One trendy new coffee trend involves mixing mushrooms and ground beans to produce mushroom-infused coffee, which is touted as a healthy alternative to traditional coffee drinks and can provide health benefits such as better sleep quality and increased energy. But is it really worth the hype?

Mushroom coffee blends typically feature ground coffee beans mixed with caffeine-free mushroom powder for an estimated half the caffeine found in a typical cup of brewed coffee, which may make them more suitable for those sensitive to its effects such as anxiety, rapid heart rate or an upset stomach. Furthermore, mushroom infused coffees may contain polyphenols and antioxidants which may reduce inflammation within the body.

However, many of the claims made about mushroom coffee — particularly its immune-boosting benefits– have yet to be proven by well-designed clinical trials with humans. Furthermore, it remains unknown if medicinal mushrooms used in coffee blends retain their healthful benefits when dried, extracted and brewed into beverages.

Most mushroom-infused coffee blends contain adaptogen mushrooms. This class of mushroom may help the brain and body respond better to stress by creating balance, acting as natural remedies for depression, supporting mental and physical performance, increasing metabolism, aid digestion and fighting cancer cells; although most research on them has been conducted using test tubes or animals rather than humans.

As such, more evidence must be accumulated before medicinal mushroom compounds can be confirmed as effective in human trials. Furthermore, mushroom-infused coffees are often sold as proprietary blends without disclosing individual ingredients or amounts; such proprietary ingredient blends may be misleading since individual components might not work together effectively and could compromise specific outcomes while providing potential wellness benefits. RYZE and other mushroom coffee competitors that offer wide selection of ingredients could sacrifice tangible outcomes in favor of potential wellness gains that cannot yet be quantified.

Mushroom-infused coffees may be an ideal option for people experiencing trouble with regular coffee’s high oxalates content, which may contribute to kidney stones. Many brands of mushroom-infused coffee are vegan- and gluten-free making them suitable for diets that limit these food groups. Those allergic to mushrooms should steer clear as this could cause unpleasant side effects such as itching, stomachache or breathing difficulties.

If you’re interested in trying mushroom coffee, be sure to speak to a registered dietitian nutritionist first so they can ensure it fits with your health goals and help find an appropriate brand. Overall, mushroom coffee can make an effective addition to any wellness routine, providing energy boost, focus enhancement and restful nights’ rest if consumed responsibly; just remember it can’t replace other sources such as green or black tea for all their essential vitamins and minerals!