The Coca-Cola Company has introduced its Topo Chico Hard Seltzer into the Singapore market. This follows the news that The Coca-Cola Company will be launching Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the US market in March 2021 in partnership with Molson Coors.
Topo Chico is available in four-flavor variety pack – tangy lemon lime, tropical mango, strawberry guava and exotic pineapple.
At 4.7% alcohol by volume, 2 grams of sugar and 100 calories, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer blends spiked pure-filtered sparking water, natural flavors, and added minerals for a crisp, refreshing finish.
The debut of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer allows The Coca-Cola Company to tap into the fast-growing hard seltzer category in Western markets. In Singapore, Carlsberg is ahead of the game with the launch of Somersby Hard Seltzer in late 2020.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is available on cellarbration.com.sg and is described as “when alcohol meets sparkling water”.
Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan has unveiled the Light Coffee Series for coffee lovers with sensitive stomach. The Light Coffee Series uses 100% low acid single origin Arabica beans from Bumi Banjarnegara, Central Jawa selected by @mikaeljasin, who is Kopi Kenangan Head of Coffee and Indonesia Barista Championship Winner 2019 & 2020.
The Light Coffee Series comprise the following with prices ranging from IDR 15,000 to IDR 22,000.
Nestlé Professional has added more foodservice partners for its Harvest Gourmet plant-based meat in Malaysia. Both La Juiceria Superfoods and myBurgerLab have made available new plant-based option at their restaurants.
At La Juiceria Superfoods, the new Vegetarian Truffle Umami Burger is made with plant-based patty from Harvest Gourmet. The plant-based burger is described as “delicious, meatless, locally-sourced, sustainable and high protein.” It is available at La Juiceria Superfoods, Verve Shops only.
myBurgerLab announced that its plant-based patties are available for all burgers with no additional cost as part of its #meatlessmonday initiative. The plant-based burgers are ideal for those trying to reduce their meat intake or on a meat-free diet.
To celebrate summer, URC Thailand has unveiled the new Dewberry Sandwich Cookies with Watermelon Flavoured Cream and Lemon Flavoured Jam. The new sandwich cookie (72g) is available at 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand for a price of THB 10. Watermelon with its cooling image and properties are usually featured as a summer flavour.
Chatime Philippines has partnered with Skippy to a new series of Nutty Cream Cheese drinks. Skippy in foodservice beverages is nothing new but we see more foodservice brands like Chatime are now innovating with Skippy.
The new creation comprises the following:
Nutty Cream Cheese Cocoa
Nutty Cream Cheese Banana Milk Tea
We have previously reported Gong Cha in Malaysia and Kopi Kanto in Indonesia have rolled out beverages made with Skippy.
Laboratory test shows no microplastics detected in natural mineral water sample
KUALA LUMPUR/TAIPING, 14 April 2021 – Spritzer Malaysia (“Spritzer” or the “Company”), which produces Malaysia’s best-selling natural mineral water, has released the results of an analysis conducted by SIRIM, a reputable independent laboratory showing that no microplastics have been detected in Spritzer’s silica-rich natural mineral water
The laboratory had recently conducted tests from a sample taken from a 600ml Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottle produced on 21 January 2021 and did not detect any synthetic polymers or microplastics, even when examined under 50 times magnification.
This is in contrast to research conducted by the State University of New York – Fredonia (“SUNY-Fredonia”) titled “Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water” revealing that many international brands of bottled water were contaminated with microplastics, which, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the European Chemicals Agency, are very small fragments of plastic originating from various industrial and manufacturing processes and products that can contaminate natural ecosystems.
The tests done by SUNY-Fredonia covered 259 individual bottles from 27 different lots across 11 brands, purchased from 19 locations in nine countries around the world. The SUNY-Fredonia report noted that there was an average of 325 particles per litre, with concentration ranging from zero to more than 10,000 particles in a single bottle. From the samples, the report found that 93% were found to contain microplastics.
Most notably, the SUNY-Fredonia tests showed that microplastics were detected in the samples from these brands ranging from 6.5 uM (micrometre) to 100 uM in sizes. However, the recent analysis conducted by the independent laboratory showed that in these ranges and even up to 1uM, no microplastics were detected in Spritzer Natural Mineral Water.
The findings from SIRIM are a powerful affirmation of the stringent quality processes practiced by Spritzer, and a testament to its efforts in ensuring that the pristine 330-acre site in Taiping, Perak located near a tropical rainforest from which the Company draws the sources of its natural mineral water, is kept clean and safe for consumption.
Spritzer, which has won awards for the refreshing taste of its mineral water as well as various certifications for product processing, is committed to protecting the integrity, quality, safety and purity of this natural water source with automated and advanced bottling technology used to ensure that it is free from pollution.
Silica-rich mineral water has also been found to be beneficial to health, as research by UK-based Keele University has found. Those who consume 1- to 1.5 litres of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water can reduce or eliminate aluminium toxins found in their bodies as the silicate acid in the natural mineral water bonds with the toxins that are then passed out as urine.
UCC Coffee has made available UCC Iced Creamy 3-in-1- Coffee Mix in the Philippines. The new coffee mix is designed to make ice coffee as it dissolves easily in cold water, ideal for those looking to beat the summer heat.
UCC Iced Creamy 3-in-1- Coffee Mix is said to be a complete mix of coffee, creamer and sugar that you can enjoy at home or you can bring anywhere you go.
The UCC Iced Creamy 3-in-1 Coffee Mix is available for a bundle of 3 on Shopee for PHP 285.
Starbucks Philippines has introduced Coffee Traveler Kit, which can serve up to 12 cups of brewed coffee. The price for the traveler kit is PHP 890 equivalent to PHP 74 per cup. Now you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks cafe experience from home.
Coffee Traveler Kit is available for take-out at all Starbucks stores. The kit resembles the one we have seen by Chaayos, a tea chain in India. The Chaayos version is an insulated box of micro fluted carton with a spout that comes with an easy to pour handle.
7-Eleven Malaysia has launched Premium Selection Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Bun (60g) and Spicy Ikan Bilis Roll (60g) as it upgrades its private label bakery selection. The Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Bun reminded us of a similar launch by Mighty White.
The convenience store has also given its existing Onigiri and Cocoks a brand new look.
SHAH ALAM, April 14, 2021– Coconut milk is a staple of Malaysian cuisine, more so during Ramadan and Raya for the nostalgic taste, creaminess and health benefits it adds to any dish.
Ayam Brand™ understands the fine balance between the longing for the taste of kuihs from our childhood with our busy lifestyles, health related dietary concerns, and the limited time we have to prepare for Iftar and Sahur. Fresh coconut is wonderful but finding it in stores, and extracting coconut milk can take time – time that we do not have!
Coconut Milk
Ayam Brand has been providing the great taste and health benefits of coconut milk, in convenient packs for decades. Ayam Brand™ Coconut Milk is hygienically squeezed from selected ripe coconuts, then sealed in convenient tetra packs using Ultra High Temperature (UHT) technology. It is as good as squeezing by hand but without the hassle of cleaning up after.
Coconut Milk Trim
You can use Ayam Brand Santan, Ayam Brand Santan Trim (45% reduced in fat) or Ayam Brand Santan Super Light (only 5% of fat!) depending on your preference.
Coconut Milk
Just in time for Ramadan and Raya, Ayam Brand has introduced its limited edition Ayam Brand Santan 200ml with easy open cap – so you can use what you need, seal the cap and refrigerate the rest for later. A new pack but the same great recipe.
If you are a regular Ramadan bazaar goer like us, you would notice that nostalgic regional delights are always unavailable. Ayam Brand’s recipe developers have created five recipes for traditional delights using santan that you can make at home. They have thoughtfully simplified the recipes to suit regular kitchen equipment, and worked with nutritionists to cut down the sugar and fat content with an eye on health.
The rare kuih Akok from the East Coast, kuih Tako also known as kuih limas from the South, bubur pulut hitam from the North, kuih seri muka labu kuning from Kelantan and the ever popular sago gula Melaka will take you back to childhood in your hometown or kampung. All of these kuihs have the nostalgic creamy nutty goodness of Ayam Brand Coconut Milk.
Try out the convenience of the new easy open Ayam Brand Santan 200ml this Ramadan and Raya, and participate in the Ayam Brand Masak dan Menang contest. Simply whip up a dish using Ayam Brand Coconut milk, take a pix and upload to your Facebook or Instagram account and use the hashtag #santanayambrand to be in the running for all-in-one cooker prizes worth up to RM17,300 from innochef! For details visit https://www.ayambrand.com.my/masakdanmenang
Kuih Akok
1. Quick and Easy Kuih Akok
No mould and charcoal fire required here, just a muffin pan and your oven! Boil Gula Melaka and thinly sliced pandan leaves, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is fragrant. Remove from stove, and slowly pour in the Ayam Brand Coconut Milk. Let it cool. In the meantime heat the oven, and oil your muffin pans. Add egg and sieved flour to the coconut mixture, and stir well. Divide the kuih batter evenly among the 12 muffin tins. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is browned.
Healthy tips:
You can reduce the gula melaka, but it will lose some of the caramelised taste; and an important note do not substitute with white sugar as it will not taste as good. For a lower fat option use Ayam Brand Super Light santan that has only 5% of fat.
2. Kuih Tako (also known as Kuih Limas)
Kuih tako or kuih limas is similar to kuih tepung pelita but usually has a sweet or crunchy surprise hidden inside that made it a favorite with kids. The additional step of adding the surprise inside could be why it isn’t commonly found at Ramadan bazaars. Here’s a simplified version from Ayam Brand that has sweet corn and water chestnuts as the secret filling for texture and fibre!
The first step is to make 30 pandan cases – this is a fun activity that children can help with. Next, prepare the base by combining green bean flour, sugar, salt and water. Cook on low heat until thickened, then turn off the heat. Add some water chestnuts in each pandan case, then pour in the base mixture and allow it to cool and set.
In another pot, make the topping by combining coconut milk, green bean flour and water until thickened. Adding the topping to the set base and decorate with a teaspoon of corn in each pandan case. Allow to set in the fridge – perfect for Sahur!
Healthy tips:
The sugar content of this recipe has been reduced so it is less sweet, the green bean flour, Ayam Brand Sweet Corn and water chestnuts add fibre and vitamins. Cold out of the fridge for Sahur, this will give you sustained energy.
Bubur Pulut Hitam
3. Bubur Pulut Hitam
Bubur pulut hitam or black glutinous rice porridge is a hearty, healthy and surprisingly easy to prepare treat. Make it at home to have just the right amount of creamy santan for your taste.
Cook the black glutinous rice, pandan leaves and water in low heat with the lid on. Simmer for an hour or until the rice has softened. Simultaneously heat the coconut milk, salth and sugar to taste. To serve, scoop the lusciously gooey rice into a bowl and add the coconut milk mixture.
Quick tips:
If you have a pressure cooker, the time for this recipe can be reduced significantly. You can also heat the coconut milk mixture in the microwave instead of on the stove. We try to use all kitchen appliances, too! Make a double batch, that can be refrigerated and heated for another day’s Iftar or Sahur.
Kuih Seri Muka Labu
4. Kuih Seri Muka Labu
The regular seri muka with its creamy glutinous rice base and pandan green custardy topping is widely available, but the kuih seri muka labu or pumpkin seri muka is a rarity at any bazaar as it is a labour of love.
Make the glutinous rice base according to the Ayam Brand website recipe. For pumpkin custard topping mix eggs, coconut milk, mashed pumpkin, sugar and flour until smooth, and double boil for a creamy, smooth custard.
Compact the glutinous rice mixture into a pan, so it can hold its shape when cut. Then use a sieve to pour over the pumpkin custard topping. Steam on medium heat. Allow to cool before cutting into the traditional diamond shapes.
Quick and healthy tips:
Use a rice cooker to get the base mixture done. Ripe pumpkin is naturally sweet, so you can reduce the sugar further. The eggs provide protein, while the pumpkin and coconut milk add fiber, vitamins and flavour for an excellent buka puasa treat.
Sago Gula Melaka
5. Sago Gula Melaka
This is a popular favorite, but too often commercial versions are short on the sago and coconut milk , while the gula melaka (palm sugar) is not fragrant and caramelized. Try this simple recipe and you will never go back to bazaar sago gula melaka again.
Simmer the sago in a pot of hot water for 30 mins, stir frequently to keep from sticking. While the sago cooks, boil the coconut milk with water and salt. Allow to cool. Dice the palm sugar, and heat until fragrant.
To serve, mound the sago, pour on the coconut milk and add the palm sugar mixture to taste.
Healthy tips:
You can reduce the palm sugar and brown sugar. For a more intense flavour, heat the palm sugar until it caramelises.
And that’s how we do nostalgia, right! Ramadan Kareem.
SUNWAY CITY, 11 September 2024—Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) began its 25th anniversary celebration with its annual SunMed Health Carnival on 8 September...
