Mushroom coffee has become increasingly popular and its advocates claim it provides numerous health benefits, including supporting immune function, improving focus and increasing energy. Test tube studies and animal experiments have demonstrated these claims; however more human research must be completed in order to validate them.

Mushrooms provide many essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D, potassium and folic acid. Mushroom coffee’s mushroom extracts also offer antioxidant protection as well as help support digestive function, making its nutritional profile similar to regular coffee beverages.

Mushroom coffee stands out from traditional coffee drinks by having significantly less caffeine, making it a healthier alternative for those sensitive to its stimulating effect and potentially helping prevent afternoon crashes often associated with high-caffeine beverages.

“Mushroom coffees are typically prepared using only extracts of medicinal mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane cordyceps and chaga.” These species have been shown to improve immunity, increase energy and reduce inflammation according to various studies; however the amount used in mushroom coffee drinks remains extremely small compared with their use in regular coffee beverages. Sarah Lynn Olszewski of Sarah Lynn Nutrition in Syracuse NY states: “Mushroom coffees lack regulation and scientific backing unlike their counterpart.” Most claims related to mushroom coffee use are anecdotal.”

Additionally, some mushroom extracts present in mushroom coffee may contain high concentrations of oxalates that increase risk for kidney stones among those already suffering from them.

Bloating may also be a side effect of drinking coffee with mushrooms in it; certain of them are considered high FODMAP foods that could contribute to gas production for those suffering from IBS. Furthermore, some fungus present may contain hallucinogens similar to what you can find in magic mushrooms (psilocybin).

If you are considering mushroom coffee for the first time, it is advisable to speak to your physician first. They can assist in selecting an appropriate mushroom blend and assess its safety; in addition, they may suggest alternative solutions which may be less risky than mushroom coffee.

If you are intrigued by mushroom coffee, start with a smaller serving size and observe how you react before increasing or decreasing accordingly. Although many mushrooms can be beneficial, it’s always better to get them through whole foods rather than supplements; even those not considered high FODMAP sources like Shiitake mushrooms should only be eaten sparingly.