TL;DR
A WIRED reviewer spent a week with each of eight functional coffee add-ins, mixing the manufacturer's serving into an 8-ounce cup and evaluating taste, texture, and ingredient claims. The tests highlighted a range of formats—from collagen and protein blends to mushroom extracts and probiotics—while noting that clinical benefits are not empirically established in the piece.
What happened
To survey the market for so‑called functional coffee add‑ins, the reviewer spent seven days using each of eight products, following the serving size on the nutrition panel and adding that dose to an 8‑ounce cup of coffee (in cases where a product recommended a larger base liquid, the reviewer upped the coffee volume accordingly). The brew was a single‑origin Guatemalan bean from Atlas Coffee Club, prepared in a Fellow Aiden on the light‑roast Guided Brew setting in five‑cup batches. The evaluation focused on solubility, mouthfeel, aroma, and how well each blend complemented the coffee. Among items covered in the piece were Javvy Collagen Creamer (vanilla notes, Sukre sweetener, 22 g dose), Laird Superfood Protein Creamer (vegan protein blend and mushroom extracts), Earth Fed Muscle Morning Charge (low‑key, collagen plus lion’s mane), and Everyday Dose Creamer+ (unsweetened, probiotic blend). The reviewer flagged texture and taste tradeoffs and noted a lack of definitive evidence for some claimed wellness benefits.
Why it matters
- More consumers are being offered protein, mushroom extracts, probiotics, and other functional ingredients to add to daily coffee, changing routine beverage choices.
- Add‑in formulations vary widely in calories, allergens, and ingredient types, which can affect nutrition and suitability for different diets.
- Texture and flavor alterations can materially change how people experience their coffee, from froth and creaminess to off‑notes.
- Marketing claims about cognitive or skin benefits often outpace the evidence presented in this review, underscoring the need for skepticism and research.
Key facts
- The reviewer tested eight functional coffee add‑ins, spending one week with each product and using the serving size listed on the label.
- Base coffee: single‑origin Guatemalan beans (Atlas Coffee Club), brewed in a Fellow Aiden on the light‑roast Guided Brew setting in five‑cup batches.
- Javvy Collagen Creamer: 22 g dose, about 100 calories per dose; lists ~11 g collagen, MCTs, prebiotics, and 10 g protein; uses a sweetener listed as Purified Acacia Hydrolysate (Sukre®); allergen: dairy.
- Laird Superfood Protein Creamer: 39 g serving (200 calories in a 12 oz cup), vegan proteins from pea, pumpkin seed, and hemp; includes mushroom extracts such as lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and maitake; allergen: coconut.
- Earth Fed Muscle Morning Charge: 17 g serving (80 calories), contains ~4 g collagen, 500 mg lion’s mane extract, 4 g protein, and an amino‑acid profile including glycine and hydroxyproline; allergen: coconut.
- Everyday Dose Creamer+: 12 g dose (50 calories), contains collagen, chicory root powder, and the DE111 probiotic strain; marketed as unsweetened and noted as supportive of digestive health by the reviewer; allergens: coconut and bovine collagen.
- The reviewer observed differences in solubility, mouthfeel, aroma, and sweetness—some blends dissolve cleanly and froth, others introduce tropical coconut or vanilla notes.
- The piece explicitly states the reviewer could not provide empirical proof that collagen reversed long‑term effects of alcohol or produced measurable clinical benefits.
What to watch next
- The ongoing consumer trend of adding protein, mushroom extracts, and other functional ingredients to everyday foods and beverages (described in the piece as 'protein creep').
- Whether independent clinical studies emerge that substantiate specific health claims made by these add‑ins — not confirmed in the source.
- Long‑term safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of daily use for cognitive or dermatological claims — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Collagen: A structural protein found in connective tissues; sold in supplements and powders for potential skin, joint, or hair benefits, though evidence varies.
- MCTs: Medium‑chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat derived from sources like coconut oil, often included in supplements for quick metabolic use.
- Lion’s mane: An edible mushroom used in supplements and functional foods, sometimes marketed for cognitive support and neuronal health.
- Probiotic (DE111): Live microorganisms added to foods or supplements intended to provide gut‑microbiome benefits; DE111 is a specific probiotic strain used in commercial products.
- Sukre (Purified Acacia Hydrolysate): A branded sweetener derived from acacia that companies use as an alternative to high‑intensity noncaloric sweeteners.
Reader FAQ
How were the add‑ins tested?
The reviewer spent one week with each product, adding the label serving to an 8‑ounce cup of coffee (increased when the product specified a larger base).
Did any product prove clinical health benefits?
Not confirmed in the source; the reviewer noted anecdotal effects but said empirical evidence was lacking for claims like reversing long‑term damage.
Which products did the review highlight as standouts?
The piece named Javvy Collagen Creamer (for hangover recovery/vibe), Laird Superfood Protein Creamer (for bulking/meal replacement), Earth Fed Muscle Morning Charge (entry‑level), and Everyday Dose Creamer+ (unsweetened/gut focus).
Are these add‑ins sweetened or sugar‑free?
Varies by product: Javvy uses Sukre sweetener, some use coconut milk or sugar for sweetness, while Everyday Dose is presented as unsweetened; specifics are listed per product in the review.
PETE COTTELL GEAR JAN 1, 2026 5:34 AM The Best Functional Coffee Add-Ins Our reviewer optimized his morning cup of coffee with creamer substitutes that promise health benefits and mental…
Sources
- I Tested Popular Functional Coffee Add-Ins for a Week Each (2026)
- Do mushroom and protein 'functional' coffees have health …
- The 4 Best Mushroom Coffees of 2025, Tested & Reviewed
- Why we keep adding things to coffee
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