Nick Puffer
Let me be straight with you—mushroom coffee has been making the rounds in health circles and coffee shops alike, and I had to try it for myself. Spoiler: I’m not sold. The flavor? A little too earthy. The health claims? Well, let’s just say I’m skeptical. But in fairness to the fungi faithful, here’s the full breakdown of what mushroom coffee is, what it’s made of, and why it’s having a moment.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lion’s Mane: Supposedly helps with focus and memory.
Chaga: Antioxidant-rich, boosts immunity.
Reishi: Touted for stress relief and relaxation.
Cordyceps: Linked to endurance and cellular energy.
Turkey Tail: Gut health and immune system support.
These mushrooms go through a dual extraction process—hot water for polysaccharides, alcohol or CO₂ for terpenes—then the extract is dried and mixed with coffee grounds or instant powder.
Look, if you love the flavor of a dark roast or even a light, single origin coffee, mushroom coffee might throw you. It’s not terrible, but it’s not delicious either. Expect mild forest-floor vibes, a nutty undertone, and a strange umami finish that either grows on you—or doesn’t. I fall into the second camp. I’ve tried dressing it up with cinnamon and oat milk, but the earthy taste still lingers. Not my cup of coffee.
Advocates say mushroom coffee is the jack-of-all-trades drink: less caffeine, fewer jitters, and bonus benefits like:
Improved focus (thanks to Lion’s Mane)
Immune support (shoutout to Chaga and Turkey Tail)
Stress reduction (Reishi supposedly calms the nervous system)
Steady energy (Cordyceps helps at the cellular level)
Personally, I didn’t notice any superhuman clarity or Zen-like calm. It gave me a mild lift, sure, but so does cold brew. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just want to explore functional foods, it might be worth a try.
There’s real research around the mushrooms used, but most of it isn’t specific to coffee blends. You’ll find studies on Lion’s Mane and cognitive performance, or Reishi for immune modulation—but these usually involve higher doses than what you’d get from one cup. If you’re banking on mushroom coffee to replace your supplements, pump the brakes. It’s more of a wellness accent than a cure-all.
Also, fair warning: Chaga is high in oxalates, which can be an issue if you have kidney concerns. And if you’re on medications—especially blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes meds—talk to your doc before diving into a daily mushroom brew.
Mushroom coffee isn’t any harder to make than your average cup. You can:
Brew it like French press coffee (4-minute steep and plunge).
Use pour-over methods (though some powders might clog filters).
Stir instant powder into hot water (the easiest option).
Some brands mix real coffee with mushrooms, while others skip the coffee entirely for cacao, tea, or spices. Make sure to check the label.
A few front-runners include:
Four Sigmatic: One of the OGs, they offer blends with real coffee and mushrooms.
RYZE: A half-coffee, half-mushroom blend that’s stronger in taste.
MUD\WTR: Actually not coffee—more like a spicy cacao tea with mushrooms.
If you’re just getting started, Four Sigmatic’s Lion’s Mane coffee is the most approachable in flavor.
I wanted to like it. I really did. But for me, it’s not a daily go-to. The flavor isn’t offensive, but it’s not enjoyable either. And as for the benefits? Maybe I’d need to drink it religiously for weeks to feel a difference, but I didn’t notice much from a cup here and there.
That said, mushroom coffee might be worth exploring if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine, ease coffee-related anxiety, or sneak more adaptogens into your day. It’s certainly trendy, and for some people, it works.
Mushroom coffee is an interesting middle ground between wellness tonic and morning pick-me-up. If the flavor works for you and you’re curious about adaptogens, give it a whirl. But don’t expect miracles—or even mocha.
For more DIY-style drinks that push the boundaries of coffee norms, check out coffee and olive oil or coffee lemonade. Those, at least, are wild in a way I can get behind.
Let’s here from you – Have you had a different experience mushroom coffee? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below!
Drink it fresh. The joy of a flat white is in that silky milk blended perfectly with rich espresso crema. This isn’t a drink that stores well or sits around. Brew it. Pour it. Enjoy it.
And if you want to make it fancy, sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. Or don’t. I respect a purist.
SHARE THIS RECIPE
Got strong feelings about mushroom coffee? Love it or loathe it, I want to hear your take!
Brews hot and full-bodied, then cools instantly over ice
Mushroom coffee blends traditional beans with adaptogenic mushrooms.
Claims include focus, immunity, and calm energy—but results vary.
Taste is earthy and not for everyone (myself included).
Try it for curiosity’s sake, but maybe don’t toss your favorite roast just yet.
Welcome to Coffee Slang—I’m Nick Puffer, a former barista turned coffee enthusiast. What started behind the counter became a passion I now share with others. Join me as we explore the craft, culture, and lifestyle of coffee.
2 Responses
Its not just your opinion but open suggestion for many. How healthy mushroom coffee is, does not matter, its not for you when you are allergic to medicine and on medication for serious complications.
I really appreciate the way the facts are mentioned in this article about mushroom coffee. One of the major misconceptions about it is that many consider it as a medicine rather than a wellness drink that helps improve conditions like stress, anxiety, caffeine sensitivity, and focus, depending on the type of mushroom used. That myth has been busted here