Chocolate Cold Foam: The Next Big Thing in Beverage Innovation
The foodservice beverage landscape is constantly evolving, with operators continuously seeking new ways to captivate consumers and drive profits. In an exciting development for the industry, global beverage leader Rich Products (Rich's) has expanded its innovative portfolio with the introduction of On Top® Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam, a versatile topping designed to elevate hot and cold specialty beverages across foodservice menus.
This chocolate-flavored cold foam joins Rich's existing On Top® Soft Whip portfolio, which already includes the original sweet cream flavor and a plant-based Oat Milk variant. The timing couldn't be better, as industry data suggests cold foam is experiencing explosive growth in the foodservice sector.
According to Datassential Menu Trends (June 2025), cold foam is projected to see a remarkable 171% four-year growth among restaurants serving coffee varieties. This surge aligns perfectly with consumer preferences, particularly among younger demographics, where 29% of consumers aged 18-34 consider the ability to customize beverages with flavor shots and toppings "very important" (2024 Technomic Beverage Consumer Trend Report).
What Makes On Top® Chocolate Soft Whip Cold Foam Stand Out?
Rich's newest innovation delivers several key advantages that set it apart in the competitive beverage enhancement market:
Superior Flavor and Texture Profile
The new Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam is crafted with authentic cocoa, delivering a rich, indulgent chocolate flavor that complements a wide variety of beverages. Unlike some competing products that contain air bubbles or frothy textures, Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip provides a velvety smooth mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience.
"Operators have been asking for a chocolate cold foam after seeing how easy it is to create custom beverages with our On Top® Soft Whip sweet cream cold foam," explains Alyssa Barrett, Senior Marketing Manager at Rich Products. "Rich's new Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam is a delicious way for operators to drive sales and traffic with infinite applications and Instagrammable solutions."
Clean Label Credentials
In an era where consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam delivers on clean label expectations with:
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- No high fructose corn syrup
This attention to quality ingredients allows operators to confidently promote beverages featuring the topping to health-conscious consumers.
Operational Advantages
Beyond its flavor profile and clean ingredients, Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam offers significant operational benefits for foodservice establishments:
- Ready-to-use format: Simply thaw and pour—no blending, whipping, or special equipment required
- Superior stability: Maintains its texture and appearance longer than many competing products
- Versatile applications: Works equally well in hot and cold beverages
- Extended shelf life: 365 days frozen, 21 days refrigerated
The product arrives frozen in 19-ounce cartons, with 12 cartons per case, making inventory management straightforward for operators of all sizes.
Endless Application Possibilities for Beverage Menus
The versatility of Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam opens up virtually unlimited menu innovation opportunities across dayparts and beverage categories. Here are just a few applications that can help operators differentiate their beverage offerings:
Coffee-Based Creations
- Chocolate Cold Foam Cold Brew: A simple yet effective combination of cold brew coffee topped with Chocolate Soft Whip for a layered visual effect and flavor contrast
- Mocha Latte Float: Hot or iced latte with a generous layer of Chocolate Soft Whip that slowly incorporates into the drink
- Chocolate-Cinnamon Cappuccino: Traditional cappuccino topped with Chocolate Soft Whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elevated take on a classic
Specialty Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Chocolate-Topped Dirty Sodas: The trending "dirty soda" phenomenon gets a chocolate upgrade with a layer of Chocolate Soft Whip
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Smoothie: Strawberry smoothie with a Chocolate Soft Whip topper that creates a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor profile
- Chocolate Chai Float: Spiced chai tea topped with Chocolate Soft Whip for a dessert-like experience
Cocktails and Adult Beverages
- Chocolate Espresso Martini: The classic cocktail elevated with a layer of Chocolate Soft Whip
- Chocolate-Orange Old Fashioned: A sophisticated twist on the traditional cocktail with a chocolate float
- Chocolate Irish Coffee: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and a Chocolate Soft Whip topping for a decadent after-dinner drink
Tapping Into Major Beverage Trends
Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam arrives at a pivotal moment in beverage innovation, intersecting with several significant industry trends that operators can leverage:
The Customization Revolution
According to a recent analysis by Food & Beverage Magazine, beverage customization has evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have feature for foodservice establishments. The addition of cold foam options—particularly chocolate—allows customers to personalize their beverages to match their exact preferences, enhancing satisfaction and justifying premium pricing.
Social Media Appeal
In today's digital-first environment, the visual appeal of beverages can be as important as their taste. The layered effect created by Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam delivers the "Instagrammable" quality that drives social media sharing and word-of-mouth marketing. The distinct layers and rich chocolate color create visually striking beverages that stand out in social feeds.
The RTD Crossover Effect
The explosive growth of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, which Food & Beverage Magazine has tracked extensively, has familiarized consumers with premium, complex flavor profiles and presentation styles. By incorporating Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam, operators can create made-to-order beverages that rival or exceed the quality perception of premium RTD options.
Technology Integration in Beverage Service
As foodservice operations increasingly embrace technology solutions, products that simplify preparation while delivering premium results become essential. The ready-to-use nature of Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam aligns perfectly with the industry's movement toward efficiency without sacrificing quality or customization.
Implementing Chocolate Cold Foam: Practical Considerations for Operators
For foodservice establishments looking to incorporate Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam into their beverage programs, several implementation strategies can maximize its impact:
Menu Positioning and Pricing
The addition of Chocolate Soft Whip can justify premium pricing for beverages, typically allowing for a $0.75-$1.50 upcharge. Consider offering it as:
- A standard component of signature beverages
- An add-on option for menu staples
- A featured element in limited-time offerings (LTOs)
Staff Training and Execution
While the product is designed for easy implementation, a few best practices will ensure optimal results:
- Store according to temperature guidelines (frozen until needed, then refrigerated)
- Apply using a gentle pouring technique to create distinct layers
- Experiment with different pour speeds to achieve various visual effects
- Consider using clear glassware to showcase the layered appearance
Marketing and Promotion
To maximize the impact of adding Chocolate Soft Whip to your beverage program:
- Feature beverages with Chocolate Soft Whip prominently on menu boards with accompanying visuals
- Create table tents or digital displays showcasing the topping's applications
- Develop seasonal or themed promotions that highlight chocolate cold foam applications
- Encourage staff to recommend Chocolate Soft Whip as an enhancement option
Rich's Legacy of Beverage Innovation
The introduction of Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam builds on Rich's long history of beverage innovation. The company launched in 1945 when founder Robert E. Rich, Sr. pioneered the world's first non-dairy whipped topping, revolutionizing the foodservice industry. Today, Rich's beverage portfolio encompasses a comprehensive range of solutions:
- On Top® Soft Whip: Pourable cold foam available in multiple flavors
- On Top® Whipped Topping: Firmer whipped toppings for creating decorative swirls
- All-In-One Creamer: A versatile neutral-flavored solution for various applications
- f'real by Rich's: Milkshakes and smoothies with flexible preparation options
This extensive lineup allows operators to create cohesive beverage programs using complementary products from a single, trusted supplier.
The Bottom Line: Business Impact
For foodservice operators constantly seeking ways to drive traffic, increase check averages, and enhance profitability, Rich's Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam represents a low-effort, high-impact opportunity. The combination of operational simplicity, consumer appeal, and alignment with current trends makes it a valuable addition to beverage programs across segments.
As consumers continue to seek memorable, customizable beverage experiences, ingredients that deliver both visual impact and flavor enhancement will play an increasingly important role in successful foodservice operations. Rich's On Top® Chocolate Soft Whip cold foam provides exactly this balance, offering operators a straightforward way to elevate their beverage menus and pour on profits in 2025 and beyond.
For more information about Rich's complete beverage solution portfolio, including recipe inspiration, trends, and insights, visit www.richsusa.com/beverages.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1) linked to https://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Magazines-Guide-Restaurant-Success/dp/1119668964, Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
