When you’re building and leading a remote team, connection often starts with the small things—shared moments, conversations, and yes, even food. In virtual settings, these little anchors can help bridge distance. One way I’ve seen this work beautifully is by introducing the concept of aris flavors into team culture.
Aris flavors aren’t just a collection of tastes. They’re a curated approach to blending sweet, savory, and unexpected notes to create experiences—whether that’s in a meal, a snack box, or a team-building tasting event. They can be used as a creative way to spark conversation, encourage participation, and bring a sense of novelty to your team interactions.
Why Aris Flavors Stand Out
Think of aris flavors as more than ingredients. They’re profiles that can shift mood, inspire curiosity, and even encourage mindfulness. A sweet and floral combination can soften the tone of a tense meeting, while a bold and smoky mix can fuel brainstorming sessions with energy.
| Flavor Profile | Example Pairing | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Floral | Honey with lavender | Team appreciation gifts |
| Bold & Smoky | Smoked paprika with dark cocoa | Creative brainstorming |
| Bright & Citrus | Lemon zest with chili | Energizing morning meetings |
| Savory & Herbaceous | Rosemary with sun-dried tomato | Strategy sessions or lunch pairings |
These pairings don’t have to be gourmet to be memorable. Even a simple mailing of small tasting packets to your distributed team can create a shared moment.
Bringing Aris Flavors Into Remote Work Culture
Here are a few ways leaders have woven aris flavors into their virtual environments:
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Monthly Flavor Spotlight
Each month, send a small selection of flavors to your team members. Host a 15-minute “flavor break” over video call where everyone samples, describes, and shares their thoughts. It’s lighthearted, but it opens the door to team bonding. -
Culture Days
Assign a flavor profile to represent a company value. For example, a bright citrus mix could symbolize “energy” or “optimism,” while a complex sweet-savory blend could represent “collaboration.” Pair it with a short discussion about how the value showed up in recent work. -
Mindful Mornings
Encourage starting the day with a small flavor ritual—brewing tea with a floral hint, adding a savory sprinkle to breakfast, or enjoying a tiny piece of spiced chocolate. It can help remote employees create boundaries between home and work time.
The Role of Basil and Co
When it comes to sourcing unique blends, Basil and Co has made a name for itself by crafting flavors with personality. Their approach isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about honoring the stories behind each ingredient. By working with growers and small producers, they bring authenticity to every product, which makes their offerings ideal for team gifting or virtual tasting sessions.
They’ve even created flavor kits designed for group experiences, making it easier for remote leaders to plan events without the logistical headaches. You can learn more about their approach and products here.
A Practical Tip for Remote Leaders
If you decide to introduce aris flavors to your team, keep these practical steps in mind:
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Keep it inclusive: Check for allergies and dietary preferences before sending anything.
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Make it optional: Participation should be encouraged, not required.
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Pair it with conversation: The flavor is the hook, but the real goal is human connection.
Why It Works
When you share flavors, you’re doing more than giving someone something to taste—you’re giving them a shared reference point. In remote teams, those shared reference points can be scarce.
Research into sensory experiences shows that taste and smell are closely tied to memory. A unique flavor can make a meeting or event more memorable, which in turn helps people feel more engaged. You might not remember every slide from a strategy session, but you’ll remember the rosemary-sun-dried tomato crackers you nibbled while brainstorming.
Getting Started
To make your first experience a success:
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Pick one or two flavor profiles from the table above.
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Source small quantities—Basil and Co offers sampler packs for this purpose.
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Schedule a short virtual gathering to taste and discuss.
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Use the conversation as a springboard into a light team activity or reflection.
Over time, you might find that flavors become part of your company’s informal language. You’ll hear people say, “This project feels very citrus-and-chili,” and everyone will know exactly what that means.
Additional Resource
If you’re curious about how flavors influence mood and creativity, this article from Harvard’s Science of Taste project offers a deeper look into the connection between senses and collaboration.
Final Thought
Aris flavors aren’t a silver bullet for remote culture challenges, but they’re a simple, tangible way to create shared moments. For remote leaders, project managers, and HR professionals, the goal is the same—bring people together. Sometimes, that starts with something as small as a surprising bite of lemon and chili.
