As coffee culture evolves, wellness coffees are emerging as a great alternative for those looking to enhance their daily brew with health-boosting ingredients. While we might have been familiar with traditional black coffee of filter kaapi all along, options like shunti coffee and chukku coffee have been age-old brews that are becoming famous all over again.
Beetroot coffee and mushroom coffee are gaining traction, known for their potential offerings of a myriad of health benefits and unique flavours. While beetroot latte has an appeal through its colour, mushroom coffee has been trending on social media lately for its appeal with the Gen Z population or the new age consumers who are health enthusiasts.
These innovative blends often incorporate ingredients such as spirulina, mushrooms, ginger, ashwagandha, and more, targeting health-conscious consumers eager to supplement their nutrition. These wellness coffees may cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan options that replace dairy with plant-based alternatives.
As consumers increasingly prioritise their well-being, the interest in wellness coffee reflects a broader trend toward functional beverages that combine enjoyment with nutrition. Coffee's ability to mask flavours makes it an ideal base for introducing beneficial ingredients, effectively turning a comforting ritual into a healthful habit. With options like golden latte, avocado coffee, and even garlic coffee on the rise, the landscape of coffee consumption is expanding, inviting enthusiasts to explore new ways to indulge their passion while reaping health rewards.
"I have created a lot of coffees based on fresh ginger extract and Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, etc. If you know how to merge the property and flavour of spices with coffee, then you can achieve what you desire Coffee or any healthy ingredient should be extracted and merged by balancing its flavour; excessive use or more quantity may kill the taste or harm your health," says Jeetender Reehal, Coffee Consultant and Cafe Curator, Deep Red Coffee.
According to a study, Coffee Consumption and Health, coffee is associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Studies suggest that consuming four to five cups daily can significantly lower the risk of Parkinson's disease and may also help reduce depression, particularly in women. Rich in antioxidants, coffee combats oxidative stress and supports overall health, while its consumption is linked to better liver health and potentially increased longevity. However, moderation is key, as excessive intake may lead to negative side effects. Coffee may not be best advised for pregnant women. It is best to always consult your health practitioner before introducing something that may be unusual to your diet.
Some of the popular health coffee beverages are:
Chukku Coffee
Chukku kaapi, or dry ginger coffee, is a traditional beverage from Kerala, known for its health benefits, especially during the colder months. Made by brewing coffee with dry ginger, this aromatic drink often includes spices like black pepper, cumin, and holy basil. It serves as a natural remedy for coughs and colds, helping to boost immunity and improve overall well-being.
"I come from Kerala, and we have this drink called chukku kaapi, which is an age-old way of making coffee in Kerala, where they add dry ginger root and black pepper while brewing black coffee. This is a wonderful beverage to have during the winter, especially while travelling. These ingredients are available so easily in India and an inspiration to various new-age concoctions that baristas create nowadays," says Binny Varghese, Founder of the Barista Training Academy.
Beetroot Coffee
Beetroot coffee is a unique and healthy beverage that combines the rich flavour of coffee with the earthy sweetness of beetroot. To prepare it, fresh beetroot is grated, and the juice is extracted by squeeze. The coffee base is made by brewing instant coffee with hot water, while milk is separately heated. Beetroot juice is added to a serving glass along with honey, followed by the coffee mixture and hot milk. The drink is topped with milk froth and garnished with mint leaves, offering a vibrant and nutritious twist to traditional coffee. It is known to boost energy levels and may increase performance levels.
Bullet-Proof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee combines brewed coffee with ghee or butter. Although it has been consumed widely in India for a long time, it may have regained popularity among keto diet enthusiasts as it is believed to provide sustained energy and may enhance cognitive function. While many enjoy bulletproof coffee for its potential health benefits, it's essential to consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Talking to health experts is always the best way before introducing things to your diet.
Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee blends traditional coffee with medicinal mushrooms like chaga, reishi, or lion’s mane. These mushrooms are renowned for their health benefits like enhanced alertness and focus, reduced stress levels, and improved immunity. While it tastes like a regular coffee with a hint of added earthiness from the mushrooms, many people appreciate mushroom coffee for its potential to improve focus and antioxidant benefits. This unique beverage is gaining popularity among health enthusiasts looking for a functional alternative to conventional coffee.
"We are working on a mushroom coffee, and we are working with a brand that has been growing mushrooms for many years. They have worked on a beautiful extract of the Lion's Mane mushroom, and we are creating a freshly ground coffee with that. We are excited to use a few drops of that mushroom's extract in a few of our coffee-based drinks," says Ashish D'Abreo, Co-Founder of Maverick & Farmer Coffee and a certified Arabica Q grader by the Coffee Quality Institute of America.
Golden Latte
Often called turmeric latte or haldi doodh in Hindi, this is a vibrant beverage made with turmeric, milk, and spices like cinnamon and ginger. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this drink a popular choice for boosting overall health. Golden lattes are praised for their potential to improve digestion and support immune function.
Avocado Coffee
Guacamole or even avocado mousse are dishes we may be aware of, but blending avocado with coffee combines the creaminess of ripe avocados with brewed coffee. This is often blended to create a rich, smoothie-like texture that may be popular with fitness enthusiasts. This health coffee is gaining traction for its unique flavour and numerous potential health benefits, including healthy fats from avocados. Avocados are known to be rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall well-being.
Plant Protein Coffee
Plant protein coffee is a nutritious blend of coffee and plant-based protein sources, such as pea, hemp, or brown rice protein. This combination not only provides the familiar caffeine boost but may help enhance muscle recovery and support a balanced diet. This coffee appeals to fitness enthusiasts and those looking to increase their protein intake. Additionally, it serves as a great option for those following vegan or vegetarian diets, allowing them to enjoy coffee while meeting their nutritional goals.