While some health claims have been made about mushroom coffee, more research is needed in humans. It may be safe for most people but should be avoided by anyone with allergies or a preexisting health condition. It’s also not a replacement for regular coffee.
Essentially, Quality mushroom coffee is black coffee paired with medicinal mushrooms in extract powder form. The types used in these blends are typically those with purported medicinal benefits like lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps and turkey tail. These are often called adaptogens and they’re said to help the body manage stress, boost focus and support memory and mood.
You’ll find this type of coffee as instant, grounds and in convenient brew pods. It’s generally paired with other herbs and spices that add flavor to the coffee, and you can mix it with milk or a nondairy milk alternative as well as sweetener.
Mushroom Coffee: A Healthier Caffeine Alternative
Some brands even add cacao and other teas to create a mocha-style drink. While this can be a fun change of pace, it’s a little more expensive than just purchasing regular coffee and the ingredients separately.
If you decide to try it, make sure you’re choosing a high-quality brand that uses real, not freeze dried, coffee beans and is free of other additives, such as glycerol. If you’re looking to save money, consider brewing it yourself with your own ground coffee beans and adding the mushrooms after the grinding process. This will allow you to choose your own ratio of coffee to mushroom and customize the blend to your liking.