By DYLAN WHITELY, Senior Reporter
Nutritional teas popular across U.S. and in Alva
It’s a place where Aquaman, Ironman and gummy bears all come together.
No, it isn’t some crazy fantasy dream you might be having. These are just three of the many flavors of nutritional teas that are available at Northwest Nutrition in Alva.
Since Jeramie Bradford opened the business in 2019, it has served nutritional teas and shakes not only to Northwestern students on campus across the street, but also to residents of Alva and the surrounding communities.
If you walk into Northwest Nutrition on any given day, you are likely to find the place filled with college students, high school students, children and parents all stopping in to have one of their favorite flavors of teas – or maybe even trying out a new flavor.
Bradford is a full time therapist and has always been big on health and nutrition, he said. Whether it’s lifting weights or doing martial arts, Bradford said nutrition has played a major role in his life. He and his wife had been to other nutrition stores around the state, and those experiences led to the idea of opening one themselves.
“That was something we were interested in,” Bradford said. “We liked how the clubs were run.
We knew that we could put our own little spin on it, and that’s how that came about.”
GROWING TREND
Over the past few years, countless nutrition businesses have opened up in Oklahoma and across the United States. Bradford said the U.S. has more Herbalife clubs than Starbucks locations.
Brightly colored nutritional teas come in all sorts of sweet, fruity flavors, Bradford said. The teas do not contain sugar, so consumers get a burst of energy from the teas but without the sugar crash. Bradford’s drinks use a powder from the Herbalife brand called Liftoff, which helps users fight fatigue and stay alert.
Northwest Nutrition also sells shakes that serve as meal replacements. They’re low in calories and filled with vitamins and antioxidants, Bradford said.
Northwestern junior Jordan Villalva uses the teas to get her through the day.
“Sometimes, I need the caffeine,” Villalva said. “The teas are a great supplement to keep me awake throughout the day.”
UNLIKE ANY OTHER ALVA BUSINESS
With the closest nutrition stores being in Enid and Woodward, Bradford said Alva had a lot of untapped potential. When Northwest Nutrition first opened, it was different from any other business that had ever been in town, Bradford said.
Jaylyn Graybill, a junior at Northwestern, had his curiosity piqued by Northwest Nutrition when it opened.
“I had never heard of nutrition teas before the store opened,” Graybill said. “But they sounded interesting, and I wanted to give them a try.”
Graybill said he believes Northwest Nutrition is a place the town has needed.
“I think Northwest Nutrition is a great asset to the Alva community,” Graybill said. “We’ve always lacked healthier options, so this was a great step in the right direction.”
COMMUNITY FIXTURE
Cade Madsen, a Northwestern senior, said he also enjoys going to Northwest Nutrition. But he doesn’t go just to buy drinks. The store has become a social hub.
“I enjoy the atmosphere because of the people who work there,” Madsen said. “I always feel welcomed.”
Northwest Nutrition has become an active part of the community. Workers deliver large orders of teas to local businesses and the nurses working at the local hospital. They also build relationships with customers by rewarding them with giveaways, loyalty cards and specials.
They include a discount on customers’ drinks when they post photos of their beverages on social media.
Villalva said Wednesdays were the busiest days of the week because patrons can get a large tea for the price of a small one. Monday mornings were also busy because people would get a tea to start their week.
The business has continued to grow, Bradford said, and it hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Herbalife grew by almost $3 billion in 2021 and has been continuously growing ever since, Bradford said.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Some people look at the drinks as a treat to enjoy every now and then. But for other consumers, the drinks have turned into a part of their everyday routine.
Villalva saw a lot of the same faces when she was an employee at Northwest Nutrition.
“I think a majority of the customers come consistently,” Villalva said. “Some regulars come two to three times a day. There’s others who will buy enough drinks to last them for the week when they come in. There are some that just come every once in a while to treat themselves.”
One of the reasons the teas have grown popular is that they are a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, Madsen said. He drinks them to feel energized instead of using an unhealthier option.
“I get a tea when I’m tired and need something,” Madsen said. “I enjoy that it’s healthier than pop.”
Graybill has a similar reason as to why he gets teas.
“I like the drinks for the nutritional value,” Graybill said. “You feel better about drinking one of the teas rather than going somewhere and getting a Coke.”
