Mushroom tea has experienced explosive growth since its debut a few years ago. A quick online search will bring up over 1,000 options from artisanal startups to global producers; claims about its benefits range from increased immunity, cognition enhancement, soothing digestive issues and much more – although its allure cannot be denied! Before jumping on this bandwagon it’s essential that one fully understands possible side effects as well as manufacturing methods of each product available on the market.

Mushrooms are complex organisms, with benefits varying depending on their species and variety. Poria mushrooms have long been used to balance immunity, as evidenced by cancer treatment protocols in China; on the other hand, chaga is known for aiding digestion and supporting overall wellbeing. Because of this variety of benefits associated with mushrooms it’s essential that you select the appropriate tea based on both your health goals and individual tastes.

As part of our efforts, we reached out to functional tea expert Danielle Ryan Broida of Four Sigmatic who shared some of her go-to mushroom teas for immunity boosting, gut health benefits and other uses.

But unlike its herbal and green tea counterparts, mushroom tea’s ingredients don’t come directly from Camellia sinensis plants but rather include herbs, spices and other botanicals which enhance the earthy flavors of mushrooms and provide umami-rich beverages without bitterness or caffeine like traditional black and green teas.

Mushroom teas generally feature woody or earthy flavors, depending on which types of mushroom species are included in their blend. Some mushrooms such as chaga may be bitter while reishi has milder and more subtle characteristics. Spices, herbs, or sweeteners may also alter its flavor profile.

Some experienced mushroom enthusiasts opt to create their own mushroom tea instead of buying pre-packaged gummies or chocolate bars because it gives them more control over how much powder goes into each cup and they can avoid additional sugar or additives that might otherwise be present in pre-made treats.

If you’re eager to give mushroom tea making a try, there are numerous recipes online which make the process easy and affordable. Crafting your own beverage can provide a satisfying and cost-cutting way of reaping all its healthful advantages.

The best mushroom teas feature complex flavors that combine beautifully with herbs and spices used as ingredients. Tamim’s Maitake Mushroom Bloom showcases delicate notes of ginger with bright bursts of goji for an experience that’s both nourishing and refreshing, while Dirtea’s Reishi Mushroom Blend boasts earthy undertones enhanced by subtle notes of goji and ginseng for an earthy yet savory experience.