"Mushroom coffee is a unique blend of regular coffee and medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane or chaga. It’s known for delivering smoother energy with fewer caffeine jitters, and some people enjoy it for potential benefits like better focus, immune support, and digestion. While research is still limited, it can be a great choice if you’re looking for a gentler, health-conscious coffee option."
Is Mushroom Coffee Good for You? Here’s the Truth in One Read
If you’ve been on Instagram, TikTok, or anywhere else people like to flaunt their “healthy morning routines,” you’ve probably seen someone sipping a cup of something brown and mysterious. No, it’s not hot chocolate. And it’s not the leftover soup from last night’s mushroom risotto.
It’s mushroom coffee; the wellness trend that’s making people replace their regular brew with something that sounds… well, a little weird. Because when you hear “mushrooms” and “coffee” in the same sentence, your brain might picture tossing button mushrooms into your espresso machine. (Spoiler: that’s not how it’s made.)
So, the questions remain: Is mushroom coffee good for you? Is mushroom coffee healthy?
Let’s find out with a dash of humor, because life is too short for boring health articles.
What on Earth is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee isn’t made by dunking whole mushrooms in your latte. Instead, it’s a blend of regular coffee beans and powdered medicinal mushrooms; typically, varieties like Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, or Cordyceps.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like mushroom soup. The mushrooms are dried, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with coffee grounds. The flavor is earthy, slightly nutty, and a bit smoother than your regular black coffee. Some people even say it’s less bitter, which is great news if you’re tired of making that “sour face” after every sip.
Why Are People Swapping Their Regular Coffee for Mushroom Coffee?
It all comes down to the health claims, which, depending on who you ask, range from “it’s good for focus” to “it might make you live forever.” (Okay, maybe not forever… unless you’re a mushroom in the forest.)
Here’s the lowdown on the potential mushroom coffee health benefits:
1. Gentler on Your Stomach
Mushroom coffee has less caffeine and more alkaline properties, which does not put much of a burden on your digestive system.
2. A Little Less Caffeine Jitters
We all know the coffee cycle: you start the day like a zombie, drink coffee, suddenly feel like you can run a marathon, then crash and wonder where your life went wrong.
Mushroom coffee usually contains about half the caffeine of regular coffee. So, you still get a mental boost, just without the post-caffeine existential crisis.
3. Brainpower Boost (Thanks, Lion’s Mane!)
Lion’s Mane mushroom is the star when it comes to focus and cognitive support. Studies suggest it may help with memory, concentration, and even nerve health. So, if you tend to forget why you walked into a room, maybe this could help… or maybe you just need more sleep.
4. Immunity Support (Shoutout to Chaga & Reishi)
Chaga mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, while Reishi is often called the “mushroom of immortality” in traditional medicine. They just may lend a bit of a shield to your immune system; not enough to give you invincibility, but enough to help you fend off some sniffles.
5. Stress Less, Sip More
Reishi also shows its adaptogenic properties, which means that it can help your body adapt to stress. Honestly, if we need anything in 2025, it's stress support.
Is There Any Scientific Proof?
Here’s where things get interesting. While there’s a decent amount of traditional use and promising early research on medicinal mushrooms, the science on mushroom coffee specifically isn’t as deep as a mycologist’s textbook.
Most of the benefits we hear about come from studies on individual mushroom extracts, not necessarily coffee blends. That means while the mushrooms in your coffee might help with immunity, focus, or stress, the exact effects depend on the dosage, quality, and your own body.
Does Mushroom Coffee have Caffeine?
Yes, unless you buy a caffeine-free version. It’s usually made by blending coffee beans with medicinal mushrooms.
How Much Caffeine in Mushroom Caffeine?
Mushroom coffee usually has about 40–50 mg per cup compared to the 95 mg in a standard brew. The exact amount depends on the brand and the coffee-to-mushroom ratio as well.
Are There Any Downsides?
Like anything trendy and “healthy,” mushroom coffee isn’t perfect. Here’s the honest tea, or coffee, on potential drawbacks:
- Price Tag Shock – Mushroom coffee is often more expensive than regular coffee. Think $15-$30.
- Acquired Taste – While many people find it smooth, others say it has a slightly earthy, tea-like flavor that takes some getting used to.
- Allergic Reactions – If you’re allergic to mushrooms, this is obviously a no-go.
- Mild Laxative Effect – Like regular coffee, it can get your digestive system moving a little faster than planned.
Who Should Try Mushroom Coffee?
- People who love coffee but hate the jitters
- Wellness enthusiasts looking for something new
- Folks into herbal and natural remedies
- Anyone curious enough to try it once and see if they like it
If you have chronic health conditions, are pregnant, or are on medication, check with your doctor first, because even natural things can sometimes interact with treatments.
How to Make Mushroom Coffee?
Most people just buy pre-mixed mushroom coffee powders or instant sachets. But if you’re feeling adventurous (and have a grinder), you can:
- Brew your regular coffee.
- Add mushroom powder (like Lion’s Mane or Chaga extract).
- Stir well, add milk or plant milk if you like.
- Pretend you’re a health influencer and take a photo for Instagram.
The Verdict: Is Mushroom Coffee Good for You?
Here’s the honest answer: It’s not a miracle drink, but it’s not snake oil either.
If you enjoy the taste and like the idea of a lower-caffeine, antioxidant-rich alternative to your regular coffee, mushroom coffee could be a nice addition to your routine. But if you’re expecting it to transform your health completely, that’s… probably too much pressure for a beverage.
Think of it as a fun, slightly fancy, and potentially beneficial upgrade to your morning brew — not as your one-way ticket to perfect health.
Conclusion
In a world where wellness trends come and go faster than your Wi-Fi connection, mushroom coffee has stood the test of time for a good reason. It’s smooth, unique, and has some potential health benefits backed by centuries of traditional use and some modern research.
So, is mushroom coffee good for you? Probably, yes, in moderation. Just don’t toss out your regular coffee unless you enjoy the taste and feel of the mushroom version.
And remember: whether it’s mushrooms, matcha, or plain ol’ tea, the best morning drink is the one that makes you happy to start your day.
FAQ
Q1. Is mushroom coffee good for your liver and kidneys?
It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may support liver and kidney health.
Q2. Is mushroom coffee actually healthy?
Yes, mushroom coffee can be a healthy choice with lower caffeine and added benefits from medicinal mushrooms. However, you should consult with your doctor.
Q3. What is the best mushroom coffee?
Top mushroom coffee brands include Four Sigmatic, Ryze, and La Republica, known for quality blends with reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane.