Boba, also known as bubble tea, is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The beverage typically consists of brewed tea mixed with milk and the novel addition of tapioca pearls (the bubbles).

The tapioca pearls add flavor, a chewy texture, and an eye-catching visual appeal that has helped boba gain popularity through social media.

The term “boba” can refer to the pearls themselves or the whole drink in general.

Boba was introduced to the U.S. market in the 1990s, and over the past 30 years has established a loyal fan base for those who have been in the know. Over the past few years, boba has seen more mainstream traction, with steady growth in popularity across the country. Interest from several national chains has contributed to boba’s rise in popularity.

Dunkin Donuts debuted a boba offering in 2021, branding the pearls as “Popping Bubbles.” Sonic Drive-In added “Bursting Bubbles” to their menu the same year. Peet’s Coffee Shops introduced a beverage add-in similar to boba in 2022 called “Jelly” – the main difference being the “Jelly” add-ins were cubed-shaped, rather than spherical bubbles.

In all three cases, the boba offerings were added to the menu as an “add to any cold drink” feature. The connection to cold drinks is also a main contributing factor for the increase in boba popularity.

As those within the coffee, café, and specialty beverage industries are aware, the cold drink market has exploded in recent years. As of last year, 75% of Starbucks beverage sales were from cold drinks.

It is evident that consumers are choosing cold drinks, and demanding a higher degree of customization for their beverages.

Boba offers a strategic opportunity to synergize with the cold drink trend. For café operations and their distributors, adding a boba offering is a great way to easily add value to any cold drink offering, and command premium pricing on the menu.

Boba is not strictly limited to tea and coffee drinks either. It’s also becoming a popular add-in for energy drinks, flavored lemonades, sodas, and more.

Passion Fruit Boba is one of several flavors available from Third Street

Houston’s is your source for popping boba that is easy to add to any cold drink menu. We recently brought on Third Street Chai as a vendor partner – their line-up of boba products offers multiple flavors and are ready-to-use. Third Street boba does not require any special equipment, preparation, or training – instantly increase the value of cold drinks without any hassle.

Visit our Third Street page to learn more about how boba can add value for you and your customers.

Not a Houston’s customer? Inquire about becoming one today.

Read more about beverage industry trends on the Houston’s Blog.

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A type of milk tea beverage made from brewed black tea and milk, Thai Tea is distinguished by its identifiable deep orange coloration and its balanced sweet/spice flavor profile. Typically served as an iced drink, Thai Tea is sweetened with sugar and often spiced with ingredients such as star anise and cardamom. Coconut milk is popular as a non-dairy alternative, too.

The increased popularity of iced Thai Tea may be connected to the rise in the overall trend toward iced beverages within the coffee industry. A 2022 study reported that over 70% of sales at Starbucks were from cold beverages. It’s clear that customers around the country are reaching for new and novel iced drinks to kick off their morning or provide an afternoon or evening energy boost.

The eye-catching bright orange color of Thai Tea may also factor into the drink’s rise in demand. In a similar fashion to how the now-iconic copper mug created buzz for the Moscow Mule cocktail, once customers see the vibrant orange color of Thai Tea, they may feel compelled to ask about it and give it a try.

The deep orange coloration also makes for the type of striking “Instagrammable” photo coveted by café and coffee shop operators everywhere. In-store and digital buzz have worked together to vault Thai Tea into the awareness of consumers nationwide.

Thai Tea is a favorite of café and restaurant staff as well. The drink makes for a great add-on to increase the check total on a food order, and also functions as a means to draw customers in the doors. Thai Tea is not easily replicable at home – it holds a unique position on the menu as something a customer can only get if they go out.

A number of companies have created Thai Tea concentrates and powders, making ingredient storage easier, and drink preparation a breeze.

Houston’s carries Thai Tea offerings from established café brands like Big Train and Mocafe, as well as Thaiwala. Though a new brand within the market, Thaiwala’s founder is the same creator behind Oregon Chai.

With an appealing taste and visual presentation customers love, and advantages for café owners & staff, it’s likely Thai Tea will be a menu staple for years to come.

Read more about other industry trends on the Houston’s Blog.

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Reàl Infused launched back in 2006 with a single product: Coco Reàl. Coco Reàl was the first cream of coconut product on the market which was shelf stable and dispensed through a convenient and comfortable plastic squeeze bottle.

Through the course of research and development for their other brands, American Beverage saw an opportunity within the industry. Prior to Coco Reàl’s entry into the market, most cream of coconut was packaged in aluminum cans – similar to condensed milk or canned soup.

In speaking with professional mixologists and bartenders, the team at ABM heard the familiar tale of opening a fresh can of cream of coconut to mix a piña colada for a single guest order. Because it is an inconsistently requested cocktail, by the time the next piña colada was ordered sometimes days later, the remainder of the coconut can had expired in the fridge.

By coupling a shelf stable product with a bartender friendly squeeze bottle, Coco Reàl was a hit – easy portioning and the potential for reducing wasted product.

On the heels of Coco Reàl’s success, ABM expanded the lineup of Reàl flavor offerings. Today, the roster includes more than 20 varieties: Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Guava, Raspberry, Ginger, Agave Nectar, Banana, Pumpkin, and more.

Creatively flavored margaritas, daiquiris, craft sodas, customized lemonades, iced teas, and more are only a squeeze away – and all products are shelf stable, with no refrigeration required even after opening.

While Reàl Infused Syrups were born out of ingenuity and opportunity, they are not a gimmick. Central to ABM’s values are the principles of integrity and quality. As such, Reàl Infused Syrups are touted as offering the most “true to fruit” authentic taste, aroma, and texture – and that’s because they’re made of real fruit. Most varieties use 48-49% real fruit in each bottle.

All of these factors combined spell a win-win through all touch points within the specialty beverage industry. Authentic taste is a favorite among customers. Easy usage and product waste reduction are important factors to bartenders and bar owners. Long shelf life, and easy storage and transportation are attributes that make a positive impact for distributors.

Reàl Infused Syrups aren’t strictly for the bar industry either. Many of the offered flavors have potential beyond cocktails and mixology. The Pumpkin Puree, Hazelnut, and Vanilla varieties have myriad applications in the specialty coffee industry. The window for Pumpkin Spice Lattes grows wider and wider each year, and Hazelnut and Vanilla infused coffee drinks are all-season favorites nationwide.

Houston’s is the source for the lineup of Reàl Infused Syrups and ABM’s other well-respected brands, as well as glassware, garnishes, cleaning supplies, and everything else for the specialty beverage, foodservice, and coffee industries.

ABM offers a wide variety of recipes and inspiration on their website.

Read about other industry news on the Houston’s Blog.

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Both companies have an established annual tradition of naming a Flavor of the Year – shining a spotlight on a trending taste, global flavor, or new innovation. The Flavors of the Year have been unveiled for the new year 2023: Monin with Hot Honey Syrup and Torani with Toasted Black Sesame Syrup.

While christening a syrup the “Flavor of the Year” generates interest for the end consumer, it also serves as a benefit to distributors and bar & café operators. For a distributor, a Flavor of the Year can increase average order value as a novel add-on, and for the operator, serving a limited time offering can command premium pricing, and can increase customer engagement through a unique creation that generates buzz.

Monin Hot Honey Syrup

Hot Honey Syrup is made with organic wildflower honey and real jalapeño pepper for a unique and complex combination of sweet and spicy.

Reviewing Monin’s featured Hot Honey drink recipes, there is strong focus on iced beverages: iced teas, lemonades, margaritas, and other cocktails. It’s evident that the unique bite of the syrup can elevate an ordinary drink to an extraordinary experience.

Hot Honey Syrup is not limited to the bar industry; Monin does offer a frappé recipe, and the Flavor of the Year could also be intriguing in the realm of customized energy drinks – another growing category within the café industry.

Torani Toasted Black Sesame Syrup

Torani describes Toasted Black Sesame Syrup as a perfect combination of sweet and savory, balanced with an earthy, nutty finish. Toasted Black Sesame Syrup also has a bold dark color – a rich black, as the name suggests.

The syrup is also an entry in Torani’s Puremade line – meaning it is made with pure cane sugar and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

A clear coffee & café focus is evident in reviewing Torani’s featured Toasted Black Sesame drink recipes. It’s well known that there has been a shift toward cold drinks in the café industry, and Torani has leaned into that trend with Black Sesame Cold Brew, Boba Milk Tea, and Iced Matcha Latte among the suggestions.

Houston’s Has It

Whether you’re a distributor or operator in the bar industry, café industry, or both, Houston’s is your source for these innovative flavors, as well as the entire rainbow of syrups and sauces offered by Monin, Torani, and other trusted gourmet brands.

Visit our web catalog to view the offerings and see what benefits the Flavors of the Year can have for you and your customers.

Read about other industry trends on the Houston’s Blog.

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The name Kerry is well known within the beverage and foodservice industries as an innovator, delivering a wide variety of operator-friendly offerings, while maintaining a high quality experience for the end customer.

Originating as a dairy operation in southwestern Ireland in 1972, Kerry has grown over the past 50 years to serve a global market. Kerry Foodservice U.S. operations encompasses a slate of well-known café-focused specialty beverage brands such as DaVinci Gourmet, Big Train, Oregon Chai, and Island Oasis, which are present throughout cafés and specialty coffee shops nationwide.

DaVinci Gourmet

The DaVinci Gourmet brand originated in Seattle, WA, a city often cited as the epicenter of the U.S. craft coffee movement. DaVinci is perhaps best known for its line of flavored syrups – from barista staples such as vanilla and hazelnut, to unique offerings like cheesecake and cookie dough syrups, for something just outside the ordinary.

The DaVinci family also features sauces, like caramel and chocolate, for decadent flavor and eye-popping visual presentation.

A wide range of smoothie and frappé mixes also fall under the DaVinci Gourmet name. And in alignment with the Kerry spirit of innovation, the emerging category of fruit refreshers is also represented, with Mango Dragonfruit and Watermelon Lime among the flavor offerings.

Big Train

Big Train comprises a line of frozen beverage mixes with a focus on ease of use – the “blend and pour” convenience is a favorite feature among busy café and coffee shop operators.

Iced and blended coffee beverages have surged in recent years, with some nationwide chains reporting over 50% of sales are now from cold beverages. Frappés are big business, and Big Train offers an extremely wide variety to cater to any taste. As a partner to the specialty coffee industry, Houston’s carries over 50 Big Train blends, including mochas, lattes, blended espresso, frozen hot chocolate, horchata, protein drinks, and chai.

Oregon Chai

Chai is another coffee shop category that has been trending in recent years. Under the Kerry family of brands, Oregon Chai features a roster of chai concentrates and powders which offer a great taste experience for the end customer, and, importantly, easy preparation and storage for the operator.

A number of different flavors are offered, including vanilla, extra spicy, salted caramel, and sugar free.

Island Oasis

Kerry’s Island Oasis brand may be strongly associated with the bar industry, with margarita and pina colada mixes as featured offerings. However, there is certainly room in the café industry for Island Oasis shelf-stable fruit purees, especially as summer approaches with rising demand for smoothies, craft lemonades, and other fruit-based drinks.

The hallmarks of Island Oasis include the use of only premium natural ingredients, and no high-fructose corn syrup.

Enduring Partnership

It is evident that Kerry aims to be an all-encompassing partner to the beverage industry, with a focus on operator-friendly features such as ease-of-use, shelf-stable packaging, and a wide range of brands and varieties.

By valuing innovation, Kerry sets a foundation of seeking to align with industry trends and the evolving needs of operators moving into the future.

Read about our other vendor partners on the Houston’s Blog.

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With high retail brand-recognition, Lactaid is well known to consumers as being a lactose-free milk option, which may be more digestion-friendly compared to traditional dairy milk. For Houston’s position as a nationwide distributor to café and restaurant suppliers, the primary advantage is that Lactaid is now available in shelf-stable packaging.

Lactaid packed in aseptic containers does not require refrigeration until opened, and has a shelf life of 9 months. While plant-based alternative milks have been sealed in aseptic packages for years, it’s only recently that real dairy milk has been given the same treatment. Packaging technology has progressed enough to ensure safe unrefrigerated storage of dairy milk.

It is estimated that the aseptic packaged segment of the dairy industry will reach sales near $25 billion by the year 2024. It’s no surprise that the category is surging. While the demand for non-dairy alternative milks has skyrocketed over the past few years, there remains a large segment of consumers who do want their lattes, frappes, and chai made with real dairy milk.

Aseptic packaging is the distributor and operator’s dream come true in meeting that demand. Aseptic containers ensure a safe product, reduce waste due to spoilage, and save money on the bottom line as refrigeration (and its associated expenses) is not required.

Lactaid is produced by HP Hood, a family-owned dairy company that can trace its roots all the way back to 1846, when Harvey Perley Hood set up shop in Charlestown, Massachusetts. True to their roots, Hood remains a family-owned operation today.

Hood produces offerings in the non-dairy alternative milk category as well. Almond Breeze almond milk and Plant Oat oatmilk are two trusted brands which align with the proven growth trend of plant-based product demand within the café industry.

In 2019, sales of almond milk grew to $1.3 billion, representing 250% growth since 2010, per Nielsen. Oatmilk had a banner year in 2020, with sales exploding by 317% over its prior year.

Houston’s carries specially formulated “barista” editions of Almond Breeze and Plant Oat, which stand up well to the steaming process for eye-catching latte art and microfoam production on par with real dairy milk. These varieties are also packaged in aseptic containers for long shelf life and no refrigeration required.

With important innovations in product packaging, dairy milk can now join plant-based alternative milk in our customers’ warehouses. It’s certainly a dream come true for distributors, suppliers, and those consumers who are looking for real milk in their café beverages.

For more foodservice industry trends, visit the Houston’s Blog.

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In general, cocktail garnishes come in a wide array of incarnations and can serve one or more of three important purposes. First, the right garnish can elevate the sensory experience for the customer, adding additional aroma and taste elements to a drink. Second, cocktail garnishes can provide striking visual appeal; and third, garnishes may also serve to anchor the theme and style of a bar or restaurant.

Maraschino cherries are a favorite among bartenders and mixologists because they fulfill all three purposes. The sweet, syrupy flavor can highlight or balance the other ingredients of the drink, the bright red color is an eye-catching visual pop, and because they’ve been in use for over a century, maraschino cherries deliver timeless character and classic iconography.

An authentic pre-Prohibition Manhattan cocktail would not be complete without a cherry garnish. A colorful Tiki-themed drink may use maraschinos along with citrus and pineapple slices for a photo-worthy rainbow aspect – and an opportunity to enhance the customer experience and draw additional business through social-media shareability.

Even non-alcoholic offerings make use of maraschino cherries – the Shirley Temple and other mocktails, made-to-order cherry colas, and ice cream sundaes among the notable examples.

Maraschino cherries are such a ubiquitous delightful addition, that the phrase “the cherry on top” is synonymous with delivering that extra something that makes the good great, and the great even better.

From their origins in 19th Century Europe up until the onset of Prohibition in the United States, maraschino cherries were commonly preserved in alcohol. With the sale and production of alcohol prohibited by law, maraschino cherries in this form were also illegal.

Though maraschino cherries wouldn’t get as widespread use as cocktail garnishes throughout this era, they were still in popular demand as toppers for malts, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. Soda jerks and malt shop operators needed a solution.

In 1925, Ernest Wiegand – a professor at Oregon State University – developed a method of preserving maraschino cherries in a brine solution, eliminating the alcohol content. His development allowed the continued sale of maraschino cherries during Prohibition, and continues to be the most common method for preserving the garnish to this day.

Coincidentally, Houston’s was founded at the end of the era of Prohibition – in Oregon – and we’ve been serving the bar and restaurant industry ever since.

Whether your customers are looking to add flavorful sensory elements, synergize with the theme of their menu, or create a visually enticing and photo-worthy presentation, Houston’s can be your partner in putting the “cherry on top” of your cocktail garnish needs.

To review our cherry offerings, visit our web catalog.

Read more about the history of cocktails on the Houston’s Blog.

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This year, prevalent trends include drinks with functional ingredients, non-dairy alternatives, and immunity-boosting offerings as the nation continues to navigate the COVID landscape.

Functional Ingredients

Functional ingredients are typically defined as ingredients that offer some potential positive health benefits beyond their base nutritional value, for example, those that aid digestion, increase mental alertness, reduce fatigue, or relieve stress. Within the café industry, popular examples include matcha and other green tea-based beverages, drinks with added turmeric, and herbal offerings that contain ingredients like ginger, lemon, ginseng, and mint.

As a supplier, Houston’s carries a wide range of products that align with this trend, including hot & iced teas, frappes, and smoothies from trusted partners like David Rio, Cappuccine, Monin, Smith Teamaker, Two Leaves and a Bud, Numi, and Mocafe.

Alternatives to Dairy

It’s no secret that non-dairy milk alternatives have exploded in popularity over the past few years. For some consumers, digestive sensitivity is the primary reason they reach for a dairy-free option; others may be looking to cut back on the amount of animal products they consume. Whatever the underlying motivation, non-dairy plant-based options are now essentials in every café.

Houston’s carries a plethora of plant-based milks in alignment with the diversity of demand within the industry: oat, almond, macadamia, coconut, and soy milks from well-respected brands like Oatly, Almond Breeze, Pacific Foods, milkadamia, Planet Oat, and others.

Immunity Boost

In years past, products that bolster immunity were a common seasonal trend, with customers ramping up their Vitamin C intake over the winter months. Now, with the impacts of COVID continuing into another year, immunity boosting consumables look to be a trend for all seasons.

Coffee and smoothie shop operators can elevate their offerings with flavorless “immunity boost” syrups, like those offered by Monin and DaVinci Gourmet. One or two pumps added to a smoothie, lemonade, or iced tea can add essential vitamins and minerals without altering the flavor profile of the beverage. Some smoothie bases and mixes even contain antioxidant ingredients or superfood blends which incorporate carrot, beet, ginger, cucumber, acai, and other halo-effect fruits and veggies.

Whichever wellness and immunity trends customers look for to fulfill their resolutions, Houston’s has the products and service to help owners and operators find the right alignment with their menus. Review our portfolio of wellness and immunity offerings.

More about matcha.

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While non-alcoholic bar beverages have been around a very long time, with the recent rise of healthy-living initiatives like Dry January, mocktails are more popular than ever among consumers. Among bar and restaurant operators, mocktails are a popular addition to the drink menu, as the component ingredients tend to be more cost-efficient compared to spirits, wine, and liqueurs. 

Just like cocktails, well-crafted mocktails can be a great way for operators to enhance the theme of their establishment, connect with seasonal trends, and elevate the overall experience for their guests by offering charming presentation and unique concoctions. 

Popular mocktail categories include craft sodas, signature lemonades & iced teas, and elevated versions of classics like the Shirley Temple and Arnold Palmer. And these aren’t the only types; there are virtually no limits to what a creative mixologist can come up with. Pair that creativity along with the wealth of offerings from a good supplier like Houston’s, and it’s a recipe for memorable service and favorable ROI.

Craft sodas, “coolers,” and sparkling refreshers which highlight trending flavors or interesting combinations are surging. Lemonades and iced teas that incorporate floral flavors have gained traction recently, as well. Lavender, hibiscus, and rose flavorings have been anchored as essentials for mocktail creation, as they impart eye-catching color in addition to unique taste. 

Houston’s also carries a suite of foundational non-alcoholic ingredients such as ginger ale, ginger beer, club soda, and lemon lime soda for versatile mocktail preparation.

Reduced-alcohol offerings are gaining popularity, as well. Employing the use of non-alcoholic substitute ingredients can cut the alcohol content of many drinks in half. Houston’s carries alcohol-free liqueur substitutes from our trusted partner vendors including Torani, Monin, 1883, and DaVinci Gourmet. Syrup varieties like Irish Cream, Blue Curacao, Creme de Menthe and others are excellent for catering to the reduced-alcohol crowd.

Attention-grabbing glassware and garnishes are the final crucial pieces of the puzzle for standout mocktail service. At Houston’s, we carry a wide variety of interesting and durable glassware, as well as garnishes sure to set the right tone. If you have customers eager to enter or enhance their mocktail game, be sure to review our portfolio of offerings.

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Aside from water, tea is the most widely consumed drink on Earth. In 2020, an estimated 6.3 billion kilograms were consumed worldwide; which means people around the globe sipped more than 2 trillion cups of tea on the year.

Tea has been an important part of human history for more than 2,000 years. The first recorded example of tea consumption dates back to the year 59 B.C.E. in China, though it’s likely humans had been drinking tea even earlier.

It’s no surprise that tea has anchored itself as a favorite among cafe owners and operators. Tea service doesn’t require a large up-front investment, can be consumed at key day parts from morning through evening, and offers good margin potential. Successful tea service usually requires just a few important elements: hot water, the right mugs & teapots (for enticing presentation), and a good tea supply partner, like Houston’s.

Because of the wide array of varieties, tea is sought by customers at crucial stages throughout the day. The caffeine content in many varieties makes tea a favorite way to begin the morning – and it can also be an energizing afternoon pick-me-up. Herbal teas or infusions may be a soothing way to unwind in the evenings, as many caffeine-free offerings contain ingredients associated with promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Per serving, black tea typically contains around half the amount of caffeine as coffee; green tea about a quarter the caffeine of a cup of joe. However, since tea contains a chemical called L-theanine, which causes the caffeine to metabolize more slowly, customers tend to experience a more stabilized, sustained energy, in contrast to a quick burst.

Like coffee, tea also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been correlated to healthy living and even protection against certain diseases. Some teas have been shown to aid digestion as well, and may lead to improved gut health. Many herbal and “wellness tea” offerings contain additional halo-effect ingredients such as turmeric or ginger, which appeal to health-conscious customers.

With seemingly unlimited varieties, strong customer draw, and the potential for high return on investment, it’s no wonder that tea has remained such a popular beverage in cafes the world over.

Whether customers are seeking an energizing morning cup, a comforting herbal option, or interesting flavors to sip simply for the joy of it, Houston’s carries a wide range of offerings. To view our portfolio of hot tea offerings here at Houston’s, visit our website.

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