Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, cordyceps and reishi have long been used in traditional medicine, and mushroom coffee often incorporates powdered extracts of these mushrooms with regular coffee for optimal performance. Marketing claims of mushroom coffee often tout its cognitive boosting abilities while simultaneously improving immunity and relieving stress levels – however no human studies on its effects exist, leaving us unaware whether any benefits were actually gained by drinking such beverages. Furthermore, certain people may be sensitive to certain components found within them (caffeine or oxalates which can trigger digestive issues).

Mushroom coffee has quickly gained the interest of health-minded millennial and Gen Z consumers. It can become an attractive functional beverage offering roasters and coffee shops an opportunity to profit from tapping into trends around wellness, personalisation and health.

Mushroom Coffee, a cult classic beverage, combines regular coffee with powdered medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane and turkey tail to form an adaptogenic beverage that promises mental clarity, immunity support and brain function enhancement. Most mushroom coffee brands market their product by emphasizing improved mental clarity and focus, while others tout how the mushrooms’ adaptogen properties help balance our bodies nonspecific response to stress for greater overall wellness.

These functional beverages typically contain less caffeine than typical cups of coffee, making them suitable for those wanting to cut back without experiencing the associated jitters and crashes. Some may find the taste off-putting however; many varieties tend to be earthy or bold in flavor. If you want something smoother and more mocha-like in taste, look for options with both ground beans and extracts in them.

Not only should mushroom coffee be considered on price grounds, but its source and processing should also be taken into consideration. Bulk purchases of medicinal mushrooms may be costly while drying, extraction and brewing processes will rob them of some essential vitamins and minerals – therefore consulting a doctor or registered dietitian before adding mushroom coffee into your routine is highly advised, particularly if there are health concerns involved or medication is being taken.

If you find it hard to part with their morning caffeine fix, there’s good news for those looking for alternatives: mushroom coffee typically costs half as much! Furthermore, most brands that sell mushroom coffee offer capsules so it is easy to store and can be added into any hot or cold beverage easily.

One of the more well-known mushroom coffee brands is Four Sigmatic, an American company which first debuted in 2021 and specialises in mushroom wellness products. Their line includes instant latte mixes, smoothie add-ins, and capsules to be taken as supplements – not unlike Philz Coffee from back in the ’90s; packaging features an undertone reminiscent of Philz Coffee; boasts “made by bohos for bohos;” purchasing can cost as much as $120 upfront for 12-oz bags (340g).