Mushroom coffee is gaining popularity right now. Many people online are saying it offers benefits like a feeling of calmness, sustained energy, and improved concentration, with only a small amount of caffeine.
But do these fungi-infused beverages deliver on those alleged health benefits? Here’s what to know.
What is mushroom coffee?
I’ve been learning about this new trend of adding mushrooms to coffee! It’s not like tossing sliced mushrooms in your brew, though. From what I understand from experts like Keith Ayoob, a registered dietitian, it’s usually mushroom powders or extracts mixed with the ground coffee. And don’t worry, these aren’t the typical cooking mushrooms you find at the grocery store – definitely not those psychedelic kinds either! He assures me you won’t have any… unusual experiences.
Certain mushrooms, often called “adaptogens,” are thought to help the body handle stress and tiredness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Popular varieties like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps each offer unique potential benefits. Registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian explains that lion’s mane is being studied for its possible ability to improve brain function. Reishi may help regulate the immune system, cordyceps is believed to increase energy levels, and chaga is packed with antioxidants.
What are the proven health benefits of mushroom coffee?
While there hasn’t been much research specifically on mushroom coffee, studies have explored the medicinal mushrooms it often contains. These mushrooms, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, are known for their potential health benefits, and some are considered adaptogens. Research, like a 2023 review in the journal Molecules, suggests mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail contain compounds that may have anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immune-boosting effects. However, it’s still unclear if these benefits apply to people who drink mushroom coffee.
According to Bazilian, mushroom coffee does contain compounds, like beta-glucans, which have been researched for their potential benefits to the immune system and in reducing inflammation. However, she notes that a lot of this research has been done in labs, on animals, or in human trials using specific dosages – which might not match what you actually get when drinking a cup of mushroom coffee.
How does mushroom coffee compare to regular coffee?
According to Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian and author of The Plant Love Kitchen, mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like regular coffee or the mushrooms you might use in cooking. Instead, it has a more subtle, earthy, or savory flavor, explains Ayoob.
Mushroom coffee has some unique effects. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner explains that it generally contains about half the caffeine of regular coffee, which can mean fewer jitters and an easier time for your stomach. Plus, because of the lower caffeine level, you’re less likely to experience a quick energy boost followed by a crash.
Are there any drawbacks to mushroom coffee?
One of the main drawbacks of mushroom coffee is its price. It’s generally much more expensive than regular coffee, especially if it contains rarer types of mushrooms, explains Ayoob. The more unusual the mushroom used, the higher the cost tends to be.
Quality is also a key consideration when choosing mushroom products. Mushrooms can absorb substances from where they grow, so it’s important how they’re sourced and grown, explains New York dietitian Toby Amidor. Choose brands that test for harmful contaminants like lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Most medicinal mushrooms are safe for most people, but it’s important to be cautious. If you’re taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor before drinking mushroom coffee – some mushrooms, like reishi, can interfere with medications, especially blood thinners. Also, chaga contains high levels of oxalates, which could increase the risk of kidney stones for those who are prone to them.
Should you try it?
Ultimately, the choice is up to you, as long as you feel it’s safe. Blatner explains this isn’t a quick fix or major improvement, but if you enjoy coffee and are interested in reducing your caffeine intake while adding the potential benefits of mushrooms, it might be worth a try.
If you enjoy your regular coffee, there’s no need to switch to mushroom coffee. Your current choice already offers well-known health benefits. According to Dr. Bazilian, “Coffee has been extensively researched and is linked to a lower risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and even increased longevity.” Mushroom coffee hasn’t been studied as thoroughly, so its benefits aren’t yet as clearly proven.
2026-07-22 18:06