Mushroom coffee is one of the hottest beverages on the market, but which ones have the health properties and great taste you’re looking for? We include tips from nutrition experts and the latest research on what to forage for in mushroom coffee.
When searching for the best mushroom coffee, we considered what mushrooms were included in the blends, additives like sugar or other sweeteners, customer reviews, and the brands’ pledge to the environment. In addition, we looked at the cost, caffeine content, and potential health benefits of each brew. Because medicinal mushrooms are considered a dietary supplement, they are not approved or evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Butterfly Pea Flower
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee was one of the OG’s of mushroom coffee. It’s known for its clean ingredients, including a blend of organic fair-trade Arabica coffee, organic chaga, and organic lion’s mane mushrooms. This blend received an average 4.4 out of 5 rating in nearly 17,860 Amazon reviews.
Like other mushroom coffees, Four Sigmatic is expensive, at $1.49 per ounce (oz), although it may be cheaper through a subscription program. It’s available from a variety of vendors on Amazon. The coffee has a few health claims such as “focus and immune support,” which have not been tested for accuracy. There are few human studies of mushroom coffee.
Four Sigmatic also offers instant coffee for a convenient way to enjoy your morning cup of joe. This product received a 4.3 out of 5.0 in more than 16,450 Amazon ratings. Four Sigmatic is a small business and has itself received several positive online reviews. Some of the reviewers noted that it relieved their gut issues and gave them a "boost of energy without the crash at the end.” Others mentioned the smooth taste and health benefits as a “perk” of Four Sigmatic Coffee. One reviewer stated he had: “more energy, stamina, and less coffee crash.”
I received free samples of Four Sigmatic Think dark roast coffee. I enjoyed the aroma and flavor of the coffee; it has chocolate undertones and isn’t bitter for a dark blend. While this brew has half the caffeine of traditional coffee (50 milligrams [mg] versus 100 mg), it did perk me up and gave me more focus without any anxiousness. In addition, I convinced my mushroom-hating, coffee snob husband to try it. He liked it!
Jenna Volpe, RD, a clinical herbalist and the owner of Holistic Healing Services & Resources chose Four Sigmatic for several reasons. “I love the taste of Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee. It’s smooth and bold, and it tastes just like a great cup of regular coffee to me,” says Volpe. “Aside from the initial jolt of energy from caffeine that comes with drinking regular coffee, I find the energy I get from functional mushroom coffee to be more sustained.”
She also notes, “From a health and wellness standpoint, I love that Four Sigmatic uses organic coffee beans, real adaptogenic mushrooms (some of which are wildcrafted), and that they test their products for potency as well as to ensure low levels of pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals.”
Barbara Ruhs, RDN, a food marketing nutritionist at Market RD, also enjoys Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee. “I love the taste of coffee and don’t think it interrupts my sleep, but the goal is to try to reduce caffeine after my morning big cup. I got hooked after finding a free sample packet that I had picked up at Natural Products Expo West (trade show) a few years ago when it was just hitting the shelves.”
In addition, Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD, the founder of Eat Swim Win, chose Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee as her favorite. She noted, “I enjoy the earthy taste of Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee. I also noticed that [this] coffee seems to be less acidic, which can be helpful for coffee lovers with acid reflux. However, Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee is much more expensive than regular coffee.”
Four Sigmatic instant coffee is packed with lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms. Research done on animals has supported that lion’s mane has positive effects on memory and learning; however, more continued research is needed to support the cognitive benefits of lion’s mane in humans.
We liked that Pella was simple — coffee plus a mushroom blend. The product is carbon neutral and manufactured in the United States. This blend scored high for its taste and received an average 4.3 out of 5 in more than 900 Amazon reviews.
Its blend of mushrooms includes chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. Pella contains about the same caffeine content as regular coffee plus 1 gram (g) each of fiber and protein.
Online reviewers liked that Pella Mushroom Coffee dissolved easily and didn’t leave residue in their cups. One reviewer noted hints of mocha and another remarked, “I get twice as many servings for less money.” Pella Mushroom Coffee provides 60 servings per bag, which is more than most.
Another reviewer noted, “The taste is delightful and smooth. It mixes great and doesn't settle at the bottom of the cup. The great benefits of Pella and taste don't make me miss regular coffee anymore!”
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science reports that lion’s mane may have the potential to help treat neurological disorders including depression, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Lion’s mane has neurotrophic properties that help promote the growth and development of new neural pathways in the brain,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN.
Megan Byrd, RD, the owner of Coffee Copycat notes, “Adaptogens found in many types of mushrooms have been shown to lower the hormone cortisol, which is the hormone that is released in our bodies when we’re stressed. Lower inflammation and cortisol levels [may contribute to protection from] diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disease, and diabetes.”
“Existing research indicates that functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and reishi offer diverse health benefits,” says Sarah Harper, RD. “These benefits include but are not limited to neuroprotective properties in the brain and immune support.
“Reishi mushrooms exhibit promising evidence supporting their role as a potent immune system regulator, promising anti-cancer agent, and stress reducer,” continues Harper. “However, human research is necessary to validate the positive effects of reishi and other functional mushrooms on health and well-being.”
Laird received 4.2 out of 5.0 stars in over 1,250 Amazon ratings. “All you need to do is put a spoonful or two into your cup, add hot water, and mix. And you get a great tasting high-quality cup of coffee. Laird Instant Latte is cost-effective, shelf-stable, and super convenient. And for these reasons, it’s also easy to travel with,” said one user.
Another online reviewer noted, “This is a high-quality flavor that you won't find elsewhere. Next, the price seemed high, but you get more than the listed servings. It says you should use 4 tablespoons per cup, but I used 2 and that was strong.”
I received free samples of Laird Superfood Instant Latte and Medium Roast Functional Mushroom Coffee. I liked that Laird’s latte was easy to mix and didn’t leave any sediment in the bottom of my cup. It had a sweet coconut flavor from the addition of coconut milk and coconut sugar.
I had a nice sense of calm after drinking Laird’s latte. It may have been the mushroom blend or taking time out for myself in the middle of the afternoon.
I would likely use this coffee on occasion as a treat, given the high saturated fat content. I might also add it to my regular coffee since it has an added creamer.
Laird contains a blend of chaga, lion’s mane, maitake, and cordyceps mushrooms. A review published in 2021 in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that cordyceps mushrooms contain multiple bioactive compounds that may have anti-cancer, antiviral, and immunomodulating effects on the body.
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and have been linked to DNA protective effects. A study published in 2023 in Frontiers of Pharmacology found that chaga mushrooms may protect against bladder cancer, although the study was done in dogs, not humans. Research suggests medicinal mushrooms may be protective for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions who have undergone chemotherapy.
Several mushroom species including cordyceps, lion’s mane, and maitake have been studied and may have protective properties against breast cancer, but more research in human subjects is indicated.
The latte also includes MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides), which research says doesn’t raise blood cholesterol but may increase triglycerides. Higher triglyceride levels may be neuroprotective against dementia, according to recent research.
Teecino received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars in more than 250 Amazon ratings of its sampler, although other blends have 4.6 out of 5 stars in more than 1,600 Amazon reviews. One customer mentioned, “I had to give up coffee and this made the transition so easy for me. All the flavors I’ve tried are so delicious. It’s so gentle on the stomach. I love drinking something healthy for me that’s also so enjoyable.”
Several online reviews mentioned that Teecino’s blend was easy on their stomach because of the low acid and zero caffeine content. We liked that the product contains a sampler pack to try all six varieties of caffeine-free mushroom blends.
“Teeccino’s adaptogen mushroom blends offer a delicious and familiar way to introduce yourself to the world of adaptogens. While mushrooms may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoy the Reishi Eleuthero French Roast blend for the most ‘coffee-like’ taste,” says Jorie Walker, RD.
While caffeine does increase alertness and mood in most people, individuals suffering from anxiety or insomnia may want to limit it, according to a review published in Food Chemistry Toxicology.
Research suggests that caffeine may worsen anxiety in individuals with panic disorder if they consume caffeine intake equivalent to 5 cups of coffee per day. Most mushroom coffee blends are lower in caffeine than regular coffee.
Walker notes that Teeccino contains prebiotic fiber in the form of inulin, an essential compound for gut health that supports a diverse and thriving gut microbiome. Inulin has several health effects according to a study published in 2023 in Food and Function, including weight loss, lipid, and blood sugar reduction.
While mushrooms are generally known as a source of fiber, this mushroom-fortified drink only provides 390–650 mg of inulin, according to Teeccino’s website, which is a small amount compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s recommendation to consume 25–36 g of fiber per day.
“One proposed mechanism of the energizing effects of Teeccino’s herbal blends is the presence of D-pinitol from the carob pods. Pinitol, a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in some plants like chickpeas, has been highlighted in a 2022 review by the Journal of Nutrients for its potential benefits of insulin regulation, anti-inflammation, and liver protection,” says Walker.
“Since Teeccino’s blends do not contain caffeine and have low acid levels, I recommend Teeccino to clients aiming to cut down on caffeine or those dealing with indigestion,” says Walker. “As a coffee aficionado, I appreciate being able to indulge in its rich flavor during afternoons or evenings without the worry of staying up all night.”
Om Mushroom Superfood Master Blend contains 10 species of USA-grown, organic whole-food mushrooms including cordyceps, reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tail, chaga, and more. This mushroom powder also contains 250 mg of organic ashwagandha extract per serving.
It received a 4.2 out of 5 in over 2,670 Amazon reviews. One reviewer noted, “My husband and I have put in our coffee every morning for almost a week now and it has been such a change in our overall mood of the day. I feel healthier and happier every day. Plus, there’s no muck in the bottom of my cup when I’m done. Granted, I’m not sure if it’s just because I drink it fast, but either way it's delicious and effective.”
Lion’s mane may play a role in positively impacting mental energy, according to a randomized control trial published in 2024 in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association. Ashwagandha was also mentioned in this study for its mood-boosting effects.
In addition, turkey tail may also have positive health benefits according to a recent study. The compounds known as polysaccharopeptide in this particular mushroom may serve as immunological and anticancer agents.
According to a study published in 2023 in Antioxidants, lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms have also been added to pasta to increase its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
A research analysis indicates that ashwagandha may play a role in enhancing physical performance and may be of some benefit to athletes. Cordyceps has also been shown to reduce fatigue in swimmers, but the study was done in mice.
Amy Ruschulte, MD, a Cincinnati family and integrative medicine physician, recommends Om. “I do like the taste however I mostly tried it for the nutritional/medicinal value of the mushrooms. I was hoping for improved focus beyond the benefit of caffeine alone,” says Ruschulte. “I’m also a fan of mushrooms for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Dr. Ruschulte notes she has primarily used Om’s mushroom matcha blend, which contains less caffeine per cup (just 25 mg per 8 oz) than its coffee counterpart.
Everyday Dose had an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars in more than 1,280 Amazon ratings. Its website showed about 24,000 reviews of the product. Customers liked the earthy taste of Everyday Dose, though some mentioned they needed to add creamer to it to make it more palatable.
Other reviewers liked that Everyday Dose did not leave residue in the bottom of their cup and mixed well with hot or cold water. In addition, one reviewer added, “It tastes like coffee and if you add creamer, it's really good. It’s also not sludgy like other collagen powders; it dissolved really well and I didn’t even have the frother.”
The mushrooms used in Everyday Dose are fruiting bodies, which are the highest quality, according to a study published in 2022 in Microorganisms.
For individuals who normally add collagen to a beverage, this is a convenient way to obtain it (as well as medicinal mushrooms) in one drink. It contains a combination of lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms. A small study published in 2023 in Nutrients found improvement in stress reduction and mood in young adults with the use of lion’s mane, but more research should be done.
In addition to reducing inflammation, collagen peptides have shown a positive effect on bone strength and mineral density, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is especially important in older adults.
A 2023 review of literature noted potential benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, such as decreased wrinkle formation; increased skin elasticity; increased hydration; and increased collagen content, density, and synthesis.
Kelli Davenport, RD, with Top Nutrition Coaching has tried Everyday Dose and says, “it’s pretty good.” She likes the flavor but notes it has fewer mushrooms in the blend.
Everyday Dose also contains L-theanine, which shows some promise for mental health. In a small study published in Nutrients, L-theanine had positive effects on the mental health and cognition of participants compared to placebo.
In choosing the best mushroom coffees, we considered their flavor, ingredients, health benefits, third-party testing, and benefits to the environment. We also looked at online reviews and what consumers say about different mushroom coffee brands.
Our top coffee picks had to rank at least 4 out of a 5 scale in online reviews. Finally, we let the nutrition experts who drink, have tried mushroom coffee, or use mushroom powders weigh in on their favorite brews and brands.
Mushroom coffee is a combination of ground mushrooms and coffee grounds, and it got its start much earlier than you may think. The Finnish company Four Sigmatic notes that mushroom coffee was used during World War II when chaga mushrooms were used as a coffee substitute. Chaga mushrooms grow in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America.
According to a study published in 2021 in Antioxidants, this species of mushrooms is used to support immunity, treat diabetes, and reduce tumors. It’s a source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties.
Mushroom coffee is growing in popularity because various mushrooms including cordyceps, lion’s mane, chaga, and shiitake have been found to contain biologically active compounds that may reduce inflammation and stress, and improve sleep and cognition. As coffee is such a commonly consumed beverage, it’s a great solution for companies to incorporate mushrooms into it. In addition, some mushroom coffees are lower in caffeine, which may make it more attractive to consumers who are trying to cut back on caffeine intake.
The active ingredients in mushroom coffee are not regulated by the FDA, as they are not used in their whole form and are therefore treated as dietary supplements. According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDC Act), “functional mushrooms sold as powders or pills, are more likely to be considered to be dietary supplements and subject to a different set of regulations.”
Keep in mind, that mushroom coffee is more expensive than traditional coffee and brands vary on the blends and types of mushroom powders that are used. Individuals with mushroom or nut allergies should avoid mushroom coffee, as some brands utilize coconut products in their blends. In addition, women who are pregnant or nursing should check with their healthcare provider before using mushroom coffee, as studies are lacking in this population.
Currently, there are not many human studies on the benefits of mushroom coffee but there is research on the individual ingredients. A study published in 2021 in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research discovered a protective link against cognitive decline in older adults who included mushrooms, coffee, cocoa, red wine, and other foods rich in polyphenols that support a healthy gut microbiome.
In addition, mushrooms are recognized for their powerful nutrient profile including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Mushrooms also contain bioactive compounds (phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids), that confer antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer and prebiotic health benefits according to a review published in a 2022 issue of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
Mushroom coffee is typically made by combining ground coffee beans with ground, dehydrated mushroom powder, although some “coffees” don’t contain coffee at all. For example, Four Sigmatic Coffee Elixir mix and MUDWTR are coffee alternatives, which contain a mix of different powdered mushrooms but don’t contain any coffee grounds. MUDWTR contains black tea powder.
Despite the name “coffee,” not all mushroom coffees are caffeinated. Several are caffeine-free, and most mushroom coffees that do contain coffee have less caffeine overall than regular coffee. A typical brewed cup of regular coffee contains between 100 and 150 mg of caffeine, while a cup of mushroom coffee has about half that amount (50 mg).
Ingredients in mushroom coffee can vary greatly. The majority of mushroom coffees contain a mix of different medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, shiitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail, and reishi. As mentioned above, some may be combined with coffee grounds or simply be made from mushroom blends.
Mushroom coffee may contain flavor enhancers such as coconut milk, MCT oil, cacao, and cinnamon. The addition of coconut milk and MCT oils will add calories from fat to the coffee unlike black coffee, which is calorie-free.
Additional ingredients such as cacao, cinnamon, and turmeric may confer health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits. Cinnamon and turmeric also have anti-diabetic properties, according to a study published in 2021 in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
Ingredients to be on the lookout for in mushroom coffee include added sugars or artificial sweeteners such as palm sugar, honey, dextrose, aspartame, sucralose, stevia, or erythritol, which is found in monk sweeteners. Individuals with sensitivities to artificial sweeteners should look for mushroom coffees without added sweeteners.
Read the Nutrition Facts label for grams of fat, protein, and carbohydrate content. As mentioned above, the use of coconut milk or fat will add a small amount of saturated fat to your diet.
Other additives in mushroom coffee may include collagen, which would add protein and calories to your coffee. MCT oil (found in Ryze Mushroom Coffee) will add fat and additional calories to coffee, too. People with nut allergies need to avoid mushroom coffee that contains coconut oil such as Laird, Terrasoul, Ryze Mushroom Coffee, and Clevr Blend SuperLatte, to name a few.
Naturally grown mushrooms can have a high antioxidant content, depending on the species. One study found that morchella and agaricus mushrooms were found to have the highest value in terms of biochemical content. When evaluating the total antioxidant capacity, M. esculenta, P. coronilla and S. collinitus have shown higher values than other mushrooms. Mushroom caps tend to have higher nutrient content than the stems.
According to Nature Spirit Herbs (a mushroom company in Oregon), medicinal mushrooms are known as “fungal fruiting bodies” and contain higher amounts of active nutrients than a lab-grown part of the fungus known as mycelium. These mushroom products are often produced from myceliated grain. The U.S. does not have labeling laws for medicinal mushrooms, so look for products that contain higher amounts of beta-D-glucans versus myceliated grain.
Nature Spirit Herbs notes that three categories of medicinal mushrooms available in the United States are:
While there aren’t many specific studies on mushroom coffee, there is research on medicinal mushrooms. Lauren O’Connor, RD, the owner of Nutrisavvy, notes, “According to a 2021 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that may enhance immunity and improve health in various ways — from helping to control blood sugar and regulate blood lipids to protecting the brain.”
O’Connor also points to a study published in 2023 in Molecules that touts the various benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms contain biologically active compounds that have anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these mushrooms may increase metabolism, help fight obesity, and slow down the aging processes because of their high antioxidant activity.
The taste of mushroom coffee will vary depending on the blend. Some “coffees” are a mix of ground mushrooms while others are a combo platter of coffee grounds and mushroom powder. The blends that I tried with a mix of mushrooms and coffee tasted just like coffee.
Some of the coffees (Ryze, Laird) I tried included ingredients such as coconut milk, which changed the taste of the beverage completely. Your best bet is to try a few different brands and see what sits well with your taste buds. Read the label for the addition of coconut milk or MCT oil.
Mushroom coffee is considered safe, although pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with their doctor first. Most mushroom coffee companies promote their products as safe with the majority suggesting up to two cups per day. Like regular coffee, mushroom coffee that contains caffeine could aggravate conditions such as reflux or anxiety.
As mushroom coffee is lower in caffeine than regular coffee, it’s less likely to exacerbate anxiety in individuals with anxiety or panic disorder. With regular coffee, a person would need about five cups per day to worsen their condition according to a study published in 2022 in General Hospital Psychiatry.
To date, no studies have been published on mushroom coffee and weight loss. Calorie-free or low-calorie (40 calories or less) beverages can be included as part of a weight loss diet. As some mushroom lattes have between 90 and 150 calories per serving, this could deter weight loss. As always, weight will be affected by other habits, including sleep, exercise, and overall diet. Mushroom coffee may help reduce caffeine intake, which could improve sleep.
Third-party testing refers to when a company gives its product to an outside lab to have an unbiased test of its product. This is done to be sure it meets the company standards and to validate that the product contains the ingredients that are listed on its label.
As mushroom powders used in beverages or by themselves are considered dietary supplements, they do not need FDA approval. But NSF is one certification that a supplement can receive. NSF is a globally recognized organization for public health standards. They conduct testing, auditing, and certification which is supported by accredited labs. They also provide consulting and training for brands and businesses.
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