Mushroom coffee has quickly become trendy, with celebrities from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex to Taika Waititi touting its health benefits. But is this trend real or simply a passing trend? For expert insight, we contacted registered dietitian nutritionists.

Mushrooms are an incredible source of nutrients, from vitamins to minerals to fiber and antioxidants, providing your body with essential elements for overall wellbeing. Furthermore, mushrooms contain numerous anti-inflammatories which fight free radicals which damage cells as well as extracts/compounds which provide anti-inflammatory, digestive, immune system support and cognitive enhancement benefits. Mushroom extracts/compounds have also been demonstrated to offer anti-inflammatory, digestive, immune system support as well as cognitive enhancement capabilities. Medicinal mushrooms may provide stress reduction through adaptogens which work by helping restore balance to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-gland axis system.

Some mushroom coffee brands consist of mixes composed of powdered medicinal mushrooms, other ingredients, and coffee that can be mixed or frothed together with hot water to produce beverages with reduced caffeine intake compared to a standard cup of joe. Some blends can be brewed using an old-school coffee machine such as French press while others can be added directly into tea or soup dishes; certain products use coconut products which may cause allergic reactions while others contain cinnamon or cacao which could exacerbate sensitivities of certain individuals.

Each brand of mushroom coffee contains different ingredients, but most typically include chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane and/or shiitake mushrooms as the core ingredient(s). They may also include other beneficial additives like L-theanine for anxiety reduction or MCT oil for energy boosting benefits.

Take note: most mushrooms used in mushroom coffee supplements have not undergone individual human research studies, making it important to read labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider before taking anything claiming significant health effects.

While some mushroom coffee blends we tested contained low amounts of caffeine, others contained more than usual. If consuming over 400 milligrams per serving, as this can increase your risk for nervous system issues.

Keep in mind that, although these products may be advertised as “coffee alternatives” with reduced caffeine content than traditional cups of joe, they’re not FDA-approved and should not replace your daily morning cup of joe. Moreover, mushroom coffees tend to be more costly than their counterparts making their inclusion less affordable for daily routine. Finally, be mindful that dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and could interact with medications you take as well.