The Evolution of a Recipe: Why Food Innovation Never Stops
If you think that once you’ve found the perfect recipe, it never changes—think again. After 18 years in the food industry, I’ve learned that recipes, like trends and tastes, are always evolving. What worked a decade ago might not resonate with today’s consumers, and as new ingredients and innovations emerge, I find myself constantly refining and reimagining my products.
The Early Days: Matcha and Microground Teas
When I first started, matcha was just becoming popular. We had a whole lineup of different varieties, but as microground black tea became available, I saw an opportunity. That’s when I created our Chai and London Fog blends—smooth, rich, and easy to make. Eventually, we phased out most flavored matchas, keeping only the top seller, Vanilla Matcha.
Then, microground rooibos entered the scene. I wanted a caffeine-free tea for evenings, and that’s how our Sweet Dreams Turmeric Latte and Elixo Cold Buster were born.
The Shift to Sugar-Free
Over the years, one thing has become clear: people want options. More and more customers have been asking for sugar-free versions of their favorite drinks, even if the sugar is organic. I listened, and after much testing, we created a pure sugar-free line of our top-selling products. The first production run is complete, and tomorrow, I pick up the new packaging. I can’t wait to see these on shelves and hear what you all think!
Freeze-Dried Fruit: A Game-Changer
Another major shift in the food industry has been freeze-dried fruit. The moment I saw it, my mind raced with possibilities. Back when I shared a warehouse with someone who owned a freeze-drying machine, I brought in a new ingredient every day, experimenting with what could be freeze-dried and turned into a fine, flavorful powder.
The best part? Freeze-dried fruit retains its nutrients, meaning I could eliminate artificial flavors while keeping the bold, natural taste. This discovery led to our latest innovations:
- Superfood Coco Strawberry Hot Chocolate 🍓🍫
- LEMN Strawberry Superfood Lemonade 🍓🍋
Just yesterday, my mixer and I were fine-tuning the final recipes. This hands-on process is one of my favorite parts of running my business—it’s where creativity meets science, and every small tweak can make a big difference.
What’s Next?
Right now, I’m thrilled with our latest creations, but I know this is just the beginning. Food is always evolving, and I’ll be ready when the next exciting innovation comes along. Until then, I’ll be watching, tasting, and waiting for the next big idea to spark.