Functional mushrooms added to matcha green tea powder have become the latest wellness-branded beverages trend, promising anti-inflammatory relief that’ll turn you into a corporate sage with focus and energy that would impress even Vikings.

These products contain L-theanine and catechins derived from matcha green tea, as well as polysaccharides from reishi mushroom that support concentration, immunity and stress reduction.

Benefits

Matcha green tea and functional mushrooms share many similar properties: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits and key nutrients are abundant, as are L-theanine amino acid which has the power to relax the mind and increase focus. When combined together they become a potency combination which may support mental clarity while strengthening immunity and slowing aging processes.

Mushroom and matcha powders can both be easily added to drinks such as smoothies, lattes and baked goods for an array of health benefits. Many people take up drinking mushroom matcha in the morning to improve focus and concentration as well as promote immunity health.

When choosing mushroom matcha, look for a blend combining high-grade matcha with organically grown and processed reishi mushrooms that has been thoroughly tested and verified. Make sure that there are no extra ingredients such as sweeteners or preservatives added – this will ensure maximum taste in every cup of tea that results. Moreover, organic production processes would provide even further quality assurances.

Reishi mushroom has long been considered the “chill master” of its mushroom species, having been shown to promote relaxation and improve cognitive performance. Reishi can be included in matcha tea as an adaptogenic herb which helps reduce stress and balance hormones.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are adaptogenic mushrooms which have many health benefits for the brain, including memory enhancement, cognitive improvement and energy boost. When added to mushroom matcha drinks they contain compounds called hericenones and erinacines which may stimulate new brain cell formation.

Turkey tail mushroom is an effective immune-supportive substance often included in immune-boosting formulations. When combined with matcha, this ingredient may support both cardiovascular health and digestion while supporting overall wellness.

Matcha and mushrooms are both excellent supplements on their own, but when combined in a matcha blend they become even more powerful. Combining L-theanine in matcha with polysaccharides such as bglucans and ganoderic acids found in reishi mushroom can increase concentration, alleviate tension and anxiety while strengthening immunity systems.

Ingredients

Matcha first became popular as an herbal coffee alternative and smoothie base in Japanese ceremonies, but has since found its way into health-minded cafes as a beverage to aid weight loss and to boost wellness. Nowadays, matcha can be found in numerous wellness drink recipes (like this one) as well as elixir blends that claim to help users feel their best.

Recent matcha trends include adding functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, shiitake, turkey tail cordyceps, and reishi to green tea powder for enhanced nutritional benefit. Ryze, MUDWTR Clevr Blends and Sunday Natural offer tea blends packed with functional mushrooms as well as other nutrients like blue spirulina ashwagandha MCT oil cinnamon in their tea blends.

Matcha combined with L-theanine and catechins from matcha together with polysaccharides such as bglucans and ganoderic acids from reishi produces a powerful superfood combination, designed to improve concentration, calm anxiety, strengthen immunity and even slow aging processes. Most brands also use organic, non-GMO matcha green tea powder along with other organic ingredients for optimal quality control. Since matcha is naturally bitter, ensure it is whisked thoroughly using either bamboo matcha whisks or electric whisks.

How to Use

Functional mushrooms and matcha have become popular components of coffee alternatives over recent years, touted as an effective caffeine-free morning drink to banish brain fog, boost focus, and keep energy stable. But don’t just trust these two powerful superfoods: make your own mushroom matcha tea at home by simply mixing a pinch of the Functionist Mushroom Blend into your morning green tea cup.

At its optimal temperature of 80degC (176degF), matcha should be enjoyed using hot water at 80degC (176degF). This will preserve all of its beneficial nutrients and amino acids while also releasing L-Theanine into your beverage – an amino acid which increases calmness, improves attention span, and boosts mood without creating jitters or crashes in mood.

To prepare matcha, add your desired amount to a mug and whisk until all of the powder has dissolved completely, either using traditional tea whisk or an electric matcha whisk. Next, either milk or ice may be added for a chilled matcha beverage option.

Add sweetener as desired, although this step isn’t necessary as matcha already contains natural sweetness. Lion’s mane mushroom powder adds a slight mushroomy taste, yet when mixed into matcha it’s barely detectable. Ginger, pepper or cinnamon can also be added if desired for extra spice!

Matcha green tea and reishi mushrooms are powerful adaptogens, supporting your body’s ability to manage stress and balance its immune system. Combining these superfoods provides energy, calmness, improved mental clarity and natural anti-ageing benefits. Their combination helps increase concentration while soothing mind and immune systems and boosting immunity – plus supporting cell growth, decreasing inflammation and slowing the aging process!

Recipes

Some matcha tea brands have begun adding functional mushrooms (such as lion’s mane, chaga, shiitake and turkey tail) into their products for additional health benefits and to change its flavor and texture. Some blends must be heated before mixing with water or milk for maximum effect resulting in an impressive mix of flavors!

Global sales of functional mushroom beverages are expected to surpass $19 billion by 2030, reflecting their increasing popularity with consumers. Quality matcha green tea powder and lion’s mane mushroom is key in providing the optimal health benefits; cheap culinary-grade matcha found at grocery stores may have grassy or bitter notes and be less vibrant in hue than ceremonial grade matcha used at ceremonies.

Ceremonial-grade matcha is usually only available through specialty shops or direct online sales and is definitely worth investing in. Not only does it deliver more nutritional benefits, but its smoother flavor profile and more vibrant green hue makes for a worthwhile indulgence.

If you are interested in creating homemade mushroom matcha tea, there are numerous recipes online. All that’s necessary to get the job done is high-grade matcha green tea powder and nondairy milk of your choice; use sweeteners that dissolve well with hot water or milk like maple syrup or stevia drops for optimal results.

Matcha lattes are an increasingly popular matcha drink, suitable for morning breakfast or an after lunch health boost. Simply combine Functionist Mushroom Blend and matcha in a large mug until well mixed, add natural sweeteners of choice and hot water or milk, stir well, and then enjoy!

Reishi mushroom adds extra focus, mental clarity, and stress management benefits. Reishi is an adaptogen which contains polysaccharides such as bglucans and ganoderic acids which boost immune systems while slowing aging processes. When combined with matcha green tea’s amino acid L-theanine content it can promote relaxation while clearing away brain fog to keep you on task throughout a busy work or school day.