Mushrooms, Matcha & ‘Superfood’ Lattes: A Cozy Guide to Functional Beverages

Functional “superfood” drinks are everywhere right now—frothy mushroom lattes, protein-packed iced coffees, emerald-green matcha in sunlit glasses. They’re popular because they slide right into habits we already love (that first sip of something warm in the morning) while promising better focus, calmer energy, and steady appetite. Let’s walk through what’s actually trending in 2024–2025, how the nutrition stacks up, and then make a cozy, practical mushroom matcha protein latte you can whip up at home.

Think of this as your friendly, evidence-aware guide: part recipe, part explainer, with plenty of room for your own taste and routine.

A matcha latte in a ceramic cup on a wooden table with a bamboo whisk beside it
Creamy, jade-green matcha lattes are at the heart of the new “functional” drink wave.

Why Functional Lattes and ‘Superfood’ Beverages Are Trending

Over the past couple of years, functional beverages have become one of the hottest intersections of food, wellness, and lifestyle content. Scroll any social feed and you’ll see adaptogenic mushroom coffee, protein “proffee,” and matcha lattes claiming to support focus, calm, metabolism, gut health, or stress resilience.

  • Caffeine re‑evaluation: Many people want energy without the jitters or afternoon crash, so they’re experimenting with lower‑caffeine options like matcha and green tea, or pairing coffee with protein and fats.
  • Stacking benefits: Instead of “just coffee,” creators build drinks that also deliver protein, antioxidants, or adaptogens in a single, craveable cup.
  • Aesthetic ritual: These drinks photograph beautifully—velvety foam, earthy greens and browns, minimalist mugs—making them perfect for morning routine and “that girl” style content.
The real magic isn’t one ingredient—it’s the comforting ritual plus a few smart tweaks that better fit your body and your day.

The Big Three: Mushrooms, Matcha, and Protein Coffee

In 2024–2025, three types of functional drinks stand out across social media, grocery shelves, and wellness podcasts: mushroom‑based beverages, upgraded matcha/green tea, and protein “proffee.”

1. Mushroom Coffees and Elixirs

Mushroom drinks use extracts from varieties like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail, often blended with coffee or cacao. They’re marketed for potential cognitive support, immune health, and stress resilience.

The flavor is surprisingly approachable: think gently earthy and toasty, especially when balanced with milk and a hint of sweetness. Many blends reduce caffeine by combining coffee with mushrooms, which some people find smoother on their nervous system.

Cup of hot mushroom coffee on a wooden tray with coffee beans around it
Mushroom coffees pair familiar roasted notes with a subtle, earthy depth.

2. Upgraded Matcha and Green Tea Lattes

Matcha—the finely ground green tea powder used in Japanese tea ceremonies—has been reimagined as a vibrant, frothy latte. Modern versions often feature oat or soy milk, vanilla, cinnamon, collagen, or protein, touting antioxidant benefits and gentler caffeine.

Good matcha tastes lightly grassy, sweet, and creamy, with a lingering umami. When whisked into hot milk, it becomes an intensely soothing drink that feels indulgent but can be quite balanced nutritionally.

3. Protein Coffee (“Proffee”)

Protein coffee blends espresso or brewed coffee with either a ready‑to‑drink protein shake or a scoop of whey or plant protein. It’s a darling of fitness and weight‑management communities because it helps people hit 20–30 g of protein at breakfast without feeling like they’re eating a heavy meal.

Texture‑wise, it’s like a creamy iced latte that actually keeps you full for hours—especially when lightly sweetened and poured over ice.

Iced coffee in a tall glass with milk swirling through it
Protein coffee (or “proffee”) turns your daily caffeine into a more satisfying mini‑meal.

Nutrition Deep‑Dive: Benefits, Hype, and What Evidence Says

Every superfood trend comes with big promises. For functional lattes, current nutrition conversations focus on a few key areas.

Blood Sugar and Appetite

Drinks that include 20–30 g of protein (like many proffee recipes) can help you feel fuller longer compared with sugary coffee drinks or plain coffee. This steadier satiety may support weight management and help reduce mindless snacking later in the day.

Antioxidants, Polyphenols, and Mushrooms

  • Green tea & matcha: Rich in catechins like EGCG, researched for heart and metabolic health when part of an overall balanced diet.
  • Coffee: For many people, coffee is a major daily source of polyphenols, linked with long‑term health benefits in observational studies.
  • Mushroom extracts: Some contain beta‑glucans and other bioactives under investigation for immune and metabolic roles, but dosing and product quality vary widely.

Skepticism and Evidence‑Checking

Evidence‑based creators are pushing back on claims that sound too good to be true: mushrooms “curing” serious disease, collagen as a miracle anti‑aging solution, or one latte fixing chronic stress. The current consensus: these drinks can be supportive but they’re not a substitute for sleep, movement, balanced meals, and medical care.


Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Matcha Protein Latte (Hot or Iced)

This cozy latte weaves together three big trends: matcha, functional mushrooms, and protein. It’s gently earthy, delicately sweet, and wonderfully frothy—like a café drink that also pulls its weight nutritionally. You can serve it steaming in winter or over clinking ice in summer.

A frothy green matcha latte in a glass mug topped with foam
Our mushroom matcha protein latte is silky, softly sweet, and satisfyingly filling.

Quick Recipe Summary

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1 large latte

Difficulty: Easy

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or electric milk frother (for hot version)
  • Heatproof mug or glass
  • Small bowl for whisking matcha
  • Bamboo whisk (chasen), small regular whisk, or milk frother wand
  • Measuring spoons and cup
  • Blender (optional, for ultra‑frothy texture)

Ingredients

Base Latte

  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice (oat, soy, dairy, or almond)
  • 1–2 tsp matcha powder (culinary or ceremonial grade)
  • 1–2 tsp mushroom blend powder (with lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, etc.)
  • 1–3 tsp maple syrup, honey, or sugar, to taste (or zero‑calorie sweetener if preferred)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional but lovely)

Protein Boost (Choose One)

  • 1 scoop (about 20–25 g) whey protein (vanilla or unflavored)
  • or 1 scoop plant protein (pea, soy, or mixed blend)
  • or 1/2 cup (120 ml) ready‑to‑drink protein shake, vanilla flavor

Optional Functional Add‑Ins

  • 1 tsp MCT oil (for a richer, keto‑friendly option; start small)
  • 1–2 tsp collagen peptides
  • Pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for aroma and warmth

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

  1. Warm the milk (for hot latte).
    Add your milk to a small saucepan and heat gently over low–medium heat until steaming but not boiling. If using a milk frother, you can froth and heat directly there. For an iced latte, skip the heating and start with cold milk.
  2. Make a smooth matcha–mushroom paste.
    In a small bowl, sift or add the matcha and mushroom powder. Pour in 2–3 tbsp hot water (not boiling; around 70–80 °C / 160–175 °F). Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until there are no lumps and a light foam forms.
  3. Add sweetener and vanilla.
    Stir in your maple syrup, honey, or sugar and the vanilla extract. Taste the mixture—it should be pleasantly strong and a touch sweeter than you ultimately want, since milk and protein will dilute it.
  4. Incorporate protein.
    For powder: add your protein powder to a shaker bottle with a splash of the warm (or cold, for iced) milk and shake until smooth. Then pour it into the pan or mug.
    For ready‑to‑drink protein shake: simply pour it into the pan or glass with the milk.
  5. Combine and froth.
    Pour the matcha–mushroom mixture into your warmed milk‑protein base. Use a handheld frother or whisk to blend and create foam. For the silkiest texture, you can briefly blend everything (20–30 seconds) in a blender, venting the lid for hot drinks.
  6. Adjust and serve.
    Taste and adjust sweetness. For hot: pour into your favorite mug, sprinkle with cinnamon if using, and enjoy immediately. For iced: fill a glass with ice, pour the latte over, and optionally top with a little extra cold milk for that dreamy layered look.
Person whisking green matcha in a small bowl with a bamboo whisk
Whisking matcha and mushroom powder into a smooth paste is the secret to a lump‑free latte.
For summer, pour your mushroom matcha protein latte over ice for a refreshing, slow‑burn energy boost.

Ingredient Swaps, Dietary Options, and Variations

This latte is wonderfully flexible. You can lean it in a vegan, dairy‑free, or lower‑caffeine direction with just a few tweaks.

Vegan and Dairy‑Free

  • Use oat, soy, almond, or coconut milk.
  • Choose a plant‑based protein (pea, soy, rice‑pea blend).
  • Sweeten with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.

Caffeine‑Light or Caffeine‑Free

  • Use 1 tsp matcha instead of 2 for a gentler lift.
  • Swap matcha for roasted barley tea (mugicha) or a caffeine‑free chai and keep the mushroom + protein structure.

Flavor Variations

  • Mocha Matcha Mushroom: Add 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey, green‑tinted latte.
  • Spiced Autumn Latte: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ginger for a cozy, chai‑like vibe.
  • Iced Vanilla “Cloud”: Top your iced version with a spoonful of whipped milk foam or dairy‑free whipped cream.

Storage, Make‑Ahead, and Reheating

This latte is best fresh for optimal foam and flavor, but you can absolutely meal‑prep a batch if your mornings are hectic.

  • Fridge: Store in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 24–48 hours. Shake well before drinking; separation is normal.
  • Reheating (hot version): Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, then froth briefly to bring back some foam.
  • Freezing: Not recommended; texture can become grainy due to protein.

If you like to prep ahead, consider mixing a dry “latte mix” (matcha + mushroom + any powdered add‑ins) and storing it in a jar. In the morning, just scoop, add milk and protein, and blend.


Serving Ideas and What to Eat with Your Superfood Latte

This latte can be a light breakfast on its own, especially when made with 20–30 g of protein, but pairing it with a little something to chew can make the experience both more satisfying and more balanced.

  • For a quick weekday breakfast: Serve with whole‑grain toast and nut butter, a boiled egg, or a small bowl of yogurt and berries.
  • For a slow, weekend morning: Pair with avocado toast, savory oatmeal, or a veggie omelet.
  • For an afternoon reset: Enjoy with a handful of nuts, a slice of banana bread, or apple slices with tahini.
A latte on a tray with toast and a small jar of jam
Pair your functional latte with a simple, satisfying bite for a more balanced start to the day.

Putting It All Together: Enjoy the Ritual, Keep the Perspective

Functional lattes—mushroom coffees, upgraded matcha, protein‑fortified coffee—are catching on because they blend two deep human loves: comforting ritual and the hope of feeling just a little better every day. When you choose thoughtful ingredients and keep your expectations realistic, they can be a delicious, supportive part of a balanced routine.

Start simple: try the mushroom matcha protein latte as written, notice how it makes you feel, then adjust sweetness, strength, and add‑ins to match your body and your taste buds. You don’t need a perfect morning routine—you just need one small, enjoyable habit you can come back to again and again.

And if your “superfood” drink is sometimes just plain coffee with a splash of milk? That absolutely counts as a ritual worth savoring too.