Pumpkin Spice – It’s More Than a Latte

It’s a wonderful time of year for coffee magnates large and small. Customers pack their stores daily, paying any price for the succulent taste of the latest pumpkin-spice latte. Autumn has a way of telling people it’s not only okay, but necessary, to bask in the enticing, savory flavor of pumpkin spice.

But why do fancy coffee drinks get all the love? We enjoy a good latte, too, but pumpkin spice can do so much more.

The Pumpkin Beer Craze

Craft beer’s boon continues to swell, and as seasons change, breweries try to find their signature brew to accompany its devotees. When fall arrives, so do the pumpkin beers and the droves of people looking to imbibe. Right here in Bremer’s home of West Michigan, people clamor for New Holland Brewing’s Ichabod the moment they can get their hands on it, and that’s just one of hundreds of pumpkin beers available locally, nationally and internationally.

Pumpkin Spice Beer - New Holland

Just like the pumpkin-spice latte has become associated with changing leaves, so too has the pumpkin beer.

Not everyone who likes coffee likes beer, and vice versa, and yet lines are out the door to get both, so what’s the correlation? Pumpkin spice, of course.

Pumpkin Spice Makes (Almost) Anything Better

The human senses are powerful. A familiar sound or scent conjures memories and moods, sometimes inexplicably. Pumpkin spice is quintessential to leaves changing, a crispness in the air and all things autumn. The power of the spice comes from its incomparable blend: nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

Those four spices alone will entice, but when combined, they’re irresistible. That’s why we’re seeing people add pumpkin spice to yogurt, oatmeal and pancakes.

Energy bars now have a hint of pumpkin. Spiced nuts tout the pumpkin. Flavored butter, whipped cream and other condiments have joined the craze. We’ve even seen people creating delicious pumpkin ravioli dishes or using the spice to roast vegetables.

Browse the aisles at your local grocery store and you will see scores of products that either feature pumpkin spice or include pumpkin spice in some quantity.

Yes, pumpkin spice makes for a tasty latte. But it also deserves recognition for everything else it enhances. How do you use pumpkin spice? 

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What is Lecithin?

A soybean-based emulsifier or lubricant. Actually, lecithin can be derived from a number of different animal and plant tissues, but soybean oil is one of its primary sources. Sunflower oil is also gaining popularity as a source for lecithin. Let’s take a deep dive into the science behind this ingredient.

Lecithin consists of fatty substances within tissues and can be found in all cellular organisms. Because it can easily be extracted mechanically or chemically, lecithin is readily available for a number of different uses.

What Does Soy Lecithin Do?


Lecithin is quite the versatile ingredient, and can be used either as a food additive or in food preparation as an emulsifier or lubricant.

For instance, the chocolate in a candy bar doesn’t separate because of lecithin. Nonstick cooking spray is non-sticking because of lecithin.

Soy Lecithin as a Food Additive

Foodies like lecithin because it’s a naturally occurring emulsifier that is safe to ingest. That doesn’t mean it’s immune to genetically modified organisms (GMO), because genetically modified crops will also produce lecithin. However, because lecithin is processed, the difference between being derived from an organic crop and genetically modified crop is virtually undetectable.

Still, we understand the importance of knowing where your food originates. When working with Bremer Authentic Ingredients, you’ll know from where the lecithin is derived and which specific type of lecithin works best for your applications.

Select Other Lecithin Uses:

  • Protective coat for paint and ink
  • Color intensifier
  • Rust inhibitor
  • Dietary supplement (choline)
  • Anti-sludge additive in motor lubricants

Interested in other food additives? Connect With Us Today – We Can Help.

The annual Great Lakes Section IFT Supplier’s Exhibit and Wine Dinner happens this year on Wednesday April 30, 2014. Click Here to learn more about the event.

You can find us in booth #29 right near the main entrance and registration area. Join us for the Wine Dinner afterward at Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort where we’ll experience great pairings of food and wine assembled by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

Bremer is a proud sponsor of the IFT event.

To bolster the presence of Bremer Authentic Ingredients in Illinois and Indiana, Bremer is excited to announce the hiring of Tim Richards as the new sales representative for the territory.

Richards is an enthusiastic, passionate individual who has worked in the food industry for nearly 20 years. Most of his experience has come in Indiana, and he knows the market thoroughly. Richards will use his infectious enthusiasm and customer-centric style to increase Bremer’s presence in Illinois and Indiana.

“We knew the opportunity for expansion into a larger portion of the Midwest was there,” said Todd Gifford, Sales Manager with Bremer, “and Tim is the right person to lead that charge. He’s proven himself to be a successful salesperson in the food industry and, most important, puts an intense focus on the customer. His ideals fit right in line with Bremer’s.”

“This is a great opportunity for me and Bremer,” added Richards. “I thrive on working with people, bringing in new business and building on existing business. Being able to help Bremer expand into a market I know well is a challenge I am excited to embrace.”

Bremer is known not only for its quality ingredients, but also for the way it deals with customers. Making sure all customers get everything they need, when they need it, is at the core of Bremer’s customer service. With the addition of Richards, Bremer can seamlessly expand its reach into the Midwest with the same level of customer care for which Bremer is known.

“We’re fully committed to this market,” said Gifford. “When we talked about expanding, we knew we had to do it right. With the addition of Tim, as well as our dedicated trucks and drivers, we’re eager to bring our authentic ingredients farther into the Midwest.”

Located in Illinois or Indiana and looking for quality food ingredients? Contact Tim Richards Today!