Buying guide for Best mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee blends the energy boost of coffee with the potential health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. These coffees often feature mushrooms such as lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi, known for their medicinal and adaptogenic properties. These coffees offer varying mushroom blends and degrees of mushroom taste, so if you're trying it for the first time, it helps to research your options first.
We spoke with experts Tim Hopfinger Lee of Tim’s Coffee and health coach Phillippa Quigley of Soma Analytics. We also tested some popular mushroom coffee blends to see how they tasted and performed.
Ultimately, we chose Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Ground Coffee as our favorite option. We love the range of blends available, each with its own benefits. It has a great flavor and is certified organic and fair trade.
Our top picks
Best mushroom coffee
Product details: USDA Organic: Yes | Mushrooms Included: Lion's mane and chaga/cordyceps/turkey tail/chaga extract | Servings Per Container: 16
This mushroom coffee has a USDA organic certification and is made from certified fair-trade ingredients. It uses arabica beans and has half the caffeine of regular coffee.
This product is available in four purpose-specific blends. The Think blend, designed for energy and mental focus, incorporates lion's mane and chaga mushrooms. The Boost blend, aimed at mental clarity and energy, features cordyceps mushrooms. For promoting a healthy digestive system, the Gut Health blend includes turkey tail mushrooms and probiotics. Lastly, the Balance blend aims to de-stress. It includes chaga mushroom extract rather than whole mushrooms, so some may not consider it to be traditional mushroom coffee.
We love that there are different blends for various purposes, so you can pick one that suits your needs. The mushroom flavor adds earthiness but isn't overwhelming, which most people appreciate.
Best organic mushroom coffee
Product details: USDA Organic: Yes | Mushrooms Included: Lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, turkey tail | Servings Per Container: 28
Certified USDA organic, this mushroom coffee appeals to those who prefer to avoid produce grown with pesticides. It's formulated for focus and energy, containing a blend of five mushrooms: lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail.
This is a classic medium roast, which tends to appeal to many coffee drinkers, with notes of cinnamon and chocolate. There’s also a hazelnut flavor.
NeuRoast claims to bring you the same mental clarity as coffee but without the jitters and potential caffeine crash. It’s a good choice for people who like coffee’s focus properties but want to cut down on caffeine.
Best for mixing
Product details: USDA Organic: Yes | Mushrooms Included: Chaga, lion's mane, maitake, cordyceps | Servings Per Container: 45
This unique functional mushroom blend isn't a coffee itself but rather a powerful addition to your favorite cup of joe. You are free to add it to other drinks as well, such as tea, juice and smoothies.
This blend incorporates chaga for antioxidant properties, lion's mane for focus and concentration, maitake for immune support and cordyceps for energy and stamina. It holds a USDA organic certification and is crafted from mushrooms cultivated on certified organic oats.
We love how versatile this product is. From enhancing your coffee to exploring diverse beverage options, it's a great choice for those who prefer customizing their drinks or simply want a potent mushroom supplement with a range of applications.
Best-tasting mushroom coffee
Product details: USDA Organic: Yes | Mushrooms Included: Lion's mane | Servings Per Container: 36
A common complaint about mushroom coffee is its flavor. If you're looking for one that tastes great without a discernible mushroom flavor, Top Shelf Grind should be on your list. We like that it's made using dark roast coffee beans, which have a rich flavor that overpowers the taste of mushrooms.
While many mushroom coffees contain a blend of mushrooms, this one contains lion's mane only. Lion’s mane is the go-to mushroom for concentration, focus and mental energy, so it's a super choice if you're looking to boost cognition.
This robust coffee ranks among the finest-tasting mushroom coffees available. Crafted from small-batch beans, its delightful, rich flavor sets it apart.
Best instant mushroom coffee
Product details: USDA Organic: Yes | Mushrooms Included: Lion's mane and chaga | Servings Per Container: 30
We tested this instant mushroom coffee and were impressed by its flavor. All of our testers found it surprisingly enjoyable, ranking it on par with or even above regular instant coffee, though it doesn't quite match the freshness of brewed coffee. Notably, it requires only boiling water (and mixing) for preparation, a feature we appreciated for its speed and simplicity.
Although we didn’t notice a distinct mushroom flavor, we enjoyed this brew’s pleasant earthiness. And, thanks to its lower caffeine content, it had similar effects to regular coffee but without the jitteriness that some of us experience after consuming too much caffeine.
We recommend this coffee to anyone who travels a lot, doesn't have access to a coffee machine or simply wants the convenience of instant coffee.
Expert tips on using mushroom coffee
We interviewed coffee and health experts to get their perspectives on what to expect with mushroom coffee. Tim Hopfinger Lee, founder of Tim’s Coffee, and Phillippa Quigley, a health and wellness coach and lead writer at Soma Analytics, offered insights on this popular drink.
The two have differing views on the topic, providing a healthy, balanced discussion around the potential benefits of the drink.
Expert picks
Quigley's pick is Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Ground Coffee. She likes the Think version because "It blends quality arabica beans with lion's mane and chaga mushrooms, plus rhodiola rosea adaptogen." According to her, this helps sustain energy while supporting brain health and immunity. But, she adds, there are "no jitters.”
While Lee doesn't like the superfood status often attached to mushroom coffee, he acknowledges, "Some mushroom extracts can offer health benefits." He recommends Laird Superfood Organic Mushroom Coffee because it's a blend of chaga, lion's mane and cordyceps mushrooms which are “somewhat known” to offer health benefits.
Health benefits
Mushroom coffee is often linked to various health benefits, but expert opinions vary. Quigley believes it has wide-ranging health benefits. "Mushroom coffee benefits, especially lion's mane, include potentially improved focus, memory, cognitive function," she says. She notes that the antioxidants in chaga mushrooms may help boost immune defenses. There are also plant-based compounds called adaptogens in mushroom coffee, which Quigley noted can help manage stress.
But Quigley still recommends approaching with some caution. "If you have digestive or kidney issues or are just starting out, listen to your body, and watch for new symptoms," she advises. "Mushroom coffee is generally safe, but it’s about how you respond."
Lee takes a more skeptical approach. "While it's true that some mushroom types, like chaga, are linked to immune support and possibly even oncological benefits, the science remains largely inconclusive," he notes. Instead, he says, "The only benefit that I can think of is how it’s reducing your caffeine intake. Coffees that have a higher mushroom-to-coffee ratio will have you consume less caffeine."
We performed our own survey of mushroom coffee research. A study conducted at University of Life Sciences in Lublin and published at the National Institutes for Health concludes that mushrooms have bioactive compounds. It goes on to say that while these compounds are likely beneficial, more research is needed to reach definitive conclusions.
The folks at the Cleveland Clinic point out that much of the research on the health benefits of mushrooms is based on eating whole mushrooms rather than consuming them in coffee form. We can't be certain that the same health benefits apply when drinking mushrooms, especially when they're mixed with ground coffee.
Expert mushroom coffee tips
In our conversation with Quigley, we gathered expert tips on selecting and using mushroom coffee. Quigley advises that organic coffee beans and mushrooms should be prioritized, but she acknowledges that this preference varies among consumers. While going organic isn't an absolute necessity, it's recommended if you want to try to avoid pesticides. Look for the USDA organic certification to know for sure.
Quigley emphasizes the importance of the mushroom type, suggesting varieties like lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi for their potential health benefits. She cautions against brands with "unnecessary fillers or additives."
As for brewing, Quigley suggests treating mushroom coffee like regular coffee. Whether using a French press, espresso machine or drip coffee maker, stick to your preferred brewing method. “Keep to one to two cups daily to get benefits without excess," she advises.
Which mushrooms are used?
The mushrooms used in mushroom coffee usually are one or more of four fungi, all used in traditional, complementary and alternative medicine.
Lion’s mane: Known as yamabushitake in Japan, lion’s mane mushrooms have a history of use as both food and medicine. One study suggests it may positively impact brain health and nerve health.
Reishi: Also known as lingzhi in Chinese, reishi is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been studied for positive effects on insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome and may help moderate the immune system.
Chaga: Chaga is a long-lived fungus that resembles charcoal and grows on the bark of birch trees. It’s well-known in alternative medicine. One NIH-published study suggests it may have anti-cancer properties.
Cordyceps: Cordyceps is a rather gruesome fungus that attacks insect larvae and sprouts from their bodies. Nevertheless, it has a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to increase stamina and fight fatigue. A review published by the NIH suggests various health benefits, including anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.
Types of mushroom coffee
- Instant: Instant mushroom coffee, like instant coffee, is a water-soluble powder made from the dried extracts of coffee and mushrooms. Simply mix with hot water, milk or milk substitute, or use it in your favorite coffee recipes.
- Ground: Ground mushroom coffee is brewed like regular ground coffee. It mixes mushroom powders with ground coffee and can be used in a traditional percolator, coffee maker, pour-over or French press.
- Pods: You can find mushroom coffee in single-serve pods that fit into Keurig and other popular pod-brewing machines.
- Ready-to-drink: The popularity of mushroom coffee has made it available as a premade beverage sold in bottles and cans, just like regular coffee drinks.
Potential benefits of mushroom coffee
Lower caffeine
Mushroom coffee is generally a mixture of regular coffee with mushroom powders or extracts. Since mushroom powder doesn’t contain caffeine, a serving of mushroom coffee will have around half as much caffeine as regular coffee, according to UCLA Health. The packaging may not always indicate how much caffeine is in mushroom coffee, but it’s almost always less than regular coffee. Less caffeine can translate to fewer jitters and less anxiety and sleeplessness. Further, drinking a lower-caffeine beverage like mushroom coffee may help you wean yourself off of caffeine.
Stress relief
Many of the substances in medicinal mushrooms are classified as adaptogens, natural substances that may assist the body in adapting to stress, according to a review of studies published by the NIH. They seem to do this by leveling the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. This can make you feel better when under stress, physically or emotionally, such as when you’re ill, depressed, hypoglycemic or in pain.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories
Mushrooms, such as those used in mushroom coffee, are good sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Antioxidants combat damage caused by oxidation in the body’s cells. Anti-inflammatories reduce or control the inflammation associated with many illnesses and conditions.
However, if mushroom coffee uses dried extracts, it may not have the same effects as consuming whole mushrooms or ground mushroom powder.
How much does mushroom coffee cost?
Inexpensive
There are a few inexpensive mushroom coffees on the market that cost less than $10 per package. However, these products may come with less than 12 servings per package.
Mid-range
Most mushroom coffee products (in sizes comparable to regular coffee) cost between $10 and $20. This includes the most widely known brands and instant, ground and pod products.
Expensive
Mushroom coffee can get expensive, costing more than $20 per package. This includes powders and coffees marketed as premium as well as ready-to-drink cans that may cost around $5 per can and come in packs of six or eight.
Mushroom coffee tips
- Add some spice. If the taste of mushroom coffee is a little too earthy for you, try adding spices like cinnamon or a little bit of sweetener.
- Keep it dry and cool. Keep mushroom coffee dry and away from heat, sunlight and air. It’s often recommended to be kept in its original packaging.
- Mushroom coffee needn’t be hot. You can also prepare it as iced coffee or iced lattes, mochas and frappes, especially if you use the convenient instant powdered form.
FAQ
Q. Are there side effects to mushroom coffee?
A. Mushrooms may cause digestive issues for people with kidney problems or difficulty digesting grains, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may also wish to avoid mushroom coffee unless given an okay by their obstetrician.
Some mushrooms used in traditional medicine have compounds that interact with certain medications and supplements. Individuals who rely on medication should check with their health provider about drinking mushroom coffee.
Q. Can mushroom coffee help me lose weight?
A. Reishi, one of the commonly used mushrooms in mushroom coffee, may help regulate glucose and treat the effects of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, studies suggest. This, in turn, may positively affect people who wish to lose weight. However, like all the other potential benefits of mushroom coffee, this hasn’t been extensively studied or proven.
Q. Does mushroom coffee break a fast?
A. Typically, ordinary coffee without creamer or sweetener has no calories or carbohydrates and won’t break a fast. However, some mushroom coffees — especially those made with powdered mushrooms or mushroom powder with starch-based fillers — may have just enough calories or carbs to count as breaking a fast. That said, we're not necessarily condoning or recommending fasting. If you're considering fasting, make sure to clear it with your doctor first.
How we analyzed
We started by speaking to two experts — Lee and Quigley — to get their opinions on mushroom coffee and their recommendations. We also tested one of the most popular mushroom coffees on the market, Four Sigmatic Instant Mushroom Coffee Mix, to see if it lived up to the hype. Additionally, we did a deep dive into mushroom coffee, researching products and studies. We considered around 20 different mushroom coffees before picking our favorites.
Our expertise
Lauren Corona is an experienced food and drink writer. While this is her first time delving deep into mushroom coffee, she's written dozens of articles and reviews of regular coffee and coffee products. She also has experience writing about health-related topics that require analyzing studies and fact-checking health claims.
Sources
- Interview with Tim Hopfinger Lee, founder of Tim’s Coffee
- Interview with Phillippa Quigley, a health and wellness coach and lead writer at Soma Analytics
- Ganoderma lucidum Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance by Enhancing AMPK Activation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice, Hyeon A Lee, Jae-Han Cho, Qonita Afinanisa, Gi-Hong An, Jae-Gu Han, Hyo Jeung Kang, Seong Ho Choi and Hyun-A Seong
- Mushroom Coffee: Is It Healthier Than Your Average Cup of Joe?, Cleveland Clinic
- Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production, Paulina Łysakowska, Aldona Sobota and Anna Wirkijowska
- Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and β-Glucan, Hyo-Nam Song
- Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines, I-Chen Li, Li-Ya Lee, Tsai-Teng Tzeng, Wan-Ping Chen, Yen-Po Chen, Young-Ju Shiao and Chin-Chu Chen
- Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice, Satoru Arata, Jun Watanabe, Masako Maeda, Masato Yamamoto, Hideto Matsuhashi, Mamiko Mochizuki, Nobuyuki Kagami, Kazuho Honda and Masahiro Inagakic
- Should You Switch to Mushroom Coffee?, UCLA Health
- A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide, Lian-ying Liao,Yi-fan He, Li Li, Hong Meng, Yin-mao Dong, Fan Yi and Pei-gen Xiao
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