In the world of coffee, what steals the spotlight? Undoubtedly, it’s the hidden gem – caffeine. But what if we add a touch of mushrooms?
Recently, Z Natural Foods, an organic food company in the United States, innovatively introduced “7 Mushroom Coffee,” a mushroom-infused instant coffee. This coffee powder, based on organic coffee powder, incorporates seven types of mushrooms – Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Yunzhi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Reishi. Simply mix with hot water, and you have a delightful beverage.
Notably, the texture and color of this coffee match the smoothness and natural tones of coffee made from Arabica beans. It manages to be rich in nutrients without the distinct mushroom taste, and it doesn’t include any sweeteners or creamers, catering to the demand for black coffee.
Each mushroom brings unique benefits: Lion’s Mane with antioxidants and β-glucans for improved inflammation, mood, and memory; Shiitake and Maitake supporting immune function with polysaccharides; Yunzhi and Reishi, medicinal mushrooms, contribute to the blend’s nutritional richness.
“Our goal is to create a product that combines the pure taste of coffee with the nutritional health of mushrooms,” added Jonathan Parker, the company’s Director of Nutritional Science, emphasizing the growing preference for beverages that are both nutritious and functional.
The functional mushroom industry has gained momentum in recent years and is poised to enter the global mainstream market. Market data projections by Future Market Insights suggest that the global mushroom market will surge from $9.68 billion in 2023 to $22 billion in 2033, with a remarkable CAGR of 9%. Post-COVID-19, the demand for medicinal mushrooms has seen a substantial increase due to their innate immune-boosting properties.
According to the latest “2023 Mushroom Ingredients Market Report” by SPINS, products containing mushroom ingredients witnessed a 26% surge in sales within the U.S. nutrition and beverage category in 2022. The fastest-growing categories were tea and ready-to-drink coffee, experiencing a staggering growth of 250.6%, followed by baby food (217.2%) and kombucha and beverages (71.2%).
In reality, “mushroom coffee” has already become a trend in Europe and the United States. The mainstream usage involves blending mushroom powder into coffee beverages, enhancing not just the energy boost but also the nutritional value. Several food and beverage brands have incorporated mushrooms as a fundamental ingredient in their products, such as MOSH protein bars promoting brain health, Clevr’s functional instant lattes, and Natalie’s Orchid Island’s functional tomato juice.
As people’s awareness and understanding of functional foods grow, “mushroom coffee” might become a daily supplement in their lives, akin to protein powders and vitamins
