Marblehead-based Mountain Herbal Foods is
pleased to announce that, for the first time, Alpine Ice, the
company’s delicious line of healthy sorbets, is a Whole Foods
Partner Sponsor of EarthFest – the largest celebration of Earth
Day in the United States.
This year, on Saturday, May 26th, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., 92.9
WBOS in Boston will host the free yearly EarthFest celebration
held at the DCR Hatch Shell and The Esplanade on The Charles
River in Boston, showcasing over 100 environmentally friendly
exhibitors, 3 stages of musical entertainment, family fun and
activities, and plenty of food sampling, including samples of
refreshing Alpine Ice.
The musical mainstage line-up includes Guster (whose tour buses
run on bio-diesel), KT Tunstall, Mat Keraney, John Butler Trio,
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and Vega4.
The WBOS Earthfest will feature an expanded Kids Planet Stage
Area. The Massachusetts WIC/Family Nutrition Program will
present a wide variety of musical acts and entertainment on the
family stage through the day, including Girl Authority,
SteveSongs, Magician Peter Boie, FROGZ!, and Big Joe the
Storyteller! The expanded family area will also feature
interactive activities for children from face painting,
sponsored by the Shriners Hospitals For Children - Boston, to
creating art with recycled materials. Activities in the Family
area will begin at 10 a.m.
The WBOS EarthFest is produced in conjunction with the
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
“Mountain Herbal Foods is proud to partner with Whole Foods for
this exciting event,” said Michael Hoffman, a founding partner
of Mountain Herbal Foods. “We encourage everyone in the
community to join us for a day of fun and music… not to mention
an opportunity to see what has made Alpine Ice such a local
hit!”
For those who would like to sample Alpine Ice but can’t make it
to EarthFest, in-store product samplings which feature the “WBOS
EarthFest Experience” will take place at participating
Massachusetts Whole Foods stores including those within close
proximity of the Charles River. These stores are Fresh Pond,
River Street and Prospect Street in Cambridge as well as Charles
River in Boston. We will also have a special ‘manager’s sale’ on
Earthfest Weekend at River Street and Charles River Park.
Mountain Herbal Foods, LLC, makers of
Alpine Ice, congratulate the winners of the 111th Boston
Marathon held on Monday, April 16.
Alpine Ice was delighted and proud to be
a dessert sponsor at the Pre-Race Dinner on Sunday night, April
15. Over 1,400 pints of Alpine Ice were given to the
participants.
Great article on GoDairyFree.org
Monday, 09 April 2007
"Living on the sprawling west coast can have
some advantages, and I confess that the vegan influences of the
Pacific Northwest bring many wonderful natural food options.
But alas, there are just so darned many people on the East
Coast. It seems like most of the wonderful products keep
popping up on the other side of the continent. Some head west
rather quickly, but for many, we must wait...and wait."...
"What better way to celebrate Easter,
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or the joy of a gorgeous spring day
than with a scoop of wonderful Alpine Ice…a refreshing,
non-dairy frozen dessert treat that comes in six all-natural
flavors.
Alpine Ice is the amazingly delightful alternative to ice cream,
frozen yogurt and sugar-laden sorbets because it uses a base of
tea, herbs, fruits and flowers."
Navigating the day's breakfast, lunch and dinner
is tough enough if you have food allergies or sensitivities. But
try satisfying your sweet tooth if dairy, wheat, nuts or soy are
out of the question.
Ushering in a new "dessert freedom" is Alpine Ice, a line of
frozen sorbets from a fast-expanding company in Marblehead,
Mass. Produced by Mountain Herbal Foods, it proves that sweet
treats can be made simply and healthfully - and still be
delicious.
MARBLEHEAD - From a dining room in a
92-year-old Humphrey Street house, a group of
entrepreneurs is contemplating national and even
international conquests.
Next month, Marblehead's Mountain
Herbal Foods will begin selling its line of
ultra-healthy sorbets in northern New England, part of
the ongoing speedy expansion that has the four-person
company planning to distribute along most of the Eastern
seaboard this year and to get ready for the West Coast.
"A year ago, we were in 18 locations.
We're in 60 now, in four states," said Rudy Rubenis, the
newest of three partners.
Full Article
12/29/06 Alpine Ice is now available at
Living Earth in Worcester, MA. Living Earth
Celebrate the Winter Months with
All-Natural Frozen Dessert Alpine Ice(TM) Finally! Dessert
Freedom(TM)
MARBLEHEAD, Mass., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ --
All-natural frozen dessert Alpine Ice is perfect for the winter
months and your holiday dinner parties ... because it's
especially made to be deliciously perfect for everyone.
Alpine Ice is vegan certified and free of the eight major food
allergens.
Try these great ideas for Alpine Ice and see if you agree!
Serve Alpine Ice as a palate cleanser before dinner entrees,
adding an elegant gala touch to meals.
Serve Hibiscus Rose as an excellent addition to a glass of rose
wine or champagne.
Always paying special attention to the food sensitive, try any
flavor of Alpine Ice with your favorite flourless cake for a
healthy and delicious alternative to traditional ice cream and
cake.
For a weekend treat, combine Mango Passion with orange juice,
banana, yogurt, and honey to make an excellent smoothie.
Also, try any flavor of Alpine Ice between two of your favorite
cookies, or, for the food sensitive, between any two of your
favorite gluten free oatmeal cookies.
Do you have an idea for Alpine Ice you'd be willing to share?
Send your ideas to info@mtnherbal.com.
Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Zone, states that Alpine Ice
"ushers in a new era of 'guiltless pleasure.' These are foods
that you believe you should feel guilty about eating because
they have such great taste, yet they are manufactured to deliver
incredibly high levels of nutrients known to improve health and
wellness. Life can't get much better than that."
Alpine Ice comes in six flavors: Bolder Berry, Green Tea
Verbena, Hibiscus Rose, Lavender Sunrise, Mango Passion, and
Plum Lucky. Each serving is just 45 to 85 calories -- no fat and
low in sugar. The flavors are made with all natural ingredients,
no artificial flavors or colors. Alpine Ice is produced in
Massachusetts, and is available in Connecticut, Massachusetts
and Rhode Island. For more information about Alpine Ice and
store locations, visit Mtnherbal.com.
Former Whole Foods Executive Joins
Mountain Herbal Foods; Bringing Industry Expertise to Food Aware
Start-Up
MARBLEHEAD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mountain
Herbal Foods, LLC, announced today the appointment of Rudy
Rubenis, as the company's Corporate Operating Officer. Rubenis
has joined the ownership and management team of Mountain Herbal
Foods, creators of Alpine Ice, an all-natural frozen dessert
that uses an innovative base of therapeutic and aromatic herbs.
Most recently a Regional Vice-President with Whole Foods Market
for the past five years, Rubenis will lead the expansion of
Alpine Ice and new products into core and expansion markets as
the company continues to grow.
Mountain Herbal Foods addresses the importance of healthy
nutrition for all lifestyles and diet needs. The base of Alpine
Ice uses teas, herbs, and flowers thereby eliminating lactose
issues, cholesterol and calories. Each serving of Alpine Ice is
low in calories, certified vegan, free of all 8 major food
allergens, a good source of dietary fiber, low in sugar and safe
for most diabetics, made with all natural ingredients, no
artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and brewed using a
proprietary blend of teas and herbs. "This is an exciting time
to be part of Mountain Herbal Foods," said Rubenis. "The
products are unique in their category and offer consumers
optimum health benefits with the taste demanded in the
marketplace."
"We are fortunate to have Rudy on our team in this period of our
company's growth," said Andrew L. Barnett, CEO of Mountain
Herbal Foods. "He joins the company with over 20 years
experience in the natural food industry with Whole Foods Market,
contributing to the company's growth from $90 million to $5
billion in revenues, including six acquisitions and the
transition from a private to a public company. Rudy's addition
to the Mountain Herbal Foods team further solidifies the
company's unique potential for generating category sales based
on product innovation with superior health benefits."
"Rudy's arrival gives Mountain Herbal Foods the ability to
realize more quickly our mission to reach the underserved food
sensitive consumer and the food aware customer with healthy,
delicious products," said Michael S. Hoffman, Co-founder and
President.
Alpine Ice, the company's premier frozen dessert brand, is now
in over 50 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode
Island. Flavors include Bolder Berry, Green Tea Lemon Verbena,
Hibiscus Rose, Lavender Sunrise, Mango Passion, and Plum Lucky.
Alpine Ice co-founder rides in Pan-Mass Challenge
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Marblehead resident Michael Hoffman and the family's loyal
Tibetan Terrier, Yogi, rode over 1,000 kilometers this summer -
in training and actual performance - for the Pan-Mass Challenge
in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund and
cancer research. Read the full
article here.
SHERBORN - A crowd gathered around the Alpine Ice tent on the
grounds of The Peace Abbey on Sunday. Desperate to beat the
heat, they eagerly waited for their choice of flavors such as
Mango Passion, Lavender Sunrise or Plum Lucky. On this occasion,
though, the most important appeal of the frozen desserts was
that they are nondairy, nonsoy, frozen fruit blends; perfect,
icy treats for the Boston Vegetarian Society’s Peace Abbey
annual event.
More...http://www2.townonline.com/dover/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=520903
As spring arrives we are adding more color to
our labels to make it easier to find your favorite flavor.
Even more color arrives with our newest flavors - Mango Passion
and Plum Lucky. Check it out here!
Press Release - Feb 15, 2006
Marblehead Residents Team Up to Develop
New Allergen Free Frozen Dessert
Marblehead, MA –Marblehead father and son,
Michael and Sam Hoffman, have worked with fellow-Marblehead
resident Andrew Barnett over the past two years to create a new
frozen dessert alternative to ice cream.
Originally designed for people with food sensitivities and
dietary restrictions, the product has gone through elaborate
taste tests with the most discriminating groups: hospital
nutritionists concerned about patients, college students hooked
on ice cream, and individuals with chronic conditions. The
frozen treat – called Alpine Ice – proved so tasty, the team
decided to offer it to the general public. Early this summer,
Alpine Ice was finally packaged into pints and ready to go.
It is now in over 13 locations and gaining including the Harvest
Coop in Cambridge, Shubie’s Market Place and Terry’s Old
Fashioned Ice Cream in Marblehead, Henry’s of North Beverly,
Wild Oats Health Food in Beverly Farms, Grossman’s Delicatessen
in Marblehead, and Green Meadows Farm in Hamilton.
The inspiration for Alpine Ice began with the realization that
traditional desserts and snacks with their sugar and fat
content, no matter how gourmet or natural, can undermine
effective management of personal health and well-being. This
situation becomes more critical when the body is dealing with
illness.
“Ironically healthy options at hospitals do not exist,” said Sam
Hoffman, a certified herbalist and 19-year-old sophomore now
attending Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Sam is
studying health and nutrition, looking toward a career in
medicine.
“Andy and I are dads who care about the ones we love,” Michael
Hoffman said. “We also have loved ice cream and enjoy cooking.
There was a need for a nutritious and delicious frozen treat
that could better serve children and their families. We were
inspired to fill this void and hence, Alpine Ice was born.”
“From the beginning, Alpine Ice has had an unwavering commitment
to satisfy virtually every healthstyle, even the most
challenging, by creating refreshing, delicious and healthy
frozen desserts that are fun and friendly,” Hoffman explains.
“From this commitment, we’ve pioneered a new food category that
we call “FUN-tional Foods” – tasty, uniquely healthy.”
“Alpine Ice is designed with the highest regard for the benefits
of natural fruits, herbs, teas and water,” Barnett, who studied
biology in college, said. “We’ve combined the very best
ingredients – refreshing fruits, nurturing herbal teas and fiber
– to offer treats that nourish, hydrate and satisfy.”
“These are desserts that can be enjoyed just for the pleasure of
the flavors, and also by those who have food sensitivities,
special diets or diet restrictions. This is dessert freedom!”
Michael Hoffman said with enthusiasm.
Rather than using milk, eggs or sugar as is typical for ice
creams and sorbets, Alpine Ice uses a base of herbs, fruits and
flowers thereby eliminating lactose issues, cholesterol and
calories.
Michael asked Sam to develop an infusion to be effective enough
to include for all of the flavors. Sam created a unique
infusion, designed for health, gentleness and taste that
includes dandelions, nettles, elderflower, lemon balm,
peppermint and linden. The team has chosen fruits similarly,
using lemon for tartness and vitamin C, blueberries, known for
their own anti-oxidant value, raspberries, blackberries and
cranberries.
Alpine Ice comes in four flavors: Bolder Berry, Green Tea Lemon
Verbena, Hibiscus Rose, and Lavender Sunrise. Each serving is 45
calories or less, certified Vegan, and free of all eight major
allergens. It has been deemed a good source of dietary fiber. In
addition, the glycemic level is well below the limits
established for diabetics. The flavors are made with all natural
ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors.
Alpine Ice is produced in the Berkshires at a special food
venture center. Barnett and Hoffman make each flavor with great
care by hand in small batches. Alpine Ice is the brand name. The
company name is Mountain Herbal Foods.
The team sought out food science, nutrition and health experts
for advice, as well as input to reinforce the potentially
universal appeal of the product itself. They engaged students
from Dartmouth’s Tuck School to help study the marketplace and
college students at Hampshire College and UMass to field test
the flavors. More and more people have offered encouragement and
become customers. The team continues its commitment to keep
refining its formula.
Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Zone, said, “I feel that Mountain
Herbal Foods ushers in a new era of ‘guiltless pleasures.’ These
are foods that you believe you should feel guilty about eating
because they have such great taste, yet they are manufactured to
deliver incredibly high levels of nutrients known to improve
health and wellness. Life can’t get much better than that.”
“I’ll tell you,” said Barnett, “every minute of the last two
years became worthwhile when a little girl with serious food
allergies at the Marblehead Farmers Market looked up with glee
while sampling one of our flavors and said, ‘I’ll never have to
read food labels again.’ That’s what this product is all about.”
For more information about Alpine Ice, visit www.Mtnherbal.com.
As seen in the Boston Globe 11/6/2005
Health need helped inspire a new dessert By Erika Lovley, Globe Correspondent | November 6,
2005
By Kaitlin Melanson -
If the only thing keeping you from losing a
few pounds is the pain of prying the pint of Ben and Jerry's from your hand,
that may be about to change, thanks to a group of local residents.
Father and son Michael and Sam Hoffman and fellow
Marbleheader Andrew Barnett say their new frozen dessert
alternative, Alpine Ice, provides more health benefits than ice
cream and is still delicious.
As seen in the Greenfield Recorder
9/26/05
Frozen dessert passes his taste test
By RICHIE DAVIS, Recorder Staff - As a young
patient being treated for a brain tumor, Sam Hoffman learned
that hospitals don’t necessarily serve the most healthful food.
One outcome of the Hampshire College student’s experience at
Dana Farber Cancer Institute was creation of an allergen-free
frozen dessert that’s being manufactured in Greenfield.
As seen in the Springfield
Republican 9/25/05
Alpine Ice a natural dessert
By HOLLY ANGELO - AMHERST - Looking for
a healthy, all-natural, no-fat dessert that's free of soy,
dairy, gluten, egg and nuts, and tastes good?
Hampshire College student Sam L. Hoffman was, so he helped create
Alpine Ice, an allergen-free frozen dessert that was introduced
to local stores this summer. The newest product to be found on
freezer shelves comes in four flavors - Bolder Berry, Green Tea
Lemon Verbena, Hibiscus Rose and Lavender Sunrise. Its base is
herbs, fruits and flowers.
As Seen in the Hampshire College News
- 9/20/05
Hampshire College pre-med student helps create Alpine Ice, a
new allergen-free frozen dessert
Amherst & Greenfield, MA – Sam Hoffman is a 19-year old,
multi-faceted, pre-med student at Hampshire College in Amherst,
Massachusetts whose knowledge as a certified herbalist and love
for food contributed to the launch this summer of a new
allergen-free frozen dessert creation called Alpine Ice. >>>More - Hampshire Student
News, Sept 20, 2005
As Seen in LowCarbFreedom.com -
8/22/05
Low Carb Ice Cream (with no cream) that is Good
for You: Alpine Ice from Mountain Herbal Foods
While I have been disappointed by many low
carb foods in the past, new "good for you" foods that taste
great are coming down the pipeline, and Alpine Ice certainly
fits the bill. Not only does it have lower carbs, but it also
has no dairy, no soy, no gluten or eggs. It is also certified
Vegan and low fat. (Not that I care about these last facts.) You
can give this to just about anyone on any type of diet. I bet
this ice cream (with no cream) would be great for people who
have had gastric bypass or lap band surgery too.
>>>Full Article
p.o. box
1261,
marblehead, ma 01945
t: 781.639.1192 f: 781.639.4356
by Linda Giuca, March 22 2007
Icy Treats
June 22, 2006
March 29, 2006
Hampshire College pre-med student helps create Alpine Ice, a
new allergen-free frozen dessert