If you're on the lookout for a healthy way to start your day, why not try swapping your coffee for Viridian's new Aronia & Cacao Frappé? The latest launch from the ethical supplements brand, this vegan-friendly drink is easy to prepare, and full of immune-boosting and fatigue-fighting benefits.
What is it?
Viridian's Aronia & Cacao Frappé is a nutritional supplement that comes in a powder format, which is packaged in a recyclable/reusable glass jar. It contains just two ingredients; Aronia Berry and Raw Cacao, so it's suitable for vegans and is free from gluten, wheat, lactose, dairy, soy, added sugar, salt, yeast, preservatives and artificial colourings. Each jar contains 25 servings and each serving gives you 695mg of Raw Cacao (providing 200mg of flavanols), and 505mg of Aronia Berry (providing 200mg of polyphenols).
Aronia Berry is a less familiar superfood than other berries here in the West, but it's been popular with the Native Americans for centuries, and the Mayans were a fan of them too. More commonly known as the Chokeberry or Wild Gooseberry, Aronia berries are native to North America and have a really vivid, dark purple colour which gives the berries their high anthocyanin and antioxidant properties. Rich in Vitamins B, C, K and minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium and Iron, they help to boost the immune system, protect your vital organs (especially the heart, liver and stomach), and research is currently being carried out on their abilities to reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Anyone who is a 'healthy' chocoholic will already know why Raw Cacao is amazing, but to recap, it's the unfermented, non-heat treated form of the cacao seed so it retains all of its wonderful nutrients. Packed full of flavonoids, catechin and epicatechin, Raw Cacao also boasts a high level of antioxidants which protect against cell and tissue damage, and is high in Magnesium, Iron and Calcium.
To make an Aronia & Cacao Frappé, simply add half a teaspoon to a glass of cold milk or dairy-free milk alternative of your choice. Give it a good stir and enjoy! You can use a frother if you're feeling fancy for an even more indulgent result.
I'm used to the flavour of Raw Cacao, but having never tasted Aronia Berry before, I wasn't quite sure what the two combined would taste like. It's definitely more Aronia than Cacao which gives it a somewhat bitter and berry-ish edge, but it's palatable and the more I drink it, the more I've started to like it. I find that it works best with creamier plant milks such as Cashew, Coconut or Macadamia, and you could add a tiny bit of Honey or Agave to sweeten it if necessary.
Overall thoughts?
If you're looking for a new and different healthy start to your day, I think you'll love Viridian's Aronia & Cacao Frappé as it's a nice drink to alternate with the usual Turmeric Lattes and Green Juices to keep things interesting throughout the week. I've noticed that I've been feeling less tired since drinking it which is a massive bonus for a poor sleeper like myself, so if you suffer from fatigue, stress or are feeling run down, you may find this beneficial to your morning routine.
Viridian Aronia & Cacao Frappé* (30g, £30) is available from independent health food stores and online at viridian-nutrition.com
What do you like to drink first thing in the morning?
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