mushroom coffee, made up of medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps, is becoming more and more popular as an energy boost and mental clarity booster. Additional ingredients like cacao, turmeric, sea salt or MCT oil may be added for flavor enhancement or additional health benefits.

Medicinal mushrooms and fungi have long been touted for their supposed immune-enhancing and heart health properties, among others. But it’s important to remember that by the time these organisms have been dried and extracted into powder form, their biological properties no longer match those present in nature – nor can most purveyors provide evidence supporting their claims of effectiveness.

“Mushrooms have long been recognized as adaptogenic foods, helping the body manage stress,” notes Syracuse registered dietitian Sarah Olszewski who specializes in functional foods. Compounds found within these organisms have been shown to balance blood sugar, boost immunity and improve mental acuity according to Sarah.

Mushroom-infused coffees may offer hope in terms of relieving bloat and supporting digestive health, according to Atlanta gastroenterologist Aja McCutchen and ModifyHealth. However, due to being high-FODMAP foods themselves, mushroom supplements could actually worsen symptoms for those suffering with digestive issues.

Additionally, mushroom-infused coffee is typically more costly than its conventional counterpart and provides only limited nutrition, like potassium, zinc and vitamin D – these organisms being available through other food sources as well.

And with most mushroom coffee vendors failing to disclose how much of each ingredient they use in a product, it can be impossible to know if doses are large enough to have any beneficial impact. As such, Olszewski and other registered dietitians hesitate to recommend such beverages as an effective solution for wellness.

Experts agree that there isn’t much “mushroom power” behind this trend; rather, they advise increasing consumption through eating more mushrooms and supplementing with high-quality, clinically approved mushroom products.

Whoever is considering trying mushroom coffee should first consider if it would benefit them and their overall nutrient intake. While having several cups a week might increase total intake, people with existing health conditions should consult with their physician prior to switching over completely to a new supplement. Anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease must be cautious before ingesting these mushrooms, as their consumption can activate their immune systems too strongly and potentially trigger flare-ups in certain individuals. Prescribed medications or over-the-counter drugs should always consult their doctors prior to adding fungi into their diets, as these supplements could interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines. As such, most nutritionists we consulted recommended only sipping small amounts of mushroom coffee each day. If you want to give it a try yourself, we suggest purchasing an organic and shade-grown mushroom coffee brand without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.