Food and Beverage
BUTTER WINES INTRODUCES BUTTERLIGHT-A GREAT-TASTING, 85 CALORIE LIGHT WINE
Butter Wines introduces ButterLight Chardonnay, a lower calorie and alcohol wine option at 85 calories and 8.5% ABV, maintaining quality and taste from the popular Butter Chardonnay lineup.
Best-Selling Butter Wines Debuts Lower Calorie, Lower Alcohol Chardonnay that Doesn’t Compromise on Taste
NAPA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Butter Chardonnay—the number two selling premium Chardonnay1—announces the newest addition to its fan-favorite Butter lineup: ButterLight Chardonnay. Following extensive R&D to produce the best-tasting Light wine on the market, ButterLight is now available in wine aisles. Crafted with the same dedication to quality that defines the Butter portfolio, ButterLight offers winelovers an authentic grape-to-bottle, great-tasting glass of wine at just 85 calories—almost a third less than regular wines and 40% less alcohol.
“The demand for lighter wines has clearly been growing, but until we were confident we could truly make a delicious wine at meaningfully lower calories and alcohol levels, we weren’t going to put the Butter label on it,” said Jeff Kandarian, Executive Winemaker of Butter Wines by JaM Cellars. “The R&D process was extensive to retain full control over flavor first. This wine truly delivers on the Butter brand promise of quality for every wine drinking occasion. We’re thrilled to add it to the Butter lineup and offer a delicious alternative to consumers looking for lighter wine.”
Crafted with the same grapes selected for regular Butter Chardonnay at their perfect ripeness, ButterLight has flavors of bright lemon mousse laced with creamy vanilla and shortbread crumbles and comes in at just 8.5% ABV and 85 calories per glass. ButterLight is a terrific choice for those seeking a lighter wine option without sacrificing flavor and quality. Found in grocery stores across the country, the widely-recognizable Butter yellow label has become synonymous with great quality at amazing value. Butter Wines’ expansion into lower-ABV wine sets a new uncompromising standard for light wine.
“As we’ve expanded the Butter line up we have been meticulous in crafting each bottling to exceed quality expectations at accessible price points. ButterLight as our newest addition had a very high bar to meet—reduce calories and alcohol without sacrificing flavor, while staying in Butter’s price point. I think we have gone above and beyond that mandate and created something so great-tasting it’s hard to believe it’s lighter,” said John Truchard, Founder and CEO, JaM Cellars. “I’m grateful for the passion and hard work that has gone into this innovation by our winemaking, sales, and marketing team, and for the exceptional reaction we have received from our retail and distributor partners. I’m excited for wine drinkers everywhere to try it and love it.”
The Butter portfolio now comprises Butter Chardonnay (also in ButterCans), Butter Cab, NEW Butter Sauv Blanc, NEW Butter Pinot Noir, and now NEW ButterLight. Released last year, Butter Sauv Blanc is refreshingly tropical, and Butter Pinot Noir is juicy and lush, both making a splash for wine lovers looking for authentic, well-made wines that are approachably priced. With the continuous addition of new varietals, Butter’s bright yellow labels have become a beacon of quality and deliciousness that everyone can trust and afford in a notoriously fragmented and confusing wine category.
“Getting ButterLight just right was a labor of love, so we are excited to be able to start offering it in the New Year, when so many people are looking for lighter versions of their favorite foods and drinks. Nearly a third less calories and 40% less alcohol compared to regular wines are meaningful when you want to make lighter choices, but you won’t make those choices if it doesn’t taste great,” said Michele Truchard, Co-Founder JaM Cellars and the “M” in JaM. “Having a nutrition background, a passion for health and wellness, and a love of wine I’m always seeking balance. For me, ButterLight hits all the right notes.”
In celebration of the ButterLight launch, Butter Wines is hosting a sweepstakes to float over Napa Valley for one lucky winner and a plus one. Beginning January 14 through March 9, the winner will receive complimentary roundtrip flights, hotel stay, hot air ballroom ride, and a signature ButterLight tasting picnic to enjoy over an epic Napa Valley getaway weekend. Consumers are encouraged to enter at DrinkButter.com (no purchase necessary). All Butter Wines can be found under $20 (MSRP) in local grocery, convenience, and liquor stores as well as online at JaMCellars.com/locate. For more information on the newest Butter addition, visit JaMCellars.com or follow @JaMCellars on Facebook and Instagram.
About JaM Cellars
JaM Cellars is all about easy-to-love, every-day wines. Made by Napa Valley vintners John and Michele Truchard (the “J” and “M” in JaM), the JaM Cellars portfolio features Butter by JaM Cellars—including Butter Chardonnay, ButterCans, NEW ButterLight, Butter Sauv Blanc, Butter Pinot Noir, Butter Cabernet, and Butter Bubbles—along with the original JaM Cabernet that started the label. All the wines are distinctively delicious: Butter Chardonnay melts in your mouth, ButterLight is light and creamy, Butter Sauv Blanc is refreshingly tropical, Butter Pinot is fruity and velvety, Butter Bubbles is bright and creamy, Butter Cab is silky smooth, and JaM Cabernet is juicy and berry-licious, Butter Chardonnay is also available in fun, grab-and-go, single-serve 250ml ButterCans—each about a glass and a half, also available in a 4-pack. JaM Cellars wines are meant to be enjoyed anytime—whether it’s a special occasion or every-day celebration. This year, Butter Chardonnay, one of the bestselling chardonnays in the U.S. over $13, was recognized as an Impact Blue Chip Brand award winner for 10 years of consecutive growth. Check out JaM Cellars on Facebook and Instagram @jamcellars, #JaMCellars, or JaMCellars.com.
1Source: Nielsen, Chardonnay, $13+, 750mL, 01.27.24, 52 week, Total US xAOC
2ButterLight per 5 fl oz. Average analysis: 8.5% ABV, 85 Calories, 4g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat. 40% less alcohol compared to regular Butter Chardonnay.
SOURCE Butter Wines
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Food and Beverage
Why restaurant self-service kiosks can actually result in customers ordering less food
Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Lu Lu, Temple University and Wangoo Lee, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
When restaurant customers order from self-service kiosks while a line forms behind them, they feel rushed, prompting them to buy less and stick to familiar items instead of browsing for something new, according to a recent study we published.
self-service kiosks
We found that businesses can reduce this pressure and increase satisfaction by revamping their system so that a single line of waiting customers leads to multiple kiosks. That way, customers feel less rushed because they aren’t the only ones who may be holding up the line.
We are experts in food and beverage marketing who research self-service technology. In recent years, many restaurants have adopted automated technology to streamline the menu ordering process and address staffing shortages. This ultimately gives customers more control over ordering, but an unintended consequence of this has seemed to be that it also makes them feel more responsibility for keeping the line that forms behind them moving, leading to rushed orders.
To understand what’s going on, we conducted three experiments in which we asked hundreds of participants to imagine waiting in line at a restaurant in a variety of scenarios. We found that most people do in fact feel pressured to order quickly when there’s a queue behind them. This resulted in hasty decisions and lower overall spending.
But we also found that retailers can mitigate this in one of two ways: by creating a single line serving several kiosks or by showing a pop-up message on the kiosk interface stating that the business takes full responsibility for any service delays during menu orders.
Our research reveals the social dynamics at play in do-it-yourself ordering and we believe offers valuable implications for designing a more effective and customer-friendly self-service process. It also alerts restaurant owners to the potential unintended consequences of switching to automated technology.
Lu Lu, Associate Professor of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Temple University and Wangoo Lee, Assistant Professor, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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Foodie News
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Launches Its Seventh Edition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition invites chefs under 30 to apply between February 16 and June 9, 2026. This competition emphasizes technical skill, creativity, and personal belief, serving as a platform for mentorship and visibility in fine dining. Winners receive guidance from renowned chefs, enhancing their culinary journeys.
Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Daily News Staff
If you’re a chef under 30 with a dish that says something real about who you are, S.Pellegrino is officially calling.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has launched its seventh edition, opening applications worldwide starting February 16. The program is designed to identify and support the next generation of culinary talent—not just with a trophy at the end, but with mentorship, visibility, and a pathway into the global fine-dining conversation.
Applications are open for four months, closing June 9, 2026, through the official platform at sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
More than a contest: a platform for young chefs
S.Pellegrino positions the Young Chef Academy as more than a competition. It’s a development pipeline—a way to help emerging chefs sharpen their voice, pressure-test their ideas, and connect with influential figures in gastronomy.
The Academy emphasizes three core judging elements throughout the process:
- Technical skill
- Creativity
- Personal belief
That last piece matters. This isn’t only about executing a perfect plate—it’s about what you stand for as a chef, and how that shows up in your food.
How the competition works
The competition divides applicants into 15 regions, with selections supported by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts.
Here’s the flow:
- Applications open (Feb. 16 to June 9, 2026)
- Shortlisted candidates are selected within each region
- Chefs compete in 15 Regional Finals
- Regional winners advance to the Grand Finale
At the Grand Finale, finalists present their dishes to an international jury of renowned chefs.
Alongside the main title, participants can also compete for three collateral awards that recognize:
- Social responsibility
- Connection to culinary heritage
- Expression of personal belief through food
New this edition: mentorship that extends beyond the finale
One of the most interesting updates this year is a new mentorship initiative, aimed at reinforcing the Academy’s long-term commitment to supporting chefs beyond the competition cycle.
As part of that initiative, Ardy Ferguson (Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition) will complete a dedicated mentorship experience, spending three weeks working alongside two internationally recognized chefs who served on the previous jury:
- Julien Royer (Odette, Singapore)
- Jeremy Chan (Ikoyi, London)
Ferguson described the Academy as a career-shaping experience, noting that the continued learning opportunity is a way to keep pushing his craft and build on what the program offers.
Royer and Chan both emphasized what the competition is really testing: not only skill, but conviction—the ability to refine a vision and cook with individuality under pressure.
What applicants need to submit
To apply, chefs under 30 are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects:
- Personal belief
- Technical skill
- Creativity
If you’ve been building a dish that tells your story—your background, your values, your obsession, your point of view—this is the moment the competition is designed for.
Key dates and link
- Applications open: February 16, 2026
- Applications close: June 9, 2026
- Apply / learn more: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Recipe of the Week
Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast
The Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes bring joy to post-Easter gatherings with a moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful chocolate candies. The recipe, requiring a 30-minute prep and 15-minute cook time, offers a treat for chocolate lovers. For more dessert ideas, visit Culinary.net.
(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.
To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers – and all your loved ones – visit Culinary.net.
Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2-3 drops brown food coloring
- egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies
- To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
- Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
- Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
- To make frosting: Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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