Health & Wellness

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NYers want a ‘Chocolate Epiphany’ Honeymoon Chocolates is ready to help

Ready for your ‘Chocolate Epiphany’ ? Honeymoon Chocolates wants to help.

Have you ever felt better after a good meal?  The flavors that linger.  The euphoria that captures your attention.  You’re inspired.  You can’t help but smile.

NYers want a ‘Chocolate Epiphany’  Honeymoon Chocolates is ready to help

 

Today we’re talking with Honeymoon Chocolates’ Cam Loyet.

 

You use the phrase ‘Chocolate Epiphany’.  What does it mean to you?

So up in Bloomington, Illinois, where Hayley and I met there’s a restaurant called the Epiphany Farms it’s farm to table. It’s expensive because you’re getting the highest quality meal. We were only college students. So we really couldn’t afford it, except for once a year. Every meal I had there, I had what seemed like this Epiphany with food where everything tasted better than any meal I’d had in the last 4 weeks. It was just incredible and we hope that you know our chocolate can do that for our customers. 

 

It’s this experience where only a single bite can tide you over or a little bit goes a long way, because not only was the flavor so incredible, but it lasts 5 or 10 minutes, the flavor in your mouth just lingers. 

 

That’s where “Chocolate Epiphany“ comes from being sweetened with honey. It doesn’t have to be sweetened with cane sugar.

 

Honey is as local as it gets and it’s as unrefined as it gets with the sweetener completely untouched, raw unfiltered honey.

 

A lot of our competitors use coconut, sugar, monk fruit or stevia, and those are all processed ingredients, one way or another.  Even cane sugar is processed. 

 

So we’re doing our best to create this experience through chocolate and communicate with our customers; and hopefully it becomes an epiphany in the process.

 

Honeymoon chocolate is a love story, a health story, a delicious flavor, story  and an environmental story.  What else can we add to that?

 

It’s definitely a love story, my girlfriend at the time, now my wife; we met at Illinois Wesleyan University, and started this crazy business of sweetening chocolate with local honey. Yes, we need chocolate with local honey.  And it’s a bittersweet journey. We instantly found out all of the trials and tribulations of owning our own business.  

 

Also the cocoa supply chain. It’s a lot like the diamond industry where there’s a lot of slave labor and a lot of issues with those who really do all the hard work and effort.  There’s a lot of effect we can have as we scale.

 

Yeah, a love story. It’s sweet.  It’s romantic. That’s one of the main reasons why we named it Honeymoon Chocolates because it always has its place at romantic events.

 

We do our best to attract those who want to gift our product. A lot of our customers do gift our chocolate.  

 

It’s environmental as well. It’s all compostable packaging. We have a goal of using only clean energy in the future, but again, it continues to be bitter sweet because chocolate is a very power hungry industry. It takes a lot of effort and energy to manufacture chocolate. It takes a lot of effort and energy just to get the cocoa here.

 

There’s a lot of effort in our industry to be transparent on the energy that is being used in the emissions and our goals to be a bit more transparent on that as well. But we do our best.

I never want our Honeymoon Chocolates wrapper to be out on the streets blowing in the wind without the ability to biodegrade or compost. So we go a little bit more a little bit above and beyond.

Visits Honeymoon Chocolates at: https://hmchocolates.com 

On Instagram, at: www.instagram.com/honeymoonchocolates

On Facebook, at: https://www.facebook.com/honeymoonchocolates

 

 

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea Launches in Pop Up Grocer New York City

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea to Launch in Pop Up Grocer New York City

8th Wonder Tea is excited to announce their launch at Pop Up Grocer New York City for their line of organic sparkling superfood teas. 

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

 

A retailer that curates natural and innovative brands from a variety of small businesses, on March 3rd Pop Up Grocer will begin carrying all five of 8th Wonder’s flavors including their newest release – Organic Sparkling Matcha Cherry Blossom Reishi Tea.

“8th Wonder is beyond excited to join the ranks of other game-changing and disruptive brands in the natural products sector by participating in the Pop Up Grocer event starting in March,”

said Reed Rush, CEO and Co-Founder, of 8th Wonder Tea. 

 

Pop Up Grocer showcases the best and the boldest of innovative brands that are pushing natural and organic consumer packaging good trends into mainstream consciousness.

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

Just as 8th Wonder is devoted to elevating the timeless ritual of tea drinking into a modern and accessible affair for the masses, Pop Up Grocer is transforming the mundane concept of grocery shopping into a more luxurious and immersive experience for the 21st  century.  

Containing real fruit juices, 8th Wonder is infused with ancient superfood ingredients like cardamom, ginger, ashwagandha, chai, and apple juice.

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

8th Wonder Organic Sparkling Superfood Tea

8th Wonder organic sparkling teas contain no added sugar, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. Additionally, 8th Wonder is certified organic, Whole30 approved, non-GMO project verified, paleo, vegan and Kosher certified.Offering gut health and immunity in addition to their delicious taste, 8th Wonder is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory properties, and other benefits that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and the risk of chronic diseases.

On a mission to promote emerging brands from underrepresented vendors while attracting shoppers who are conscious about what they eat, most of Pop Up Grocer’s brands are vegan, women, LGBTQ, and minority owned.

With Pop Up Grocer’s customers enjoying shopping in their out-of-the-box and healthful format, their space offers a retreat from large stores where those following specific, or restrictive, diets have to do a lot of searching to uncover the items they can consume.

According to the Global Organic Tea Markets latest research report in November 2022, the growing consumer preference for safe, chemical-free, and healthy consumables, is one of the most important factors driving market expansion along with a shift in lifestyle and growing demand from the personal care industry.

“As a premium product, 8th Wonder could not be more excited about revamping expectations around how natural products and purveyors like Pop Up Grocer can revolutionize and evolve traditional norms around shopping and consumption,” added Rush.

“Seeking out the first in class, and most intelligent in design, when it comes to our daily choices we can ultimately drive sustainable change in the market while empowering consumers to demand higher standards and better quality from our goods.

As a springboard for brands who are working to bring about these much needed shifts in product development, Pop Up Grocer is the ideal creative outlet.”

Launching on Amazon in November 2022, 8th Wonder has been available at select specialty grocers including Whole Foods in the Rocky Mountain region, and at Mother’s Market and Kitchen and Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins in Southern California, in addition to their direct-to-consumer e-commerce site.

 

For more information on 8th Wonder Tea, visit: https://8thwondertea.com/.

 

8th Wonder Tea makes earth-conscious sparkling teas

 

8th Wonder Tea makes earth-conscious sparkling teas that deliver the enhanced benefits of organic, superfood ingredients to fuel the body and mind. Capitalizing on the popularity of sparkling beverages, 8th Wonder offers the healthy attributes of premium teas by using the finest ingredients.

 

Containing real fruit juices, 8th Wonder is certified organic, Whole30 approved, non-GMO project verified, paleo, vegan and Kosher certified.

 

Infused with ancient superfood ingredients, 8th Wonder contains no added sugar, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. 8th Wonder comes in five flavors and is available on Amazon. For more information on 8thWonder, visit: https://8thwondertea.com/.

Your Summertime Adventures Deserve a Refreshing Taste, Here’s the drink for you

Your summertime adventures deserve a refreshing taste, with healthy results and supporting a good case, taste CaliWater.

This summer many families are going on adventures – from a fun night out, to local road trips to traditional vacations and everything in between.  Families are looking for flavor, looking for healthy options, when possible choosing to support social good.

Recently we tasted a solution that solves all of this and more.

CaliWater's Vanessa Hedgens and Oliver Treveno

CaliWater is the latest celebrity-driven brand on an already crowded grocery shelf to promote flavor, fun and health.

Before you judge it, have you tried cactus water?  If not, honestly it’s worth a taste. 

Open your mind (and your mouth) to the world of cactus water. Try the taste of CaliWater.

The Flavor

CaliWater comes in two subtle, but very different flavors:

Ginger + Lime

It’s a drink that adds a pop to your tongue.  

Tasting-wise, on the nose is heavy lime that for me became a palette cleanser.  Got a funky taste in your mouth?  This can will save you.  The lime notes carry over on your palette and the ginger adds a refreshing zing.   The linger lasts, leaving a pleasant and refreshing taste.

Wild Prickly Pear

Tasting-wise, on your nose its a bit sweet and even floral.  As you taste, it’s giving your mouth a sweet, refreshing bath similar to a bite of watermelon.  

CaliWater's Vanessa Hedgens and Oliver Treveno

But How Healthy is CaliWater?

The simple answer is: very healthy.  

Caliwater contains 5 naturally occurring electrolytes to boost hydration and is packed with skin fortifying antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and 200mg of Prickly Pear Extract which is a proven hangover relief. 

Prickly Pear Cactus has shown to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and provides natural anti-viral properties. Known as a “superfruit”, the Prickly Pear Cactus has been the health solution go-to for many all over the world.

Proven Hangover Relief

Let’s repeat an important part.  The drinks include 200mg of Prickly Pear Extract which is a proven hangover relief. 

Cali water also serves as a fantastic mixer for your favorite cocktail.

Created with passion, love, and a clear mission in mind

Earth-friendly activists Vanessa Hudgens and Oliver Trevena bonded while enjoying a prickly pear margarita.

They launched CaliWater, California cactus water that goes beyond just hydration. 

Created with passion, love and a clear mission in mind CaliWater hopes to promote healthy eco-friendly lifestyles and to make the world a better place. 

With up to 75% of Americans being considered chronically dehydrated CaliWater offer the tasty yet healthy alternative to water that also presents benefits for health and well-being. 

Giving Social Good

CaliWater’s goal is not only to provide health benefits to their customers, but also to raise awareness about the fight against childhood hunger. 

Partnering with No Kid Hungry a charity working to stop hungry children, Cali Wter pledges to donate $0.05 for every can purchased with the goal of donating $1,000,000 by April 2022.

Read for a Taste?

You can shop CaliWater here: https://drinkcaliwater.com/

You can also browse your local Erewhon, Alfred, Bevmo,  Blueys Market & Cafe, Sunlight Organics, The Pie Hotel, Vintage Grocers.

 

 

NYC Vegetarian Food Fest May 21-22 set to Debut Delicious Dishes

NYC Vegetarian Food Fest May 21-22 set to Debut Delicious Dishes at Metropolitan Pavilion

The 10th annual NYC Vegetarian Food Fest includes plant-based food and products, speakers, chef cooking demonstrations, mind/body/fitness classes, kids activities & much more. 

Who is NYC Vegetarian Food Fest for?

People who love to eat and who love to learn more about what they’re eating.  Secondly, people who want to find some ways to bring vegetarianism into their life.


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See, that’s what we’ll learn about (while we’re eating).  Vegetarianism isn’t just what we eat.  It’s how we live, cook, recycle, even travel.  There’s many ways to practice it and this weekend we’re gonna learn more about it.

I love steak and BBQ, is this really for me? 

 

If you walk in looking for tasty food, this is for you.  Simple as that.  If you’re looking to find something that tastes and feels just like steak, maybe the better question is… are your tastebuds adventurous enough to try something new?  

 

There will be world-class chefs at the event cooking for you, answering questions and ready to explode your mind and your mouth.

So, open wide and enjoy!


Related:

Parlor Particular in NYC is An Alluring Evening of Variety & Burlesque is an extravaganza combining enticing aerial acrobatics, cabaret, fire-spitting vixens, magicians and more.


Saturday’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest Events

Shair Gorgiiss is a singer, actress, and entertainer. She’s sung with illustrious musicians such as Chas West (Bonham), Patti Rothberg, and fronted all-female bands like Van Helen and The Heavy Metal Video Darlings. She’s also MC’d the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival for many years.

12-12:45 –Doctors Who Heal With Plants

Wendy Sax (PPMNY Board Member – Moderator); Michelle Loy (Pediatrician/Weill Cornell Medicine); Saray Stancic (PCRM); Shivam Joshi (Nephrologist/Bellevue Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program)

1-1:45 –The Changing Landscape of Restaurants

Diana Edelman; Sarah Ellen; Yesenia Ramdass & Chef Guy Vaknin

1:50-2:20 – Sustainable and Healthy Homes

John Oppermann Esq. (Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative)

3-3:45 – Building Resilience Among Black Women through Plant-Based Nutrition

Chef Rebecca Johnson, Founder of The Plant Rich Life and PPMNY Culinary Organizer (Moderator); Aisha Smith (NP) & Genny Mack (Nutritionist)

3:45-4 –Escape Artists: The Tale of Mike, Mike Jr. and Freddie

Directed by Nancy Siesel

A short documentary about two cows that escape slaughter and the Harley riding truck driver turned vegan advocate who rescues them.

4-4:45 – EATING PLANTS Episode 1. AMERICA

Host: Katie Cleary; Cast: Will Schafer, Cris Sanchez, Dr Neal Barnard, Amy Jean Davis, Shaun Monson, Ravi DeRossi, Eric Adams, Eric Brent, Miyoko Schinner, Miles Woodruff, Daphne Jade Cheng

5-5:45 – Let’s Talk Cannabis…

From THC to CBD, Terpenes, Industrial Hemp and more.. learn from industry experts… get answers to your questions about this amazing plant… – Doc Rob (Moderator); Lev Kelman; Sephida Artis-Mills & umi

And there’s more!


Related:

Broadway’s Tony Nominated ‘For Colored Girls…’ Announces Extension to June 5


Mind/Body Zone

Take some time out of the day and visit the Mind/Body Zone to get your mind and body centered by participating in Yoga, Meditation, and Wellness Activities throughout the weekend from The Noble Touch, Stretch Zone, wellnessDAO and more!

Kumquat Kids Area presented by Coalition for Healthy School Food

Families with children, be sure to visit our Kumquat Kids Area for fun arts and crafts, animal yoga, playacting, and more!

The Food World is Big.  NYC Vegetarian Food Fest opens the door for you.

In over a decade of eating my way through food fests, I’m always shocked by how many more bites there are to discover.  New cuisines.  New cultures.  This year’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest promises to deliver on big flavor.

Hint:  There’s a lot of food out there.  And you probably haven’t tried it all.  So, come over and discover some new tastes.   Your mouth and your belly are going to thank you.  

I’m already a pretty serious Vegetarian.  Is this more beginner stuff?

I bet you’re joking, but I’ll answer anyway.  Nah.  At this year’s NYC Vegetarian Food Fest, chefs, doctors, foodie authorities are premiering new books, new recipes, new kitchen tools.  It’s gonna be amazing.

Will it be a Fun Show?

One of NY’s premier event producers, Nira Paliwoda, co-founded and produces the fest.  So, yeah. It’s gonna be amazing.  A few years ago, there was a party in the admission line itself.   Paliwoda knows how to host a good time and keep her friends entertained.


Related:


​​This weekend May 21-22, the 10th annual event includes plant-based food and products, speakers, chef cooking demonstrations, mind/body/fitness classes, kids activities & much more. 

The 2-day festival will be a showcase of 100% vegan innovation, with revolutionary plant-based food, products and fun for kids and adults alike.

For more info: https://www.nycvegfoodfest.com/

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