Social media posts featuring people drinking what looks like coffee but is actually made with mushrooms has become an increasingly popular wellness trend, and mushroom coffee has gained attention as being touted to help boost immunity, reduce bloat, and facilitate weight loss. But is mushroom coffee actually beneficial for health?

Mushrooms have long been touted for their health benefits and have been linked to immunity, gut health and stress relief. But its exact impact remains unclear in relation to brewed ground mushroom blends mixed into regular coffee; nonetheless many are giving mushroom coffee a try since its costs tend to be less.

Mushroom coffee hasn’t been extensively studied; therefore it may cause side effects for people allergic to mushrooms or suffering from digestive disorders. Furthermore, certain mushroom ingredients (like Chaga) contain high concentrations of oxalates which bind calcium causing kidney stones in some individuals.

Mushroom coffee can be prepared by combining dried and extracted mushrooms with regular coffee beans in powder form. The powdered mixture can then be combined with water, milk or other liquids and consumed. Some brands even add sweeteners for an enhanced flavor or extra nutrients.

Mushroom coffee comes in different forms depending on its brand; hot or cold drinks may be offered, capsules may also be sold and ready-to-drink bottles/cans made available for sale; most are vegan- and gluten-free products.

While some brands claim that mushroom coffee is an effective natural solution to alleviate bloating, gastroenterologists remain dubious. While mushrooms do possess many beneficial properties, no research has yet been done into how they impact gastrointestinal health specifically; and there’s even the chance it could aggravate symptoms in some people.

Some consumers have reported that drinking mushroom coffee helps improve digestion and alleviate bloating, though this evidence remains anecdotal. More likely than not, bloat reduction will come from eating a healthy diet comprising low FODMAP foods and plenty of fiber.

Overall, mushroom coffee should not pose any harm unless you suffer from allergies or digestive problems; however, as with any new food or supplement it is wise to consult your physician or registered dietitian first before making a definitive decision. That is because these drinks contain numerous essential nutrients; however, they may be costly and provide no added health benefits beyond those obtained through a balanced diet. Czerwony suggests looking for products made with high-quality organic coffee that also features functional mushrooms such as Laird Superfood made with shade grown coffee that blends lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga mushrooms into an all-vegan, kosher beverage free from added sugars.