LYRA MAG.

Plant based lifestyles are entrenched now (a good thing)...since our "half and half slayer" reviews- a few years back. IMO-most important factor that gathers fans- the taste . Which is why oat based liquids are a fav choice of baristas and coffee drinkers...the consistency and steam-ability resemble dairy based milks-but are even better. Another persuading big bonus-sustainability-better for the planet plant based anything is often a  reason people try oat milk in the first place. AND THEN the texture/flavor winning combo- has them as repeat consumers. New this year- oat milk is offered at practically every coffee chain we've visited ...as these destinations are often the first place folks try out a plant based alternative. At the Fancy Food Show...highlights: Since intro-ed to ELMHURST 1925 plant based milks at a media event-this company has introduced a slew of coffee enhancer liquids (that btw work with that late night snack staple-a  bowl of cereal t...

Back in July-we wrote up several nut -plant based dairy   subs, from the Specialty Food Show. Two new to us companies Elmhurst Dairy and Planet Oats are now fairly widely available... Elmhurst  1925  (formerly Dairy)- originally a milk producer from YES   Elmhurst, Queens- has relocated - and now serves up nut + oat 'milks' in various versions-all without the undesirable  additive carrageena n found in some other brands. WE TRIED: Milked Oats-made up of water, oats, and salt---equivalent in thick-texture to non-fat-2% dairy cow milk. Elmhurst uses more oats (20grams/whole oats/serving)-instead of the aforementioned thickner. Generally speaking-oat milk has a creamier taste than almond milk -which is probably why the former is REALLY fast growing in popularity. The color is more-brown tinged-because duh-it's from oats.Elmhurst 1925 Oat Milked is also VEGAN, non-GMO certified and free of major allergy trigger-tree nuts, peanuts, artificial colors ...

Plant based protein yogurt, milk , creamers and ice cream are super popular...and it's not just the clean labels, ethics, and/or the more functional ingredients---it's the taste!!!! Not surprisingly-our fav products come courtesy of smaller -innovative companies. via GIPHY  A few Halo /   Half N' Half slayers from the recent Fancy Food Show/Consumer Products Events: WOWWEEEEEE! Organic Nectars Cashewtopia -hand made in a Hudson River  town...just floored us! In a good way. This delicious creamy USDA Organic, Vegan +Kosher- plant based gelato w/ cashew nut milk as the 'dairy' stand-in-is dairy free+ gluten free. No worries tho'-the rich decadent spoon licking flavor we tried...chocolate hazelnut-is sweet enough-(organic agaveLight, organic coconut palm sugar) w/ real deal chunks of chocolate +hazelnuts. IMO-will convince even the skeptical that a better for you ice cream sub-tastes better too. We should of asked for more samples. That good. Available in Wh...

Fancy Food Show Part One: CALIFIA FARMS ENHANCED MILKS, COLD BREW, REBEL KITCHEN MYLK via GIPHY Human hydration needs for summer's heated up exercises -get amped up...one reason why powered up liquids are gaining favor and flavors from plants, spices, coffee/tea combos- and and a little bit of scientific know-how. CALIFIA Farm s elevated the niche cold brew coffee market-that we remember drinking up-back in the days  -in New Orleans.. encouraging so many hot/iced coffee drinkers to enjoy this cult liquid-that it's now widely available in retail outlets, nationwide. New single serve options now include tasty flavors of plant sourced, non-dairy, enhanced 'milk' -and athlete must-intense sips of their caffeinated cold brew, slightly sweetened with cane sugar-mixed in with protein packed almond milk. Pictured: good post workout-recovery option -is the- Maca-Nilla Almond Milk -new flavor addition joining the Choco-Maca Almond Milk version. With real deal vanilla...