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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One of Urnex’s stated mission goals is striving to uphold the highest standards of quality, consistency, and effectiveness within the industry. In alignment with this goal, Urnex employs an internal team of chemists and product technicians, as well as manufacturing and coffee professionals.

Urnex looks to distinguish themselves in the market by having this level of in-house expertise and experience. By investing in a deep understanding of coffee equipment, and creating products based on proprietary formulas, Urnex is able to offer a cleaning solution for nearly every brewing need.

Popular Urnex offerings include cleaning powder, liquid, and tablets for milk frothing systems, espresso machines, coffee pots, urns & brewers, ice machines, grinders, tea brewers, and more. By offering a wide range of products, often in multiple case sizes, Urnex is able to serve businesses of all types, from local coffee shops to large corporate café equipment manufacturers.

As any barista, café owner, or other coffee professional knows, cleaning is one of the most important factors in maintaining a successful business. Having clean equipment allows a business to yield better-tasting drinks, keep equipment running smoothly, and extend equipment lifespan, all while upholding health & safety standards.

In addition to being well-formulated for effectiveness, Urnex also strives to make cleaning products which are easy-to-use, making cleaning tasks more efficient for baristas and café staff.

Houston’s is your source for a wide slate of Urnex cleaning offerings, as well as a full line-up of other café and coffee industry supplies. Everything from drinkware and disposables to flavor syrups, alternative milks, and other consumables such as frappé & smoothie mixes can be found online at https://www.houstons-inc.com/catalog/index.php

Urnex offers helpful cleaning guides on their website.

Read about our other valued partner vendors on the Houston’s Blog.

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Masala chai, typically shortened to “chai” in the US, is a fragrant spicy tea beverage, traditionally made by brewing black tea infused with a mixture of aromatic herbs in milk and water.

The drink originated in India an estimated 5,000 years ago, and a variety of spices have been used in various combinations throughout the centuries. Cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, peppercorns, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, honey, and vanilla are elements common to an authentic chai experience.

In the US, chai first gained popularity in 1994, appearing on café and coffee house menus. With overall steady growth through the past three decades, chai consumption spikes between October and January each year – with customers opting for hot chai beverages during the fall and early winter months.

Chai has also become a favorite offering among café industry distributors and operators. With innovations in shelf-stable packaging, as well as easy-to-store concentrates and powders that yield an authentic cup, chai looks to be a regular menu feature for the foreseeable future.

With the hot chai latte being one of the most popular preparations, the comfort of a warm mug of spiced tea has appeal for fall and winter seasonal menus. Many of the traditional spices used in chai are familiar to American consumers through classic winter holiday recipes and seasonal pies, cookies, and other comforting treats: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, honey, vanilla, etc.

Creative baristas may also customize chai lattes with a variety of flavored syrups, sauces, and garnishes for a premium experience.

Another advantage chai offers is its versatility. In addition to a traditional warm preparation, or creative custom chai latte, chai is a popular choice to be served over ice, as well.

In addition to its seasonal tie and versatility, chai may also serve as an alternative to coffee for consumers looking to regulate caffeine consumption. Black tea contains less caffeine per serving compared to a cup of joe.

Statistics show that chai beverages have a high growth rate among vegan consumers, as well, with the healthful perception and plant-based ingredients of black tea, spices, and a dairy alternative, such as oat or almond milk.

Chai may also offer something just outside the ordinary for many. The idea of “culinary tourism” has gained popularity the past few years. With a global pandemic disrupting the travel industry, individuals shifted focus toward seeking micro-adventures within the home or through to-go orders from a neighborhood cafe, even though physical travel was limited. Chai proved to be a way to experience a mini “vacation in a mug” to another culture in an easily accessible manner.

It is certain that chai has broad appeal and versatility. And while consumption peaks during fall and winter, the iced beverage trend ensures that chai will remain a favorite among customers, operators, and distributors in all seasons, for a long time.

Perhaps it will be a menu mainstay for another 5,000 years.

Houston’s carries chai offerings ranging from powders, concentrates, and sachets to steep from trusted vendors like David Rio, Maya Tea, Smith Teamaker, Numi, Kerry Foodservice, Mocafe, Cappuccine, Two Leaves and a Bud, and others.

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

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The word “numi” means “citrus” in Arabic. Founders Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani named their company Numi after a steeped dried desert lime drink they grew up enjoying throughout their childhood.

As brother and sister, Ahmed and Reem had a vision to share their family’s love of tea and its health and cultural connections with the world. Since 1999, their vision has resulted in a diverse selection of teas and herbal infusions to fit the taste and palate of any customer.

Among their offerings, some well-known and popular varieties can be found: Refreshing Moroccan Mint, Lemon Chamomile, Aged Earl Grey, and Gunpowder Green Tea. Customers who may be looking for their morning cup, an afternoon pick-me-up, or evening relaxation can find something familiar and delightful.

Numi also offers a slate of unique blends for customers who may want something just outside the ordinary. Chai, as an example, has been a surging product category for café operators; Numi Golden Chai features a blend of traditional Assam black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a symphony of spice. Milk and honey may be added for even greater depth of flavor and premium offering.

Customers looking for a bright and aromatic floral experience may find it in Numi White Rose Tea, which features organic white tea and tender spring-picked rosebuds. A velvety and uplifting blend, it can be enjoyed hot – or iced for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

Another trend that has gained popularity in recent years is a consumer focus on functional beverages. Numi has a number of teas made with wellness and immunity-aligned ingredients with potential health benefits, such as turmeric, ginger, rooibos, echinacea, and others. Three Roots Turmeric Tea combines turmeric, ginger, and licorice root into an earthy caffeine-free blend for peace of mind any time of the day. Numi Organic Throat Soother, Immune Boost, and De-Stress Tea are a few other varieties that put focus on function.

Of course, the list of Numi tea blends wouldn’t be complete without a connection to the original desert lime drink that inspired Ahmed and Reem in the first place. Numi’s signature Dry Desert Lime Tea is distinctive, tart, and described as an “oasis of health” – tradition and function all in one.

With a lineup to fit any taste, it’s evident that Ahmed and Reem have a strong focus on creating quality products that align with customer demand and current trends. View Houston’s portfolio to find these offerings by Numi and more.

Read more about the wide world of hot tea 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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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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Steven Smith Teamaker (sometimes referred to as Smith Tea) was founded by tea visionary, Steven Smith, to introduce Americans to a new, superior product that would heighten their palates and capture the imagination Smith had refined with his many years in the industry. After co-founding Stash Tea, and then the becoming the mastermind behind Tazo Tea Company, Smith was ready for retirement. However, it wasn’t long before he felt the itch to use his height of experience to develop one more brand, one that would draw even more from his well of creativity and would add a new facet to the industry he had spent a lifetime cultivating.

Houston’s now carries Smith Tea to further enhance our tea selection. This product is made with “only the best tea on the market,” as the Smith Tea website states. Every blend is crafted with meticulous care, not only to provide an exceptional flavor, but also to generate an aroma and appearance that is as unique as it is beautiful. We now offer this premium tea because it meets the demands of a segment of the industry that we believe remains largely untapped: consumers with a deep appreciation and desire for handcrafted tea.

Much of Smith Tea’s product line-up is inspired by its uncommon roots. For starters, the company was born in a 100-year-old blacksmith shop in Portland, Oregon, a city that regularly prides itself on being “weird.” While the location is now used as Smith Tea’s tasting room, the company still draws on the peculiarities of its heritage by developing flavors that are somewhat out of the norm, yet familiar. Here are just a few examples of these distinct takes on classic flavors that have been made available through Houston’s.

Lord Bergamot – reminiscent of Earl Grey, but with a bit more complexity, this black tea is a blend of Ceylon Dimbula and Uva leaves combined with Assam tea and Bergamot oil. The bright richness of the Assam meets citrusy-spicy Bergamot within mineral and floral notes of the companion teas for a malty sweetness.

Meadow – this chamomile tea brings together golden Egyptian flowers, fragrant hyssop, rooibos, rose petals, and linden flowers for a traditional chamomile flavor with a bit of apple and honey on the tail-end. With all of those petals in the bag, this is one chamomile that will have you wowed before it even begins to steep.

Jasmine Silver Tip – if you’re a fan of green tea, then this is definitely the Smith tea for you. Peak green tea leaves are harvested from China’s Fujian Province and steam-fired to seal their flavor. When fresh jasmine buds are added to the mix, the two ingredients form a concoction that is nothing short of magic. Look for hints of brown sugar in this delightful blend.

Exceptional Iced Tea – anyone who enjoys iced tea will tell you that black iced tea is without compare. Smith’s Exceptional Iced Tea combines Assam and Ceylon black teas with classic Nilgiri black tea and a full-flavored Darjeeling. The most prominent flavors you’ll notice are apricot, orange, and a bit of malt: a wonderfully crisp and natural-tasting iced tea.

The initial set of teas that Houston’s has selected from Smith pull from their Black Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, and Iced Tea categories, ensuring that no matter the time of year, the occasion, or the consumer’s preference, we have a tea to match. We are very excited to provide this premium brand of teas, and to help offer a new perspective on your favorite classic.

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Matcha may seem like the newest coffeehouse fad, but the truth is that this green tea beverage has been around for quite some time. This tea’s history dates as far back as China’s Tang Dynasty in the 7th Century, though it was really popularized during the Song Dynasty around the 11th Century. It was during that time when a Japanese Buddhist monk returned to his home country from a stay in China, carrying tea seeds and the knowledge of their proper preparation. These seeds eventually began a Japanese tradition that today yields some of the best matcha in the world.

Matcha has become one of the fastest growing segments of the global tea market, so it should come as no surprise that Houston’s has partnered with vendors who provide it at an exceptional level. One vendor who has made it a priority to offer high quality, traditional tea is Two Leaves and a Bud.

Two Leaves and a Bud is a pioneer in bringing teas and traditions from Asia, to the West. As one of the first to provide North Americans with teas in the pyramid-shaped sachet, this is a company that has become known for setting trends and sharing true magic from the lesser-known parts of the world. That spark is no more apparent than in Two Leaves’ matcha products. Their Nice Matcha and Ceremonial Matcha offer two flavor and application options for both newcomers and veterans to the tea.

Two Leaves’ Ceremonial Matcha has been crafted to delight with the full flavor of 100% organic Japanese green tea, while Nice Matcha is a blend with a little more sweetness (but not too much!) that perfectly complements lattes and smoothies. Often described as having a creamy and vegetal taste, matcha is unique from any other tea in its overall flavor profile. But a huge reason why this green tea has grown so popular is because of everything that it offers in addition to its one-of-a-kind flavor.

The word “matcha” literally translates to “powdered tea,” because at its core, it is a powdered version of green tea. When green tea is nearly ready to be harvested, it is covered in shade to give the leaves opportunity to grow more full with flavor, away from the harsh sunlight. Once plucked, these leaves are placed into cold storage to dry out, then pulverized with stone until all that’s left is a verdant green powder.

Once matcha has reached its silky smooth state, it can be mixed into hot or cold beverages, much like its tea counterparts. However, quite unlike other teas, matcha leaves are completely consumed. Whereas you would eventually discard a tea bag once it has finished steeping, the leaves remain in your mug until you’ve sipped them all up. The result is a far more nutritious and energizing experience.

Because of the harvesting process that it undergoes and because of the way that it’s prepared, matcha provides the body with higher levels of antioxidants and a unique amino acid called L-theanine. It’s health benefits have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, reducing total cholesterol levels, and can even help you feel more relaxed and concentrated. Its caffeine levels are also about on-par with an ordinary cup of coffee (almost three cups of ordinary green tea), so if you’re looking for a boost in energy, in addition to a nutritious and delicious drink, you’ve made the right choice.

In recent years, matcha has proven to have far wider applications than 7th Century China ever could have imagined. Besides its booming popularity in lattes and frappes, it has found its way into baking, ice cream, and is even sprinkled on popcorn! There seems to be no limit to the number of ways that matcha can be enjoyed, whether it be in the cafe, restaurant, or just by the chef at home. Matcha has been around for 1,400 years, and Houston’s can’t wait to see what the world does with it next.

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Cub Chai Super Concentrate is all-natural and vegan, offering a creamy, less sweet and distinctly spicy chai latte. Some customers have raved, “The Cub Chai with spicy ginger and black pepper was just chai perfection.”

Call your sales representative to order some today and try out these recipes.

Hot Chai Courtesy of David Rio

Hot Chai

1.5 oz (45 ml) Cub Chai Super Concentrate

7.5 oz (225 ml) milk or milk substitute

Steam chai with milk or milk substitute.  Server hot.

Chaiffagoto Courtesy of David Rio

Dry Chaiffagoto

1 shot Espresso

1/2 oz. (15 ml) Cub Chai Super Concentrate 

Vanilla ice cream

Make shot of espresso. Add Cub Chai Super Concentrate and mix well. Pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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