7 Ways to Use DaVinci Smoothie Mixes This Summer.
May 29th, 2023 | Coffee Industry Insights & Trends
Elevate Your Summer Menu with DaVinci Smoothie Mixes
Summer is a key period for innovation, with many prominent players launching extensive seasonal ranges that expand beyond drinks into cross-categories, including confectionary, sandwiches and hot food options.
With the current effects of the cost-of-living crisis, we have looked at ways to maximise opportunities and ‘do more with core’. In this article, we have created a range of innovative recipes using our DaVinci smoothie mix range to help elevate your summer menu, using products you may already have.
1. Innovative Smoothies
Starting with the most obvious, our smoothie mixes concentrates can be used as a base to create smoothie juices. The better-for-you beverage market booming, with 66% of consumers willing to pay a premium for beverages that deliver a functional benefit whilst still delivering a great taste*. Goodbye, boring standard smoothies! There are many great flavour combinations – the limit is your imagination. See below a few recipes for inspiration, not to mention they’re vegan too.
*Data source – Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute, Ten Key Health and Nutrition Trends 2023
Apple Berry Beet Smoothie |
Dairy Free Peach and Oatmeal Smoothie |
| Ingredients
1 teaspoon of Hello Good Sip beetroot super latte powder Add 60ml of summer fruit smoothie mix, 1 teaspoon of beetroot powder, 90ml of apple juice and a glass of ice to the blender Add to the glass and garnish with fresh berries |
Ingredients
Ice Add 60ml of peach smoothie mix, 1 teaspoon of ats, ¾ glass of oat milk, 1 pump of honeycomb syrup and a glass of ice to the blender, then blend on programme 3 until smooth. Add contents to a glass and garnish with fresh peach or a sprinkle of oats. |
2. Breakfast Smoothie Bowls
Health and wellbeing is a key driver this year, with consumer demand for natural, clean and healthy offerings rising. Smoothie bowls have become an increasingly popular choice over the last few years, aided by trends such as the ‘superfruit’ Acai, paired with quirky breakfast bars arriving on the scene and, of course, the Instagrammable touch that customers will pay a premium for.
Recipe
Add 200ml of DaVinci smoothie mix of your choice ( we recommend the summer berries or mango), a glass of ice and 1/3 glass of milk of choice to the blender (try Espresso Warehouse oat or coconut milk for a delicious vegan alternative)
Add a banana to the smoothie bowl base for extra goodness (optional), then blend on programme 3.
Pour into a bowl and add your toppings. We suggest fresh fruit, granola, chai seeds or flax seeds for additional health benefits or a drizzle of peanut butter for an extra protein kick.
3. Non-alcoholic Mocktails
The market for non-alcoholic drinks has soared over the last few years and only shows signs of increasing. Consumer attitudes are changing to favour low or no-alcohol options, typically considered lower-calorie offerings. Our smoothie mixes can create a range of drink formats, including blended mocktails, spritzers and more! Here are our top tasty recommendations:
Mango Colada |
Berry Nojito |
Punchy Peach Spritz |
| Ingredients
100ml of Mango Smoothie mix Method Add all ingredients to the blender and blend on programme 3.
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Ingredients
A handful of fresh mint leaves Method Add a handful of mint leaves to a glass and crush.
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Ingredients
60ml of DaVinci Peach Smoothie Mix Method Add ice to a glass until 2/3 full.
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4. Fruity salad dressing
In the warmer weather, salad options are a great grab-and-go offering. Our smoothie mixes can be a base for a delicious fruit salad dressing.
Simply add 50ml of strawberry smoothie mix with 3 teaspoons of balsamic vinaigrette, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and season with salt to taste. To add some extra sweetness, top with a dash of maple syrup or honey (optional).
We recommend creating a light, refreshing salad with spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta and walnuts. Make it a bigger meal and add protein – chicken, tofu or quinoa would work well.
5. Refreshing Summer Sorbet
Expand into the frozen market this Summer and create a refreshing homemade sorbet using our range of smoothie mixes.
Simply add 250ml of DaVinci smoothie – choose from strawberry, summer fruits, peach or mango. Add ice, sugar and water to the blender and blend until a thick consistency. Add the mixture to the freezer for a few hours until firm.
Our favourites are the strawberry or mango, but why not try a tasty combination of a few flavours?
6. Homemade Flapjacks and Muffins
Our smoothie mixes can be used as a puree to add to home baking recipes – a tasty (and slightly healthier) alternative to cakes and confectionary for those seeking lighter options.
Berry Flapjacks |
Berry Muffins |
| Recipe
150ml of DaVinci summer fruit smoothie mix Mix all the ingredients together and place on a non-stick baking sheet (or greased tin/foil). Flatten to about 1cm thick and bake in the oven at 190 degrees Celsius for around 15-20 minutes. Or why not adapt the recipe to make mini fruit muffins? The perfect bite-size treat with a morning coffee |
Recipe
150ml of DaVinci summer fruit smoothie mix Mix everything together and then spoon into well-greased muffin tins. Cook at 190 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes, depending on how big/deep the muffin tins are. The recipe makes approximately 6 muffins. |
7. Summer Cocktail Menu
Last but not least, our DaVinci smoothie mixes can be used as an excellent base to make a range of cocktails across different formats. Deliciously refreshing and tasty on a hot summer day. Why not try our recipe for a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri below:
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Recipe
50ml DaVinci Strawberry Smoothie Mix (or substitute for one of the other flavours in the DaVinci range)
2 pumps of DaVinci Lemon and Lime Syrup
35ml white rum (gin or vodka works well too!)
Squeeze of honey
Ice
Water
Add all ingredients to the blender and serve with lime wedge garnish.
Our DaVinci fruit concentrates can be used in many creative ways – the proof is in the pudding!
