cream.",[16,122,123],{},"“Matcha is great that it can be used to appeal to tea drinkers, or consumers that are health conscious,” says James Oliveira, sales representative for matcha producer Aiya America.",[16,125,126],{},"When blended with rich real dairy or non-dairy milk and ice, matcha powder turns into a creamy frozen beverage reminiscent of ice cream. All teas contain natural antioxidants. Try strong, chilled black tea to give a blended drink a full-flavored boost, or rooibos for a caffeine-free sweetness. Andrea from Torani recommends blending strong green tea, ice, and a real-fruit puree for a light, energizing summer drink.",[38,128,130],{"id":129},"selecting-whole-foods","Selecting Whole Foods",[16,132,133],{},"Smoothies are a versatile and important menu option. They deliver the most nutrition of any blended beverage without requiring a full kitchen, and they’re essential for reaching customers who don’t drink coffee, such as children.",[16,135,136],{},"For smoothies, whole-food ingredients are certain to please, and while they may cost a bit more, you’ll find customers are willing to pay for a higher-quality smoothie made with ingredients they trust: fresh fruits, and add-ons beyond syrup, such as plant-based protein powder, probiotic-rich yogurt, raw honey, peanut or almond butter, and of course, quality coffees and teas.",[16,138,139],{},[25,140],{"alt":141,"height":142,"src":143,"width":144},"Ingredients",495,"\u002Fuploads\u002F522c6d4ed4ee7295e4c3.webp",1600,[16,146,147],{},[25,148],{"alt":149,"height":150,"src":151,"width":152},"Breakfast Date: 1 cup vanilla almond milk, 1 frozen banana, ½ cup chopped dates. A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Blend ingredients until smooth.",919,"\u002Fuploads\u002F46746fa55ec9ffd75a73.webp",927,[16,154,155],{},[34,156,149],{},[16,158,159],{},"Greg shared one of the most popular blended drinks made with Califia (page 58): a blend of banana, date, and almond milk. Having at least one or two smoothies like this—which work as a fortified breakfast—gives customers a reason to stop in for nutrition, not just a quick pick-me-up.",[16,161,162],{},"Just as your customers care about the farm where their coffee was grown or the village that tended their tea, the sources of food-based beverages matter too. Paying attention to origins and striving to keep things local, organic, and seasonal makes conversations about sourcing rewarding; it’s always nice to write “local” before “strawberries” on your menu.",[16,164,165],{},"“At least if people can get their ingredients locally, and free of pesticides that is definitely the first step,” says Kei of Down Dog. “Where we spend our money makes a difference.”",{"title":167,"searchDepth":168,"depth":168,"links":169},"",2,[],null,{"slug":172,"name":173,"path":174},"coffee-drinks","Coffee Drinks & Food",[175,178,181],{"slug":176,"name":177},"coffee-tea","Coffee & Tea",{"slug":179,"name":180},"brewing","Brewing & Knowledge",{"slug":172,"name":173},[176,179,172],52828,{"src":185,"srcset":186,"width":90,"height":187,"alt":188},"\u002Fuploads\u002Fe9a6d9c0c9a219f4b164.webp","\u002Fuploads\u002F2a3757477beff39240d4.webp 400w, \u002Fuploads\u002Fe9a6d9c0c9a219f4b164.webp 800w",519,"Blended Bliss","How coffee and tea shops are rethinking frappés and 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