What are superfood lattes?

words by niall roeder

What’s next in a world full of charcoal toothpaste, vegan delicatessens and kombucha? Superfood lattes – that’s what.

The superfood latte movement is about making lattes with a difference. That is, without coffee. Replacing the caffeinated goodness is range of uniquely flavoured and rainbow coloured algae, veggies and spices, all of which are said to offer a range of health benefits.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, pump the brakes, hippy, they’re putting what in lattes?” would be a totally valid response to the experimental latte-wave cafes have been riding as of late.

Has the world of wellness gone a step too far with these latest tonic trends? Or are these wacky brews tasty and healthy enough to justify a place next to the OG espressos on the menu board?

We look at the benefits (pretty sure said benefits haven’t been scientifically proven, but why should that stymie a health craze?) of turmeric, beetroot and matcha superfood lattes and list where you can find them in Wellington, so you can decide for yourself.

Turmeric Latte (aka golden mylk)
A bitey cuppa made with heated almond or coconut milk, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Ask any health guru or wellness social media influencer about turmeric and they’ll tell you the wondrous yellow powder has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities, and that it helps digestion, immune and cognitive function, liver health, and depression.

• Turmeric latte (cold pressed turmeric and ginger, honey, almond milk) at Southern Cross
• Havana Brothers golden mylk (organic almond mylk with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon) at Fidel’s Cafe

Beetroot Latte
This earthy brew made from almond or coconut milk, blended beetroot, honey, ginger and cinnamon is said to help fight inflammation and detoxify the liver, and even boost exercise performance.

• Beetroot latte with coconut milk at Southern Cross
• Vegan beetroot latte at Tomboy

Matcha Latte
Known as green tea lattes, matcha lattes are made of matcha powder, milk, and a sweetener of some sort. A staple of life for many in Japan and China, matcha has an extremely high antioxidant count and is said to boost metabolism, enhance mood and aid in concentration.

• Iced matcha at Sweet Release Cakes and Treats
• Rice milk matcha latte at Cafe Kangsta

And there are, in fact, even more out there. We’ve haven’t yet tracked down the charcoal latte (charcoal has long been used to for gut health, clear skin and general wellbeing), blue algae latte (probiotic, nutrient dense and high in protein and antioxidants), peanut sweet potato latte (high in antioxidants, protein, vitamin A and C), rose latte (rose is used in natural medicine to help with bloating and sore throats) and lavender latte (anti-inflammatory properties), but we’re sure they’ll be popping up in Wellington soon.