Mushroom coffee, made from ground, caffeine-free coffee beans mixed with functional mushroom extracts, is increasingly becoming a trend due to its purported health benefits. According to manufacturers and marketers alike, ingredients found within mushroom coffee claim everything from improving immunity systems and gut health, to relieving stress and easing anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, much of the evidence surrounding mushroom coffee remains anecdotal; more research needs to be conducted. In terms of price point it costs approximately twice more than traditional coffee drinks so is it really worth your while?

Mushroom Coffee

For mushroom coffee to qualify as such, its ingredients must include both ground caffeine-free coffee and dried, powdered mushrooms in dried form – popular varieties include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps and turkey tail mushrooms are among them. Other brands also add herbs and spices, such as ashwagandha, dandelion root turmeric cinnamon maca rhodiola maca as well as adaptogenic plants like chaga burdock root ginger tulsi yarrow as adaptogenic ingredients in their products.

A key concept behind functional coffee beverages is to incorporate medicinal mushrooms and their antioxidants into coffee grounds, then mix this concoction with herbal extracts for an enjoyable beverage without the stimulant effects of caffeine. Some products also aim to balance out high levels of caffeine with more soothing herbs like holy basil or tulsi; as well as providing essential nutrients like B2, B3, and B5 vitamins; folate (also known as folic acid); and selenium.

mushroom coffee’s main benefits have long been touted, including being caffeine-free and helping strengthen immunity, reduce stress and enhance focus. This claim rests on medicinal mushrooms providing antioxidant benefits; however, research into this area remains limited and effects of specific types of mushrooms used for mushroom coffee remain poorly understood.

Mushrooms should not be seen as a replacement for whole foods; rather, consuming an array of colorful plant-based diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant proteins is your best chance for optimal health. Consuming whole foods allows the nutrients to interact and provide additional health benefits through what’s known as food synergy, providing more bang for your buck than purchasing supplements and extracts. Regarding supplements, it’s also wise to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting mushroom coffee consumption, so as to ensure that any side effects won’t interfere with any existing medical conditions or medications you might be taking. Medicinal mushrooms have been reported to interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants and immunosuppressants, leading to adverse side effects in some individuals. This is particularly likely if you suffer from any serious medical conditions or are pregnant/ breastfeeding.