Mushroom coffee is an increasingly popular new beverage that blends medicinal mushrooms with ground coffee beans for an interesting combination. Though the drink might sound odd, its taste is fairly similar to regular coffee, promising numerous health benefits. Dose amounts vary, although most contain about half as much caffeine than traditional cups of joe. Supporters of Mushroom Coffee tout its ability to lower stress levels, support healthy immune function and enhance cognitive performance; some claims have even been supported through scientific research while more remain unproven.

Medicinal mushrooms have long been utilized as adaptogens in Chinese medicine, helping the body cope with stress and fatigue (1, 2, 3, 4). Mushroom coffee blends consist of dried extracts of popular species like chaga, turkey tail, reishi and lion’s mane mixed with ground coffee beans for consumption. Some products also feature ingredients like acai berry powder matcha tea powder l-theanine and ashwagandha for additional benefits; unfortunately these ingredients remain proprietary thus making it hard to determine exactly how much of each mushroom or ingredient exists per serving (1 serving.).

Mushroom coffee typically uses ground coffee beans brewed into regular cups to produce its caffeine, so its levels do vary between brands but usually contain about half as much (5, 6). Some versions use exclusively mushrooms and herbs rather than coffee grounds – such as chicory root or dandelion root which naturally lack this source – making the product naturally free from caffeine (7, 8).

With mushroom coffee becoming increasingly popular, there is now a wide selection of mushroom beverages on the market, ranging from grounds, pods, and instant versions – typically found at specialty health food stores or sold online.

All other ingredients of mushroom blends resemble that of regular coffee in both taste and appearance, providing a satisfying, creamy experience. Some blends also offer additional herbs or nutrients such as acai berries, matcha tea powder, herbal blends or L-theanine to provide extra health benefits.

Be it as an ingredient or as a drink, whole mushrooms offer many healthful advantages. Their nutrients include B2, B3, B5 and folate (also known as folic acid) along with potassium, choline and antioxidants – not to mention fiber benefits that may protect against heart disease, cancer, depression or digestive issues.