Mushroom coffee has long been heralded as a healthier alternative to regular joe, boasting medicinal mushroom extracts with proven health benefits. Mushroom coffee essentially involves mixing coffee with various kinds of mushrooms that contain beta-glucans, polyphenols and antioxidants as well as potential stress relief and immune-boosting benefits; but its efficacy remains unclear and many questions about its use remain. In order to gain further insight into this phenomenon, we consulted expert nutritionists about its potential safety as an addition to regular coffee and any benefits it might bring its drinker.

First and foremost, let us make clear that this isn’t your typical cup of joe with mushrooms floating on top (it would be gross!). Instead, these blends use ingredients which have undergone an intensive drying and extraction process in order to extract beneficial compounds into powder form, before being mixed with regular coffee in a similar fashion to produce an enjoyable beverage that looks, tastes and smells similar.

There are a range of blends on the market featuring mushroom extracts that may offer various health benefits. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) may help counteract caffeine’s overstimulation while chaga (Inonotus obliquus) contains extra antioxidants and beta-glucans which may enhance overall immunity.

Although mushrooms have long been part of Chinese medicine and used as supplements in many other countries for millennia, there hasn’t been enough research conducted on them to make informed decisions about taking mushroom coffee supplements if you have certain health concerns or medications – for instance reishi mushrooms have been known to lower both blood sugar and blood pressure, making this something to keep in mind if any issues exist with your existing health condition.

There are various recommendations on how to blend mushroom coffee with regular coffee, but finding the ideal balance can be challenging. Too much can alter the taste, while too little won’t provide the health benefits desired. Luckily, experts offer simple formulas that can help find an acceptable balance of taste and wellness benefits; here are a few popular ones: