Is coffee really good for you? The consensus, according to research, is yes. Studies show that drinking 3 to 5 cups each day is associated with a lower risk of premature death, and that coffee can decrease the drinker’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer and other conditions.
It goes without saying that loading up coffee with syrup, cream and sugar makes it less healthful. But customers are now going the other way, seeking out coffee drinks that add extra benefits.
Here’s a look at some coffee trends that promise a health boost.
Proffee
Short for “protein coffee,” proffee is simply cold coffee shaken or blended with some form of protein, such as a pre-made shake or protein powder. Like most trendy coffee drinks, it rocketed to popularity online. On TikTok, people demonstrated ordering a few shots of espresso in a venti cup of ice, then pouring in a bottled protein drink and shaking it all together. Proffee fans tout the drink’s benefits as a post-workout treat, or a satisfying substitute for breakfast.
Coffee shops that serve wellness-focused customers may want to consider developing an elevated version of proffee to add to their menus. All you need is cold brew, espresso or iced coffee; protein powder (plant-based and dairy options); and flavorings, if desired. Try making blended proffee in a high-performance blender, then top with cold foam for a decadent-tasting but still healthful treat.
Plant-Based Coffee Drinks
The market for plant-based milk alternatives is only expected to grow, research shows. But not all dairy alternatives are good matches for coffee — have you ever had soy milk curdle in your mug, or tasted watery coconut creamer? Some possibilities to consider adding to your menu:
- Pea milk has a neutral taste and is high in protein (maybe add it to your proffee)?
- Hazelnut milk is appealing, but Food & Wine’s testers say the flavor’s lost in coffee.
- Walnut milk has a robust taste and creamy consistency.
- Oat milk is a classically milky addition to coffee that also can be steamed (if you choose a barista blend)
- Macadamia milk, which is high in fat, is a favorite of many coffee drinkers and baristas.
Nootropic Coffee Drinks
As Mintel notes in its 2021 Food and Drink Trends report, the stress and chaos of COVID-19 has led people to seek out functional ingredients to improve their mental and emotional health.
“Consumers will be looking for more functional food and drink that claim to help people focus, relax, and relieve (or ideally prevent) emotional health concerns.”
“Nootropic” refers to any substance that enhances mental acuity or cognitive ability. The category can include prescription drugs as well as dietary supplements. Caffeine itself is a nootropic. But for some consumers, that’s not enough — they want to add natural nootropic supplements to their coffee to enhance the mental benefits. These include:
- L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea that has a calming effect. Combined with caffeine, L-theanine can have a positive effect on alertness and attention, some studies have shown.
- Creatine, which is often seen in muscle-building supplements but also helps fuel brain cells
- Bacopa monnieri, also called water hyssop, an herbal supplement that can improve memory and mental processing over time
Do nootropics really work? Researchers and doctors are divided on this topic. While some studies have demonstrated measurable benefits of the supplements listed above, much research still needs to be done.
Mushroom Coffee
It may sound unappetizing, but mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like fungus. Most formulations are simply coffee beans mixed with powdered beneficial mushrooms, such as lion’s mane (which contains hericenones and erinacines that can stimulate the growth of brain cells) or reishi (which can benefit digestive and immune systems). Mushrooms are easy to add to a café menu as a supplement or mix-in for coffee beverages, hot or cold.
Just as for nootropics, coffee-shop operators should be cautious when touting the benefits of mushrooms, as not all are proven. “There’s really nothing wrong with mushroom coffee as long as you’re not adding in a ton of sugar or creamer,” registered dietician Ryanne Lachman says. “But you’ll also experience the same benefits – and more including the fiber – if you just eat mushrooms normally in your diet.”
Mindful Coffee
Making coffee more healthful doesn’t have to mean adding ingredients. It can also mean mindful preparation. “The need for calm and control can be answered by rituals for preparation, presentation, or consumption,” Mintel reports.
One trending format is drip bag coffee, which originated in Japan. A small, perforated bag is suspended by its “ears” from the rim of a cup and filled with ground coffee. The consumer pours over a small amount of hot water and waits 30 seconds for the grounds to expand. Then, the rest of the water is slowly poured over. The drip bag may be left in the cup for a few minutes to allow the flavor to develop. It’s a simple ritual, but a satisfying one.
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