Matcha chills out for spring

Matcha is the beverage that came from obscurity and swept to international popularity.

Matcha is a drink made from a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that originated in China but is mainly produced in Japan.

It is usually consumed in hot water, but iced matcha is also gaining fans.

Soul Origin is shaking up the drinks scene with iced matcha this spring with a new Iced Matcha lineup nationwide until November 5 at $7.90 for a small glass and $8.90 for a regular.

The seasonal collection pairs premium-grade matcha with creamy milk and fruit purées - and is designed for enjoying on warmer days.

Core flavours include blueberry matcha, strawberry matcha, white choc matcha, and mango matcha.

“Our matcha is made with premium-grade matcha and grown at high altitude above 600 metres in the mountainous regions of Central Japan," says national coffee manager Sam Taylor.

"Only the spring flush harvest and the very best of the autumn flush green tea is used.”

The fruit purées are described as "delivering bold flavour without overwhelming sweetness".

For more details see Soul Origin.   

Liquid lunches pop up for winter

There is more to fast food than burgers and greasy fried chicken.

Soul Origin, which promotes itself as one of Australia’s leading fresh food brands, has launched a range of healthy soups for enjoying in the cooler months.

From now until September 24, hungry folk can enjoy a variety of soups made with seasonal produce.

The multi-cultural choice includes pumpkin, chicken and corn, mushroom with truffle, creamy potato with smoky bacon, Tuscan veg (above) and rec curry chicken.

“At Soul Origin, we’re passionate about bringing people together through food," says said Hao Quach, co-founder of Soul Origin. "Soups have been an important part of our menu for many years. There is always much anticipation from our customers prior to our soup season.”

Sizes cater to all appetites, starting from $4.90 and ranging to $9.90 and $12,90. You can also add a buttery herb bread slice, or two fresh baguette slices.

Soul Origin’s loyalty members can enjoy an exclusive perk - a free Soup Sipper with any purchase of $6 or more.

If soup doesn't float your boat, Soul Origin is also serving up winter baguette specials.

Choose between the BBQ Beef Brisket Baguette, with pulled BBQ beef brisket, crunchy slaw and a kick of punchy mustard and silky smooth creamy aioli or the Classic Beef Brisket Baguette with melted cheese, a twist of zesty pesto and rocket. $12.50 from now until June 15.

Food coma? Marketing frenzy capped by a morbid prize

The fast food business is hugely competitive in Australia. Which leads to some great deals - and some weird ones as well.

Market leader McDonalds bombards customers with special offer emails several times a week. A $4 Big Mac one day; a $6 cheeseburger meal and an extra cheeseburger the next. 

Hungry Jack’s is giving away toys with kid’s meals. 

One of this week's offers from taco emporium Mad Mex is a bit grim. It has a competition offering the chance to own your own burial plot in a cemetery.

In bad taste? Maybe. Attention grabbing? Certainly.

Mad Mex is announcing the return of its infamous 1kg Big Burrito and has partnered with "cult" water brand, Liquid Death to bring customers a combo "that promises to kill their hunger and murder their thirst".

Here is the spiel: "The double-sized burrito come with a free Liquid Death and it also comes with a warning that will scare even the most daring burrito lovers.

"Anyone brave enough to take on the challenge will go in the running to win a grand prize to die for - a foot (and body) in the door of the Australian property market... a place to set up roots... prime real estate in the dead centre of town...

"Yep, your own personal plot of land. In a cemetery."

Mad Mex is also running a less gruesome Buy One Get One Free deal on DoorDash until June 23.

The Big Burrito and Liquid Death combo will be available across Mad Mex stores nationally or via delivery from Uber Eats or the Mad Mex app until July 21. See madmex.com.au/bigburrito.



Less crazy is a new breakfast range (above) being launched by Soul Origin from tomorrow.

To mark the arrival of dishes like the Gourmet Brekkie Bun, a Schnitty Brekkie Bun and a Haloumi and Veggie Brekkie Wrap comes the offer of free coffees to all its loyalty members.

The free caffeine boost is available to all loyalty members from June 17-30 with any item from the new breakfast range.

A voucher will automatically be loaded into loyalty accounts. See https://www.soulorigin.com.au/

Chocolate treats set to pop up at Soul Origin

 

So you have a sweet tooth?

You like hot and cold drinks and you love chocolate?

The Soul Origin chain this week launched a new partnership with Swiss chocolatier Lindt that will see Soul Origin introduce a new range of drinks that "blend the rich, velvety goodness of Lindt LINDOR with some signature beverages".

What to expect, then?

Soul Origin is offering two flavours in its 'Made With Lindt LINDOR' drink range.

Think drinks ranging from classic milk chocolate to a more exotic dulce de leche.

Clients simply choose their desired temperature, and whether they'd like their drink with or without espresso.

The drinks are available across all Soul Origin stores nationwide from now until July 14 at iced ($9.50), small ($5.40), regular ($6.20), and large ($6.80). 

Soul Origin has over 150 stores across Australia. See https://www.soulorigin.com.au/