Minus Coffee, a Californian food-tech startup, has introduced an innovative new product aimed at supporting women’s wellness. The company’s latest creation is a beanless, instant oat milk latte that contains calibrated caffeine, L-theanine, and pea protein – a combination designed to provide a healthy, balanced energy boost.
As the functional drinks market continues to grow, Minus Coffee, a women-led startup, is stepping up with a dairy-free, instant latte powder that not only prevents caffeine crashes but also enhances sleep quality, provides complete protein, and supports overall wellbeing.
Based in San Francisco, Minus Coffee’s Instant Oat Milk Vanilla Latte is specifically tailored to women’s health and cortisol balance. It contains half the amount of caffeine typically found in a regular cup of coffee, alongside a helpful dose of L-theanine to boost focus without causing jitters or brain fog. Additionally, the drink provides 6g of pea protein, making it a well-rounded, nourishing option.
This new offering is the brand’s second foray into the beanless coffee market, following the launch of its canned cold brew and vanilla oat milk latte. Founder and CEO Maricel Saenz, who leads Compound Foods, the parent company behind Minus Coffee, spoke with Green Queen about the mission behind the product. She explains that instant coffee allows the company to innovate and provide energising options that don’t compromise the consumer’s wellbeing. Saenz’s personal journey, which involved grappling with anxiety and burnout, influenced the creation of Minus Coffee. She recognised the need for a balance between her love for coffee and the need for better mental and physical support.
She elaborates, saying: “Minus has always reflected my personal journey. After struggling with anxiety and burnout, I realised my love for coffee needed balance – less caffeine and more support for my mind and body.” She also points out the convenience and sustainability of powdered formats, aligning with the company’s vision to create products that benefit both people and the planet.
Minus Coffee’s process to create its unique drink is not too dissimilar to traditional instant coffee production. The company roasts a blend of date seeds, chicory, sunflower seeds, carob, lentils, grape seeds, and millet malt, before fermenting them to bring out rich, coffee-like flavours reminiscent of berries and dark chocolate. This innovative method gives their product a flavour edge over typical mushroom-based beverages. The brand also upcycles over 40% of its ingredients, and caffeine is derived from tea leaves rather than coffee beans. The final product is freeze-dried to preserve the flavour and quality, while a proprietary fermentation process enhances both the taste and functionality of the drink.
To complement the base, Minus Coffee sources an oat milk creamer from a trusted partner, customising it further to pair perfectly with the latte. The addition of avocado and MCT oils results in a creamy, naturally sweet profile, free from soy, nuts, and dairy. It’s also packed with fibre and requires minimal water and energy in its production.
Each 8oz serving of Minus Coffee’s beanless instant latte contains 50mg of caffeine, offering a gentle boost of energy alongside beneficial antioxidants. The drink also includes 100mg of L-theanine, an ingredient that helps to slow down caffeine absorption, balance cortisol levels, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Additionally, the pea protein content offers all nine essential amino acids, with a protein content comparable to that of an egg.
Saenz notes that the development of this product was heavily informed by scientific research, with a focus on ingredients that have strong evidence backing their positive effects on the body, especially when combined with caffeine. “Among the adaptogen-like ingredients we tested, L-theanine and protein have the strongest scientific backing for their effects on the body, particularly when combined with caffeine,” she says. “We pride ourselves on using evidence-based decisions for product design and messaging.”
There’s a clear demand for functional foods and beverages that cater to specific health and wellness needs, and Saenz believes that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their food and drink choices impact their wellbeing. As she points out, people are gaining a deeper understanding of caffeine’s effects, especially considering that different bodies react to it in various ways.
Minus Coffee’s new product is designed to meet women’s specific health needs, which are often overlooked in the wellness industry. Saenz highlights that the Instant Oat Milk Vanilla Latte addresses the unique challenges women face, such as reducing caffeine jitters, boosting protein intake, and supporting energy levels during perimenopause. “We designed this product with their unique needs in mind – whether it’s reducing caffeine jitters, increasing protein intake, or supporting energy transitions during perimenopause,” she says.
With a focus on women in their 30s who are looking for a more balanced, grounded lifestyle, as well as those experiencing perimenopause, Minus Coffee’s latest offering promises to provide a healthier, more sustainable way to enjoy a coffee-like experience while supporting the body’s natural transitions. “We believe this product resonates with women in their 30s seeking a more balanced, grounded lifestyle, and with women experiencing perimenopause, where less caffeine and more protein can support the body’s natural transitions,” Saenz concludes.