While most Gen Z kids probably aren't all that interested in Oprah Winfrey's favorite things, the talk show icon and young, brand-obsessed digital natives do have one thing in common: an appetite for superattes.
Because I am not Oprah or Gen Z (or Meghan Markle, who has invested in the company), I still thought I would try the Clevr brand of powdered drinks made with adaptogens, mushrooms, and probiotics. Why? It offered something I actually do want — a feel-good coffee substitute.
@courtneylillianball @Clevr Blends new Mocha Latte flavor is so perfect for ringing in the holidays. Use my code COURTBALL for 15%. It’s so good & there are many other flavs xx #coffeealternative #adaptogenics #superlatte #clevrblends ♬ original sound - Courtney Ball
What Are Clevr SuperLattes?
I ordered Clevr's starter kit and picked two bags: Mocha SuperLatte and Coffee SuperLatte. For $59 (using a code to reduce the full price of $79), I got a cool rechargeable frother, a three-tablespoon scoop, and 14 servings each of Mocha SuperLatte and Coffee SuperLatte. Whether you get a subscription or pay full price, the lattes range from just $1.60 to $2 a serving, which is far less than what I'd pay at a coffee shop.
The Coffee SuperLatte promised "all the joys of your favorite oat milk latte, without the jitters and crash" along with adaptogens, mushrooms, and probiotics for focus. The Mocha SuperLatte promised "neuroprotection" from lion's mane (a mushroom) and "balancing botanicals." SuperLattes also come in chai, sleepytime, matcha, and golden varieties.
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How Do SuperLattes Taste?
The first bag I opened, the Mocha SuperLatte, was disappointing. It didn't taste like mocha, and it didn't taste like coffee. It tasted like ... brown. Or warm. It didn't wow me, and it certainly made my actual coffee look much more appealing.
The Coffee SuperLatte was more successful. It tasted like coffee (probably because coffee is one of the ingredients) and I didn't feel the need to doctor it up with more ingredients. Still, neither of these were must-have coffees.
Related: Instant Coffee Taste Test: 13 Brands Ranked by Our Resident Coffee Snob
Are SuperLattes Good for You?
Maybe? I will say the packaging hits plenty of trends. There's ashwaganda! Adaptogens! MCT oil! Cacao! And it may make you less jittery — if coffee makes you jittery, but I'm not one of those people. Did I feel different? No. I would really like to reap the many benefits of all these additives, but I haven't yet.
Are SuperLattes Worth It?
Some people swear by these, but I canceled my subscription. While these are definitely cheaper than Starbucks, I usually make coffee at home, so spending this much for a coffee that I didn't really love and that has supplements that didn't seem to have an effect on me seemed like a waste.
If I suddenly see an overwhelming sense of calm sweep over me after drinking my stash, I might reconsider. But so far, it's a pass.