Mushrooms are beloved fungi-infused foods known for their umami flavor. Yet their nutritional benefits extend far beyond this delicious treat – packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may boost immune functioning as well as stress reduction, mushroom coffee has quickly become a wellness trend with fans touting its healthful properties – but can it truly live up to the hype?

Mushroom coffee is typically created by combining medicinal mushrooms and coffee beans together, usually after they have been dried and extracted, which isolates beneficial compounds our digestive systems cannot break down or extract on its own. After being combined, they’re powdered down for use with milk for consumption – including common choices like Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane which have long been valued by traditional Chinese medicine for their healing properties.

Mushroom coffee products often contain ingredients like ashwagandha and L-theanine to further boost its health benefits, however it’s essential to read product labels closely as not all mushroom coffee products are created equally – some may contain higher concentrations of sugar and chemicals than others, plus certain mushrooms used can have higher oxalate levels that increase your risk for kidney stones in those already at an increased risk.

At its core, mushrooms may offer numerous health benefits that may help to alleviate stress and increase immunity. The adaptogens found in some mushrooms such as Reishi and Lion’s Mane have been found to decrease cortisol release when stress occurs, leading to better sleep and reduced inflammation.

At best, evidence supporting claims regarding mushroom coffee’s health benefits are anecdotal; since its production and distribution are unregulated by the FDA, it’s difficult to know exactly what’s contained within each batch and how much of each nutrient exists in it.

Mushroom coffee may provide an attractive option for those sensitive to the stimulant effects of traditional coffee, due to its lower caffeine content. But this doesn’t mean people should drink large quantities; excessive doses could still cause side effects such as jitteriness and anxiety. Furthermore, those allergic to mushrooms should refrain from drinking it since this could cause symptoms like hives and stomach discomfort; pregnant women and individuals with medical conditions like heart disease or digestive problems should always consult their healthcare providers before beginning any new dietary supplement – including mushroom coffee.