What to Know About Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee blends traditional coffee with extracts from functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. Although it may sound like a trendy health fad, this beverage has grown popular among people seeking potential wellness benefits, a smoother energy boost, or reduced caffeine.
It is now widely available in formats like instant powders, ground blends, and single-serve pods. This article explains what mushroom coffee is, how it compares to regular coffee and whole mushrooms, and what current research says about its potential benefits and safety.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee isn’t made from your typical portobello or button mushrooms. Instead, it combines coffee beans with powdered medicinal mushrooms—or “functional mushrooms”—that have long been used in Eastern medicine for their possible health benefits.
Common Features
- Made by combining ground coffee with mushroom extracts.
- Sold as instant coffee, ground beans, pods, or blends.
- Tastes earthy but similar to regular coffee.
- Often contains less caffeine per serving (around 50–70 mg vs. 90–100 mg in regular coffee).
While the exact formula varies by brand, the goal is to preserve coffee’s energizing taste and effect while adding wellness-supporting ingredients found in mushrooms.
Types of Mushrooms in Mushroom Coffee
The mushrooms used in these beverages are dehydrated, ground, and added as powders or extracts. Each type offers its own potential benefits.
| Mushroom | Potential Use |
|---|---|
| Lion’s Mane | May support focus, clarity, and memory. |
| Chaga | Antioxidant support and immune health. |
| Reishi | Stress relief and calming effects. |
| Cordyceps | Energy and endurance. |
| Turkey Tail | Immune support and gut health. |
| King Trumpet | May support cholesterol balance. |
Some blends include multiple mushrooms to target a combination of benefits. The flavor is typically described as rich, earthy, or nutty—similar to coffee with herbal undertones.
Why People Try Mushroom Coffee
People are drawn to mushroom coffee for different reasons. Some want to reduce their caffeine intake without giving up the ritual of coffee. Others are curious about the mushrooms’ functional properties.
Potential Motivations
- Lower caffeine content with less jitter.
- Interest in plant-based alternatives.
- Desire for immune and brain support.
- Curiosity about adaptogens and herbal wellness.
Mushroom coffee appeals to health-conscious consumers and busy individuals looking for a functional beverage they can drink daily without side effects.
Health Claims and Scientific Evidence
Mushroom coffee is often marketed as a drink that boosts energy, reduces stress, enhances focus, and supports immunity. These claims come from the properties of the individual mushrooms used, but more research is needed.
| Claimed Benefit | Scientific Support |
|---|---|
| Better focus | Some evidence from lion’s mane studies in animals and small human trials. |
| Immune support | Limited evidence from lab studies on beta-glucans in chaga and turkey tail. |
| Stress reduction | Unconfirmed for reishi, though it’s traditionally used for calming effects. |
| Increased energy | Cordyceps has shown potential in athletic endurance, but results are mixed. |
| Lower inflammation | Animal studies suggest some mushrooms have anti-inflammatory effects. |
While these mushrooms have promising compounds, mushroom coffee is not a cure or treatment for any condition. Most clinical trials use concentrated extracts or isolated ingredients, not commercial coffee blends.
Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It
For most healthy adults, mushroom coffee is likely safe in moderate amounts. However, some individuals should use caution or talk to a doctor before trying it.
Possible Side Effects
- Digestive Upset: Especially in people sensitive to mushrooms or with IBS.
- Allergic Reaction: Mushrooms are fungi, and some people may be allergic.
- Interactions with Medications: Reishi and other mushrooms may affect blood pressure or immunity.
- Kidney Stone Risk: Chaga is high in oxalates, which may contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Who Should Be Cautious
- People with mushroom allergies.
- Those on immune-suppressing medications.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (due to lack of safety data).
- Individuals with kidney conditions.
Always check the label for ingredients, as many blends include herbs, spices, or adaptogens that may cause unexpected effects.
How Mushroom Coffee Compares to Regular Coffee
| Factor | Mushroom Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 40–70 mg per serving | 90–100+ mg |
| Taste | Earthy, mild, sometimes bitter | Bold and acidic |
| Nutrients | Limited mushroom compounds | Minimal nutrients |
| Stimulation | Less jittery, smoother energy | Quick boost, potential crash |
| Price | Higher (often $1–2 per serving) | Lower (pennies per cup if brewed at home) |
Mushroom coffee is unlikely to fully replace coffee for strong caffeine lovers but may work well as a gentle, health-conscious alternative.
Whole Mushrooms vs. Mushroom Coffee
Drinking mushroom coffee doesn’t provide the full nutrition you’d get from eating whole mushrooms. Processing mushrooms into extracts can remove many beneficial nutrients.
| Nutrient | Found in Whole Mushrooms | Found in Mushroom Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-glucans | Yes | Sometimes |
| Fiber | Yes | No |
| Prebiotics | Yes | Rarely |
| Antioxidants | Yes (wide range) | Some types only |
| Vitamins & minerals (e.g., B12, selenium) | Yes | Often lost in processing |
If you’re aiming to improve your diet with mushrooms, eating them in meals is more effective than drinking them in coffee. However, mushroom coffee can still be a convenient supplement to a healthy routine.
Tips for Trying Mushroom Coffee
If you’re new to mushroom coffee, here are a few suggestions for starting out:
- Try small samples first to test the taste and check for any reactions.
- Start with instant mixes for convenience.
- Mix with milk or plant-based creamers to smooth out the flavor.
- Avoid drinking late in the day if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Some brands offer caffeine-free versions or night blends using reishi and calming herbs like ashwagandha. Choose a version that fits your needs and lifestyle.
