This weekend as Labor Day approaches, we cling to that last bit of summer. Warm summer nights, outdoor activities, fresh fruit and vegetables are only some of our summer favorites. We also find ourselves engaging in healthier habits during the summer, such as increased physical activity, lighter eating and of course a refreshing glass of any of Syfo’s delicious sparkling water flavors. Make a pledge to yourself to continue these healthy habits all year round!

We helped you get the summer off to a healthy start with this post on the importance of staying hydrated with water on those hot summer days and we shared with you some delicious Fourth of July recipes here. While we can’t make summer last any longer, this refreshing cocktail recipe is sure to keep the spirit of summer going all year long.

Sparkling Cojito Cocktail

cojitosmallCourtesy of the kitchn website, here’s a cool refreshing variation of the mojito. The recipe serves six.

Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh mint, keep a few sprigs to the side for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
4 limes juiced
3 cups coconut rum, like Blue Chair Bay
1 liter Syfo Original Seltzer
Ice
Lime wedges for garnish

 

Preparation:

In a large pitcher, combine the mint, sugar and water, and muddle. Add the lime juice and rum, and stir to combine. Fill the pitcher with ice and add the seltzer. Pour into ice filled glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

Sparkling water has always had its loyal following over the years. Beginning with seltzer back in the day, people have turned to sparkling water for a healthier alternative to soda and other soft drinks. Syfo fans in particular have loved the delicious natural flavors, the 100% purified water and fact that there are no additives. But recently, the sales of sparkling water have seen explosive growth. One of the reasons? Millennials have caught on to the enjoyment and health benefits of sparkling water.

According to the most recent statistics, sparkling water sales have leapt from $65 million in 2010 to $226 million in 2015. It is now the number one flavored water in the U.S. A large part of this growth is from a broad group of consumers that have turned to sparkling water as the negative health effects of sugary soft drinks have gained notoriety. Marketresearch.com reports that consumption of soft drinks, diet or sugared, has slipped by double digit percentages. The site also notes that people who have shifted to sparkling water are more likely to look for organic foods or buy foods that are locally-sourced and without artificial additives.

When it comes to Millennials, marketresearch.com points out that European consumers have long seen their preference for sparkling water as a status symbol. Now in the U.S., Millennials and GenXers have begun to drink premium and sparkling water as a health and lifestyle statement.

At 77 million strong, Millennials will be a dynamic market for sparkling water in the years ahead. And Business Insider points out that blogs and social media have played a large role in getting the word out for sparkling water, as Millennials are less likely to see or be influenced by traditional advertising, but are more swayed by the recommendations of their peers.

If you’re a grocer, now’s the time to jump on the sparkling water trend if you haven’t already. Click here for more information on carrying Syfo Naturally Flavored Sparkling Waters in your store.

Have you heard the latest news? Our newest flavor, Peach-Pear, was recently featured in Beverage Industry Magazine in its “New Products” section. Peach-Pear is delicious, refreshing and smooth combining notes of Peach and a hint of Pear. Sparkling with effervescence our new Peach-Pear flavor will make your taste buds tango. Perfect for the summer days ahead!

As with our Original Seltzer and all of our Naturally-Flavored Sparkling Waters, Peach-Pear is made with the highest quality purified water and PG (propylene glycol) free flavors. There is no sodium, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives of any kind. If it’s not on the shelf at your local Grocer, ask them to add Peach-Pear to their lineup of Syfo flavors. Or ask your Grocer if they can order some for you as a special item. The item code is #214766. Call us at 888-426-7936 if you need help ordering Peach-Pear.

Memorial Day is a chance to remember all the service men and women for their sacrifice, and it’s become one of America’s favorite holiday weekends. For many Americans this weekend also heralds the start of summer — with school ending, vacations beginning, beaches opening and plenty of camping, barbecuing and outdoor recreation ahead.

So while all this summer fun is going on, it’s important to be mindful of your health, eat well and stay hydrated. When heading to the beach, pack that sunscreen to offset the hot sun. At your next cookout — in addition to all the meats – add shrimp, a green salad and fresh fruit to help balance the meal. And with any of your outdoor activities, it’s important to have plenty to drink to stay hydrated in the heat.

And not just any liquid. Soft drinks, energy drinks, iced tea, alcohol and similar beverages can actually dehydrate you. This especially true for sugar-laden drinks, where research has shown that the sugar in these drinks removes water from the body.

That’s why water is the perfect beverage choice for all the summer fun ahead and Syfo Beverages can give you the best of both worlds. Our Naturally Flavored Sparkling Waters and Original Seltzer are made with purified water and contain no sugar, sodium, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or other additives. The effervescence is refreshing, the water hydrating and our all-natural flavors make Syfo the perfect complement for any summer activity, get-together or meal. For the perfect summer treat, try our new Peach-Pear Naturally Flavored Sparkling Water!

So enjoy all of your Memorial Day weekend activities while remembering our brave service men and women. And be sure to have plenty of Syfo on hand for those summer days ahead.

Worried about sugar in soft drinks? That’s understandable given the health concerns of obesity, Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tooth decay. The growing awareness of these negative health effects pushed soda manufacturers into promoting their drinks with artificial sweeteners, but many of those have been shown to have health risks too. Now many brands, including PepsiCo, have turned to the sweetener sucralose as an alternative, but a recent study indicates this substance may carry risks as well.

The study published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health shows a possible link between sucralose and cancer. In this study that was led by Italian researcher Morando Soffritti, mice were given four different doses or no dose of sucralose in their feed from prenatal life to death. Consumption of sucralose was associated with an increased rate of malignant tumors in the male mice. The researchers concluded that the relationship between sucralose dose levels and cancerous tumors in male mice was significant. Also, results among female mice showed an increased rate of benign tumors in the stomach, ovaries and uterus.

The authors of the study called for more research to be completed in order to further assess the safety of sucralose as an additive for foods and beverages. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an independent non-profit consumer advocacy group that promotes safe nutritional policies, changed their rating of sucralose from “caution” to “avoid” in response to Soffritti’s study.

Given all these risks of sugar and artificial sweeteners, it makes more sense than ever to make the safe healthy choice. Syfo Naturally Flavored Sparkling Waters are delicious and refreshing, and contain no additives, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or sodium. Check back with us often for more health news and delicious beverage recipes.