This post has been sponsored by Don Francisco and Califia Farms. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the last few months, I've been growing more and more interested in the origins and history of our food along with the companies behind what we eat and drink. I've spent the last few years working on my body image and how I treat my body mentally. I speak about it with confidence, and I exercise to keep it strong. The final part of my journey to body confidence? Fueling my body with great food and drink. And let's be honest, I'm a multiple cups a day coffee drinker (which you already know if you follow me over on Instagram). I'm also a picky coffee drinker. I love a high quality cup of coffee. I have 3 different coffee machines, and it gives me serious joy to take the first sip of a great coffee drink.
I've been an Albertsons' shopper for years. They carry brands I love at price points I love even more, and the in-store experience is top notch (pro tip...use their app to shop; you'll find great discounts!). When they invited me to be part of a special Southern California project, I was all in. I got to spend two days with the Albertsons' team, visiting a group of their Southern California-based brands. I got to learn WHERE the products came from, the history of each company (which was SUPER interesting) and yes, to even see the factories. And the fact that the Albertsons' team was just as excited as I was? That was the best part. I love that THEY love supporting family-owned brands, and I love that they want as much information as possible about where products are sourced.
To learn about more So Cal local brands click here!
Behind the Brands: Don Francisco and Califia Farms
When we first received the agenda for our visits, I'm not gonna lie, I squealed out loud when I saw Don Francisco and Califia Farms on the list. I've been a customer of both brands for years and couldn't WAIT to learn more about the humans behind each company. Don Francisco's K cups are in our kitchen ALWAYS (you can find them in the coffee aisle), and Califia Farms makes the BEST cold brew drinks (watch out, they're addictive and you can grab them in the fridge section).
Don Francisco K Cups and Hot Drip Coffee: Can we talk about delicious ready-to-brew coffee? Don Francisco coffee is in our kitchen year round (we love the K cups for daily use and then the hot drip coffee for options when we want to make a larger pot at once)...and I loved the fact that I would be getting a behind-the-scenes view into a brand I love on this trip. The Gaviña family were coffee farmers in Cuba, and they brought the tradition with them when they immigrated to the United States. I loved hearing how Don Francisco is still a family-run business, that they maintain the highest quality in their coffee while protecting a price everyone can afford, and seeing the amazing programs they have for their employees at their headquarters. I already loved Don Francisco's coffee, but now I love their BRAND!
Califia Farms Cafe Latte Cold Brew Coffee: When it comes to cold brew, I'm a bit of an addict...especially during the spring and summer. There's nothing as great as a yummy cold coffee drink in the afternoon, and Califia Farms makes the best (hello, their Cafe Latte Cold Brew is AMAZING). What I loved hearing? The priorities behind the brand. Califia Farms was founded to meet a need in the market, returning food and drink to a natural state. Califia Farms uses amazing ingredients and has an amazing mission. They aim for maximum sustainability and have a great direct trade model with maximum profit going directly to their farmers. Their company knows that plant-based foods need less water and land and that they pollute less than their animal-based counterparts. Califia Farms knows that each individual plant-based choice can add up to one major change.
So, coffee lovers, there you have it. Coffee that tastes good and makes your heart feel good, too!
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