Mushrooms are revered culinary staples, known for adding umami flavor to savory dishes while providing essential nutrients like vitamin D, potassium and selenium. Recently they’ve experienced a resurgence of popularity as evidenced by social media’s mushroom coffee trend.

A blend of ground coffee and medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane and cordyceps promises improved focus, reduced stress and an enhanced immune system – not to mention lower caffeine consumption than traditional joe. But does it actually taste good?

Mushrooms add an earthy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the slightly bitter and nutty notes found in coffee. Mushroom coffee doesn’t taste quite like you might expect: its mushrooms have been processed and ground, making their flavor less noticeable in the final product. Blends typically taste similar to instant or instant espresso versions with an added boost of caffeine to get your day going; many drink it alongside milk (or an alternate milk) and sweetener for optimal results.

If you’re new to mushroom coffee, we suggest trying one of the simpler formulas first. Four Sigmatic offers an effective blend that includes just enough caffeine for energy and improved mental focus; they also offer a collagen version with 4 grams of protein for skin, hair, and joint health benefits.

Ryze offers various wellness solutions tailored to specific wellness goals, including anti-inflammation and mood support. Their signature “Think” blend is made with organic coffee and chaga/lion’s mane mushrooms for an irresistibly dark chocolate taste; other blends cater towards digestion, stress relief, immunity support or immunity improvement.

Studies do demonstrate the benefits of medicinal mushrooms; however, it’s important to remember that most of them were conducted in lab experiments or animal research and not human clinical trials. Claims made about mushroom coffee include reduced stress, stronger immunity and deeper restful sleep.

Mushroom supplements used in these products have long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine; however, research on humans remains limited. Reishi and chaga mushrooms, for instance, have been shown to reduce cortisol (a hormone released during stress) production by your body.

Before adding mushroom coffee as part of your regimen, consult your physician first. Since it’s not FDA-approved and may interact with certain medications – including blood thinners or cancer treatments – this should be discussed first with them.

Naria Le Mire, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who advises that there’s no harm in sipping mushroom coffee if its taste appeals to you. She does note, however, that while these drinks contain beneficial fungi such as mycelia which offer various health advantages; to get optimal nutrition from whole food sources.