It started with this hot drink that my friend, Deb, served me after a cold and wet hike.
Not only was this beverage delicious, it was also caffeine-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, organic, low in calories and high in antioxidant rich vitamins. This power packed cuppa claimed to help reduce inflamation, support digestion and improve immunity. Seriously, how was all of this possible? (And truly, it simply had me at its rich and satisfying taste.)
I was super excited to give Blume a try myself. It comes in several flavours so I (rather randomly) picked up this one. Rationale: Pink will never lead you astray!
The basic instructions were to mix one teaspoon of Blume powder with a splash of boiling water and a cup of warmed non-dairy milk. I did that. Sadly, it tasted nothing like the amazing drink I had enjoyed at Deb’s. She had frothed her milk. Was that the key difference?
In pursuit of this question, I purchased this milk frother. It had excellent reviews and was just under $18 Cdn. Instantly, it became my new best friend. Seriously, where has this simple tool been all my life? I instantly felt like a barrista! My Blume Rose Beetroot Latte was now amazing!
Not wanting to stop there (you have met me before, right?), I realized that Blume powder could be added to all kinds of dishes to add flavour and nourishment. They even have a digital recipe book (free with any online purchase). I first experimented with Overnight Oats. I wasn’t quite sure that I’d become a believer in chilled oats for breakfast, but I could always heat them up in the microwave. What did I have to lose?
Colour me shocked, the whole Overnight Oat thing actually turned out brilliantly (despite me using Quick Oats….I know, I know, but that’s what I had on hand). You can find Blume’s Overnight Oats recipe here. A more detailed Overnight Oats recipe (to which you could add a tsp full of Blume powder) is here.
I was on a roll. Why stop at Overnight Oats when you can have Pink Pancakes? Game on!
Strawberry and Yogurt Topping
It could have been that I was a bit too heavy handed in measuring out the flaxseeds. Or, it could be that you can have too much of a good thing. These pancakes are gluten-free, dairy-free and use flax seeds instead of eggs (I used the recipe from Blume’s Digital Cookbook which is slightly different than their stand-alone online recipe linked above). Finally, I simply could have messed something up. Whatever the reason, my pink pancakes did not turn out well (grand understatement). The flavouring was good, but the pancakes themselves were dense and cakey (not remotely light or airy). Due to the number of ingredients and kitchen tools used, as well as my last minute panic, our kitchen was a disaster. Richard was so amused by my calamity that he took photos. Keeping a semblance of dignity, these won’t be appearing on this blog anytime soon. Would I attempt these pancakes again? Nope. I discovered that oat flour pancakes bound with flax seeds are not my thing. But I would definitely add the blume powder to my next batch of flapjacks. The flavouring and nutrition boast are both welcomed bonuses.
Blume is a small, female-led company in Vancouver, British Columbia that produces nourishing, decaf spice blends that provide alternatives to the caffeine/sugar/syrup/dairy drinks that typically surround us. These powders make excellent hot and cold beverages and are a great additon to a variety of recipes. They are available online and at select stores. Unfortunately, they are currently only available in Canada and the US. Not to leave anyone out, you could make your own beetroot latte with this recipe or prepare a Creamy Herbal London Fog by one of these methods.
Once again, keeping my reviews completely open and honest this is an unsponsored post.
What’s been on your plate this past month?
Read what others have been sharing:
Deb (cohost)
Sue
Jo
Debbie
ThistlesandKiwis
Antoinette
Marsha
Ju-Lyn
Retired Introvert
Tracey
Feature photo: Blume.
One more thing before you go…
If you enjoy link-ups, the What’s On Your Bookshelf hosts have a one-off one coming this December 9th (10th in the Southern Hemisphere). It’s called ‘Festive Bonbon: What Does Your Holiday Season Look Like?’ It gives everyone a chance to share their holiday traditions, no matter what or how they celebrate. To prime the pump, we (okay, Jo) created the following questions. In your own post, or social media or simply in the comments you can answer one or all ten, and be as brief or as wordy as you like. We hope that you will join us and help spread a little festive cheer (most of us could desperately use some right about now). Feel free to give any of us a shout if this brief explanation is as clear as Christmas pudding!
Retirement Reflections 
How fabulous is your Blume research and I’m so glad it ended well with the addition of a milk frother – they are fabulous little appliances.
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So true about the milk frother, Deb. Seriously, who knew? And most importantly, why didn’t others set me straight about this long ago!
I’m off ot read your post now. See you there!
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Hi Donna – great to see a female owned business creating these sachets – and you’ve given us lots of choices to think about. Oddly I’ve started drinking beetroot (and apple) juice … and am loving it: strange but true! Blume looks to be an interesting organisation … thanks for highlighting – cheers Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – I love that Blume is a small, female led, BC company. The story of how Blume was created is inspirational. Founders, Karen Danudjaja and Ella Dalling, met through mutual friends on a camping trip over the 2017 Canada Day long weekend. They bonded over bad boyfriends and where to go next in their lives. They shared an interest in wellness (one was in real estate the other in advertsing, I believe). They were unsure which products were good for them and were tired of the high caffeine-sugar-dairy drinks surrounding them. From that start, the Blume superfood company was born. A great lesson on how our dreams CAN become reality!
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I’m amazed at what can be created without all the “essentials” that everyone once thought you couldn’t live without – caffeine-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, and probably close enough to gluten free – and it still sounds delicious. And the name sounds better than “beetroot juice”!
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Hi, Leanne – Richard and I were just chatting about that this morning. I accidentally burned our toast — and Richard said “no problem, my mom used burned toast as an upset stomach rememdy.” We then listed many of the natural rememdies that our parents and grandparents used that often worked much better than what we now reach for in our pharmacy aisles. Stepping back to natural ingredients makes sense to me.
I’m looking forward to catching up with you again soon!
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Lovely post Donna! I looked at the London Fog drink – looks good. Beetroot, apple, cucumber, mint blended makes the yummiest fresh drink. I’m proud of myself, I stewed some fruit the other day – those ruddy pears were just not ripening. So, apple and pears, cinnamon, dash vanilla essence, some ground ginger, honey and voila – on overnight soaked oats and a BIG dollop of double cream yoghurt. Like the best dessert ever. Yup, I’ve got one of those frothers, makes all the difference doesn’t it. Hope you’re all weathering the storms your way ..
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Hi, Susan – Your Beetroot drink sounds delicious, as does your stewed fruit. Thank you for asking about the storms out this way. Richard and I are fine but the complete devastation to many of BCs towns, farms and roadways is heartbreaking. A few months ago, we had booked a flight to my mom’s place in the interior of BC. That was a blessing as the mountain highway from here to there will now be closed for quite some time.
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Hope things are improving weather wise Donna. I heard a woman on probably CNN the other night (Margot Knight?) explaining how the warm air comes up from Haiti (or Hawaii) – and much more of an explanation, and I wondered so thank you for letting me know. Haven’t seen a post by Erica/Erika – Behind the Scenes – in a long long time and I hope she and family are all ok and well…
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Great post, Donna! If you ever decide to open a Bed and Breakfast, I’ll be your first guest! The packaging for the Blume powder is so pretty…I’d hate to tear it open. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi, Jill – Better than a Bed & Breakfast, you have an open invitation to be our guest on Vancouver Island anytime. Your room is ready! 😀
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You’ve climbed on the Blume train 🙂 It sounds like Deb has made you are another convert! I admit I’m still on the fence, however it sounds like a froth-er makes all the difference!
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Yes, yes, yes to the frother. The different Blume blends have distinctly difference tastes. I just picked up the mint-cocoa one, and need to experiment a bit further to get it just right. Deb has the Reishi Hot Cacao which could be an excellent to start — especially for the holiday season.
BTW – I hear that you are interested in camping. I’m super excited about this!
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Wow, you had me at the antiinflammatory. You certainly did some great research for us all. Unfortunately, I live in the U.S. I will keep an eye out for the product. I look forward to the link up.
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Hi, Bernadette – You are in luck! Blume delivers to the US and Canada. It is also available in select stories in both countries (I believe that it is available at Indigo as well as other places). I am always looking for anti-inflamatory support for my husband. Blume’s tumeric blends are also excellent for this.
I thought that WP had sent me a pingback from you earlier this morning. I approved it, but then could not see it on my site. If I have missed a link from you, please let me know. I would be more than happy to include it.
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Hi Donna, Thank you for sharing this. Beetroot Blume and a Bodum milk frother are on my list. Fortunately, Blume is available in stores in Toronto. I love how Richard took photos when you had a kitchen disaster/ calamity. I’m like that …with my loved ones 🙂
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Hi, Natalie – I do highly recommend both Blume and the Bodum milk frother. Seriously, that frother has changed my life!
BTW – Thank you for the reminder. I do need to find Richard’s phone and delete those photos! 😀
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Blume sounds like a great product, as it is healthy and tasty at the same time. No room for a frother in our little home on wheels, but, interestingly, Mark has been making overnight oats as well. He needs to fatten up and eat more, so this proves to be a decent and affordable snack. He uses old fashioned oats, though, and adds blueberries, cocoa powder, honey, and peanut butter to the oats and almond milk.
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Hi, Liesbet – Mark’s version of Overnight Oats sounds delicious. The next time that I make OO (and there will be a next time), I will definitely use regular old fashioned oats.
I hope that all is going well in your home on wheels!
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This looks and sound intriguing. I will have to keep an eye for this. I did have a frother, but I think a daughter confiscated it from my kitchen…hmm
Thank you for the Whats On Your Plate Blog Challenge. Here is my contribution: https://antoinettetrugliomartin.com/2021/12/01/turkey-on-the-bar-b-q-whatsonyourplateblogchallenge/
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Hi, Antoinette – Your comment brought a smile to my face. My husband and I cannot begin to list the items that have gone missing from our cupboards and closets. ‘Borrowed’ by our children (never to be returned) every single item! I look forward to reading about your Turkey on the BQ. Yum!
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I love what you’ve done with your Blume powder. I would agree with you on the pancakes though…I recently made oat flour pancakes and they were quite dense – will not make these again! So, not your fault at all! I also agree with you on overnight oats. They are delicious.
I used to have a frother like that. I used it so much (or maybe so vigorously?) the glass bottom fell out of it one day – LOL! Now I use my Nespresso machine instead but that frother would certainly come in handy camping…or should I say “glamping”? 😉
Deb
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Hi, Deb – I’m so glad that I was not the only one who created Oat Flour Pancake duds! Although I am pretty sure that I was a bit too heavy handed in meauring out the flax seeds,
I am super excited about camping and will happily bring my frother. I can’t wait to book some camping spots soon! Until then, I look forward to Van Isle holiday fesitivities and some (dry weather) hikes! 😀
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Donna,
Like Bernadette, anything that holds out hope as an anti-inflammatory is a product I have to try since I have arthritis everywhere but the roof of my mouth! Your quick and easy breakfast looked scrumptious. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the Holiday Link-up! Joe
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Hi, Joe – I am sorry to hear about your arthritis. Richard has severe rheumatoid arthritis. He went on medication last year and that has made all of the difference in the world. Prior to that, we had changed our diet significantly with minimal gain on the arthritis front (sadly). Arthritis, like so many conditions, is so different for everyone. One of the Blume founders became interested in superfood spices to try to help her mother who has severe arthritis.
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Milk frothers are fabulous. I used to sell them in the kitchen shops I ran. Blume sounds like a great little company.
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Hi, Darlene – You’ve had such an interesting life — I love learning more and more tidbits about it.
Cool that you sold frothers. I honestly can’t believe the difference that they make for hot drinks. I wish I had purchased one long ago!
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Hi Donna, who knew that a frother could be so inspirational? New toys are always fun. I would have to draw the line at pink pancakes, even if they are healthy. Pink just isn’t my color, unless it’s liquid and served in a martini glass. Loved Jo’s questions and will get on it.
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I know, right! Yay for new kitchen toys that work wonders and take up very little space (a true necessity in my kitchen). I’m good with pink pancakes (if they are light and fluffy). But, like Jo said below, I would definitely draw the line at blue ones (or green)!
I’m delighted that you are going to join in answering Jo’s questions. I look forward to reading them!
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Yay you and your frother. I giggled at the kitchen calamity. Great what’s on your plate…and glad you didn’t go with the blue colour. Pink pancakes yes, but blue?
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Hi, Jo – Those ‘kitchen calamity’ photos will remain hidden from this blog. As a matter of fact, I really must delete them. :O
I am totally with you on ‘yes’ to pink pancakes but a ‘hard no’ to blue ones!
I read your WOYP this morning but was then distracted (as sometimes happens). I’m off to comment now. See you there!
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I think I’d buy Blume products for their colors alone. I don’t have a frother but it sounds like I need to get one. I’m interested in how the process of frothing could change the taste of the drink… any thoughts as to why? I may try the overnight oats too, they look yummy. I love learning new things!
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Hi, Janis – The Blume colours are beautiful. And yup, you definitely need to get a frother. Great question about the difference in taste between plain milk and frothed. As the temperature of milk rises, lactose becomes more soluble. As it does, its sweetness is more noticeable. It’s not that the milk is actually sweeter, but as it heats up its perceived sweetness increases. The things you learn on this blog, eh? 😀
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Interesting! But, since the recipe calls for non-dairy “milks” I wonder why it seems sweeter? (Yes, I was one of those annoying kids who kept asking “why?”)
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Hi, Janis – Like a good teacher, I was expecting this question. 😀 Allthough Blume recommends non-dairy milk, I have used regular milk as well — which froths better due to the protein content (shhh, don’t tell). But most importantly for me, both dairy and non-dairy milks taste better to me because the froth adds a creamy, airy mouthfeel to drinks. If you have a frother, try it and see. If not, please come back to Parksville — I’d be happy to make comparison drinks for you (and provide bed and breakfast as well)!
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Well, I am intrigued but puzzled why frothed milk made the difference.
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Hi, Laurie – You and Janis both have great minds – that think alike. See my answer to your questions about frothing (warmed milk = more soluable lactose = sweetness more noticeable).
I have been busy frothing most of my hot drinks this month and have noticed a very positive difference.
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Wowsah! Sign me up.
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Hi Donna, you have sold me on the frother and yes the protein powder I use, I like to throw into different recipes. Blume sounds delicious and like you I would be going for the pink! I love overnight oats and there are so many variations to can do with oats! Thanks for co-hosting What’s On Your Plate? I’ve shared my Festive Traditional Baking which isn’t as healthy as your post LOL 🙂 https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/my-traditional-festive-baking/
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Hi, Sue – The tradtional baking that you shared is completely amazing. I am VERY impressed!
You definitely need to ask Santa for a milk frother (the Bodum manual one is awesome and very affordable). I’m serious, it will change your life! 😀
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I’ve never heard of Blume, but it sounds interesting, and as so many others have mentioned, I love the fact that it’s a small woman-owned business. I’m afraid I am not ready to give up my morning coffee (and I hear it is actually quite good for you in moderation); however, I am open to new options for cold winter evenings. Thanks for the tip and the thorough review.
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Hi, Christie – No need to give up caffeine. I agee with its health benefits when consumed in moderation. What I love about Blume is that it offers an alternative, especially for eveneings when I want a hot drinik but don’t want the caffeine. And frothing truly does make everything taste better! Thanks so much for sttopping by!
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In my humble opinion, frothing makes EVERYTHING taste better. 🙂 I am fascinated by your Blume news. I enjoy a London Fog Earl Gray tea latte every morning by 6:30. My guy drives to our local cafe to get one for me (his is a cappuccino order). My special order is NO WATER – (water….waters it down). I like having some non-fat milk in my diet. I like the spurt of caffeine in my morning. I love the froth at the top, and we order it with just a 1/4 tsp of vanilla. But I admit, if I had a frother at home (hmmm, Santa?) I’d try your Blume.
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Hi, Pam – I totally agree that frothing makes EVERYTHING better. You don’t have a frother of your own? You definitely need to ask Santa for one ($18.00 Cdn on Amazon). It will change your world! 😀
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I’m on it! Maybe Santa will give me one in my stocking. (I may have to be Santa…) 🙂
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Hi, Pam – I’ve been my own Santa many times. And a frother in a Christms stocking — what could be better?!
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I’m with Pam on the whole frothing thing. You could put froth on prune juice and I’d start talking about how great it was– and I don’t like prune juice. As for overnight oats I’ve thought about doing that. Interesting idea
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Hi, Ally – Even though I am now a HUGE frothing convert, I draw the line on frothing prune juice. That would be nasty! 😀
Go ahead and try the instant oats. I think that you will really like them. Peruse the internet – it is chock full of enticing OO recipes. Good luck!
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I tried Tazo Christmas in Paris. It is a combo of chocoloate, lavender and other things. It was too much for me. I will stick to English Breakfast. I find the more products there are in the market, the more things I don’t like. I seem to want old fashioned foods that I tried before.
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Hi, Ann – I also agree with tried and true, knowing what you like and knowing what works for you. While ‘Christmas in Paris’ sounds wonderful, ‘chocolate, lavendar and other unidentified ingredients’ is less appealing. Thanks for stopping by. I always love your comments.
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Hi
I am so pleasantly surprised that the drink you had was so healthy
The first look at the photo made me think it was an alcoholic drink –
But wow – sounds like a great product
–
And the frother you bought- I have almost the exact one and it came in a two pack – the coffee press and that frother – bodum and I think we got ours in 2006 – and it was about $12 US dollars for both – and that brand is quality – we used that set on and off and made the boys vanilla lates – but have not used it in years because we use the ninja blender for froth needs
–
Anyhow – enjoyed your post and not a fan of any kind of oats but fun experimenting
–
Have a great day and try’s
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Thanks so much for this comment. I’m glad to hear that your Bodum frother was well-used and long lasting. I absolutely love mine. My husband (who usually does the dishes) complains that the glass on the frother is extra thin and he fears it will break before its time. I think that may be his code for ‘You’re using your frother way too muuch.” 😀
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hahahah – you are right – the glass is so thin – and I cannot recall if we put ours in the dishwasher or hand washed it. – It has been in the cupboard for a while now. – But it sure does make a lot of drinks taste better and your photo showed it heaping and so full. mmmmm
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We definitely wash ours by hand….carefully!
You are definitely right about the mmmmmmm! 😀
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I think I’ve seen these on Instagram. The London Fog and the Beetroot look good. I would love to try the blue one. I like overnight oats. I know it sounds funny as we are approaching a cooler season, but you can always heat it up when you want to eat it warmer and add more toppings.
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Hi, Julie – I agree about Overnight Oats being versatile for all seasons.
And your right about the Blue Blume. Blogger Deb (Widow Badass) has that one and it is very delicious!! Thanks so much for dropping by.
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Although I live in Singapore (read: hot & humid all year long), I have a penchant for hot drinks. I look forward to my breakfast tea with a generous splash of milk in the mornings, and if I am inclined, another hot beverage like Teecinno or hot chocolate. So I took great interest in your review of Blume; also because it’s Pink.
Looking at the website now … I love love love the look of the blue drink!
I love that you extended the drink to other foods – I don’t care for much for oat flour baked goods generally (although I love using oatmeal, oatflakes, steel cut oats, etc), so I feel you.
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Thanks, Ju-Lyn –
I am now completedly with you re: oat flour baked goods. They are now on my Naughty List. Strange, because (again like you) I LOVE a steaming bowl of oatmeal or steel cut oats.!
Thanks so much for joining in. Deb and I greatly appeciate it.
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Have come to realise not all flours are delicious just because their grains are. And the reverse is true; I love using buckwheat flour, but have not had much luck with buckwheat groats
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This is very wise advice. Lesson learned!
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I’m late to the game but here’s what we’ve had on our plate, um in our bowl, lately. Delicious. https://retiredintrovert.com/gnocchi-chicken-soup/
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Thank you for joining in. It is never too late to share here. I love soup, especially chicken noodle. And i love gnocchi. This sounds like a wonderful combination. I look forward to trying it!
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OMG thanks for sharing this Blume info, Donna! I’ve never heard of it and that frother, well of course we need that! Sounds so healthy and looks delicious 🙂 I like that you can add the Blume flour to different things to add nutrition. Great idea!
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Thanks, Barb –
If you do not already have a frother, I highly receommend getting one.
When I was researching mine, I was going to go with an electirc one, but the reviews for the manual one were excellent. The glass for the bodum frother is a bit thin. That simply means that I need to be a bit more careful when dishwashing! 😀
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That’s all good information – maybe it’s not too late for me to drop a few hints to my family for Christmas! 😉
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Definitely not too late at all. You deserve it!
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Ooh, I wonder what it would taste like mixed with coffee…Or mixed with milk, frothed, and then a shot of espresso added!
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Great minds think alike! I’ve done that and it tastes fabulous! 😀
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