Mushroom coffee might sound unusual at first, but it’s quickly gaining popularity among wellness buffs and coffee lovers alike. By combining the rich, bold flavor of traditional coffee with the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, this unique brew offers a new way to start your day.
At its core, mushroom coffee is regular coffee blended with powdered medicinal mushrooms, like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, or cordyceps. These mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. Now, they’re in grocery and health-food stores everywhere.
So whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or just curious about new trends, let’s get to know this new way to wake up.
Smoother Than Joe
One of the biggest appeals of mushroom coffee is its more balanced energy boost. While caffeine alone can sometimes lead to a crash later in the day, the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms help regulate your body’s response to stress, offering sustained energy and improved focus. Additionally, mushroom coffee tends to have lower acidity than regular coffee, making it gentler on the stomach.
Lower in Caffeine
Because it’s not straight coffee, mushroom coffees tend to have less caffeine. It depends on the blend, but one serving typically has 50-60 milligrams of caffeine instead of over 100 milligrams in regular brews. This can be good news for people trying to cut back or need to be careful with their caffeine intake.
Extra Shot of Benefits
Enthusiasts say mushroom coffee offers benefits beyond the energy boost that comes from the caffeine. Medicinal mushrooms are believed to help in various ways, like boosting immunity, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing stress.
Worth It?
Fancy lattes are expensive, and mushroom coffee is pricey too: you can expect to pay at least $1 per serving to make it at home. Unfortunately, we don’t have definitive proof that it works. The studies that have been done focus on mushroom supplements, not coffee. Plus, some mushrooms can have adverse effects, so make sure you talk with your healthcare provider before you add a new element to your morning routine.