Fall into Energy

As the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, chances are you are reaching for more coffee than usual. Maybe you’ve been going for that second or third cup hoping it will help, but what if instead of another coffee you tried an energy drink? If you read that and thought, ‘No way, there is way too much caffeine!’, read on.

Energy drinks are regulated as supplemented foods

First, it is helpful to know that energy drinks in Canada are now regulated under a new category in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) known as Supplemented foods (SFs). These are foods and drinks that contain 1 or more supplemented ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, minerals, amino acids or other ingredients but are not added for the purpose of fortification.[1] These products will be required to display a front of pack label from Health Canada with the words ‘Supplemented’ and they will have a ‘Supplemented food facts table’ instead of a ‘Nutrition facts table’. This is a great step as now the quantity of caffeine in an energy drink will be displayed in this table, making it very easy to identify the amount.

Why is this important? Because the caffeine content of energy drinks can range. For example, a 250 ml Red Bull contains 80 mg of caffeine whereas other typical 473 ml energy drinks like Ghost or Bang may contain up to 180 mg. Note, that bottled coffee and tea beverages do not have to display their caffeine content, so you may need to check with the manufacturer to understand caffeine content of those beverages.

Energy drinks provide a consistent dose of caffeine

Health Canada along with other regulatory bodies like the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend a daily caffeine intake of 400 mg for healthy adults over 18 years old (excluding those who are pregnant or breastfeeding).[2]

The caffeine levels in a coffee or tea can vary greatly depending on the beans (or leaves), the brewing method, and the brewing time. This means that each coffee you have will provide a varying dose of caffeine. This may not be a big deal with your first cup of the day, but as you reach for those second and third cups, this variability can add up. Whereas, because an energy drink is usually made with synthetic, pharmaceutical grade caffeine you will be provided with a consistent, reliable dose which is something that gets more important as the day goes on.

To give you a rough idea of the caffeine contents of a typical coffee, a small 237 ml brewed coffee contains on average 135 mg of caffeine and a small 237 ml filter drip coffee contains an average of 179 mg of caffeine.[3]

If you’re feeling the effects from the darker days and looking for some caffeine to get you through the workday, consider an energy drink instead of that second cup of coffee to provide you with a consistent amount of caffeine.

[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/legislation-guidelines/guidance-documents/supplemented-foods-regulations.html

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/supplemented-foods/new-cautionary-labels-caffeinated-energy-drinks.html

[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/caffeine-foods.html

Fall Flavours and Limited Time Offers to Elevate Your  Menu

The arrival of fall brings a fresh palette of flavours and seasonal ingredients. With the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, diners are on the lookout for comforting, seasonal dishes that capture the essence of autumn. Introducing a fall menu not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also aligns your restaurant with the seasonal cravings of your patrons.

By incorporating autumnal ingredients such as squash, apples, and spices, you can create dishes that resonate with the warmth and coziness synonymous with this time of year. Whether you run a fine dining establishment or a cozy café, the fall season is a prime opportunity to revamp your menu and entice both new and returning customers.

Attracting Customers with a Fall Menu

A fall menu is more than just a seasonal change; it's an opportunity to create buzz and draw in curious diners. Highlighting the unique flavours of autumn can set your restaurant apart and make it a destination for those seeking seasonal delights.

Focus on seasonal ingredients that are at their peak during the fall. Consider dishes like butternut squash soup, apple cider-glazed pork, and roasted root vegetables, which showcase the bounty of the season.

Secondly, storytelling can be a powerful tool. Share the inspiration behind your fall menu through social media, newsletters, or on your restaurant's website. Whether it’s a family recipe, a tribute to local farmers, or a personal culinary adventure, letting your customers in on the story adds a layer of connection and intrigue. Lastly, consider hosting a fall menu launch event. Invite local food bloggers and loyal customers to sample your new dishes, creating word-of-mouth excitement that can drive more traffic to your restaurant.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

No discussion of fall menus is complete without mentioning the iconic pumpkin spice. This beloved flavour, with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall.

Pumpkin spice can be more versatile than you might think. Beyond the classic pumpkin spice latte, consider using this flavour profile in desserts like pumpkin spice cheesecake or muffins. It can also be creatively integrated into savoury dishes, such as a pumpkin spice-infused marinade for poultry or as a seasoning for roasted nuts featured in a salad.

Remember, the key is balance. While pumpkin spice is wildly popular, ensure it complements your overall menu and doesn't overshadow other fall favourites. By offering a diverse selection of fall flavours, you can cater to a broader audience and avoid the pitfalls of a one-note menu.

Creative Ideas for Limited Time Offers

Limited time offers (LTOs) are a powerful strategy for driving interest and urgency in your restaurant. By presenting exclusive dishes for a short duration, you create a sense of scarcity that encourages customers to act quickly. They can also help you identify trends and preferences within your customer base. By analyzing sales data from LTOs, you can gain valuable insights into what concepts resonate most with your audience. This information is invaluable for shaping future menu decisions and ensuring your restaurant stays relevant in a competitive market.

Think outside the box with your LTOs. While fall staples like pumpkin and apple are always a hit, consider introducing unconventional ingredients or international flavours that align with autumn. For example, a Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine with apricots and almonds or a Japanese kabocha squash tempura can offer a unique twist on fall dining.

Engage your customers by involving them in the creation process. Host a contest where patrons can submit their fall-inspired dish ideas, with the winning entry making it onto your menu as a limited time offer. This not only sparks creativity but also fosters a sense of community and involvement. Additionally, promote your LTOs through social media teasers and email campaigns, highlighting the limited availability to entice diners to visit before the opportunity slips away.

View the fall issue of The Dish

Elevate Your Cooking: Top Tips for Premium Oils & Fats

We've collaborated with the team at Saporito Foods to help you elevate your cooking, frying, and baking techniques. In this post, we’ll share valuable tips and tricks on how to effectively use and maintain these products in your kitchen.

Understanding the Products + Uses

Liquid Fry Shortening 16L Pail (Product number: 460145)

Specially Designed for Deep Frying: This product is produced without partially hydrogenated oils, making it perfect for deep frying. It maintains stability at high temperatures, ensuring your fried foods come out crispy and delicious.

Usage Tip: Ideal for commercial deep fryers. Regularly filter the oil to extend its life and maintain food quality.

Canola Oil 16L Pail (Product number: 448271)

Low Saturated Fat Content: Canola oil contains the lowest level of saturated fatty acids among vegetable oils, making it a healthier option for various cooking methods.

Usage Tip: Perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, baking, and as a base for salad dressings. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.

Soya Margarine Yellow 13kg (Product number: 210341)

Great Flavour and Smooth Texture: Made from a blend of non-hydrogenated soya and vegetable oils, this margarine offers a cost-competitive formula without compromising on taste and texture.

Usage Tip: Excellent for baking and spreading. Ensure it is kept refrigerated to maintain its consistency and flavour.

Total Beef® Deep Fry Shortening 20kg (Product number: 460257)

Non-Hydrogenated Frying Shortening: Ideal for deep-frying French fries, poultry, and finger foods. This product ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Usage Tip: Regularly monitor the temperature of your fryer to avoid overheating, which can break down the shortening and affect the taste of your food.

 Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Filtration: For oils used in deep frying, it's crucial to filter the oil daily. This removes food particles and extends the oil's usability.

2. Proper Storage: Always store oils and shortenings in a cool, dark place to prevent them from going rancid. Margarine should be kept refrigerated.

3. Monitoring Usage: Keep track of how many times you've used the oil. As a general rule, replace frying oil after 8-10 uses or when it starts to smoke at lower temperatures than usual.

4. Temperature Control: Maintain proper frying temperatures (typically around 350°F to 375°F). Overheating can degrade the oil faster and affect the quality of your food.

Why Choose Saporito Foods?

Saporito Foods is your trusted supplier for healthy, trans fat-free, premium quality oils, shortenings, and margarines. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of competitively priced, high-quality products, including canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, blended oils, shortenings, and margarines suitable for both retail and food service markets. Whether you are cooking, frying, or baking, we have the right product to meet your needs.

For more information and to explore our full product range, visit  www.saporitofoods.com.

Good Leaf, Good Greens

Chefs have always used microgreens as a beautiful finishing touch to garnish their final dish, but did you know that microgreens can add benefits beyond their stunning looks?

GoodLeaf Farms is revolutionizing the way that microgreens are grown and taste through the powers of vertical farming. This innovative way of farming allows for these gorgeous greens to be grown in Ontario year-round, so you never have to worry about seasonality or availability. Their highly specialized growing methods and controlled environments allow for their microgreens to produce intense, delicious flavours that can be used to add to meals and used in creative ways. One of the standout features of Good Leaf products is that they are never touched by pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or even human hands until they reach their final destination. This commitment to "Pure" farming ensures the utmost purity and quality.

Here's 4 Ways Chefs can use Microgreens for more than just a Garnish:

1. Swap the Lettuce for Microgreens: Using our Kick'n Micro Mustard on a Burger or Sandwich creates an intense mustardy flavour without the sauce, while still providing all the freshness of traditional lettuce. 
2. Use as an Alternative to Herbs: Swap in Intensely Arugula Micros instead of basil in pesto to give a uniquely nutty and pepper twist. Zesty Micro Radish also makes a delicious addition to chimichurri adding zip and zest (as well as a bright purple colour) to this classic sauce!
3. Elevate customers dining experience: Adding Baby Arugula to pizza isn't new - but no one like to take a bite and had this green pull off all at once. Elevate your customers experience by swapping this for Micro Arugula. The much smaller, more delicate leaves mean a kick of peppery arugula in every bite!"
4. Add Spice to any Dish: Use the Zesty Micro Radish as a staple ingredient to tacos to add an extra hit of spice; or mix in Kick'n Micro Mustard to Rice or Quinoa for some extra flavour (no chopping required)!

No matter the dish, GoodLeaf nutrient-dense microgreens are a simple and creative way for chefs to add flavours and colours to increase customers’ dining experience!"

2024 Food Show Product Review

The 2024 food show was our best yet! There was so much energy in the building, we are so grateful that our customers, suppliers and employees put so much effort to make the day as wonderful as it was. If you weren’t able to come, here were some of our favourite products of the day:

With hundreds of innovative products to see and an array of delicious samples to taste, the Flanagan Show truly showcased the best of what the food industry has to offer. For those who couldn't make it this year, we missed having you with us and sincerely hope you'll be able to join the excitement next time. I may be biased (okay, I am definitely biased), but the Flanagan Show stands unrivaled as the premier foodshow in Ontario. Here's to hoping we see you next year!