Have you seen mushroom coffee in your social media feed, or maybe have even tried it already? It is an increasingly popular drink that blends regular coffee with extracts of medicinal mushrooms like Chaga, Reishi and Lion’s Mane to claim its ability to alleviate stress, improve sleep quality and bolster immune functions; but experts disagree and believe more research needs to be conducted before such claims can be substantiated.

Medicinal mushrooms have long been renowned as a powerful way to boost focus and energy, manage stress levels and strengthen immunity. Marketed as adaptogens – substances which help the body adapt to stressors by stabilising hormones like cortisol – they’re now being included into hot beverages like coffee, tea and matcha as an all-natural and gentle way to revitalise and restore. Blends may include other herbal extracts and adaptogens like ginseng or ashwagandha as well.

Mushroom coffee typically contains 30-50% less caffeine than its traditional coffee counterpart, according to most preclinical studies in test tubes and animals. While its health benefits have been established through these sources, further human research must take place before any specific claims can be verified. Also, individual products will vary in terms of caffeine content – those sensitive to it should exercise caution when consuming mushroom coffee products.

Ruth Thomas Hansen, 55, believes mushroom coffee has improved her mental health. After being diagnosed with chronic illness and searching for ways to strengthen her immunity system, Ruth saw an ad on Facebook for mushroom coffee and decided to give it a try.

She reports feeling more focused, relaxed and calm since beginning mushroom coffee drinks, while losing 50 lbs since taking them and crediting it with helping manage her chronic back injuries and arthritis pain. Now on a mission to spread mushroom coffee awareness!

While mushroom coffee has become increasingly popular, it’s essential that expectations be set appropriately. Functional mushrooms don’t cure medical conditions or replace conventional therapies; their best use lies in regular consumption as part of an integrative lifestyle approach.

We surveyed three individuals who drink mushroom coffee to learn their thoughts on it and whether or not it meets expectations. Each shared their experiences as well as any additional knowledge they wish more people had of this new beverage.