PicNik buttered coffee
Picnik beverages are formulated using Fair Trade coffee, butter and whey from grass-fed cows, and medium-chain triglycerides oil.
 

Coffee with a twist

With two cafes in the Austin, Texas, area, Picnik decided to offer its butter coffee in a convenient, ready-to-go format. The flavor-focused beverage line comes in cappuccino, dirty chai and mocha latte flavors. The beverages are manufactured using Fair Trade coffee, butter and whey from grass-fed cows, and medium-chain triglycerides (M.C.T.) oil. The company said grass-fed butter fuels the body with a sustained energy that satiates appetite and reduces cravings, while the grass-fed whey protein absorbs rapidly into the body to reduce hunger and sustain muscle growth. The M.C.T. oil offers cognitive boost, supports fat burn and balances mood and hormone levels, while the coffee provides alertness, according to the company. A 10-oz bottle of all varieties contains 10 grams of protein.

Sunniva Super Co., Washington, offers Super Coffee, a line of shelf-stable beverages described as “focus for the mind, power for the body.” The beverage base is organic coffee, milk protein isolate and organic coconut oil. The company said a 12-oz bottle contains the caffeine equivalency of one cup of coffee. The lactose-free milk proteins contribute nourishment, while the coconut oil provides energy. A bottle contains 90 to 120 calories, depending on variety, 4 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein. Varieties are: black brew, dark mocha, hazelnut and vanilla bean.


Earlier this year, Juice So Good, Minneapolis, launched Coffee So Good organic, dairy-free, creamy, caffeinated beverages. Made with only 100% organic and Non-GMO Project verified ingredients, each 10-oz bottle contains 4 grams of protein from raw cashews. The beverages are made using high pressure processing to kill bacteria while maintaining nutrients and flavor. The process eliminates the need for food preservatives and makes this flavor line — chai, coffee, mocha, lavender and vanilla — safe to store unopened in the refrigerator for up to 45 days.

Coffee So Good
Coffee So Good is an organic, dairy-free and caffeinated beverage.
 

The bean and single-cup brewing category also is experiencing innovation. Montvale, N.J.-based Tata Global Beverages U.S.A. developed Eight O’Clock Coffee Infusions, a line of enhanced 100% Arabica coffee beans. The line includes Super Spice, a medium roast blended with turmeric and cinnamon. Acai Glow, also a medium roast, features acai berry for a rich, fruity, vibrant coffee experience. And B6 Metabolism is dark roasted and crafted to support normal energy while boosting metabolism with a fruit and herbal blend rich in vitamin B6.

VitaCup, San Diego, offers vitamin-infused coffee and tea pods. Each single-cup pod contains the brand’s signature blend of B vitamins, vitamin D3 and antioxidants.

The first R.-T.-D. cold-brew coffee with probiotics and protein is about ready to launch. JoeFroyo is high pressure processed, has no preservatives and is lactose- and gluten-free. It is made with 100% Arabica coffee grown on sustainable boutique farms and is sweetened with certified organic agave. It has six live and active probiotic cultures. JoeFroyo has sold in dispensed form since 2015.

“We’re extremely excited to have first mover advantage here,” said Zach Miller, founder and c.e.o. of the namesake Los Angeles-based company. “It’s a totally new drink because it has high levels of protein sourced from premium yogurt with zero lactose.”