Today’s world of highly caffeinated sodas and energy drinks can leave some parents looking for alternatives for their children. One such alternative drink that has gained significant attention recently is mushroom coffee, marketed as having immune-enhancing benefits as well as other possible health advantages – but can this new beverage really be good for young ones?

Numerous health claims about mushroom coffee have been made, yet their scientific basis remains uncertain. While studies have demonstrated how mushrooms may help with specific conditions like cancer, clinical trials for mushroom coffee use remain lacking as most research involves whole mushrooms rather than mushroom powder used as an ingredient.

However, mushroom coffee’s lower caffeine content could make it an appealing option for some children. While a typical cup of coffee typically contains 150 milligrams of caffeine per serving, mushroom coffee typically only contains 50-60 milligrams. Furthermore, there are even brands offering mushroom coffee without coffee beans, making this alternative less caffeinated option an appealing one for kids who may be sensitive to it.

But just because mushroom coffee contains less caffeine doesn’t mean it should be consumed by children in large amounts, notes Corkins. Consuming more than two or three cups daily could cause stomach upset as well as cause other side effects like headaches and jitters.

Concerns are further highlighted by the fact that mushroom coffees on the market contain excessive sugars and artificial sweeteners, leading to extra carbohydrates linked to obesity, heart disease and even tooth decay in children if too much sugar is consumed by them. Experts advise restricting added sugars in children’s diets due to their harmful health impacts.

Mushroom coffee can contain high levels of fats that may harm children’s digestion systems, while some brands now offer mushroom coffee with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to reduce calories and keep kids safe. Still, always double check the ingredients list of any new food for children as some products contain coconut products, tree nuts, cinnamon or cacao that could trigger allergic reactions in certain children.

If your child is curious to try mushroom coffee, start them out slowly by gradually increasing how much they take each day. Also, as with any food, speaking to their doctor or registered dietitian before adding mushroom coffee is important so as to determine their tolerance level and ensure safe consumption. Furthermore, if they have any health conditions or are taking any medications it’s a good idea to notify their physician prior to beginning any new supplement regimens.