2018 was a great year for the coffee industry, introducing some pretty interesting trends. Just as I was getting over the Butter Coffee fad, 2019 came in strong with some up and coming concoctions.

Nitro Coffee

One of the most fascinating trends I’ve come across is Nitro Coffee. Like the name implies, it is coffee that has been infused with nitrogen gas. Just like your favourite ale, the aerated coffee is kept in a pressurized keg and is poured from a tap, producing a great infusion of texture and taste. This method makes it a more velvety and sweeter tasting coffee when compared to regular iced coffee.

Nitro VS Hot Coffee

Besides the obvious differences between a glass of frothy nitrogen coffee and a warm mug of regular coffee, there are a lot of things lying under the surface that may influence your decision to try it. For starters, nitro coffee actually contains about 30% more caffeine than a regular coffee does, which can lead to an increase in anxiety levels. Nitro coffee doesn’t require any milk and sugar after pouring which could be a huge benefit if you’re trying to enjoy a flavourful caffeinated beverage without the additional calories. Both beverages contain antioxidants that fight free radical damage and reduce inflammation as well as providing a boost in mental and physical performance.

Mushroom Coffee

My initial portrayal of this in my mind was a hot cup of coffee ruined by some random spongy bits of mushrooms. After further research, I was relieved this was not the case. Making its introduction in 2018, Mushroom coffee is expected to hit peak popularity in 2019. Using a variety of different kinds of medicinal mushrooms, they are able to isolate and spray-dry different key components of the ‘shrooms to create a powder which is then infused with the coffee. This take on coffee is actually lower in caffeine than regular coffee, which could be beneficial for those who tend to avoid coffee for its high caffeine content. Mushroom coffee could also potentially help you with your New Year’s resolution with studies claiming it can help boost energy, improve brain power, help with indigestion and possibly also aid in weight loss.

Most Common ‘Shrooms Used

• cordyceps
• chaga
• lion’s mane
• turkey tail
• reishi

So whether you’re looking for a new trendy caffeinated beverage for your Instagram page, or trying to find something to help keep you on track for your New Year goals, 2019 has something for you.