Mushrooms are having a moment – in particular, as coffee alternatives and immune-enhancing beverages. Chaga, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic healing practices, and now these same mushrooms are being added into coffee blends as an innovative health beverage with extra wellbeing benefits.

Mushroom coffee is made by mixing medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, turkey tail and reishi with regular ground coffee to produce a drink designed to offer both caffeine’s energizing effects with potential health benefits of adaptogens such as chaga. This combination produces less acidic coffee with earthy sweetness reminiscent of natural mushrooms; Mushroom Coffee comes in ground form as well as premade lattes and instant packets/pods for convenient convenience.

Though some ingredients found in mushroom coffee have health benefits, much of the research on them has been performed on test tubes or animals and more human studies must be completed before claims of its ability to reduce stress or improve concentration can be verified medically.

Some may prefer mushroom coffee over its alternatives due to the caffeine it contains, which can cause unwanted side effects like jitters or anxiety in some. Furthermore, those with sensitive stomach and kidney conditions should take note of certain mushroom coffee brands which contain chaga mushrooms that cause digestive issues as well as high concentrations of oxalates which have the potential of leading to kidney stones in those with an existing history of them.

As a general guideline, whole foods and beverages are usually the best source of daily nutrients rather than supplements and extracts. Mushroom coffee may cost double that of traditional coffee – thus rendering its additional expense unnecessary in most cases.

That said, some still consider mushroom coffee an investment worth making for those seeking to boost their immune systems and feel more relaxed. Czerwony recommends beginning by drinking one cup per day to gauge how your stomach reacts before increasing your consumption. He advises selecting varieties which contain all three kinds of mushrooms; certification or fair-trade certification is preferred over any that don’t. Also be sure you buy from companies which clearly state they contain no fillers, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives in their offerings.