# Protein-Forward Matcha-Based Iced Drinks Laird Superfood Debuts the Delicious Protein Matcha By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-07-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-matcha References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laird-superfood-launches-protein-matcha-with-10-grams-of-protein-functional-mushrooms-and-electrolytes-302810339.html)  [Laird Superfood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-instant-latte) is known for its functional beverages and minimally processed ingredients, and recently, the brand introduced Protein Matcha. This new instant iced drink mix combines 10 grams of milk-based protein with [premium matcha green tea](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osulloc-matcha-plus), lion's mane mushroom, coconut water powder, and sea salt electrolytes. Laird Superfood's Protein Matcha is available in Original, Strawberry, and Lavender varieties. The product expands the company's dairy-based protein platform following the earlier success of its Protein Coffee line. It also represents the first offering in Laird Superfood's portfolio that pairs caffeine with electrolyte support. Each serving of the Protein Matcha delivers between 70 and 90 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the flavor, while the inclusion of lion's mane mushroom is aimed at supporting cognitive focus. The coconut water powder with sea salt, on the other hand, provides natural hydration benefits. Image Credit: Laird Superfood ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.6/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Protein-enhanced Tea:** Matcha-based formats with added protein create space for functional refreshment products that merge energy, satiety, and daily wellness cues. - **Hydration Caffeine Blends:** Combining caffeine with electrolytes signals new potential for beverages positioned between sports drinks, energy drinks, and lifestyle wellness products. - **Cognitive Mushroom Beverages:** Lion's mane inclusion in convenient drink mixes reflects growing demand for focus-oriented ingredients in mainstream functional beverage routines. ### Where This Applies - **Functional Beverages:** Brands in this category can differentiate through multi-benefit formulations that unite hydration, protein, caffeine, and adaptogenic ingredients. - **Sports Nutrition:** Protein-forward iced drink mixes broaden performance nutrition beyond shakes by introducing lighter, flavorful formats suited to everyday consumption. - **Tea and Coffee:** Traditional caffeinated categories are being reshaped by wellness-led additions that turn familiar drinks into nutrient-dense functional platforms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Matcha Beverage Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-soul-and-perfectted.md) - [Plant-Based Matcha Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpro-matcha.md) - [Flavored Protein Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-white-chocolate-matcha-latte.md) - [Protein-Packed Matcha Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-power-shake.md) - [Mushroom-Enhanced Protein Coffee Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-coffee1.md) - [Co-Branded Coffee-Inspired Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-smoothie1.md) - [Matcha-Powered Energy Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-energy-drinks.md) - [Mushroom-Infused Coffee Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-mushroom-coffee-range.md) - [Hydration Line Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laird-superfood-2.md)