The Best Mushroom Coffees, Tested and Vetted by Dietitians

The Best Mushroom Coffees, Dietitian Tested and Recommended

Mushroom coffee is a wellness-focused alternative to traditional coffee that combines the rich, familiar taste of your morning joe with the potential health benefits of functional mushrooms. “Functional” means they offer benefits beyond basic nutrition. These blends often include mushroom varieties like lion’s mane, Chaga, and reishi, which may support health functions such as immunity, focus, and stress management.

“Mushroom coffee has risen in popularity in recent years for its significant health benefits, ranging from stress management to gut health,” says Trista Best, RD, an adjunct nutrition professor and the founder of The Candida Diet. “Some of the most reported health benefits from this beverage include improved focus, better stress management, immune function, and gut health, all without the side effects of coffee.”

For those looking to reduce caffeine intake or explore the cognitive benefits of mushroom coffee, it may offer a balanced morning ritual without the jitters. Many functional mushrooms are also adaptogens, natural substances that help the body respond more effectively to stress.

Whether you’re seeking mental clarity, immune support, or a gentler energy boost with stress-fighting power, mushroom coffee may deliver what you’re looking for.

“Proponents of mushroom coffee believe it supports the immune system, brain health, energy levels, and stress response,” says Marjorie Cohn, RD, clinical director of the nutrition therapy platform Berry Street.

To make it simple and help you choose the best from the rest, we tested 11 mushroom coffee brands and consulted with experts. When making this list, we considered dosage, transparency, parts of the mushroom used, and independent testing. From earthy to robust, energy-boosting to jitter-free, here are the best mushroom coffee picks out there.

Our Top Picks for Best Mushroom Coffees

When to Consult Your Doctor

While mushroom coffee offers numerous potential benefits, it’s not for everyone. You may want to avoid mushroom coffee if you:

  • Have a mushroom or fungi allergy
  • Have preexisting kidney or digestive conditions
  • Are sensitive to caffeine
  • Take certain prescription medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, chemotherapy medications, and immunosuppressants
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as research is limited and emerging

Certain ingredients that are added to some mushroom coffees, like chicory, can also contribute to gas and bloating, due to their prebiotic content. That’s why, even if you don’t have a medical condition, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine, to rule out interactions and ensure that it’s a good choice for you.

Best for Quality and Versatility

Eversio Wellness 4 Mushroom Blend Mushroom Powder

$49.99 at Amazon

Pros

  • High-quality mix of fruiting bodies
  • Precise dosage listed
  • Certified organic
  • Compostable and reusable packaging
  • Can be used in coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, and more

Cons

  • Not ideal as a standalone beverage

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: All organic lion’s mane, reishi, maitake, shiitake
  • Fruiting bodies: Yes
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: None
  • Caffeine content: None
  • Serving size: ½ teaspoon
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No

Eversio is our top overall pick for a versatile mushroom powder that can be added to just about anything, including coffee. It has the highest quality and most transparency in terms of dosage of brand we researched, and it was highly recommended by experts.

“I would recommend this product as a possible antioxidant,” says Cohn. Best agrees, saying, “The quality of the mushrooms is high, and the versatility of the blend (you can add it to smoothies, coffee, or teas) makes it a good all-around option.” Plus, she notes, “It supports cognitive function, energy levels, and immunity.”

As a tester, I added it to my regular coffee, popcorn, and salad dressing. I also tried it on its own, and I was pleasantly surprised by the very mild mushroom broth taste — I even found that it makes a great umami base for miso soup. My favorite way to drink it? One teaspoon of Eversio, 1 tablespoon of Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage (for that earthy coffee taste without caffeine), and a scoop of Primal Kitchen Vanilla Collagen Fuel — or a splash of oat milk. “I like that this product can be used any time of the day, and can be incorporated into an evening routine for rest and relaxation,” adds Cohn.

Finally, I love the company’s intentional packaging. Eversio offers a refillable glass jar and a compostable, zip-sealed pouch. It’s third-party tested for potency and contains all fruiting bodies with precise dosage, including organic reishi, lion’s mane, maitake, and shiitake.

Best Value

Four Sigmatic Mushroom Ground Coffee

$18.95 at Amazon

Pros

  • High affordability combined with high quality
  • Multiple mushroom blends, flavors, caffeine levels, and roasts available
  • Certified organic
  • Doesn’t taste like mushrooms

Cons

  • Ingredient dosing is somewhat unclear

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: All organic lion’s mane, Chaga
  • Fruiting bodies: Fruiting body extracts
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: None
  • Caffeine content: 150 milligrams per 12 ounce cup
  • Extras: Probiotics, tulsi, eleuthero, ashwagandha, and L-theanine
  • Serving size: 4 tablespoons
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: Multiple options available

Four Sigmatic is another high-quality brand, and it’s also the most affordable option on the list. Their ground coffees offer a variety of flavors and roasts for different tastes, plus different mushroom blends for specific needs. Best recommends it for die-hard coffee drinkers. “It offers the benefits of mushrooms while satisfying the coffee lover’s craving,” she says. “The taste is a big plus — it has a rich coffee flavor that masks any mushroom earthiness. The balance of mushrooms and coffee is spot on.”

Four Sigmatic never uses mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus that may include fillers like oats, in their blends. Their coffee is organically grown at a small family-run co-op in Honduras, according to their website. They also offer recyclable packaging and bulk options. “It’s pre-ground and ready to use in a drip coffee maker, which makes it convenient,” says Cohn. “The ingredients are of high quality and third-party tested, so that assures safety.”

I tried the Focus and Gut Health coffee blends — both tasted like high-quality coffee with no mushroom taste and gave me the energy boost you’d typically expect of a caffeinated beverage. The Focus blend includes third-party tested organic lion’s mane and Chaga, while the Gut Health blend includes turkey tail and probiotics, although the precise dosing isn’t clear from the package.

Best Affordable Mushroom-Only Blend

Om Mushroom Superfood Master Blend

$17 at Amazon
$26.99Now 37% Off

Pros

  • Contains a wide variety of mushrooms and herbs
  • More affordable than other mushroom-only blends
  • Certified organic
  • Can be used in coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, and more

Cons

  • Not ideal as a standalone beverage
  • Exact dosage is unclear

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: All organic lion’s mane, cordyceps, king trumpet, turkey tail, maitake, reishi, Chaga, shiitake, antrodia, himematsutake
  • Fruiting bodies: Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: None
  • Caffeine content: None
  • Extras: Ashwagandha
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No
Om Mushroom Superfood Master Blend is another versatile option that can jazz up your coffee, smoothie, or just about any savory dish you can think of. Each serving packs a wallop with 2,000 milligrams of functional mushroom powder, but it isn’t as pricey as some of the other quality options on the market. “It offers a potent blend of 10 mushrooms at a reasonable price, providing a wide array of health benefits,” says Best. “It’s an affordable option for someone who wants to benefit from a variety of mushrooms, including reishi, Chaga, and cordyceps, without breaking the bank.” Cohn highlights that this blend also offers 400 milligrams of beta-glucans per serving, a type of soluble fiber with immune-boosting properties.

Best also likes the “sustainably sourced and organic mushrooms used, which are best known for immune and cognitive support.” I like that it contains a huge variety of mushrooms as well as ashwagandha, an adaptogen believed to benefit the brain and stress response.

It has a similar flavor to Eversio in that it can be blended into yogurt or dressing without adding a noticeable taste, while the standalone flavor is like a light mushroom broth. It blended into my morning latte easily without changing the taste. Plus, it has a much lower price point than Eversio for a mushroom-only blend.

Best With Added Herbs

Rasa Dirty Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee

$32 at Amazon

Pros

  • Mix of mushroom fruiting bodies and herbs
  • Certified organic, fair trade, and woman-owned
  • Doesn’t taste like mushrooms
  • Multiple flavor and caffeine options available

Cons

  • Has a thicker consistency than coffee
  • Exact dosage is unclear

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Chaga mycelium and reishi fruiting body extract
  • Fruiting bodies: Includes reishi fruiting body extract
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: None
  • Caffeine content: 35 milligrams per 1 tablespoon serving (7.5 grams)
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: Yes

Rasa Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee is a great coffee substitute with added herbs that is available in a variety of flavors and caffeine options. Choose from the no-caffeine original option, the “dirty” blend with added fair-trade coffee, or a cacao-infused option for chocolate lovers. “The herb blend provides a unique twist on traditional mushroom coffee, and I love that it’s great for both energy and relaxation,” says Best.

All the blends contain shatavari, ashwagandha, eleuthero,

codonopsis,

rhodiola, and maca,

adaptogenic herbs that could play roles in hormone balance,

stress management,

and cognitive health,

though more human studies are needed. And these are added benefits on top of the formula’s mushroom content, which includes Chaga mycelium and reishi fruiting bodies, making Rasa an adaptogenic powerhouse of a morning beverage. “This could be a good product for someone who is looking to promote a more balanced lifestyle where they want to reduce stress,” says Cohn. It’s also fairly affordable for such a high-quality lineup of ingredients. “It combines the benefits of mushrooms with adaptogenic herbs for a well-rounded drink that helps with stress, mental clarity, and energy,” Best adds.
I enjoyed the taste and scent of the brew — especially the shatavari, which has a sweet, nutty flavor and is another Ayurvedic herb that may help support female reproductive health.

The taste of the herbs is pronounced, which others may not like. The woman-owned brand says that this product is organic, sustainable, potent, and safe.

Best for Mental Clarity

LifeBoost Cognition Adaptogenic Coffee

$26.99 at Amazon
$29.99Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Organic, non-GMO, single-origin coffee
  • Low acidity may be easier on sensitive stomachs
  • Noticeable boost in mental clarity

Cons

  • High price point for a single bag of coffee

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Lion’s mane, cordyceps, and Chaga
  • Fruiting bodies: All fruiting bodies
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 5
  • Caffeine content: 75 to 89 milligrams per 8-ounce cup 
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: Yes

This coffee went fast in my household. It tasted great and gave a noticeable boost in mental clarity and focus that’s definitely worth mentioning. Plus, it tasted great.

“The quality of the coffee is exceptional — it’s smooth and not bitter, and the added cognitive benefits are a great bonus,” says Best. “The addition of adaptogens and functional mushrooms, particularly lion’s mane, helps improve focus and mental clarity while offering a smoother coffee experience.” It’s ideal for when you need a mental boost during work or study, Best adds.

Another feature I liked about Lifeboost is that it has lower acidity than typical coffee, which means it may be gentler on the stomach and help reduce symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

That said, I’m not able to personally weigh in on those effects, as I don’t typically experience any of those issues. It’s also worth noting that LifeBoost will likely remain a special treat rather than a staple in my house due to the high price point, compared with our usual, run-of-the-mill ground coffee.

Best for Standalone Flavor

Beam Super Latte

$60 at Amazon

Pros

  • Tastes good on its own
  • Contains a substantial amount of creatine
  • Formulated with brain-protective ingredients
  • Precise dosage listed
  • Mostly organic ingredients

Cons

  • Flavor may be too sweet for some

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Organic lion’s mane (fruit), turkey tail (fruit), organic cordyceps (mycelium), king trumpet extract (fruit)
  • Fruiting bodies: Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 35
  • Caffeine content: 26 to 33 milligrams
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No

I kept going back to Beam again and again for its ease of use and delightful standalone flavor. Best agrees. “It offers a rich, comforting flavor (like cinnamon and vanilla) while providing cognitive and calming benefits from the mushrooms,” she says. “The taste is my favorite part — it’s creamy, comforting, and delicious without being overly sweet or artificial.” Beam really can be consumed on its own, although I liked adding a splash of oat milk to give it a creamier texture. I also liked adding a little bit to hot chocolate for a slightly caffeinated sweet treat.

Since I supplement with creatine for the cognitive benefits already, Beam did double duty for me. One scoop contains 2.5 grams of creatine, and the daily recommended value for an adult woman is 3 to 5 grams.

It also contains phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid that may protect the cells in your brain, and huperzine A, a moss extract that may improve memory and mental function.

“Theobromine and huperzine A are ingredients that may be beneficial for mood, blood flow and cognition,” says Cohn.

Beam contains a mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium, so it’s possible that its mushroom ingredients aren’t as potent as others that use only fruiting bodies. Plus, Cohn notes that some people should be cautious of the added ingredients. “Those with preexisting kidney conditions should consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, due to the creatine,” she says.

Best for No Jitters

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

$44.99 at Amazon

Pros

  • MCT oil may have benefits for metabolism, brain health, and heart health
  • Slower caffeine absorption may trigger steady energy release over time
  • Less likely to experience a “crash”
  • Certified organic

Cons

  • Only one flavor option
  • Not suitable for those with coconut allergies

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, king trumpet
  • Fruiting bodies: Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 15
  • Caffeine content: 48 milligrams per serving
  • Extras: Organic MCT oil and organic coconut milk
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No

“This blend combines adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi with coffee, which can provide smoother energy without the usual caffeine crashes,” says Best. “It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a low-acid, jitter-free coffee alternative that offers sustained energy and improved mental clarity.” Cohn recommends this blend for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake. “This product is low in caffeine, approximately 48 milligrams per cup, which will provide a boost and be less likely to spike and cause jitters,” she says. “For someone who is looking to reduce caffeine, this could be a useful product.” She also likes that the blend of mushrooms covers multiple bodily systems, including digestion, mental clarity, mood, and immunity.

Caffeine often gives me the jitters, so I love any option that promises a slow release and more even energy boost. RYZE includes MCT oil, which may be at least partially responsible for the smoother energy and crash-free experience.

Best likes RYZE coffee for its balance of mushrooms with few additives. Though the blend contains a mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium, it’s unclear exactly how much of each. There’s also only one flavor option to choose from, which may feel a little ho-hum. When I reached out to RYZE to confirm whether they use third-party testing, their representative told me they test each batch for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and molds — they just don’t put this on their packaging, as they aren’t required to by law. It’s also worth noting that those with an allergy to coconut should steer clear, as RYZE contains both MCT oil and coconut milk.

Best Substitute for Hot Chocolate

MUD\WTR

$47.49 at Amazon
$49.99Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Sleek tin is easy to reuse over and over
  • Contains cacao for a chocolatey experience
  • Chai spices provide ample flavor
  • L-theanine in black tea may help reduce jitters
  • Certified organic

Cons

  • High price per ounce

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps
  • Fruiting bodies: Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 20
  • Caffeine content: 35 milligrams per serving
  • Extras: Cacao, turmeric
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No
MUD\WTR is a blend of cacao and chai spices that creates a hot chocolate-like experience with an added energy boost from black tea. “I like the variety of ingredients in this product — it’s not just mushrooms,” says Cohn. “Cinnamon, turmeric, and cacao all have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.” The lower caffeine content of black tea means fewer jitters compared with coffee, and it also naturally contains L-theanine, which may help slow caffeine’s absorption into the bloodstream.

As a chai and chocolate lover, I was a big fan of this blend during testing. “It’s a great alternative to hot chocolate, offering a warm, comforting drink while being packed with adaptogenic mushrooms,” says Best. “The flavor profile is my favorite — it’s rich, warm, and a great evening drink. The use of clean, organic ingredients is a big plus too.” For what it’s worth, I also love MUD’s branded frother, the MUD Whip. It blends at just the right speed and is sensitive enough to the touch that I don’t accidentally over-froth and spill my drink all over the counter. Plus, it’s rechargeable and doesn’t take batteries.

While I personally loved this product, if you’re a die-hard coffee lover, MUD\WTR may not be for you. The blend of mushrooms, cacao, and spices also results in a somewhat sludgy beverage. Though it is third-party tested, it’s also worth noting that MUD\WTR uses a blend of mycelium and fruiting bodies, but the specific dosages aren’t listed.

Best With Collagen

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

$35.99 at Amazon
$39.99Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Contains L-theanine for sustained energy
  • Contains collagen for joint and skin health
  • Contains amino acids

Cons

  • Higher caffeine content than other options
  • Bovine collagen is not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: All organic lion’s mane extract, organic Chaga extract
  • Fruiting bodies: Fruiting body extracts
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 25
  • Caffeine content: 45 milligrams
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No
I like Everyday Dose because it already contains collagen, something I often put in my coffee to soften the effects of caffeine. This blend is also formulated with L-theanine, another ingredient that could potentially slow the absorption of caffeine for a sustained effect.

Additionally, the impressive range of amino acids may support brain health, mood, immunity, and more.

 “The added collagen makes this blend a great option for those looking to support joint health, skin, and gut health alongside cognitive function,” says Best.

There are some drawbacks to consider though. I’m sensitive to caffeine and was surprised to find that Everyday Dose gave me the worst jitters out of the bunch, likely owing to the higher caffeine content — although for those who tolerate caffeine well, that might be a plus. Additionally, the amount of collagen Everyday Dose contains is not as much as I’d normally use, and Cohn says that any benefits would come from regular use. “A daily intake of 4,725 milligrams (4.725 grams) of collagen falls within the range that may provide therapeutic effects, but is not guaranteed and should not be assumed,” says Cohn. “Any therapeutic impact will only come with prolonged daily use.”

Best Caffeine Alternative That Tastes Like Coffee

Teecino Mushroom Herbal ‘Coffee’

$17.09 at Amazon
$17.99Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Several flavor and herbal addition options
  • Caffeine-free
  • Affordable
  • Certified organic
  • Precise dosage listed

Cons

  • Formula doesn’t contain coffee

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: Reishi, Chaga, lion’s mane, turkey tail
  • Fruiting bodies: Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: None
  • Caffeine content: None
  • Price per ounce: $1.80
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: Yes

Teecino offers several tasty flavors — like Butterscotch Cream and Cinnamon Berry — as well as a variety of mushrooms and herbs in its various coffees and teas. “Carob pods, chicory root, and ramón seeds are top ingredients in this brand — all of which are often used as caffeine-free coffee alternatives,” says Cohn. “Additionally, this mushroom coffee brews more like a true coffee than many other mushroom coffees.”

This brand’s blends contain both fruiting bodies and mycelium, and its products include the precise dosage of each in the ingredients list while also being third-party tested. It’s also another affordable option, coming in at just a few cents higher than Four Sigmatic’s coffee blends. Best says it’s ideal for those who want the coffee experience in a caffeine-free, digestive-friendly alternative. On top of that, they offer a ton of options — from beans to instant, sampler packs, and even a build-your-own mushroom coffee option. And can we talk about their tiramisu recipe?

I find that these coffee-like beverages to taste very much like coffee, although I don’t think they’d fool a true connoisseur. “This is an excellent caffeine-free option for people who still want the flavor of coffee without the jitters,” says Best. “Perfect for those who miss the taste of coffee but want to avoid caffeine.”

Best Unflavored Instant

Pella Nutrition Organic Mushroom Instant Coffee

$17.99 at Amazon
$19.99Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Certified organic
  • Wide range of mushrooms included
  • Not sweetened

Cons

  • Higher caffeine content than other options

Key Specs

  • Mushrooms included: All organic lion’s mane, turkey tail, maitake, reishi, Chaga, shiitake, cordyceps
  • Fruiting bodies: All fruiting bodies
  • Third-party tested: Yes
  • Calories: 6
  • Caffeine content: 80 to 100 milligrams
  • Price per ounce: $3.17
  • Requires coffee maker or French press: No

Pella is a small company with a solid product. Their unsweetened instant mushroom coffee made our list for its simplicity and quality. “I like the convenience of this brand,” says Cohn. “It’s a great option for when someone wants a mushroom coffee but is on the go, or even traveling.”

Unlike some of the other instant options, it isn’t sweetened, so you can fix it up to taste. It’s also no-frills — just mushrooms and coffee, which some users may appreciate. “This is a convenient, unflavored option for people who want to easily add mushrooms to their routine without altering the taste of their drinks,” says Best.

Still, the higher caffeine content in this blend made me think twice about consuming a full cup at a time, and I added plenty of milk to offset the potential jitters. For others, the high caffeine content may be a selling point. Best says, “The convenience of instant coffee combined with high-quality organic mushrooms makes it a great option for those who need a quick energy or focus boost.”

Comparison Table

Superlative
Caffeine content
Calories
Mushrooms included
Contains fruiting bodies?
Requires coffee maker?
Best for quality and versatility
None
None
All organic lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake, maitake
All fruiting bodies
No
Best value
150 milligrams
None
All organic lion’s mane, Chaga
Fruiting body extracts
Yes
Best affordable mushroom-only blend
None
None
All organic lion’s mane, cordyceps, king trumpet, turkey tail, maitake, reishi, Chaga, shiitake, antrodia, himematsutake
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
No
Best with added herbs
35 milligrams
None
All organic reishi and Chaga
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
Yes
Best for mental clarity
75 to 89 milligrams
5
Organic lion’s mane and Chaga 
All fruiting bodies
Yes
Best for standalone flavor
26 to 33 milligrams
35
Organic lion’s mane, turkey tail, organic cordyceps, king trumpet extract
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
No
Best for no jitters
48 milligrams
15
All organic cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake, king trumpet, turkey tail 
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
No
Best substitute for hot chocolate
None
20
All organic cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, Chaga
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium
No
Best with collagen
45 milligrams
25
Organic lion’s mane (fruit) extract, organic Chaga (fruit) extract
Fruiting body extracts
No
Best caffeine alternative that tastes like coffee
None
None
All organic reishi, Chaga, lion’s mane, turkey tail
Mix of fruiting bodies and mycelium extracts
Yes
Best unflavored instant
80 to 100 milligrams
6
All organic lion’s mane, turkey tail, maitake, reishi, Chaga, shitake, cordyceps
All fruiting bodies
No

How We Tested Our Mushroom Coffee Options

When curating this list, I elimintated all popular brands of mushroom coffee that aren’t third-party tested. If it wasn’t clear whether they tested, I emailed the brand themselves. I then considered ingredient quality and sourcing, dosage, mushroom parts used, as well as taste, results, and how much I enjoyed using the product. I personally tested 10 of the mushroom coffees listed — all but RYZE, which was highly recommended by multiple experts, including Best and Cohn. I also consulted additional experts, including:

In addition to testing and getting expert insights, I read customer reviews to get a general sense of what people liked and didn’t like about each coffee pick. I’m a certified Ayurvedic health coach, a big supplement user, and mushroom fan. I’m always keeping an eye out for easy ways to incorporate mushrooms into my diet and routine. Mushroom coffee was a no-brainer!

What to Look for When Buying

“When selecting a mushroom coffee, it is important to remember that not all varieties are created equal,” says Best. “With the rise in popularity of mushroom coffee, there are many brands that are jumping at the opportunity to make money without concern for quality or safety.”

Across the board, our experts agreed on four things to look for when buying mushroom coffee.

Organic Ingredients

“Opt for organic mushroom coffee blends to avoid pesticides and maximize antioxidant benefits,” says Cohn. Mushrooms and coffee that are certified organic are grown without synthetic pesticides and are regularly inspected by a USDA-certified agent.

“High quality and sustainable mushroom coffee is important for the consumer and the longevity of the product as a whole,” says Best.

Fruiting Bodies

In addition to buying organic, look for mushroom coffees that contain fruiting bodies rather than extracts and also don’t contain added sugar or fillers. Examples of common fillers include rice flour and other starchy materials meant to “bulk up” a product and reduce production costs.

Few Additives

“It’s equally important to opt for those free of artificial fillers, additives, and added ingredients that aren’t necessary, such as maltodextrin,” says Best. She recommends “avoiding lower-quality mushroom extracts and brands that have added artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or large amounts of refined sugars to enhance flavor” as they “can contribute to blood sugar spikes, gut imbalances, and likely don’t support the intended health benefits of the mushrooms.”

Third-Party Tested

Finally, you’ll want to look for mushroom blends that are third-party tested. “Third-party testing is simply independent testing done by companies that gain no benefit from the results of the testing,” says Best. “They test for potency, contaminants, and purity to ensure the safety and efficacy of products.”

What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?

“Mushroom coffee is most often described as earthy and rich with a hint of nuttiness,” says Cohn. “Some are described as slightly bitter or even malty with a slightly smoky aftertaste.” Mushroom coffee can also be described as having an “umami” flavor, a Japanese word for savory.

Best agrees. “Mushroom coffee is slightly nutty and earthy in flavor while still retaining some of its coffee flavor, depending on the blend and strength,” she adds.

How Much Caffeine Is in Mushroom Coffee?

“Caffeinated and non-caffeinated mushroom coffee are both great options, and the decision depends entirely on the individual’s needs,’ says Best. “Caffeinated will provide an extra jolt of sustained energy while non-caffeinated allows for relaxation closer to the evening.”

If you do choose a caffeinated option, the “average regular coffee is about 90 to 100 milligrams caffeine per 8 ounces, whereas mushroom coffee is about 30 to 60 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces, depending on the blend,” says Cohn.

This means mushroom coffee is likely to contain less caffeine than your average cup of joe, depending on the blend you choose. This can help prevent jitters and caffeine crashes, and research suggests that mushrooms themselves help enhance energy levels by reducing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.

What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

If regular coffee makes you jittery, mushroom coffee may help prevent that effect, as it usually contains less caffeine. Some mushroom coffees also include supplemental ingredients designed to soften the impact of caffeine, including L-theanine and MCT oil. “If regular coffee makes you anxious or jittery, try cordyceps-infused blends for smoother energy,” says Cohn.

“Another big benefit of mushroom coffee is its lower acidity level in comparison to traditional coffee,” says Cohn. “This can be a big win for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or generally sensitive stomachs.” Mushroom coffee alone can’t heal the gut, but it may help support general gut health. Mushrooms like Chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail contain prebiotics, which feed beneficial gut bacteria and contribute to a healthy microbiome.

Mushroom coffee can have a mild laxative effect on some people, due to the combination of stimulation from caffeine and digestive compounds found in coffee, like polyphenols and chlorogenic acids.

Some mushrooms, like Chaga and lion’s mane, also contain prebiotics that can stimulate digestion.

Finally, many functional mushrooms are also adaptogens. Adaptogens are naturally occurring substances, often herbs, roots, and mushrooms, that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue with more resilience.

They’ve played a role in Eastern and complementary medicine for centuries, but they have become more common recently in popular culture around the world. They’re nontoxic when taken in safe doses and can help your body return to a state of balance, known as homeostasis.

What Parts of the Mushroom Are Used in Mushroom Coffee?

You’ll want to be discerning when choosing the best mushroom coffee to ensure that the most potent parts of the mushroom are used. For instance, the fruiting body is the reproductive structure of the mushroom, typically what’s visible above ground.

 Extracts are a concentrated product, sometimes made from fruiting bodies and sometimes made from mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus made up of thread-like filaments (hyphae) that grow underground, often on rice or oats.

 Products made from mycelium can still offer potent benefits, but they may contain significant amounts of grain starch, depending on how they’re grown and processed.

Can Mushroom Coffee Help With Weight Loss?

Mushroom coffee may be indirectly supportive of weight loss for a number of reasons. Caffeine alone increases metabolic rate and fat breakdown.

Mushrooms like cordyceps have been shown to increase endurance and metabolism in animal studies, but there aren’t human studies that show similar results.

Based on animal and in-vitro studies, reishi mushrooms may help regulate blood sugar levels, while lion’s mane and may help support digestion and nutrient absorption, though more human studies are needed.

These factors together may make mushroom coffee a supportive part of weight loss efforts, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Who Should Not Drink Mushroom Coffee?

If you have a mushroom allergy, take blood thinners or blood pressure medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before drinking mushroom coffee.

When shopping for mushroom coffee, avoid low-quality versions that don’t contain fruiting bodies or those with fillers and additives. Look for options that are third-party tested, fair-trade, and certified organic. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of options with large amounts of added sugar.

In many cases, functional mushrooms may support liver health, a quality known as being hepatoprotective.

 However, there have been rare cases of acute liver injury as a result of excessive mushroom consumption, especially when combined with alcohol or in those with preexisting conditions.

FAQ

Is mushroom coffee actually good for you?

There’s plenty of evidence that mushrooms have health benefits. However, there’s little research on mushroom coffee specifically. The types of mushrooms often added to mushroom coffee have been shown to support immunity, cognition, metabolic health, and more, but whether mushroom coffee can do this depends on the quality and dosage of the ingredients.

Yes, it’s generally all right to drink two cups of mushroom coffee a day. However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, have allergies to fungus, or have digestive sensitivities, you may want to test adding smaller amounts of mushroom coffee to your diet first. If you have underlying health conditions, always consult a doctor first.
Disadvantages of mushroom coffee include potential allergic reactions to fungus, as well as digestive concerns, drug interactions, and potential additives in low-quality versions. Choose quality brands that are third-party tested, and consult a doctor before you add mushroom coffee to your routine.
The time it takes to see results from mushroom coffee depends on the type of benefits you’re looking for and your body’s response to the particular ingredients. Short-term effects may include increased focus, stress relief, and sustained energy levels, while long-term effects may include reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and stronger immunity. However, these results are theoretical, based on evidence surrounding the potential benefits of mushrooms in general, not mushroom coffee specifically.

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Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD

Author

Lisa Andrews is a registered dietitian and a licensed dietitian with a master's degree in education. She is the owner of Sound Bites Nutrition in Cincinnati, and her work encompasses nutrition consulting, freelance writing, nutrition counseling, and culinary education.

Andrews previously served as a clinical dietitian at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, where she provided nutrition consults for ICU patients, taught weight loss classes and counseled patients, educated medical and nursing staff, and managed dietetic interns and students.

Andrews' specific areas of expertise, training, and interest include diet and chronic disease prevention and treatment. She has a certificate of training in adult weight management.

She loves that nutrition is an art and a science, and enjoys digging into the latest research on food and health. Andrews shares her knowledge through nutrition education, cooking, and writing, joking that she minces onions and words!

Andrews believes in food equity and that everyone deserves to eat well to feel their best — and to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. She value an individual's culture, food preferences, and accessibility when making nutrition recommendations.

Other websites and publications she's worked for include Todays DietitianFood and Health CommunicationsTrain with Kickoff9amhealthDietitian Central, Health insiders. Lisa was honored as the Today's Dietitian "Dietitian of the Day" in 2018.

Andrews lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. She is an avid walker and pickleball player. She is also the creator of Lettuce Beet Hunger, a line of food pun gifts that support food insecurity programs.



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Fact-Checker

Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.

De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.

De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.

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Editor

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Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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