What is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is just what it sounds like: a blend of regular coffee with added mushroom extracts. But don’t worry — it doesn’t taste like mushrooms! It tastes like coffee, with a slightly nutty, earthy flavour. The flavour profile depends on:

1. the flavour/ type of the coffee
2. the flavour/ type of the mushrooms
3. the coffee to mushroom ratio

Our mushroom coffee, which we call "_myco coffee:" is 91.7% coffee and 8.3% mushroom extract and we arrived at this ratio after months (and we mean months) of fine tuning! The mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are functional/ medicinal varieties like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Cordyceps. These mushrooms are known for potential health benefits, which we’ll get into shortly.

What Are the Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is believed to offer several health benefits:

• Immune Support: The antioxidants and compounds like polyphenols found in medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps may boost your immune system. Source
• Stress Reduction: Adaptogens in mushrooms help the body manage stress by balancing cortisol levels.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Studies show that Cordyceps and its active principles possess a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-hyperglycaemic etc Source
• Cognitive Function: Lion's Mane supports brain health by boosting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is crucial for neuron growth and maintenance. This can also enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function and help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and may aid in preventing cognitive decline. Source
• Improved Recognition Memory: This study showed that two-month oral supplementation with Lion's Mane reversed the age-decline of recognition memory. Source
• Improved Exercise & Cellular Energy Production: Cordyceps Militaris studied for exercise performance impact, showed slight increase in grip strength with potential ATP production Source 
• Less Caffeine: Since mushroom coffee blends contain less caffeine, they may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety for sensitive individuals.

Is Mushroom Coffee Worth a Try?

If you love coffee but you're looking for a lower-caffeine option with added potential health benefits, mushroom coffee is definitely worth a try. While studies on mushroom coffee are still limited in people, many people enjoy it for its earthy flavour and the possibility of added immune support and stress relief.

Is It Lower in Caffeine Than Regular Coffee?

Yes! Since mushroom powder doesn’t contain caffeine, it dilutes the caffeine content of the coffee. Most mushroom coffee blends have about half the caffeine of regular coffee, making it a gentler option for those who are caffeine-sensitive. 

Are There Any Side Effects?

While mushroom coffee is safe for most people, some may experience side effects like:

• Digestive issues: Those with sensitivities or kidney problems should consult their doctor before consuming.
• Oxalates: Some mushrooms contain oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones if consumed in large quantitie

Is Mushroom Coffee Safe?

Mushroom coffee is generally safe for most people, but if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant, it's best to talk to your doctor before making the switch.

Mushroom Coffee FAQs

Can Mushroom Coffee Make You Sick?

For most people, mushroom coffee is safe, but those with mushroom allergies or sensitivities might experience reactions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.

Can Mushroom Coffee Cause Anxiety?

Thanks to its lower caffeine content, mushroom coffee may be less likely to cause anxiety compared to regular coffee.

Can Mushroom Coffee Cause Bloating?

Mushrooms can sometimes cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, for some individuals.

Can Mushroom Coffee Help with Weight Loss?

While some believe that mushroom coffee may boost metabolism, there isn’t strong research to back up its effects on weight loss. However, there is lots of research which shows that caffeine intake does promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction. Source

How Much Mushroom Coffee Should I Use Per Day?

You can enjoy mushroom coffee just like regular coffee. Start with one cup per day and adjust based on how you feel.

How Does Mushroom Coffee Work?

Mushroom coffee combines the natural properties of both coffee and medicinal mushrooms, offering potential benefits like immune support, reduced caffeine and improved cognitive function.

What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?

Mushroom coffee tastes similar to regular coffee, but with a nutty or earthy undertone.

When to Drink Mushroom Coffee?

You can enjoy it anytime you would normally drink coffee! Some prefer it in the morning to start the day with a lighter caffeine kick.

Which Mushroom Coffee is Best?

Look for blends that use high-quality, organic mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane for the most potential benefits. We think our coffee is the best, because it's roasted to order, it's maltodextrin free and lab tests show it's mycotoxin free and high in the effective ingredients of mushrooms (beta glucans and polysaccharides)

Which Mushroom Coffee Has the Most Mushrooms?

Blends which use mushroom extracts rather than mushroom powders will have a higher count of the beneficial compounds found in mushrooms. Mushrooms which have been mixed with maltodextrin in their production will have very few beneficial compounds and so should be avoided. 

Who Shouldn't Drink Mushroom Coffee?

Those with kidney issues, mushroom allergies, or sensitivities to mushrooms should avoid mushroom coffee or consult a doctor first.

Why is Mushroom Coffee So Expensive?

Medicinal mushrooms are harvested in their natural environment, which can make the process more expensive. Additionally, the extraction process adds to the cost and the need to lab test them to ensure they are clean and safe also adds to the cost. Think of it as 'reassuringly expensive'. 

Will Mushroom Coffee Break a Fast?

Mushroom coffee has zero calories and provided you do not include milk or sugar, you can maintain your fast while drinking it. 

Will Mushroom Coffee Lower Cholesterol?

Certain mushrooms, like Reishi, may help lower cholesterol, but more research is needed to confirm this effect in mushroom coffee blends.