Mushroom coffee has quickly become a trend, boasting notable supporters such as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Taika Waititi. But does it live up to its health claims of stress relief, immunity support, and healthy digestion?

Here’s what we learned: we tested five popular mushroom coffee brands and spoke with registered dietitian nutritionists. Here’s what we discovered.

Adaptogens

Adaptogenic plants are ancient medicinal herbs known as adaptogens that can help relieve stress, balance the mind and body, increase energy levels and provide mental clarity. Adaptogens have proven particularly helpful for relieving or eliminating symptoms associated with chronic stress such as fatigue, anxiety and depression; in addition to treating headaches caused by stress. Furthermore, some adaptogens also possess mild sedative actions which may help treat insomnia – another factor often leading to headaches or migraine.

One company, Four Sigmatic, blends 100% Arabica coffee with lion’s mane and chaga mushroom extract that goes through a drying and extraction process so it does not look slimy like its counterpart in stir fries. Their blends provide different health benefits including immune support, enhanced athletic performance and productivity increases.

Their “Power On” blend contains half the caffeine found in traditional coffee, using lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to increase focus, productivity and creativity. Their “Metabolizze” product features green coffee beans combined with cordyceps and chaga to support metabolism.

Chaga provides antioxidant and immune system support in their Activate blend while cordyceps has been found to improve aerobic exercise performance. Rhodiola root, in their Recover blend, acts as a potent adaptogen that increases red blood cell production as well as leukocyte production – white blood cells responsible for fighting off infections.

Schisandra chinensis, an adaptogen used in their products, may help regulate estrogens and strengthen immune function. Ashwagandha has also been found to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects and improve sleep quality, making it another popular adaptogen choice.

No matter what claims are made by certain mushroom coffee brands, it’s important to remember that herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA and may interact with medications you are currently taking. Before taking any new herbs or supplements, always consult a registered dietitian first.

Stress Reliever

mushroom coffee blends often feature herbal ingredients to soothe the mind and alleviate stress, such as chamomile tea which has long been known for soothing stomach distress and relieving migraine-type headaches, or Rhodiola rosea which supports mental and physical energy levels, or Spirulina algae which acts as natural mood enhancers and provides energy through supporting normal cellular detoxification processes.

Some mushroom products contain adaptogenic herbs that can help ease the symptoms of an active lifestyle, like ashwagandha and holy basil. Mushrooms combined with these adaptogenic herbs offer numerous health benefits including increased energy, improved sleep, decreased inflammation and enhanced cognitive performance. Some brands even contain additional supplements like reishi, lion’s mane and turkey tail mushrooms which have been known to support immunity systems.

Some brands create their blends from various types of mushroom powder, as well as other ingredients to add protein, flavor and calories to their drinks. Others may contain collagen which increases protein and improve skin health or MCT oil found in Ryze and Beam which adds extra calories.

As opposed to regular coffee, most mushroom blends don’t contain any caffeine due to being made with non-caffeinated beans like acai berry and yerba mate. Some blends do include some caffeine though; such as Four Sigmatic’s Chill Decaf Ground Coffee as well as Immune Support and Perform coffees from Four Sigmatic.

This energy booster blend includes cordyceps, coffee bean extract and L-theanine to increase focus and alertness; its counterpart, Immune Support blend contains functional mushrooms as well as gut-supportive turkey tail and chaga extracts to provide targeted immune support.

Both mushroom coffee blends contain less caffeine than is found in traditional cups of brewed coffee, meaning they shouldn’t negatively impact sleep or cause any other adverse side effects for most individuals. As with any supplement or dietary choice, it’s wise to speak to your healthcare provider first when considering mushroom coffee whole food beverages; they will provide advice as to whether these drinks are right for you and how best to use them safely.

Energy Booster

Mushroom coffee whole foods could provide an effective remedy when feeling stressed out, sleepy or just need an extra boost. Mushrooms have long been believed to help elevate mood and increase energy levels while providing immune support against oxidative stress and helping promote weight loss while possibly protecting against high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease; though studies are limited and it remains uncertain whether mushroom coffee would provide similar results as straight coffee would.

Many companies have begun offering mushroom coffee blends that promise various health benefits. Four Sigmatic’s “Power On” blend contains lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to support productivity and focus, plus cordyceps for energy boost. Their “Metabolicize” mix incorporates green coffee beans with chaga mushrooms for metabolic stimulation.

Most mushroom coffee blends combine various functional mushrooms with ground or dehydrated coffee grounds, and may contain both caffeinated and non-caffeinated coffee or tea, depending on the brand. Some mushroom coffee blends may also include ingredients like coconut milk, MCT oil, cacao, cinnamon and turmeric which may offer additional health benefits. Check the Nutrition Facts label on each package to view how many calories each serving contains as well as sugar, fat, protein and carbohydrates it has; look out for natural sweeteners like Stevia, Erythritol or monk fruit extract while others might include saturated fat from coconut or MCT oils which could hamper weight loss goals.

Some mushroom coffee products don’t contain any actual coffee at all, such as Four Sigmatic’s Coffee Elixir Mixes and MUDWTR products, making them great choices for people sensitive to caffeine. Furthermore, some aren’t even caffeinated – providing another good option for those avoiding stimulants altogether.

No proof has yet been presented proving mushroom coffee will provide similar benefits as regular coffee, but it is worth testing. Most brands contain about half as much caffeine per cup compared with its traditional equivalent so you can still enjoy your beverage without overdosing on caffeine. Just ensure the Nutrition Facts label doesn’t list any additional ingredients which could cause allergic reactions.

Immune System Support

Strengthening immune system strength requires making lifestyle adjustments such as eating nutrient-rich whole foods and taking over-the-counter immunity boosters, but for optimal results the best immune support supplements should contain both foods and herbs to strengthen natural defenses of the body.

Immune support supplements, commonly referred to as immune system boosters, come in a range of forms – tablets, gummies and powder for mixing into water or another beverage. Each of these forms typically contain antioxidants, vitamins, electrolytes and herbs believed to strengthen one’s immunity against illnesses and infections.

Ryze mushroom coffee contains an adaptogenic blend, including lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms, that may help boost immunity. According to a 2023 study published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, these mushrooms contain beta-glucans which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits that may increase overall wellness.

Registered dietitians have chosen Four Sigmatic’s mushroom coffee as their go-to. Jenna Volpe, RD of Holistic Healing Services & Resources appreciates that Four Sigmatic uses organic coffee beans and real adaptogenic mushrooms (some wildcrafted). Furthermore, Four Sigmatic products undergo potency testing as well as mycotoxins testing as well as taste tests with volunteers.

Functional mushroom and coffee pioneer, Mushroom Coffee Inc. has recently introduced new products designed to elevate the experience of taking their supplements. Their Perform Ground Coffee features premium organic dark roast beans with immune-supportive Chaga and Turkey Tail functional mushrooms as well as L-Theanine for high performers who require energy during high-stakes situations while remaining focused under pressure. Unfortunately it can only be consumed by those without nut allergies; for those taking medications it should also be discussed first with their healthcare providers.