Coffee 101: Which is Your Favorite?
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
It’s Sunday morning at your local coffee shop, and the person in front of you orders a coffee you cannot even pronounce. You quickly Google what in the world they just said, but still do not understand the various types of coffee. You may be wondering, “Aren’t these all the same?” We get it. We have been there and are here to help! Whether you are a black coffee drinker or a “Caramel Macchiato with Extra Cold Foam and Light Ice” kind-of person, we got you covered. Any confusion is sure to be cleared up after reading below!
Regular Brewed Coffee: What is “brewed coffee?” Brewed coffee simply contains coffee grounds that are brewed (hot water poured onto the coffee beans) and then filtered. Whether you like hot coffee with cream and sugar or just plain black, we have an option for everyone at Price Chopper and Market 32! Check out our collection at the end of this blog.
Iced Cold Brew: Contrary to iced coffee that was originally hot, iced cold brew is never hot. Iced cold brew is brewed from 12-24 hours and then steeped at room temperature. After this process is finished, the cold brew is diluted with water and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. This type of coffee has more caffeine and a smoother taste than normal iced coffee.
Espresso: Espresso can be taken as a shot for a burst of energy or poured into your cup of coffee. Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is made by using finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and applying high pressure. The taste of espresso is very strong and bold compared to other coffee.
Americano: When comparing an Americano coffee to regular hot coffee, there appears to be no difference, however, there is a slight discrepancy between the two. Americano coffee simply contains espresso and water, whereas regularly brewed coffee are coffee beans that have been filtered.
Latte: A hot latte consists of milk foam at the top of the cup, a large amount of steamed milk in the middle, and then espresso on the bottom. The milk used for a latte is steamed and frothed to create a delicious, thick foam. While an iced latte has the same ingredients, espresso is simply poured over chilled milk. Any type of milk can be used to create a latte, including non dairy almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk.
Cappuccino: While a latte and cappuccino are very similar, the ratio of milk is what differentiates the two. Cappuccino ratios are 1:1:1 with equal parts of milk foam at the top, steamed milk in the middle, and espresso at the bottom.
Macchiato: A hot macchiato contains espresso at the bottom and a lot of steamed milk on top. That is it! An iced macchiato is the same thing except a lot of chilled milk is added on top of the espresso.
Of course, with any of these drinks, you can modify it to your liking. Whether you enjoy a sweet syrup mixed in or whip cream on top, these drinks can be tailored to anyone’s preferences. The next time you hear the person in front of you order a long-named drink, you won’t have to Google what they are asking for!
Interested in making the best latte? Check out this Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte from our YouTube Channel!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
‘Tis the season for fresh veggies! June 16th is a date to mark on your calendar with a splash of color and a burst of flavor—it’s National Veggies Day! This vibrant day isn’t just about eating more of this food group; it’s about embracing the joy and creativity that vegetables bring to our lives. From their stunning colors and intriguing shapes to their endless culinary possibilities, veggies offer a feast for the senses. Here’s how you can celebrate this delightful day with enthusiasm and creativity.
- Create a Rainbow Platter: Assemble a colorful platter of fruits and vegetables. Think red bell peppers, orange slices, yellow corn, green cucumbers, blue blueberries, and purple grapes. This not only looks stunning but also adds a festive touch to your dining table.
- Food Photography: If you’re into photography, fruits and vegetables make excellent subjects. Their vibrant colors and unique textures can inspire beautiful food photography.
- Fruit and/or Veggie Infused Water: Enhance your hydration with fruit or veggie-infused water. Add slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint leaves to your water pitcher. It’s a simple yet refreshing way to enjoy the essence of fruits throughout the day.
- Try a new recipe: Incorporating more veggies into your diet does not have to be a hassle. This can be as simple as tossing in some chopped up veggies in your rice. Check out some summertime recipe ideas below!
Check out more recipes here:
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Every year on April 11th, pet lovers across the nation come together to celebrate National Pet Day. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the special bond we share with our beloved animal companions, whether they have fur, feathers, scales, or fins. National Pet Day serves as a reminder of the joy, love, and companionship our pets bring into our lives each and every day.
National Pet Day serves so much more than showering our pets with toys, treats, and endless kisses (although, of course we will do this anyway). It is also a day to bring awareness to the pets in need across the globe, whether that is a need for food, water, or adoption. At Price Chopper & Market 32, we are proud to host a pet food drive from April 1st – April 30th. Your generous donation will help support your local animal shelter. Check out the pet solution center of your local store for products you can purchase and donate. Look for the collection bin or carts at the front of the store.
Find a store near you!
How can you celebrate National Pet Day? Check out some ideas below!
- Pamper your pet! Take some time today to treat your pet to everything he or she loves, like a walk, an extra treat, or some extra long snuggles!
- Donate to an animal drive or shelter.
- Spread awareness to your friends, families, and colleagues about pets that need adopting.
- Practice responsible pet ownership by ensuring your house is pet-proofed, your companion is up-to-date on all of their vaccines, and they have routine check ups at the vet. (Who doesn’t love the vet?)
Check out some pawsome pet savings, as well as some of our furry friends of the northeast here!
Haleigh Eustis
Intern, Digital Marketing
Happy National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day! I’d like to tell you a joke about peanut butter . . . but you might spread it! We all love peanut butter for its nutty flavor and smooth or crunchy consistency. This household staple is perfect in a sandwich, cookie or paired with fruits and veggies, but did you know that peanut butter is in endless amounts of breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes? In celebration of National Peanut Butter Day, I have compiled a list of delicious recipes that are delectable and easy to make!
Granola Bites. The perfect grab and go snack that is easy to make! Packed full of oats, honey, dried fruits and coconut, these granola bites utilize peanut butter as the “glue” that holds the ingredients together. These bite sized treats are the perfect “pick me up” during the day and are stored in the fridge so the oats can absorb moisture.
Peanut Butter-Tofu Mousse Tart. Listen, I know what you’re thinking. Tofu in a dessert, will that taste good? The answer is yes! Tofu is a flavorless protein substitute that takes on the flavor of other ingredients . . . in this case: peanut butter! Tofu also creates a silky-smooth texture when blended which makes for the perfect mousse texture! Top this yummy dessert with chocolate chips or drizzle and serve!
Thai Shrimp Zoodles Bowl. Looking for a dinner that feeds lots of people and is incredibly tasty? Thai zoodles are the perfect option as they are simple to make and assemble. Utilize PICS peanut butter in the mouth-watering peanut sauce that the dish is served with. This recipe is filled with fresh and delicious ingredients and takes no longer than 15 minutes to prepare and serve!
These recipes are only a fraction of delicious meals that utilize peanut butter. And what about the people who can’t eat peanuts? Don’t worry! There are plenty of plant and nut butter options located at Price Chopper/Market 32 for each and every person’s dietary restrictions. We hope that you go nutty for our PICS peanut butter options!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Apple cider and apple cider donuts are a staple this time of year. The warm smell of apples fills the air and overloads our hearts with joy. Apple cider products are so well loved, that it has its own day – November 18th! Naturally, we are super excited about this day for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons we are celebrating is because our M32 cider is produced from Northeast-grown apples. We partner with a variety of local cider mills in our region, like Vermont’s Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Beak and Skiff in Lafayette NY and more! Let’s check out these two below.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Center VT
From apple cider to desserts to a full food menu, this cider mill has it all! During their peak autumn season, roughly 15,000 donuts and 4,000 gallons of apple cider will be made each day. Yes, you read that correctly!
Beak and Skiff, Lafayette NY
It all began in 1911 when Andrew Beak, a dairy farmer, and George Skiff, an onion farmer, teamed up to establish the very popular Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. While many harsh weather conditions challenged their business over the years, the two men never stopped doing what they loved. Today, five generations have passed and Beak and Skiff is a booming business. Here you can find apple picking, cider tasting, a very large gift shop, and a café for apple cider donuts and many lunch items. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard has something for the whole family!
We are proud to partner with these two local cider mills! Take a look at this delicious recipe below made with our Market 32 Apple Cider!
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Today is a day to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor all of our farmers. Farmers, often regarded as the backbone of our society, play a huge role in nourishing the world and sustaining the balance between humanity and the environment. Their tireless efforts should never go unnoticed. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we want to call out some of our local farmers who help supply our stores. This includes anything from pumpkins to hot dogs and everything in between. Let’s take a look at a few of many local farmers!
Patch Orchards, Lebanon NH
At Patch Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire, eight generations have carried the legacy of this wonderful apple orchard. Not only do they sell a variety of produce, but many maple products are also sold. These include maple syrup, maple candies, pure maple sugar, and maple cream. There are many family fun activities to do while you visit Patch Orchards, so be sure to check out their website below.
Plainville Farm, Hadley MA
A third-generation farm in Hadley, Massachusetts, Plainville Farm specializes in pumpkins, asparagus, hard squash, and their famous butternut squash! We are proud to be partners for the past seven years!
McKenzie’s Country Classics: Burlington, VT
John and Nellie McKenzie immigrated to Vermont in 1898 and developed their own farm. When Nellie began giving country hams as holiday gifts, word got out about the heavenly taste. The McKenzies never turned back. Today, McKenzie’s belief is, “Be good, do good, and bring good to as many people as we can.” This is why you will find only the finest meats and cheeses at McKenzie’s with no antibiotics or added growth hormones. They take pride in producing healthy, wholesome goods.
Beak and Skiff, Lafayette NY
It all began in 1911 when Andrew Beak, a dairy farmer, and George Skiff, an onion farmer, met at a farmer’s market. The two teamed up to establish the very popular Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. While many harsh weather conditions challenged their business over the years, the two men never stopped doing what they loved. Today, five generations have passed and Beak and Skiff is a booming business. Here you can find apple picking, cider tasting, a very large gift shop, and a café for apple cider donuts and many lunch items. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard has something for the whole family!
Dietz and Watson: Philadelphia, PA
Dietz and Watson, a family-owned business, began in 1939. Their mission is, “To provide the best meat and cheese products on the market by adhering to our guiding principles: choice, quality, transparency, and family.” In addition to fine meats and cheeses, Dietz & Watson has a variety of snacks and condiments that are the perfect pairing for any meal. You can also find recipes on their website that fit all different needs. These include: gluten free, low sodium, keto, game day, vegetarian, and more.
Martin Rosol’s: New Britain, CT
Martin Rosol opened his business in 1928 which took place in a converted garage with eight employees. The number of employees expanded as the business advanced with some working here for over 50 years! In addition to their store front, Martin Rosol’s also has an online store where you can find delicious kielbasa, sausage, frankfurters, and cold cuts. Martin Rosol’s manufacturers are famous for their “foot long” frankfurters! Check them out!
Interested in learning more about these local farmers? Check them out here:
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
Happy National Pancake Day to all our pancake lovers out there! From buttermilk to candy-filled pancakes, each pancake is unique. National Pancake Day is a time to indulge in this beloved breakfast delight and celebrate the joy it brings to people of all ages. Fire up the griddle and let’s get cookin’!
Explore some fun pancake add-ins & add-ons you can try!
Fruit: Plump blueberries, juicy strawberries, or sweet bananas allow for a fruity twist to your morning!
Candy: We all know chocolate chip pancakes are a classic, but what about M&Ms, caramel, hershey syrup, or even cereal? Oh, and you cannot forget to add PICS Whipped Topping!
Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even slivered almonds allow for a delicious crunch and extra flavor in your flapjack.
Spreads: Drizzled nutella, peanut butter, almond butter, jam, and jelly are great additions to add in or on your stack of pancakes.
Spices: The fall is a perfect time of the year to explore different spices in your pancakes, like cinnamon, pumpkin, gingerbread and nutmeg.
Still in need of some ideas? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Check out some of our recipes below, and be sure to browse our pancake selection!
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Calling all pumpkin-spice lovers out there! Pair these pancakes with our PICS Pumpkin Spice Coffee and thank us later.
Buttermilk Pancakes with Bourbon-Maple Syrup: This recipe takes a twist on your traditional buttermilk pancakes. Be sure to pick up PICS Bacon the next time you shop with us!
Gingerbread Pancakes with Cranberry-Maple Syrup: Remember when we said gingerbread is a good spice idea for pancakes? Yeah, this recipe is why! You will not be disappointed.
Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day, and we are here to celebrate! There are many different types of plant milk that Price Chopper and Market 32 carry, including almond, cashew, oat, soy, and coconut milk. Additionally, we also carry non-dairy creamers, cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams that are sweet, creamy, and downright delicious! Let’s take a closer look at what is so special about plant-based milks.
You might question the choice of milk substitutes over traditional cow’s milk, but numerous factors contribute to the rise in popularity of plant-based milks. Individuals that have a vegan diet or those with a lactose intolerance find non-dairy alternatives essential. The best part is, there are many different options and flavors out there that will suit anyone’s needs and preferences.
Many people who do not experience a lactose intolerance may still choose plant-based milks for other reasons, including taste and environmental benefits. Plant-based milk could be favored over cow’s milk in preparations like smoothies and other recipes. Additionally, plant-based milk requires less land, less water, and produces fewer carbon emissions.
If you are interested in cooking or baking with a milk alternative, take a look below!
Instant Pot® Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Strawberry Sauce: This is a delectable dessert that combines the rich and velvety flavors of chocolate with the airy and delicate texture of a soufflé, topped with strawberry sauce.
Stuffed French Toast Rolls: Nothing beats French toast, but stuffed French toast? Now this is a recipe you must try!
Fruit & Baby Kale Smoothie: This smoothie is a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more fruits and leafy greens into their diet.
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus: A recipe so delicious, you’ll question if this is actually brownie batter!
