‘Figbrew’ founders Marianne & Andy Whitehead explain the benefits of “fig-brewed” coffee
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — An espresso-like experience is drawing attention for its fruity flavor and smooth finish. This Wellness Wednesday we meet Marianne and Andy Whitehead, who are the founders of ‘Figbrew’, a company turning figs into a coffee alternative. The couple roasts figs, grinds them into small bits and brews them much like traditional coffee beans.
The company was founded in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were founded exactly in the middle of COVID and like most coffee drinkers, I have issues with acid, digestive issues particularly,” Andy Whitehead said.
For Marianne Whitehead, the fig-based brew satisfies her taste for something smoother.
“I am crazy about tea. I love tea. I’m not that thrilled with coffee, but when you mix fig and coffee, it is really, really good. It’s very smooth,” she said.
Andy said the fig brew also offers several health benefits.
“Fig is caffeine-free. It’s alkaline, so it’s a lot easier on your stomach. It’s high in potassium, low in sodium. So it helps regulate blood pressure. Figs themselves are classified as superfruits for the health benefits,” he said.
Figs are naturally sweet, which carries over into the brewed drink, according to Marianne.
“You don’t need as much sugar, and you don’t need as much creamer. So a lot of people actually skip the creamer and sugar and just drink it black,” she said.
The Whiteheads said they hope their product will bring innovation to the health beverage market.
“There’s very little innovation going on. So fig coffee is one of those that we feel is truly innovative,” Andy Whitehead said.
After trying a fig latte prepared by the founders, one taster gave it positive marks.
“I am trying this prepared coffee that they have for me. It is a fig latte. I don’t even need any sugar or milk. It does the job for me. So I’m going to give it a thumbs up,” she said.
