Plant Based Perfection
What's the hype about plant based milks? And why do they taste so great in your favourite coffee#1 drink?
At Coffee#1 they love to invite as many people as possible to enjoy their delicious coffee and treats, and part of that is catering for all kinds of dietary requirements. Their quest for inclusion has led them to launch 3 plant based milk alternatives for you to enjoy- Soya, Coconut, and Oat- but they’re not just for people who can’t have dairy! Here’s a few reasons why you should try one of our plant based milks in your usual coffee soon…
Flavour!
What better reason to try out soya, coconut or oat milk than the new, exciting, and scrumptious flavour they can bring to your brew? We love our soya milk in a white hot chocolate (be careful- that one still contains dairy), our coconut milk makes one delicious mocha, and our oat milk is fantastic in a flat white. But who are we to decide for you? Test your own flavour combinations!
Texture!
Some people enjoy the smooth texture of a latte, others the thick foam of a cappuccino, but have you considered the different texture of our plant based milks? Coconut has quite a thin, silky texture; oat is the most similar to whole milk once steamed; and soya can make thick, creamy foam. Why not give one a try and see how your mouth feels about it?
Nutrition!
We’re sure that you’ve heard before about the health benefits of lower-fat milk alternatives and how plant based options can form part of a healthy diet, so we won’t lecture you here! (Lord knows we’re still partial to whipped cream on our oat milk caramel macchiato!) But the health benefits of switching your regular coffee from whole milk to a plant based option are certainly something to consider. The plant based milks we have chosen have also been specially selected because they contain as few allergens as possible. There’s soya in the soya milk- we can’t help that sorry- but the coconut and oat milks are allergen free*, making them safe for as many people as possible!
So next time you’re queuing for your coffee fix, consider a plant based option and see what happens. And be sure to let us know if you find the perfect combination!
Sony A7C at Worcester's London Camera Exchange
Sony A7c | The smallest Alpha full-frame camera
Ten years ago Sony released their first mirrorless interchangeable lens system which was closely followed by the full-frame A7 camera. This design took the larger sized sensors out of bigger DSLRs and encased them in a smaller and more portable body. Well today I’m pleased to say that Sony has done this once again with their new model, the A7c.
Key Features
- 24.2 MP BSI Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Bionz X Processor
- 4K30P movie recording
- 693-point phase detection AF
- Up to 10fps continuous shooting
- Up to 15-stops dynamic range
Being a smaller design and only weighing in at just 509g’s this full-frame mirrorless is actually 22% lighter than the A7 III and just 6g’s heavier than the A6600. To create it this small Sony has developed a new compact shutter unit adopting the electromagnetic-drive system along with a monocoque construction from its magnesium allow chassis. Available in an all-black or black and silver two-tone finish Sony has created something a little new for this entry-level full-frame which is also dust and moisture resistant.
At its heart is a 24.2-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS Exmor R sensor and the latest Bionz X processor and the stills capabilities within the A7c left me pleased with a good dynamic range up to 15 stops, bringing out details in my highlights and shadows.
For any fast-moving family members running around or playing that Sunday morning sport or if you just fancy shooting a little quicker you can shoot continuously up to 10 frames per second for a lengthy 115 RAW images or 223 JPEGs. The subjects in your images will stay in focus too thanks to the A7c being able to autofocus and auto exposure at this frame rate too.
With 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points that cover a large 93% of the sensor the A7c inherits the same industry favourite focusing seen throughout Sony’s latest systems. Real-time Eye AF for both Humans and animals along with Real-Time Tracking help to keep your subjects sharp as they move throughout your frame. This is the same performance found inside the A7R mark IV and gives a reliable focus down to – 4 EV which lets you take advantage of that larger sensor for low light environments. Helping with this is the ISO range that covers from 100-51,200 or is expandable from 50-204,800. Now no one is ever going to shoot at such a high number but having a low level of noise at the slightly bigger numbers leaves you with a pleasing end result.
Sustainably Sourced Cotton
OUR SUSTAINABLY SOURCED COTTON COMMITMENT
At White Stuff, we are committed to sourcing cotton ethically and sustainably. Our commitment is to only use sustainably sourced cotton by 2024. By working closely with our suppliers, we are delighted to offer organic cotton and Fairtrade Sourced Cotton products.
We are excited to start this journey and for you to join us, as sustainably sourced cotton becomes a bigger and more comprehensive offer, both online and within our shops.
WHAT IS ORGANIC COTTON?
Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified seeds and without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. By avoiding synthetic inputs, it means that farmers and the environment are being exposed to fewer harmful chemicals.
Organic production systems also replenish and maintain soil fertility, enabling the farmers to grow complementary crops and rotate crops to keep the soil healthy. Third-party certification organisations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. This ensures that the cotton sourced meets strict environmental standards.
OUR WHITE STUFF COMMITMENT TO FAIRTRADE COTTON
We have signed a three year agreement with Fairtrade. In the first year, we are committed to buying 100 metric tonnes of Fairtrade cotton. Our agreement is to increase the amount of Fairtrade cotton we source year on year.
We are proud to let you know we are the only UK retailer to commit to the mass balance cotton programme.
WHAT IS FAIRTRADE COTTON?
Fairtrade cotton supports the people at the beginning of the supply chain – the farmers who sow, grow and harvest the raw cotton.
Fairtrade ensures that they earn a fair price for their cotton. The cost of Fairtrade is split into two parts: the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium. The Minimum Price is set to ensure that farmers are being paid enough for their crop. It protects farmers against changes in the market and price fluctuations.
Farmers are organised into certified cooperatives and the Fairtrade Premium is an additional amount of money on top of the price that these cooperatives can choose how to spend. Examples include schools for their children, better irrigation systems, better access to doctors and better quality seeds. Through Fairtrade, thousands of cotton farmers have already improved their lives.
Cotton cooperatives have become better organised, farms are more productive and women are receiving the same rights as men. Cotton production uses a lot of water and farmers are affected by climate change. Fairtrade supports farmers in managing the environmental and health risks from cotton production. By meeting Fairtrade Standards, farmers can also improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and use water more sustainably. Farmers are also able to continually invest in their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
We have joined and committed to the Fairtrade Sourced Cotton model. This means that the quantity of cotton required for clothes carrying this Mark on our web page is sourced, traded and audited on Fairtrade terms. The cotton may be mixed with non-certified cotton, on a mass balance basis and Fairtrade producers receive the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the additional Premium. Visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/farmers-and-workers/cotton for more information.
Hotel 'hot' Chocolat
Whip up your own warming cup of cocoa...
… with any leftover chocolate bars you have in the cupboard!
Making hot chocolate from our sachets of hot chocolate flakes is one of the easiest ways to make a delicious cup of cocoa – and it’s even easier with the help of The Velvetiser! But what if you don’t have any hot chocolate mix to hand?
Using a chocolate bar is a great alternative, and it tastes delicious – we promise. We’ve taken a look at how you can make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar, and we’ve also explored how you can make your hot chocolate a little more adventurous. Whether you’re using up an old bar of chocolate or switching up your hot chocolate making ritual, we’re sure you’ll love learning how to make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar!
Ingredients
Unsurprisingly, one of the main ingredients needed to make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar is – well – a chocolate bar! However, you don’t want to settle for any old chocolate bar. To make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar, you’ll want to look for chocolate with a high cocoa percentage and one without any added vegetable fat.
Why? First, the overall taste of your hot chocolate depends on the quality of the chocolate you use. Bars with a high cocoa percentage will have a richer, deeper cocoa flavour – for example, 40% milk chocolate has a fuller flavour with more depth, compared to a bar of milk chocolate made with the industry minimum of 10% cocoa. We would never go lower than 40% – anything below that percentage and you risk losing the more nuanced cocoa flavours.
Second, check your chocolate bar has a high cocoa butter percentage. Although this doesn’t really affect the taste of your hot chocolate, a high cocoa butter percentage results in a smooth and velvety texture. Cheaper chocolates sometimes use vegetable fat to solidify the bar – this might mean your hot chocolate will have a thinner texture. To find out more about the wonders of cocoa butter, take a look at our blog on whether you can eat cocoa butter.
After you’ve got your chocolate bar, you’ll want to select your choice of milk. We suggest using whole milk for a thick and luxurious finish, although don’t worry if you’re after a dairy-free cup of cocoa. Oat milk boasts a similarly creamy finish, and there are a whole variety of dairy-free milks to choose from.
Although you could just stop there, we think the best hot chocolates should be ridiculously rich, with a thick and velvety finish. That’s why we recommend pouring a touch of double cream into your cup of cocoa. And that’s how to make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar all the more luxurious.
Method
Because you’re learning how to make hot chocolate from a chocolate bar, rather than just the ordinary powder, there’s an extra step involved in the hot chocolate making process. You’ll need to cut your chocolate bar up into small chunks to ensure your chocolate has an event melt. Although they don’t have to be completely even in size, it’s important to at least aim for similar-sized pieces – this will ensure your chocolate bar melts effortlessly, resulting in a glossy finish.
Next, you’ll need 200ml of milk at the ready. Gently heat 100ml of milk in a saucepan. When you can see that the milk has steam evaporating from its surface, add in your chocolate and whisk until all the chocolate has melted and you’re left with a rich, glossy mixture. Add the rest of the milk and 20ml double cream and stir until the mixture is hot, without letting it boil. Pour in your favourite mug, and enjoy.
Tip: for an even thicker consistency, substitute 50ml of milk with an additional 50ml double cream.
Inside H&M
A study in
sustainable style
Julie Pelipas is a cult figure in the fashion world. While you may not recognise her name you will definitely recognise the Julie Pelipas look: menswear tailoring combined with elevated, or unexpected, details. Pelipas embodies a minimalism that is simultaneously classic and forward thinking. Her effortlessly chic sensibilities are influenced by a sustainable approach to fashion. “You should always choose clothes you’ll love for a long time, preferably made from recycled materials.”
An adored stylist and contributing fashion director of Vogue Ukraine, Pelipas is also an ambassador for the No More Plastic Foundation, a non-profit organisation working to raise awareness about plastic pollution, and to end the cycle of single-use plastics. When asked what her wish is for this holiday season, she responded “less plastic waste.” This wish comes true in winter-ready garments made from recycled plastic. For instance, that dreamy cream knit ruffle sweater Pelipas wears in the campaign is made from recycled polyester.
Pelipas’s style philosophy is that we should be more conscious shoppers by buying less, choosing well and making the garments we own last longer. She brings this ethos to life by upcycling vintage suits with her signature aesthetic
This year, give the gift of a more sustainable holiday season by choosing directional winter staples made from recycled plastic.
The Julie Pelipas Edit will be available online from 3 December.
Take better care of what you already have. Fix your clothes, repair them and upcycle them.
Car Park offer
NCP OFFER
Park for up to 24 hours and it will cost you just £4
NCP are offering a discount to people parking in their car park at Cathedral Square.
Up to 24 hours will cost you just £4. All you need to do is download the free NCP ParkPass app, use the saver code WORCESTERSAVER and you’ll get the discount. Offer available until 17 December 2020.
Download the free NCP ParkPass app, use the saver code WORCESTERSAVER
season's eatings
Enjoy the authentic flavour of the Japanese Christmas tradition, come into YO! for a JFC festive feast!
go Japanese for Christmas
Fried chicken in-a-box: say hello to time-honoured Japanese tradition at YO! this Christmas. Our JFC Festive Feast box (£9.50) features crispy Japanese Fried Chicken, YO! Fries, Miso-Butter Sweetcorn and Coleslaw. Available for a limited time only.
vegans can enjoy JFC too!
Calling all veggies and vegans – we’ve re-invented the Japanese Christmas meal tradition especially for you too! For a limited time only, enjoy our Vegan JFC Festive Feast box which includes Vegan Nuggets, hot and sticky Korean dipping sauce, YO! Fries, Miso-Butter Sweetcorn and vegan Coleslaw – all for just £9.50.