Does mushroom coffee have more benefits than a regular cup of joe?

Does mushroom coffee have more benefits than a regular cup of joe?

In recent years, people have become increasingly interested in the power of mushrooms. Mushrooms have incredible healing potential, from the physical and mental therapeutic benefits they provide to their role in Earth's ecosystems, according to the 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi. Many functional mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which are herbs and mushrooms that help your body literally adapt to the ever-evolving and often stressful world around it by increasing or decreasing chemical reactions in your body as needed to return to homeostasis.

However, this interest in the ways mushrooms can benefit your body is nothing new. “Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditions for thousands of years,” explains Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist, holistic wellness expert, MySolluna founder, and author of You Are More Than You Think You Are. “As a powerful type of plant medicine, they help support your immune system, create overall homeostasis in your body, and assist your body in managing stress.”

Amid the renewed focus on the health benefits of mushrooms, mushroom coffee has become a popular alternative to regular coffee. Curious if drinking mushrooms in the morning instead of your usual wake-up drink is worth the potential benefit? This is where nutritionists and integrative medicine experts come into play.

What is mushroom coffee?

The concept of mushroom coffee may sound a little strange to anyone who is used to only getting their coffee at Starbucks and consuming mushrooms as a pizza topping. But a mushroom coffee alternative isn't much different than your usual caffeinated brew. Think of mushroom coffee as a regular cup of coffee, but supercharged. “Mushroom coffee is essentially coffee with mushrooms—not just regular mushrooms, but medicinal, adaptogenic mushrooms that help with energy, focus, and stamina, so you get caffeine without the jitters that often impact your cortisol production,” explains Bindiya Gandhi, MD, double board-certified in integrative and family medicine specializing in functional and holistic medicine. (FYI, cortisol is a hormone associated with stress.)

One thing to know is that not all mushroom coffees are created equal. For example, two of the most popular mushroom coffee brands, MUD/WTR and Four Sigmatic, have different caffeine sources. The caffeine in MUD/WTR is derived from black tea leaves, while Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee uses Arabica coffee beans, but both have much less caffeine than regular coffee. Renude's Chagaccino Blend, on the other hand, contains no caffeine at all and relies solely on chaga mushrooms to provide a gradual boost of energy throughout the day.

How to Quit Caffeine Without Feeling Exhausted

As for how mushroom coffee tastes, it doesn't have a traditional mushroom flavor, so don't expect it to taste anything like a portobello sandwich. Most people describe mushroom coffee as “earthy,” and when mushroom coffee is mixed with coffee beans, the taste is more similar to real coffee. It's also incredibly easy to brew - many simply need to mix a mushroom coffee powder with water. You can also pour over or brew the mushrooms like you would regular coffee.

Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Functional mushrooms have numerous health benefits as they are high in nutrients and antioxidants – which are good for your immune system, says Dr. Bindiya. “They help with mood, energy, focus, concentration and more,” she says. "They're a functional food because you get other benefits by consuming them," and adding mushrooms to coffee can make them more palatable if you don't like eating the mushrooms, notes Dr. Bindiya.

What are Nootropics?

Some of the most popular mushrooms used in coffee include reishi, chaga, lion's mane and turkey tail, all of which have their own individual potential benefits, says Snyder. For example, research suggests that lion's mane may have a positive effect on cognitive problems. And Reishi can strengthen immune system function. A 2021 study linked higher mushroom consumption to a lower risk of breast cancer.

But as promising as mushrooms sound, more research is needed to prove their health benefits. “Despite all the health claims attributed to mushroom coffee, more peer-reviewed studies need to be conducted to evaluate and quantify its true health benefits,” explains Alice Figueroa, MPH, RDN, CDN, founder of Alice In Foodieland.

At the same time, there don't seem to be any real risks if you decide to take it. “Although more research is needed to support the health benefits of mushroom coffee, if you enjoy drinking it, go for it,” says Figueroa. “It is generally considered a safe and nutritious drink and has a lower caffeine content than regular coffee, which may be beneficial for some.” A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, MUD/WTR contains 35 mg of caffeine, and Four Sigmatic's instant coffees contain less caffeine at 50 mg per serving (though most of its ground coffees contain a full serving of caffeine).

The great thing about functional mushrooms is that you can consume them in any way you prefer, whether by cooking them (Lion's Mane is a tasty substitute for crab cakes, FYI), enjoying them as a tincture or tea, or taking them as a dietary supplement.

Is it worth buying mushroom coffee?

Whether or not you decide to switch to the mushroom coffee lifestyle may depend on a few factors. On the financial side, mushroom coffee can be more expensive than regular coffee. However, if you are someone who is sensitive to caffeine, this coffee alternative might be worth a try. “Everyone’s caffeine metabolism is different,” says Dr. If you experience an increased heart rate after caffeine, you should proceed with caution.

Need ideas on the best way to try mushroom coffee? Consider adding a scoop of medicinal mushrooms to tea or organic coffee with a splash of coconut milk, which will allow you to add extra mushrooms on days when you want extra support (think: a nerve-wracking work presentation or the day you close on a new house). Or turn to pre-made mushroom coffee blends, which is a convenient option if you don't want to put extra effort into your coffee routine.

The bottom line is that mushroom coffee can provide benefits beyond those of regular coffee. If you're trying to cut back on caffeine or want to get some of the benefits of mushrooms without having to cook, mushroom coffee deserves your attention.