Waiter, there’s a shroom in my brew!

For generations, coffee and tea have been synonymous with an aromatic wake-up call, energising mornings and keeping us charged throughout the day. However, in today’s wellness-driven world, these beloved morning brews are undergoing a fascinating transformation.

Across cafés, restaurants, and home kitchens, coffee is being reinvented — not just to enhance the taste but also to boost well-being. Whether it’s cognitive-boosting mushrooms or antioxidant-rich matcha, the functional beverage trend is here. Each steaming mug now serves as a vessel of wellness.

And it’s not just about sipping, as wellness teas and coffees, like matcha, are now making their way into everything from guilt-free desserts to gourmet condiments. Think cheesecake, bliss balls, salad dressings, and even spice rubs, all with a functional twist.

A melange of mushrooms & mocha

In India, one of the boldest pioneers in this space is Maverick & Farmer, the artisanal coffee brand from Bengaluru. Their latest innovation? A cup of coffee infused with Lion’s Mane mushroom, a superfood known for enhancing memory, focus, and nerve health.

“The purpose of coffee and tea has always been to provide alertness, especially in the morning, to stay focused and energised,” says Sreeram Gangadharan, co-founder of Maverick & Farmer. “But what if you could get the same energy boost along with added health benefits? That’s how Lion’s Mane coffee came into being.”

Unlike the instant mixes flooding the market, Maverick & Farmer has spent nearly a year developing a whole-bean infusion process, a first in India. Their lab-tested blend delivers 180% more terpenes (the active cognitive compound in Lion’s Mane) than other products in the market. The result? A brew that’s deeply flavourful and functionally potent.

“We wanted it to taste like real coffee. Not an extract. Not a powder. Just great beans with added benefits; a cup that gets you into a zone of clarity and calm focus,” Gangadharan explains.

While it may sound like a power breakfast beverage, this mushroom-infused coffee isn’t confined to the early hours. “Anytime you want to feel clear-headed, whether it’s 10 am or 4 pm, this is your go-to beverage,” adds Gangadharan.

Tea’s therapeutic turn

The much-loved chai, with its ancient healing roots, is also undergoing a reinvention. Functional tea blends now feature turmeric, ginseng, probiotics, and ashwagandha — all promising to aid sleep, digestion, and provide a much-needed boost of antioxidants.

“Tea and coffee have undergone a remarkable transformation,” says Anurag Bhamidipaty, co-founder of Roastea, a growing tea and coffee chain. “They are no longer just about caffeine. They’re evolving into functional, health-enhancing drinks that cater to modern lifestyles. These beverages are becoming key players in overall well-being, making every sip a step towards a healthier lifestyle.”

He further adds, “Adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng, superfoods like turmeric and matcha, and probiotics for gut health are now common additions to the beverages. Several coffee brands are introducing herbal, botanical teas made for relaxation, immunity, and digestion.”

This shift in consumer preferences isn’t just about taste. There’s now a greater desire to know more about the origins, ethics, and sourcing of each leaf.

“Today’s generation is more mindful than ever about what they consume,” says Urvaksh Bharucha, head of beverage at the Hyderabad-based Roast Cafe. “They place a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and wellness. There’s also growing awareness that coffee can be a natural alternative to chemical-laden pre-workout or energy drinks,” he adds.

This convergence of premium quality, ethical sourcing, and health-consciousness is reshaping the future of the beverage industry. It’s opening up exciting opportunities for brands that can meet these evolving consumer expectations.

Much ado about matcha

Among the most popular ingredients in the wellness beverage world is matcha — finely ground green tea powder packed with antioxidants, calming L-theanine, and metabolic benefits. No longer confined to lattes, matcha is now showing up in everything from smoothies and sparkling waters to even tempura platters!

At Hachi by Tenya, a modern Japanese restaurant, chefs Nagai and Takahashi are unconventionally exploring matcha’s versatility. “While there are many types of salt traditionally served with tempura, we use a blend of salt and matcha powder to bring out the most authentic flavour,” explains Chef Nagai. “The salt enhances the natural flavours of the ingredients, while the subtle bitterness of matcha adds a refined accent.”

They take it further by incorporating matcha into desserts. “We toss banana tempura in a mix of matcha salt and powdered sugar,” says Chef Takahashi. “The sweetness of the banana is balanced by the slight bitterness of the matcha, creating a well-rounded Japanese-style dessert.”

Whether it’s a cup of coffee laced with mushrooms for focus, a calming herbal chai to aid sleep, or a sprinkle of matcha on your dessert, today’s teas and coffees are no longer just about taste. They’re about how they make us feel, where they come from, and how they enrich our lives.

In a fast-paced world, this is the real luxury: a mindful sip that nourishes the body, clears the mind, and brings us back to balance.

A new era for functional beverages

The beverage industry is undergoing a transformation, where each cup is not just a moment of indulgence but also an opportunity for wellness. From matcha’s antioxidant power to the cognitive benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, functional drinks are now a reflection of our modern approach to health.

These innovations in coffee and tea are not just about flavour, but about offering a lifestyle that resonates with consumers seeking more than just a caffeine fix. They’re an invitation to pause, reflect, and enjoy the moment, while also enhancing our mental and physical well-being.