‘What is a functional coffee?’ is a question that you might have been asking yourself recently, and you haven’t been the only one! Google Search Trend data shows that searches in the last 12 months have soared. In December 2024, the term ‘functional coffee’ averaged 8.8 searches per week alone.
Cut to January 2026, where searches for functional coffee variants like protein coffee and mushroom coffee have hit all time highs. Search volume for ‘Protein Coffee’ rose 143.9% in January 2025, with ‘mushroom coffee’ rising 59.3% in the same timeframe.
So What Is Functional Coffee?
Functional coffee refers to a coffee which has added ingredients to provide additional benefits, usually centred around bettering focus, wellness or health. The most common additional ingredients include; protein supplements, to help increase protein intake, mushrooms, for a natural energy boost, and collagen to help bone, skin and hair health.
The trend is going mainstream, with high street chains and independent cafes incorporating functional coffees onto their menus.
Functional Ingredients
Why are protein, mushroom and collagen ingredients becoming increasingly more popular?
Mushroom powder is used in combination with coffee and reduces the amount of caffeine total. This is claimed to make the energy spike from coffee more managable, with less of a ‘rise and crash’ effect. Mushroom powder is also said to increase health benefits such as improving sleep and reducing inflammation.
Another popular ingredient, collagen, is a protein found in our muscles, bone and skin. Drinking collagen is said to strengthen hair and nails, whilst helping our skin by promoting hydration and firming wrinkles.
A final functional ingredient is protein, such as our Arctic Coffee Protein Caramel Latte. Increasing protein intake can provide many great benefits including reducing hunger, lowering sugary cravings and helping to build muscle and maintain muscle size.
The Cost
Additional health benefits, of course, come with an extra price tag. Functional Latte’s from premium Coffee Shop brands start at an eye-watering £4.99. Depending on the size, milk and type of function, these coffees can be as much as £8.07!
Other coffee shops also add costs for functional coffee, the BBC interviewed the owner of Sipp in Manchester, who confirmed that adding mushroom powder to a standard coffee is charged at an additional £1.00.
Functional Coffee And Wellness
It doesn’t take long to scroll on social media before finding yourself inundated with ‘wellness’ focused content, from supplements and vitamins, to retreats and workout routines. The Global Wellness Institute reports a projected value of $9.8 trillion in 2029 for the global wellness economy.
The ‘Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Loss’ category within this makes up $1.148 billion, showing a clear industry and consumer demand for functional coffee to thrive in. This speaks of a consumer base that is clearly prioritising their physical and mental health, particularly by adaption consumer and lifestyle habits they already possess.
Is FUNCTIONAL COFFEE WORTH THE HYPE?
The reality is, it’s hard to know yet. Whilst mushrooms have been shown to have health benefits, such as improving immunity and lowering cholesterol, sources show we are lacking enough research for a definitive answer. Drinking collagen supplements is believed by some to aid with issues such as joint pain and complexion, however Harvard Health and the BBC argue that the current research is limited.
Protein on the other hand is scientifically proven to support muscle growth and reduce hunger and cravings, helping you feel fuller for longer. So if you’re in need of a caffeine hit, with added protein, pick up an Arctic Caramel Protein Coffee today!
