Mushroom coffee blends are an increasingly popular trend that blends smaller amounts of regular coffee (typically half) with medicinal mushroom extracts such as chaga, turkey’s tail, reishi, cordyceps and lion’s mane extracts to provide health benefits that could improve immune system function, support cardiovascular health and lower cancer risks. While mushroom coffee may generally be safe, its use may not be appropriate for certain medical conditions or individuals taking medications; nor recommended to those allergic or intolerant of mushrooms.

Many of these blends come in powder form that is mixed with hot water or instant coffee and consumed as a hot beverage, making it a popular alternative to traditional coffee found both online and in specialty stores. Unfortunately, however, their prices can often double that of standard bags of regular coffee; nonetheless they have gained attention due to purported mental and physical health benefits associated with them.

Some of these claims have been supported by research; others haven’t. For example, claims that mushroom coffee reduces stress are based on evidence suggesting the adaptogens contained within mushrooms may help lower cortisol release during stressful situations – a valid observation – yet no scientific data shows this to be the case.

Mushroom coffee has also been touted for its purported health benefits, which may include:

Improved focus. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans that may increase immune system activity by stimulating macrophage and natural killer cells – key components of our defense system. While mushroom coffee’s benefits might have positive results on cognitive functions, remember that caffeine also has similar results and should only be consumed moderately.

As always, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as individuals with medical conditions should seek advice from their physician prior to trying any new supplement or drink. Some mushroom extracts found in chaga varieties of mushroom coffee can contain high concentrations of oxalates that can wreak havoc with digestion systems as well as lead to kidney stones in some individuals. Furthermore, this product may not be FDA-approved so it may be difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting when purchasing such items – it may be best off just eating whole mushrooms that have proven health benefits instead.