What Is Mushroom Cofee?
- Cara Siera
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Cara Siera
Coffee has long been the fuel of early mornings, late deadlines, and creative breakthroughs. But a new brew is making its way into mugs everywhere: mushroom coffee. Despite the name, it doesn’t taste like sautéed portobellos. Instead, it blends traditional coffee with powdered medicinal mushrooms, promising smoother energy, fewer jitters, and added wellness benefits.
Is mushroom coffee a wellness revolution or just another health trend? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground coffee beans and powdered extracts from functional mushrooms. These aren’t the mushrooms you toss into a stir-fry (except for lion's mane-it's known to taste a bit like buttery lobster), nor are they illicit "psychedics" used as recreational drugs. They’re varieties traditionally used in herbal medicine for their potential health-supporting properties.
Common mushrooms used in mushroom coffee include:
Lion’s Mane: Often associated with cognitive support and focus
Chaga: Rich in antioxidants; can be used as a blood thinner
Reishi: Traditionally used for stress balance and immune support
Cordyceps: Linked to energy and stamina
Most blends contain less caffeine than regular coffee because part (or all) of the coffee is replaced by mushroom extract. The flavor typically remains coffee-forward, sometimes described as slightly earthy or nutty.
A Brief History of Mushroom Coffee
While mushroom coffee feels like a modern wellness trend, the idea has deeper roots.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in cultures around the world. They were valued for supporting immunity, vitality, and longevity.
The coffee connection emerged more recently. During periods of coffee shortages, particularly in parts of Europe during World War II, people used roasted grains, root vegetables, and other plants as coffee substitutes. According to Tero Isokauppila, founder of mushroom coffee producer Four Stigmatic, "Finnish people used chage mushroom, native to our country, as a coffee substitute during World War II. To out knowledge, our grandparents invented the concept of using chaga as a coffee substitute."
In the 21st century, wellness brands reintroduced the concept, blending functional mushrooms with real coffee to create a beverage that aligns with today’s interest in adaptogens, gut health, and natural energy.
In other words, mushroom coffee is old wisdom wearing a modern label.
Potential Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
While research is still ongoing, many people report positive effects from switching to or supplementing with mushroom coffee.
1. Smoother Energy and Fewer Jitters
Because mushroom coffee usually contains less caffeine than standard coffee, some people experience more stable energy without the spike-and-crash cycle or shaky side effects.
2. Cognitive Support
Lion’s mane mushrooms have been studied for their potential role in supporting memory, focus, and nerve health, making them popular among students, creatives, and professionals.
3. Immune and Antioxidant Support
Mushrooms like chaga and reishi contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds that may help support immune function and reduce oxidative stress.
4. Digestive Friendliness
Some coffee drinkers find mushroom coffee gentler on the stomach, especially if regular coffee causes acid irritation or digestive discomfort.
5. Stress and Adaptogenic Properties
Certain mushrooms are considered adaptogens, meaning they may help the body manage stress and maintain balance.
It’s important to note that many of these benefits are based on early research and traditional use rather than large-scale clinical studies.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Mushroom coffee isn’t a magic potion, and it’s not for everyone.
1. Limited Scientific Evidence
While individual mushrooms have been studied, comprehensive research on mushroom coffee as a daily beverage is still limited.
2. Allergies or Sensitivities
Some people may react to specific mushroom extracts, especially those with existing mushroom allergies or sensitive digestive systems.
3. Medication Interactions
Certain mushrooms may interact with medications related to blood pressure, blood sugar, immune conditions, or blood thinning. Anyone with medical concerns should consult a healthcare provider.
4. Cost
Mushroom coffee is often more expensive than standard coffee due to specialized sourcing and processing.
5. Taste Expectations
While many blends taste similar to coffee, some people notice an earthy undertone that may take time to enjoy.
Is Mushroom Coffee Worth Trying?
Mushroom coffee won’t replace a balanced diet, good sleep, or regular movement. However, for coffee lovers looking to reduce caffeine intake or explore functional ingredients, it can be an interesting alternative.
If you’re curious, start with a small serving, pay attention to how your body responds, and choose reputable brands that clearly list ingredients and sourcing. Below are some of the brands I've personally tried.
Everyday Dose
Everyday dose is my current favorite. In addition to chaga and lion's mane, it has collagen-something I often add to my morning coffee for its skin and joint health benefits. The flavor and mouth-feel are the most similar to "real" coffee of any brand I've tried.
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qTF9Oz
Ryze
Ryze has good mushroom coffee, but its variety makes it one of my favorites. I love the mushroom hot chocolate, which has melatonin for sleep support.
Get it on Amazon:
Ryze Mushroom Coffee https://amzn.to/3ZdVG4c
Ryze Hot Chocolate https://amzn.to/49TRP2i
Ryze Matcha https://amzn.to/4qgyOwQ
Omyum
Omyum in one of my favorites in terms of flavor. In addition to lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and cordycepts, it has cacao, cinnamon, stevia, and a handful of other spices. This gives it a mocha kind of vibe.
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49ott0F
Monkey Brew
Monkey Brew is the least favorite on my list because of its strong flavor, but I still like it. In addition to turkey tail, lion's mane, cordyceps, and meitake, it's sweetened with monk fruit extract and flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint, cacao, and coconut milk powder.
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49ott0F
Pella
Pella has several mushroom coffees, but my favorite is the mushroom truffle latte. It's a great hot cocoa mix if you can't do dairy.
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qXGzba
Zempic Yerba Mate
This one took some getting used to, but I grew to like it. Unlike the others on this list, it's meant to be a cold beverage. Caffeine is provided by yerba mate, a tea-like South American beverage brewed from the leaves of a type of holly.
Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jGTADh
Your morning cup can still be comforting, energizing, and ritual-worthy, just with a foresty twist tucked inside the beans.
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