Latest news with #passionfruit
CNN
12-08-2025
- Business
- CNN
Taco Bell expands cult-favorite Baja Blast as it doubles down on drinks
Taco Bell's Mountain Dew Baja Blast is getting its first permanent new flavor in two decades, the chain's latest push into the fast-growing beverage sector. The fast-food chain is rolling out Thursday 'Baja Midnight,' a new, purple-hued version of the cult-favorite soda, which mixes passion fruit flavors with the lime from Baja Blast. The first-ever Baja Blast expansion comes as Taco Bell aims to substantially grow its beverage sales to $5 billion within the next five years. The chain's strategy involves launching new drinks aimed at Gen Z drinkers and rapidly growing a beverage-themed café. Beverages, as a single category, is growing faster than the entire fast food industry. Taco Bell said in a press release that this 'evolution builds on the Baja Blast legacy while introducing modern flavors that reflect the vibrant tastes of today.' The Baja Midnight beverage has the same color as its logo, the chain notes. Baja Blast got its start at Taco Bell in 2004 in what was a first-of-its-kind deal between a fast-food chain and a beverage maker, Mountain Dew. The flavor, available only at Taco Bell locations, complemented the chain's Mexican-inspired food, giving it an advantage over its rivals. Baja Blast became so popular that parent company PepsiCo started selling it seasonally at stores about a decade later. It was even turned into a boozy beverage in 2022. 'Taco Bell's Baja Blast lineup has often been a key differentiator for the brand, and leaning into product exclusives can help drive visitation to quick service restaurant chains, especially as the industry faces steeper competition and consumers who are on the hunt for more value from fast food offerings,' Elizabeth Lafontaine, director of research at location analytics firm told CNN. Baja Midnight has a suggested price of $2.49 for a small and $2.99 for a large. A limited-time frozen flavor is also rolling out Thursday for $3.79 for a regular size and $3.99 for a large. Taco Bell is going all in on drinks as part of its overall strategy to supercharge growth that also involves investing in chicken options, new sides and international expansion. The chain earlier this summer launched a lineup of 'Refrescas,' a selection of drinks aimed at attracting consumers searching for a beverage between meals. Taco Bell also aims to open 30 locations of its beverage-forward Live Más Café across the United States by the end of the year. Since the first spot opened late last year, it's been off to a 'phenomenal start,' according to David Gibbs, CEO of Taco Bell's parent company Yum! Brands. Gibbs said in the company's first quarter earnings call in April that the first Live Más Café in San Diego, which replaced an existing Taco Bell, had a 40% boost in sales with customers buying more than 300 drinks daily, prompting the 'rapid expansion.' 'Beverages have become a new category for quick service restaurant chains to compete on as they look to increase their market share and build loyalty with guests, especially against beverage-focused concepts,' said Lafontaine, referencing chains like Dutch Bros, Swig Drinks and Scooter's Coffee. Yum!, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, released its second quarter earnings last week with Taco Bell proving to be the bright spot for the company. The chain reported same-store sales grew 4%, propelled by the rollout of crispy chicken nuggets.
CNN
12-08-2025
- Business
- CNN
Taco Bell expands cult-favorite Baja Blast as it doubles down on drinks
Taco Bell's Mountain Dew Baja Blast is getting its first permanent new flavor in two decades, the chain's latest push into the fast-growing beverage sector. The fast-food chain is rolling out Thursday 'Baja Midnight,' a new, purple-hued version of the cult-favorite soda, which mixes passion fruit flavors with the lime from Baja Blast. The first-ever Baja Blast expansion comes as Taco Bell aims to substantially grow its beverage sales to $5 billion within the next five years. The chain's strategy involves launching new drinks aimed at Gen Z drinkers and rapidly growing a beverage-themed café. Beverages, as a single category, is growing faster than the entire fast food industry. Taco Bell said in a press release that this 'evolution builds on the Baja Blast legacy while introducing modern flavors that reflect the vibrant tastes of today.' The Baja Midnight beverage has the same color as its logo, the chain notes. Baja Blast got its start at Taco Bell in 2004 in what was a first-of-its-kind deal between a fast-food chain and a beverage maker, Mountain Dew. The flavor, available only at Taco Bell locations, complemented the chain's Mexican-inspired food, giving it an advantage over its rivals. Baja Blast became so popular that parent company PepsiCo started selling it seasonally at stores about a decade later. It was even turned into a boozy beverage in 2022. 'Taco Bell's Baja Blast lineup has often been a key differentiator for the brand, and leaning into product exclusives can help drive visitation to quick service restaurant chains, especially as the industry faces steeper competition and consumers who are on the hunt for more value from fast food offerings,' Elizabeth Lafontaine, director of research at location analytics firm told CNN. Baja Midnight has a suggested price of $2.49 for a small and $2.99 for a large. A limited-time frozen flavor is also rolling out Thursday for $3.79 for a regular size and $3.99 for a large. Taco Bell is going all in on drinks as part of its overall strategy to supercharge growth that also involves investing in chicken options, new sides and international expansion. The chain earlier this summer launched a lineup of 'Refrescas,' a selection of drinks aimed at attracting consumers searching for a beverage between meals. Taco Bell also aims to open 30 locations of its beverage-forward Live Más Café across the United States by the end of the year. Since the first spot opened late last year, it's been off to a 'phenomenal start,' according to David Gibbs, CEO of Taco Bell's parent company Yum! Brands. Gibbs said in the company's first quarter earnings call in April that the first Live Más Café in San Diego, which replaced an existing Taco Bell, had a 40% boost in sales with customers buying more than 300 drinks daily, prompting the 'rapid expansion.' 'Beverages have become a new category for quick service restaurant chains to compete on as they look to increase their market share and build loyalty with guests, especially against beverage-focused concepts,' said Lafontaine, referencing chains like Dutch Bros, Swig Drinks and Scooter's Coffee. Yum!, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, released its second quarter earnings last week with Taco Bell proving to be the bright spot for the company. The chain reported same-store sales grew 4%, propelled by the rollout of crispy chicken nuggets.
Fox News
10-08-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Trying to eat more protein? Don't overlook this sweet surprise
Protein buffs are going bananas over a tropical surprise. Passion fruit delivers more protein than any other in its class – but dietitians say it's not the ultimate muscle hack. While most fruits offer only 1 to 2 grams of protein per serving, a single cup of passion fruit contains 5.2 grams of the muscle-building macronutrient, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Protein is vital for growing and repairing cells, tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Passion fruit tops the fruit protein list," Miami-based performance dietitian Tony Castillo, MS, RD, told Fox News Digital. "That said, fruit isn't why anyone reaches their protein goals. It's great for variety but not a game-changer if you're serious about protein." The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for healthy adults. Many experts, however, recommend more for athletes, older adults and pregnant or breastfeeding women. "You'd need to eat [large] amounts – 5-plus cups – of passion fruit to get anything near what you'd get from chicken, eggs, fish or Greek yogurt," Castillo said. Most fruits are not complete proteins because they lack sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids that aid in absorption and are essential for muscles, according to experts. Passion fruit, for example, is low in methionine and cysteine. "Plant protein is less bioavailable – only about 60–70% is absorbed versus up to 90% for animal proteins like dairy, eggs and meat," Castillo said. To get the most out of passion fruit, Castillo suggested pairing it with more absorbable, protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt or protein powder in a smoothie. Treat it as an "extra," he said — not a "foundation." Another way to get the most out of passion fruit is by pairing it with legumes, soy, quinoa, meats, cheese or eggs, which will make up for the essential amino acids it lacks, said Dr. Heather Gosnell, a pediatrician and certified plant-based health coach in Arizona. Whether it's eaten plain, on top of yogurt or cottage cheese, blended into a smoothie or atop a salad, don't ditch the seeds, she said. "This is where the bulk of the protein is housed," Gosnell said. Eating all the antioxidant-rich fruit inside the leathery rind, including the sweet and tangy pulp, will also deliver nearly 25 grams of fiber — helping to meet the 22 to 34 grams recommended by the CDC for adults. Cooking passion fruit can reduce the content of vitamin C and certain B vitamins, so it's best to add the fruit at the end of your cooking to preserve the content of these vitamins, Gosnell advised. Other fruits that are relatively high in protein include guava with approximately 4 grams per cup, avocado with up to 4 grams per cup, jackfruit, which has about 2 to 3 grams per cup, and blackberries, which have roughly 2 grams per cup, said Gosnell.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shoppers are Calling Trader Joe's New 'Tangy' and 'Creamy' Treat Absolutely 'Perfect'
Shoppers are Calling Trader Joe's New 'Tangy' and 'Creamy' Treat Absolutely 'Perfect' originally appeared on Parade. When summer finally hits, is there any snack more crave-worthy than your favorite frozen dessert? Trader Joe's doesn't think so, which is why fans are currently obsessed with what some are calling the 'best sorbet ever.' Introducing a must-try limited-time release: Trader Joe's Passion Fruit Sorbet. If you thought you already had your favorite summer flavors nailed, this iconic creation aims to disrupt your list and take the top spot. 😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔 'I found your new summer obsession at Trader Joe's,' @traderjoeslist captioned a post shared online. 'This Passion Fruit Sorbet is everything I want in a summer dessert—tangy, tropical, creamy, and vegan!'Priced at a cool $4.99 for a solid 16-ounce container, Trader Joe's Passion Fruit Sorbet comes from the brand's expert supplier in Thailand. Using a base of sweet, tangy and tart passion fruit purée, they've crafted a bright, refreshing tropical treat that is extremely hard to put down. It's soft and smooth in texture but bold and upfront with flavor. The best of two worlds. 'It looks great for hot summer days,' one fan wrote. 'Would make a great Passion Fruit Soda! Very refreshing!' And when it comes to getting the flavors just right, one commenter shared, 'I am from Costa Rica, and I can tell you this gets really close to actually noting passion fruit. Love it.' Someone else chimed in, replying, 'As a Peruvian, I agree!'Trader Joe's recommends serving the sorbet as an 'easy after-dinner dessert' or as part of a 'sweet spread at a pool party or barbecue.' Natasha notes in her post that the tart, citrusy flavors made her want to pair it with vanilla ice cream—a combo that we can definitely get behind on these hot summer days. Other creative uses from TJ's include serving it as a palate cleanser during at-home wine, cheese, or charcuterie tastings. It also works great in a sorbet parfait with your favorite yogurt, or as a fun mocktail—just drop a scoop into sparkling water for a fizzy Passion Fruit Sorbet float. With plenty of ways to enjoy it and a super approachable price point, this limited-time TJ's find is shaping up to be a seasonal are Calling Trader Joe's New 'Tangy' and 'Creamy' Treat Absolutely 'Perfect' first appeared on Parade on Jun 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Five fruits wey dey rich in proteins
Wen pipo see passion fruit, dem tink say e get protein. But dis Caribbean fruit wey some dey call parchita or chinola for di region get valuable nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and most importantly fibre and go fit be one of di most useful and unnoticed tools wen e come to building muscle mass. "Pipo dey surprised to find out say some fruits get more dan 4g of protein in reasonable portion" na so Andrea Delgado tok. She be nutritionist for Mayo Clinic for United States. "Di key dey often for di seeds" na wetin she tok. She say though nutrients dey important for our diets, Dr Delgado dey remind us say "body also need fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats". She tell BBC Mundo say to include all diz fruits "fit make all di difference" to help build muscle mass. Here are the fruits the nutritionist reminds us to add to our diet wen we dey try increase our protein intake to rebuild our muscles we use dem finish. 1. Passion fruit (parchita, chinola) For Delgado, na passion fruit dey top di list wit almost 5g of protein per cup. Di secret dey for density of di seeds: each seed get concentrates amino acids wey fit comot if dem drive di pulp. Dis na why she dey recommend make pipo dey eat di whole fruit, and if you dey drink am in juice form no strain di seeds. "If you strain di seeds, all you go get na di sugar; blend di whole fruit and drink di seeds", na wetin she recommend. As e contain protein, passion fruit also contain soluble fibre, magnesium and phenolic compounds wey dey help to regulate blood pressure. 2. Guava Next on di list, Dr. Delgado recommend guava. She tell BBC Mundo say dis tropical fruit dey provide 4g of protein per cup and dey double di daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Most of di protein dey come from di seeds. "Most of di protein dey come from di seed, dis na why ground pulp dey prefered to clarified juice". Na so she explain. E dey reach in anti-inflammatory carotenoids, guava dey promote muscle recovery and also play role of antioxidant, dey prevent di effects of aging. One portion dey provide more dan 300% of vitamin C requirements, wey dey useful for collagen synthesis and immune function. According to Delgado, if you crush guava wit plain yogurt, e dey preserve di fruits pits and proteins and also add calcium and probiotics, wey be key elements of nutrition. 3. Pomegranate For Delgado, pomegranate na excellent choice sake of di amount of nutrients e dey add to di diet. Di pomegranate reddish arils dey offer 4g of protein per cup and a load of polyphenols wey di Mayo Clinic say dey associated with cardiovascular health and antioxidant action. Studies wey di clinic do suggest say pomegranate juice fit help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Di fibre wey dey inside di seed dey aid digestion and prolong satiety, while di ruby color dey indicate di presence of anthocyanins, anti-inflammatory compounds wey dey linked to cardiovascular and nervous health Anoda tin be say di versatility of di flavors make am an ideal nutritious accompaniment to all kinds of desserts and salad. 4. Jacquier - jackfruit For her list, Delgado mention two fruits wey dey go through some form of cooking before eating wen we dey do exercise. She explain say for vegan cooking, dem dey use dried jackfruit as substitute for meat, say dem dey serve am boiled, sautéed or baked. According to her, di fruit dey provide up to 2.5g of protein per serving, along with minerals such as potassium and magnesium wey dey essential for healthy bones. She add say most of di fibre and protein dey dey retained after cooking. 5. Dried apricots Dried apricots wey dem dey also call apricot pits dey concentrate nutrients and provide up to 4g of protein per cup. However, Delgado dey emphasize dia practicality: "dem dey light and Dey offer more protein dan wetin you fit get for our commercial bars. What about avocado? Wen I begin write dia article, I been tink say Delgado go begin tok about avocado, so I dey surprised say she no even include am for her list. "Compared to oda nuts and dried fruits, avocados dey provide less protein", na so Delgado explain. "Di main value dey for monounsaturated fats, no be for protein profile. E get protein but very small quantity: around 1.8 grams per cup. According to di nutritionist, to maintain an adequate protein intake, person wey dey weigh 65 kg supposed to consume between 1 and 1.2g of protein per kilo of weight( data 65 and 78g of protein per day). "One cup of passion fruit contain 5g of protein, e sound like e no dey enough, but dat one count. Passion fruit contain vitamins, fibre and antioxidants wey supplements no fit provide" na so Delgado tok
