Mushroom-infused coffee hasn’t exactly taken the world by storm, but those who have sampled it say it is tasty and novel. Combining earthy coffee flavor with medicinal mushroom benefits, it has quickly become popular among those seeking healthier ways to start their day or to cut down on caffeine intake.

A great mushroom coffee offers an intoxicating blend of rich flavor and subtle mushroom notes that may surprise. This is due to the blend being comprised of extracts of edible mushrooms instead of actual fungi tossed directly into a cup of black coffee; rather, extracts are carefully blended with premium ground coffee beans and ingredients such as sweetener and vanilla for optimal results. Because medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds which cannot be digested naturally by our digestive systems, extraction techniques must be employed before they can be utilized as ingredients in such products.

Occassionally, mushroom coffee contains various varieties of mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion’s mane mushrooms that have various health benefits including improving immunity, gut health and relieving stress. They’re often included in traditional Chinese medicine treatment regimens and some have even been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Beyond mushrooms, the flavor of mushroom coffee can also depend on its type and roast level of coffee beans as well as any additional ingredients such as sweetener. Some brands add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg that complement the earthiness of mushroom flavors; other brands might use vanilla extract for an additional hint of sweetness without overwhelming existing tastes.

Mushroom coffee tends to be less acidic than its counterpart, which may help alleviate heartburn and stomach upset for those with sensitive tummies, while providing an energetic boost without the side-effects associated with too much caffeine, according to registered dietitian Sarah Olszewski.

But mushroom coffee remains shrouded in mystery; and its health claims remain uncertain. Certain mushrooms have been linked with immune and brain health benefits; however, most research on them so far is in petri dishes or animal studies; no studies on humans exist yet.

Mushroom coffee’s taste isn’t far off from that of standard joe, and many coffee fans have added it to their morning ritual. Additionally, mushroom coffee is an ideal option for people with food sensitivities or intolerances to dairy – plus with the right blend it can even make for a tasty start to their day!