If you’re looking for more than a caffeine boost, the latest wellness trend on TikTok is mushroom coffee. Yes, you read that right. And no, it’s not those kinds of mushrooms. Tempted by the idea of supercharging my cup of Joe, I set out to try several different types of mushroom drinks to see if they energized me without the crash. I also spoke with registered dietitians who weighed in on the benefits and downsides of sipping on this type of beverage. Spoiler alert: there are a ton of options available, and as it turns out, one of my favorite drinks already falls into this category. See below for my honest reviews on different mushroom coffees, teas, matcha, and even shakes.
What exactly is mushroom coffee?
There are medicinal mushrooms such as “lion’s mane, chaga, and reishi, which provide potential benefits such as immune support, cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Laila Ouldibbat, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC, a certified dietitian-nutritionist. Pair all of the above health benefits with caffeine, and you get mushroom coffee–the best of both worlds.
My honest review of mushroom coffee
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Lisa DeSantis testing IQJOE Mushroom Coffee Packets
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IQJOE Mushroom Coffee Packets
Amazon
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Lisa DeSantis testing Four Sigmatic Calm Organic Cacao Mix
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Four Sigmatic Calm Muschroom Cacao Mix
Amazon
After a couple of months of testing, I’m all about shroom drinks. But, I’m also by no means a coffee fanatic. If you’re someone who lives for fresh ground coffee beans and gourmet lattes, and your Nespresso machine is your most prized possession, I don’t think mushroom coffee will cut it for you. And a lot of them are instant formulas that you mix with water, so they’re definitely a bit, well, watered down. However, they’re great for subbing out your second (or third) cups of coffee throughout the day. You’re still going to get a little energy boost. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy a little midday sweet treat. Especially if you’re looking for bonus benefits.
Trying all of these different drinks was a good way to branch out, too, and see what might be a better fit for my routine. For instance, IQJOE has a variety pack with different flavors of their adaptogenic and magnesium-infused instant coffee, and it comes in a “stick” format, so it’s super easy to bring with you on the go. So, although it may not be my everyday drink, it’s perfect for traveling with. Especially because in addition to mushrooms, it has magnesium, too, so I had some extra calming vibes on a recent trip where I brought a packet on the plane with me and just added hot water.
Other mushroom beverages I tested
- Courtesy of brand
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Live Conscious Beyond Brew
Amazon
- Courtesy of brand
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Pressed Juicery Nootropics Matcha Latte
Pressed Juicery
NOW Foods Give a Tea Rooibos Reishi Mushroom (24 Tea Bags)
Amazon
Art of Tea Chaga Chai
Amazon
Why drink mushroom coffee?
Along with all of the benefits listed above, mushroom coffee “contains about half the caffeine of regular coffee, potentially leading to less jitteriness and improved sleep quality,” says Thara Vayali, ND, a naturopathic doctor as well as cofounder and chief medical officer of women’s wellness brand Hey Freya. Integrative health coach and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, Hannah Brooke Derrickson, adds that mushroom coffee is a better choice than regular coffee because it won’t give you an unhealthy cortisol spike but rather provide sustained energy and an improved mood.
So, what does mushroom coffee taste like?
Typically, mushroom coffee consists of a blend of ground coffee and mushroom powder, says Dr. Vayali. But, the question on everybody’s mind: Does mushroom coffee taste like, well, mushrooms? “No, mushroom coffee does not taste like mushrooms,” says Derrickson.
“That said, most people find they need to doctor up their mushroom coffee to get their desired flavor.” The fact of the matter is, while it may not taste like mushrooms, it doesn’t necessarily taste like regular coffee either.
“The flavor profile of mushroom coffee is generally described as a blend of the familiar bitterness of coffee and earthy, nutty undertones from the mushrooms used,” says Dr. Vayali. “While it retains the essence of regular coffee, the taste can vary significantly based on the quality of the ingredients and the specific mushroom blends used. Generally, the flavor is earthy.”
I can confirm all of the above. I’m someone who drinks coffee because I like the taste, particularly when mixed with creamer and a yummy flavor—black coffee is a no-go for me. Luckily, flavored creamer works just as well in a mushroom coffee. One of the reasons I enjoyed getting to try all of the different types of bevs is because there are so many different flavors and mixes.
For instance, the REBBL Revive Reishi Chocolate is something I’ve been drinking for years simply because I discovered it at Whole Foods, and it sounded good. Turns out, the reishi mushroom—which is regarded as the “divine mushroom of immortality” in Eastern herbalism—is paired with organic cocoa powder, vanilla, and sea salt (with 15mg of natural caffeine) for immunity, balance, and recovery. I love it in the morning with a protein bar if I’m in a rush or as a midday snack because it really is that delicious, and does the job of a little pick-me-up rather than reaching for a piece of candy or another sweet treat.
Can mushroom coffee help you lose weight?
Mushroom coffee should not be treated as a weight loss treatment. Research is still needed in regards to mushroom coffee and losing weight, but Ouldibbat points out, “Certain mushrooms may support metabolism, gut health, and blood sugar regulation, which can be beneficial for overall weight management when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.”
What about lessening anxiety?
Mushroom coffee won’t get rid of your anxiety but ”certain mushrooms, like reishi, have adaptogenic properties, meaning they may help regulate the body’s stress response,” says Ouldibbat. Additionally, “because mushroom coffee contains half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee it may reduce the risk of caffeine-induced jitters and anxiety,” says Dr. Vayali.
Keep in mind that while mushroom drinks could be a good option for supporting relaxation and overall well-being, they not shouldn’t take the place of clinical anxiety treatments, says Ouldibbat.
Does it give you the same energy that regular coffee does?
“Individual responses vary when consuming caffeine, but generally, mushroom coffee leads to a more sustained, less jittery energy,” says Dr. Vayali. Partly because mushroom coffee “contains about half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee; 50-100mg of caffeine, depending on the brand/brew,” she explains. “Mushroom coffee typically has less caffeine than regular coffee,” echoes Ouldibbat. Because of this, the immediate stimulating effect may be milder. She adds, “Compounds like polysaccharides and antioxidants in mushrooms may support sustained energy and cognitive function without the jitteriness or crashes associated with high caffeine intake.”
All of our experts cited the benefit of no crash or less jitteriness. Which goes along with the more restful sleep that Dr. Vayali and Derrickson mention. “This is because cortisol and melatonin have an inverse relationship. If we keep our cortisol too high throughout the day through excess caffeine, our melatonin production won’t increase as it should, and our sleep will be negatively impacted,” says Derrickson.
Personally, I’m not very sensitive to caffeine and can drink a latte at 9 p.m. without worrying that I’ll be up all night, but in drinking different mushroom drinks, I did find that there were variants that had more of a calming effect rather than inducing a heart-racing buzz. Technically more of a hot chocolate, the Four Sigmatic Calm Cocoa had a super zen-like effect. I was trying so many things that I hadn’t realized that this was meant to be relaxing until I felt them for myself. It was kind of wild, actually, all of a sudden, I was just chill. And as an Aries, that’s saying a lot.
Is mushroom coffee better for you than regular coffee?
Although there are some added benefits of mushroom coffee, that’s not to say that you have to forgo your daily cup. “Mushroom coffee generally has less caffeine than regular coffee, which can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their intake. It also contains additional bioactive compounds that support brain health and immunity. However, if someone tolerates regular coffee well and enjoys its benefits, there’s no need to switch,” says Ouldibbat.
But, if you are open to trying something different, it may be worth giving mushroom coffee a go. “I’m a big proponent of optimizing the things you do every day,” says Derrickson. She points to the ritual of drinking a cup or multiple cups of coffee that happens without fail, but if you can swap out for a functional beverage even some of the time, “the benefits will compound over time.”
Is there any reason someone shouldn’t drink mushroom coffee?
Ouldibbat says that “individuals with mushroom allergies, autoimmune conditions, or those taking certain medications (such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants) should consult a healthcare provider before drinking mushroom coffee.” She adds that those who are pregnant and breastfeeding should also seek medical advice before incorporating it into their routine.
What are the side effects of taking mushroom coffee?
As with any type of food that you introduce to your routine, it’s important to start small. Increased consumption can cause side effects like nausea and headaches. If you’re a regular coffee drinker and lower your intake, you might also experience some caffeine withdrawals. It’s always best to check in with your doctor when testing new food extracts and ingredients.
The post I Drank Mushroom Coffee for Two Months–These Were the Benefits appeared first on Glamour.
