Though mushroom coffee might appear to be a relatively modern beverage, its origins date back to World War II. When coffee supplies became scarce in Finland and other areas around the globe during that war, enterprising chefs began using wild chaga mushrooms to make a drink that closely resembled its taste while simultaneously providing medicinal properties and health benefits that went beyond replacing caffeine buzz with caffeine-like sensations.

Recently, Reishi, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane mushrooms have become staples in mushroom coffee (aka Ganoderma lucidum). Not only are these mushrooms delicious tasting; many believe their anti-inflammatory effects could benefit brain function, digestive health and stress reduction as well.

Mushroom coffee on the market typically combines equal parts real coffee and extracts into one drink, creating an experience similar to your everyday cup of joe. You can brew it just like regular ground coffee using either an automatic pot or the pour-over method; some companies even add milk powder for a cafe-style experience while other manufacture instant packets of instant coffee that you simply whisk with boiling water and enjoy!

Elixirs typically contain natural ingredients like yerba mate, rooibos, cinnamon and turmeric that have various health-enhancing effects; studies are still ongoing into how exactly these interact with fungi extracts to deliver these benefits.

mushroom coffee does contain caffeine, so if you are sensitive or allergic, it’s wise to steer clear. On the bright side, however, most mushroom coffee contains about half as much as your standard cup of joe; which can be particularly useful for those trying to cut back or who suffer from anxiety, high blood pressure or insomnia.

Note that if you have kidney issues, be wary about which mushrooms to include in your mushroom coffee as chaga may contain high levels of oxalates that could potentially lead to kidney stones (according to Ryze Super Foods’ article). Checking labels is the key for making informed purchasing decisions and for optimal flavor use it within several months of opening (better in its original bags or containers rather than refrigerating as that can affect flavor) four Sigmatic, Ryze and Laird Superfood are three brands worth looking out for online and specialty grocery store selection – these companies are Four Sigmatic, RyZE and Laird Superfood respectively