Functional cold brew coffee is set to grow within the positive global functional beverage industry as more businesses bring nootropic and adaptogen-enhanced coffee-based drinks to market. Additions like L-theanine, plant protein, mushroom powder, and extra caffeine are increasingly common.
Of course, coffee is already a functional beverage. Its naturally occurring caffeine and high levels of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid have made it the most commonly consumed functional beverage on the planet. So why are businesses adding more?
The health benefits of regular coffee consumption are well documented: lower risk of certain diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes, improved mood and alertness, reduced risk of depression, and reduced inflammation. Building on this strong foundation, some coffee companies are looking to leverage functional cold brew coffee by adding adaptogens and nootropics.
We spoke to Sinem Ülker, food engineer and functional medicine health coach, to learn more.
Functional cold brew coffee: on the rise
According to Precedence Research, the global functional beverage market was valued at $158.05 billion in 2024 and will exceed $296.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%. The segment’s positive outlook is due to some key trends: increasing demand for wellness-related products, preferences for innovative beverage products, and a greater focus on specific and unique health concerns.
For example, younger consumers are especially interested in their personal health. Clean-label products – ones which tout low or no-additive recipes and natural ingredients – are growing 8% year-on-year. One study found that key claims in the functional beverage category include obesity support and metabolism support.
Functional beverages have long been synonymous with sugary, additive-laden energy drinks, but even the global energy drink market is shifting toward healthier products. Thirty per cent of consumers seek products with low-sugar claims, and 29 per cent seek no added sugar.
Alongside clean consumption, there is a growing preference for a broad spectrum of functional ingredients. The most popular include products featuring probiotics and prebiotics, cognitive-enhancing nootropics, immune system adaptogens, and other bioactive compounds targeting beauty and performance.
“Adaptogens and nootropics are seeing strong growth as more people prioritise mental well-being and stress management,” says Sinem.
“Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are valued for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance, making them popular among those with busy lifestyles.”
Adaptogens and nootropics are substances that enhance physical and cognitive performance, respectively. Mushrooms and ginseng are popular adaptogens, and L-theanine and caffeine are common nootropics.
“Nootropics such as L-theanine, lion’s mane mushrooms and natural caffeine are being used to support focus, memory, and cognitive function. Consumers are increasingly turning to these ingredients as natural alternatives to traditional stimulants, seeking sustained energy and mental clarity without the crash,” she adds.
As the demand for specialty ingredients grows alongside functional beverages, functional cold brew coffee containing nootropics and adaptogens will become more desirable.
What types of ingredients contribute to functional cold brew coffee?
In its purest form, coffee, including cold brew, is a functional beverage. People drink coffee to wake up, increase their alertness, enhance their focus, and hone their concentration. A cup first thing in the morning or during a work pause serves these purposes.
In functional cold brew coffee, the key nootropic is caffeine, which naturally occurs in all coffee beans. Some species of coffee, especially Arabica Robusta, have higher levels of caffeine. The average 8-oz cup of hot coffee contains 80 mg to 100 mg of caffeine.
Cold brew coffee often contains higher amounts of caffeine than hot or classically brewed alternatives. Because it steeps for a longer period, it usually has a higher amount of total dissolved solids (TDS), both of which contribute to higher caffeine levels.
Beyond caffeine, coffee contains a raft of beneficial antioxidants. Chlorogenic acid, nicotinic acid, trigonelline, tocopherols, cafestol, kahweol, and heterocyclic compounds all naturally occur in coffee beans. Despite the high heat exposure of the roasting process, most antioxidants are maintained or even enhanced in the final beverage.
The global specialty ingredient market is growing at about 6% year over year, the same as the functional beverage market. The two are closely intertwined due to health and wellness macro trends. Adaptogens and nootropics fall under both categories.
Functional cold brew coffee can be enhanced with adaptogens and nootropics, like those in our private label Super Focus Nitro. L-theanine, a nootropic amino acid, is known to have stress-relieving effects, combating the jitteriness some people experience after consuming caffeine. Meanwhile, inulin, a prebiotic dietary fibre, improves digestion and lowers blood sugar.
Lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms have been found to have adaptogenic properties that may reduce depression and anxiety. Four Sigmatic offers a range of mushroom-enhanced cold brew coffee, while Ryse Coffee utilises six different mushroom powders.
Many brands, including Starbucks and Death Wish Coffee, offer product lines with extra caffeine to appeal to consumers who want to increase their focus or concentration and seek beverages with an extra kick. Functional cold brew coffee specialist Super Coffee sells bottled cold brew with added plant protein powder and extra caffeine.
Consumers already turn to coffee to increase their functionality, improve their moods, and keep them fueled. As more turn away from sugar-laden energy drinks and sodas, the coffee segment is well placed to capture a larger share of the growing functional beverage market.
Products claiming added benefits beyond caffeine’s nootropic boost will benefit from the growth of multiple overlapping segments.
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Functional cold brew coffee
