Mushroom coffee (contains cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail and chaga mushrooms) has many health advantages that are well documented, including stress regulation and improved cognition. Furthermore, its products contain antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties as well as other healthful components.

Another factor driving their increased popularity is that these blends contain less caffeine than traditional coffee, providing an option for those attempting to decrease their coffee consumption but can’t switch completely.

Caffeine

Mushroom coffee has quickly become a trend among those looking for alternative ways to satisfy their caffeine needs. Made by mixing ground coffee and mushroom powder together, mushroom coffee may have less caffeine than its coffee-drinking counterpart and offers several health benefits including increased energy and mental clarity, stress relief, reduced inflammation, and better sleep quality.

Mushroom coffee contains mushroom powder derived from functional species such as reishi, lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps that contain adaptogens that can help balance hormones, reduce anxiety and improve overall health. Some brands of mushroom coffee even include other superfoods such as Peruvian maca root powders, ashwaghanda root and Siberian ginseng for added nutritional benefits.

Mushroom-and-coffee products found on the market typically take the form of powder that must be mixed with hot water to produce a drink similar to regular coffee, while some variations contain extra ingredients like coconut milk or MCT oil, altering its flavor profile.

Depending on the brand, some mushroom coffees feature subtle, earthy or nutty notes while others can have more distinct coffee-like notes. People sometimes need more grounds when creating mushroom coffee for optimal results.

As mushroom coffee is less caffeinated than its coffee counterpart, it can be enjoyed without disrupting your sleep pattern in the morning and can help provide a steady source of energy throughout the day without giving you that jittery feeling some people experience after too much caffeine has been consumed.

Mushroom coffee should not replace breakfast or lunch, but can make an excellent addition to your daily routine. However, if you have existing health conditions that could potentially make consuming mushrooms uncomfortable – for instance if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease consuming too many mushrooms could result in bloating and discomfort. Furthermore, some mushroom coffee recipes include hard to digest chaga and turkey tail mushrooms.

Adaptogens

Mushroom coffee contains significantly less caffeine than traditional black coffee (about 95mg in 8 oz of black coffee vs 50mg of mushroom coffee), making it an excellent alternative if you are sensitive to its stimulating effects. Some mushroom coffee products even include adaptogens that help your body better handle stress.

Herbal supplements like maca root, ashwagandha and schizandra berry work similarly to mushrooms in that they balance chemical reactions in your body by increasing or decreasing them. Registered dietitian Jenna Volpe points out that mushroom coffee’s adaptogens may help combat stress while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.

Not all adaptogens are the same; though some have been shown to work in test tubes or animal studies, well-designed clinical trials on adaptogens remain scarce. Furthermore, certain herbs may be considered high FODMAP foods and contribute to bloating for people suffering from IBS or other digestive conditions.

Popular mushroom coffee brands on the market typically consist of an eclectic combination of medicinal mushrooms and herbs that are ground up before being combined with coffee beans, making it impossible to monitor exactly which ingredients make up each batch you purchase. Therefore, purchasing from an established brand ensures you’ll know you’re drinking something safe and beneficial to your health.

Four Sigmatic is one of the most well-known mushroom coffee brands, approved by Goop and offering various kinds of mushroom and coffee blends. Their coffee features lion’s mane, cordyceps, turkey tail and chaga mushrooms in addition to reishi and shiitake options; additionally their nootropic properties help improve focus and concentration while the cordyceps is said to oxygenate blood and encourage energy production.

Beam Super Latte, available nationwide from Target stores, contains both reishi and shiitake mushrooms in its mix to increase mental clarity, promote cellular health, and support immune function. High in creatine and featuring nootropics such as Huperzine-a touted for its brain benefits; plus phosphatidylserine which protects all organ cells.

Flavor

Mushroom coffee has quickly become an acclaimed health beverage, boasting numerous health benefits from increased immunity and focus to better sleep quality and decreased stress levels. This trending beverage combines coffee with mushroom powder for maximum effectiveness.

Mushroom coffee involves drying, extracting, and grinding mushrooms into a powder before mixing it with ground coffee beans to produce a drink with half the caffeine of traditional coffee drinks. The final result has a similar flavor as regular coffee; though some people report an earthy or nutty undertone.

Mushroom varieties used in mushroom beers vary by brand, but many use adaptogenic varieties that help the body respond better to stress, such as reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail and chaga; these may aid with everything from improving cognitive performance to managing anxiety and managing stress levels.

While mushroom coffee has become an increasingly popular trend, its producers make many bold claims without offering evidence to back them up. Ivey recommends “taking all hype with a grain of salt,” noting the importance of knowing your source in order to avoid potentially harmful contaminants in your supply.

One of the primary drawbacks to mushroom coffee is its cost; it can cost twice as much as regular coffee, rendering it unaffordable for some. Luckily, DIY solutions exist which allow consumers to make this beverage at a much reduced cost; you can purchase powdered mushrooms from companies such as Four Sigmatic and FreshCap Organics before simply brewing up your preferred coffee beans with this powdered product mixed in.

While most experts consider mushroom coffee safe, it’s always wise to consult your physician prior to trying any new supplements or beverages containing mushrooms, especially if pregnant or nursing mothers take medications not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or have medical conditions not yet declared safe by government agencies. As with any food or dietary supplement product, do not exceed recommended serving sizes for mushroom coffee consumption.

Safety

Mushroom coffee typically utilizes dried and ground mushrooms into a fine powder before being combined with ground coffee beans to produce a beverage with similar visual and taste characteristics to regular coffee. There are many brands offering mushroom coffee blends tailored towards health or medicinal benefits – for instance some contain lion’s mane to improve cognitive function while cordyceps helps relieve stress-reduction; and the chaga mushroom provides balance acidity levels while providing antioxidant benefits.

Mushroom coffee’s low caffeine content makes it an excellent alternative to regular java for those trying to reduce their caffeine consumption or have sensitive stomachs. Although most can consume this product without issue, those with digestive issues may find it more challenging digest both the coffee and mushroom extracts together. Furthermore, certain varieties contain high levels of oxalates which could cause kidney stones in some individuals.

Even though most mushroom and coffee products on the market are considered dietary supplements, they are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – this means any claims about its benefits cannot be proved scientifically. Therefore, when purchasing such a product it is crucial that it comes from an established and reputable brand to ensure quality and safety.

Magic mushrooms, on the other hand, can alter cognitive function and mental state significantly; however, the mushrooms found in most mushroom-and-coffee products don’t affect these functions directly; nonetheless, some consumers believe consuming these products can increase energy levels naturally while providing an all-natural pick-me-up boost.

While mushroom coffee may provide potential health benefits, more research needs to be completed before its safety can be assured for everyone. Volpe warns that mushroom coffee should not be taken by those with existing health conditions or taking medications; pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid drinking this beverage, either. In addition, its consumption may interfere with antiplatelet drugs which help lower blood pressure.