Mushroom Coffee: The Hype, The Benefits, and What You Need to Know

Skincare Anarchy
5 min readSep 26, 2024

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By: Julianna Ancmon

Mushroom coffee has become a buzzword in the wellness community, with influencers and health enthusiasts alike singing its praises. But what exactly is mushroom coffee, and why is it garnering so much attention? Here, we’ll delve into the science, the benefits, and whether this trendy brew is worth adding to your daily routine.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

At its core, mushroom coffee is a blend of traditional coffee and powdered medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi. Unlike the culinary mushrooms you might sauté for dinner, these fungi have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The coffee is typically brewed by combining these powdered mushrooms with ground coffee beans, creating a beverage that promises the best of both worlds: the familiar jolt of caffeine with the added benefits of medicinal mushrooms.

The Hype: Why Is Mushroom Coffee So Popular?

The rise of mushroom coffee can be attributed to its purported health benefits. As people become more health-conscious, they’re looking for alternatives to their daily coffee that offer more than just a caffeine boost. Mushroom coffee is marketed as a way to enhance mental clarity, boost immunity, and reduce stress — claims that resonate strongly in today’s fast-paced world.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Mushroom coffee is a popular trend in the health and wellness space because of its potential benefits.” The blend offers a lower-caffeine alternative to regular coffee, which is appealing to those who experience jitters or crashes from traditional coffee.

The Science: What Do Experts Say?

Despite the enthusiasm, it’s important to approach mushroom coffee with a critical eye. While mushrooms like Lion’s Mane have shown promise in supporting cognitive function, much of the research is still in its early stages.

Harvard Health notes that “the research on the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms is still in its infancy, and most studies have been done in the lab, not on humans.” This means that while the initial results are promising, more robust, human-based studies are needed to confirm the benefits of mushroom coffee.

The Benefits: What Can Mushroom Coffee Do for You?

1. Enhanced Mental Clarity: Lion’s Mane mushroom is particularly noted for its potential cognitive benefits. Some studies suggest it may help support memory and concentration, making it a popular choice for those looking to stay sharp.

2. Immune Support: Mushrooms like Chaga and Reishi are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, compounds that may help support the immune system. According to Health.com, “drinking mushroom coffee may help you reap the benefits of these bioactive compounds.”

3. Stress Reduction: Reishi is often touted for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body better manage stress. This makes mushroom coffee a potentially soothing option for those who find regular coffee too stimulating.

Is Mushroom Coffee Right for You?

While mushroom coffee offers several potential benefits, it’s not for everyone. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, the lower caffeine content might be appealing. However, if you’re skeptical about the taste, it’s worth noting that mushroom coffee has a distinct flavor that some describe as earthy or slightly bitter.

Healthline emphasizes that “like any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before adding mushroom coffee to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant.”

The mushroom coffee market has grown significantly, and several brands have stood out for their quality, taste, and the health benefits they claim to offer.

Here are the top 5 mushroom coffees available right now:

1. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee

  • Mushroom Types: Lion’s Mane, Chaga
  • Why It’s Popular: Four Sigmatic is often credited with popularizing mushroom coffee in the mainstream. Their blend combines Lion’s Mane for cognitive support with Chaga for immune support. The coffee is organic and contains only 50 mg of caffeine per serving, making it a great option for those sensitive to caffeine.
  • Taste: Smooth and rich, with a subtle earthy undertone from the mushrooms.

2. MUD\WTR

  • Mushroom Types: Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps
  • Why It’s Popular: MUD\WTR is not just a coffee but a complete coffee alternative, featuring a blend of mushrooms, cacao, and spices like cinnamon and turmeric. It has just 1/7th the caffeine of coffee, making it ideal for those looking to cut back on their caffeine intake.
  • Taste: Earthy and slightly spicy, with a rich and complex flavor profile.

3. Rasa Original Adaptogenic Coffee Alternative

  • Mushroom Types: Reishi, Chaga
  • Why It’s Popular: Rasa is known for its adaptogenic blends, which are designed to help the body manage stress. The Original blend contains 12 herbs, including Reishi and Chaga, along with roasted chicory and dandelion roots for a coffee-like taste.
  • Taste: Deep, roasted, and slightly bitter, closely mimicking the flavor of traditional coffee.

4. Laird Superfood Mushroom Coffee

  • Mushroom Types: Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps
  • Why It’s Popular: Created by surfer Laird Hamilton, this coffee combines organic Peruvian coffee beans with functional mushrooms. It’s designed to offer sustained energy without the typical crash, thanks to the inclusion of Cordyceps.
  • Taste: Robust coffee flavor with a mild earthy undertone from the mushrooms.

5. Ryze Mushroom Coffee

  • Mushroom Types: Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, King Trumpet
  • Why It’s Popular: Ryze offers a blend of six different mushrooms, making it one of the most comprehensive mushroom coffees on the market. It’s designed to improve focus, boost energy, and support overall well-being.
  • Taste: Mild and creamy with a balanced flavor that’s less bitter than regular coffee.

These mushroom coffee brands are popular for their unique blends and health-focused ingredients, making them top choices for anyone looking to explore the world of mushroom-infused beverages.

Conclusion

Mushroom coffee is more than just a passing trend — it’s a reflection of a broader movement towards functional foods that offer more than just basic nutrition. While the research is still emerging, the potential benefits make it an intriguing option for those looking to enhance their daily routine. Whether you’re seeking better focus, immune support, or stress relief, mushroom coffee might just be worth a try. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s a good fit for you.

By understanding the science behind the hype, you can make an informed decision about whether mushroom coffee deserves a spot in your wellness arsenal.

Research Links

https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/mushroom-coffee-worth-a-taste

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushroom-coffee#what-it-is

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mushroom-coffee-should-you-be-drinking-it

https://www.health.com/mushroom-coffee-8415270#:~:text=Contains%20Protective%20Plant%20Compounds&text=This%20means%20that%20drinking%20mushroom,as%20polyphenols%20and%20%CE%B2%2Dglucans.

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Skincare Anarchy

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