Fungi versus caffeine: Z Natural Foods sprouts organic coffee from mushrooms

12 Sep 2023 --- Off the back of many R&D challenges, US-based organic brand Z Natural Foods has unveiled Organic Instant 7 Mushroom Coffee (Black) made from seven medicinal mushrooms in a coffee-like combination described as “revitalizing.”

The caffeine-less brew features Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Cordyceps, Maitake and Red Reishi, each with its own wellness benefits ranging from cognitive support to immunity improvements. 

“The first R&D challenge is built on learning more about what our customers want. After research, we determined our customers wanted to enjoy the taste of a dark, smooth, organic black coffee combined with nourishing organic mushrooms, but without the mushroom taste,” Jonathan Parker, director of nutrition science at Z Natural Foods, tells Nutrition Insight.

“We also found they wanted the option to simply enjoy mushroom coffee as a black coffee, without added sweeteners or creamers.” 

Candor over coffee replacement
Organic Instant 7 Mushroom Coffee (Black) is an instant coffee powder to which hot water is added. The company says the flavor is reminiscent of a dark, smooth Arabic coffee.

Lion’s mane has traditionally been used as an antioxidant that supports a healthy inflammation response, improving mood and memory. According to the company, studies have shown that shiitake has an active compound called Lentinan, which strengthens the body’s immune response, while Chaga is packed with phytonutrients, beta-glucans and polysaccharides to boost cellular defenses.Organic Instant 7 Mushroom Coffee is packed full of medicinal mushrooms. 

“With a clear product in mind, the R&D had challenges in order to source and blend the correct mushrooms in the right quantity. To achieve the desired texture, mouthfeel, aroma, taste and color required a tremendous amount of testing, trial and error,” Parker notes.

“Consumers really like making their favorite foods and drinks more functional and more nutritious. Coffee is a staple in many of our customers’ morning routines, and many of our customers also enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms,” says Parker. 

Mushroom profiling
Organic Instant 7 complements a busy lifestyle and has been designed with well-being in mind. Z Natural Foods provides more than 300 specialty products, including organic superfoods and concentrated fruit powders.

For example, the Turkey Tail used in the brew has been a medicinal component for many ancient civilizations that stimulates protective compounds to promote a healthy immune system along with Red Reishi or Lingzhi mushroom. Cordyceps improves stamina levels, and Maitake is commonly used in Japanese cuisine to promote well-being. 

“Our aim was to create a product that blends the pure taste of organic coffee with the health advantages of these extraordinary organic mushrooms,” Parker concludes. 

Meanwhile, as the functional mushroom industry moves into the mainstream, the industry expects the space to start solidifying standards around the quality of ingredients and products on the market.

By Inga de Jong

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