Wellness Drinks Every Coffee Shop Needs on the Menu

Consumers have moved from “latte art” to “latent health benefits.” Functional beverages now out-pace traditional coffee growth because they promise more than caffeine—they promise purpose. Major chains are already leaning in: Starbucks is testing a 15-gram protein cold-foam add-on to appeal to fitness-minded Gen Z customers. (Business Insider)
For independents, adding just a handful of smart wellness drinks can:

1. Capture higher price-point orders (average wellness drink rings in 20-30 % above a latte).

2. Pull in afternoon and evening traffic from patrons avoiding caffeine.

3. Differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace—the very point the BrewPrint calls out in its guide to expanding coffee-shop menus. (The BrewPrint)

Below are eight battle-tested beverages (plus operational tips) that every coffee shop should consider—many of which echo the hits highlighted in the YouTube video.

1. Matcha Latte —— Antioxidant Powerhouse

What & Why Stone-ground green-tea powder delivers sustained energy, L-theanine-induced calm, and an Instagram-worthy hue. Matcha-focused cafés are booming from Seattle to Sydney. (Eater Seattle)
Execution Tips Use ceremonial-grade matcha and whisk tableside for showmanship. Offer ube, strawberry, or yuzu puree “swirl-ins” for seasonal spins.

2. Golden (Turmeric) Latte —— Anti-Inflammatory Star

Curcumin in turmeric fights inflammation and adds a warming spice profile. Customers also love the caffeine-free wind-down option. (Sweet Potato Soul)
Execution Tips Batch your turmeric-ginger base each morning, add a crack of black pepper (boosts curcumin absorption), and steam with oat or coconut milk for a vegan default.

3. Beetroot “Pink” Latte —— Nitric-Oxide Booster

Beets are rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, supporting blood flow and lowering blood pressure. (Jomeis Fine Foods)
Execution Tips Blend powdered beet with a hint of ginger and vanilla. Upsell with an oat-milk cold-foam heart on top—customers will post it.

4. Adaptogenic Mushroom Mocha —— Focus & Immunity

Reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane supply stress-modulating adaptogens and immune support. Harvard Health notes reduced inflammation and sharper focus as key claims. (Harvard Health)
London Nootropics’ ready-mix line shows consumer willingness to pay a premium for the benefits. (The Sun)
Execution Tips Keep a powdered blend behind bar; pair with cacao and a single espresso shot for a balanced caffeine profile.

5. High-Protein Cold-Foam Iced Coffee —— Gym-Goer Magnet

Protein fortification moves coffee into the “functional snack” category. Starbucks’ forthcoming protein cold foam is proof the mainstream is ready. (Business Insider)
Execution Tips Whip 20 g unflavored whey or plant protein with oat milk and a dash of monk-fruit sweetener; dollop over cold brew. Market the macro count clearly.

6. Activated Charcoal Latte —— Detox & Drama

The jet-black drink promises GI detox benefits and cures for the occasional hangover, while doubling as a social-media showstopper. (Tapas)
Execution Tips Serve in clear glassware, warn guests about medication interactions, and limit sales to one per day to stay on the safe side.

7. Coconut-Water Cold Brew —— Hydration Hero

Bluestone Lane’s partnership with Vita Coco shows how adding electrolytes to coffee ticks both refreshment and recovery boxes. (Wikipedia)
Execution Tips 50 % coconut water / 50 % slow-steeped cold brew. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for aroma.

8. Collagen Coffee —— Beauty from the Inside Out

Collagen peptides withstand heat and can help support skin, joint, and gut health—one reason Vogue calls collagen coffee a lasting trend rather than a fad. (Vogue)
Execution Tips Blend 10 g unflavored collagen into a breve latte; offer vanilla-bean or cinnamon-maple versions to boost flavor.

Operational Playbook

Step

What to Do

Why It Matters

Sourcing

Choose organic, third-party-tested superfood powders to build consumer trust.

Functional-drink buyers scrutinize labels.

Menu Copy

List the specific functional benefit in two words (e.g., “anti-inflammatory,” “focus blend”).

Clarity sells better than buzzwords.

Pricing

Price + $1.50–$2.00 over your signature latte.

Covers higher COGS and positions drink as premium.

Barista Training

Run a 30-min tasting on each ingredient; rehearse one-sentence benefit pitch.

In-person storytelling converts curiosity into sales.

Marketing

Lean on video content—just like the referenced YouTube creator. A 15-second Reels clip of the beet latte pour can rack up local views fast.

Wellness drinks are visually striking and algorithm-friendly.

Seasonality

Rotate limited-time versions (e.g., pumpkin-turmeric in fall) to create urgency.

Drives repeat visits.

Final Sips

The wellness trend isn’t a wave—it’s a tide that’s lifting beverage programs worldwide. By adopting even three of the drinks above, you’ll: increase your average ticket, attract a wellness-seeking demographic, and future-proof your menu against macro shifts in consumer behavior.

Need more inspiration? Watch the full video here and start experimenting tomorrow. Your baristas—and your bottom line—will thank you.