Del Monte Foods is giving bubble tea lovers a whole new reason to sip with pride. The company just announced that its full line of JOYBA® Bubble Teas—yes, all nine delicious varieties—are now Upcycled Certified®. That means they’re made using surplus ingredients that would’ve otherwise gone to waste. In this case? 265 tons of sweetened syrup that got a second chance at sweetening your day. Tea is the sip of the season!
It’s all part of a growing trend in CPG: doing more with less, and making food and beverage products that are both crave-worthy and climate-conscious.
“Food that nourishes people and the planet” isn’t just a nice tagline. For Del Monte, it’s becoming a business model.
Bubble tea gets a glow-up
JOYBA® Bubble Teas are vibrant, fruit-forward drinks with built-in boba beads—ready to drink, no straw or shaking required. But now, they’re serving something extra: purpose.
Here’s what happened:
- All nine JOYBA® Bubble Teas have officially been Upcycled Certified® by Where Food Comes From, Inc.
- That means the sweetened syrup used in production is reclaimed, not discarded.
- Del Monte saved 265 tons of syrup in the past year alone.
- The certification builds on their past success: in 2021, Del Monte’s Blue Lake® Petite Cut Green Beans became the first-ever Upcycled Certified® canned vegetable products.
“As Growers of Good, we’re always looking for ways to redirect surplus ingredients toward their highest use. JOYBA’s certification is another step in delivering joy and sustainability in every sip.” said Greg Longstreet, Del Monte’s President and CEO.
Tea-rific and planet-friendly
Globally, food waste costs us over $1 trillion each year. That’s not just uneaten leftovers—it’s a massive climate and supply chain issue.
By turning what would be waste into a consumer-ready product, Del Monte is helping reshape the conversation around what’s possible in food production.
Some juicy highlights:
- Del Monte diverted over 3 million pounds of food from landfills in fiscal year 2024.
- Their use of upcycled ingredients reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps valuable materials in the supply chain.
- Upcycled Certified® products are verified through a third-party process, giving consumers and buyers confidence in the claim.
“Upcycling food is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change. Del Monte’s leadership helps raise awareness and inspires others to do the same.” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association.
Upcycled & unstoppable
If you’re in the bulk ingredient, private label, or retail product development space, this news is more than a feel-good moment—it’s a signal that upcycled ingredients are going mainstream.
Why it matters:
- Importers and wholesale buyers can now align with certified sustainability leaders.
- R&D teams and formulators can explore new ways to incorporate upcycled ingredients into product lines.
- Retailers benefit from featuring items with environmental and social value baked in.
- Co-manufacturers and private label producers can meet consumer demand for eco-conscious options.
JOYBA® shows that upcycled ingredients don’t mean compromise. They can be colorful, delicious, and disruptive—without sacrificing quality or fun.
For those building the next wave of better-for-you, better-for-the-planet products, Del Monte’s path is a bright (and bubbly) example to follow.
The bottom line: Sipping smarter is the future
Del Monte’s latest move shows that even legacy brands can innovate in ways that matter. JOYBA® Bubble Teas are proof that today’s consumers don’t have to choose between flavor and values—they can have both in one bottle.
Upcycling isn’t just a buzzword. It’s an action. And in the fast-moving world of food and beverage, it’s a strategy that’s catching on.
Whether you’re sourcing ingredients in bulk, creating your next great beverage, or planning a more sustainable product portfolio—this is your sign to get in on the upcycled wave.
Want to explore sustainable ingredients that make a difference? We’ve got what you need. Reach out anytime or browse our catalog of upcycled and planet-friendly bulk ingredients!
