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Looking for a coffee alternative that's healthier and has less caffeine? Say hello to trendy mushroom coffee! Known to have less caffeine than regular coffee, this mushroom drink also comes with a host of proposed health benefits – from reducing anxiety to improving immunity – making it rather attractive for those in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
Mushroom coffee is made by combining regular ground coffee (or instant coffee) with dried and finely ground mushrooms. This is usually done in a 1-to-1 ratio. The most popular mushrooms used are reishi, chaga, lion's mane and cordyceps. They are all considered medicinal mushrooms – not to be confused with psychedelic mushrooms or culinary mushrooms such as portobello or shitake mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms have been used for ages in Chinese herbal medicine for their purported nutritional and health benefits.
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Using Food As MedicineWhat Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?
The taste is most like coffee – not at all of mushrooms, though some people might describe the drink as having an earthy or nutty flavor.
Does Mushroom Coffee Contain Caffeine?
It typically contains about half the caffeine of regular caffeinated coffee. Mushroom powder and coffee are usually combined in equal amounts. Because mushrooms don’t contain caffeine, it cuts the caffeine content of the mushroom drink in half, compared with regular coffee. However, the exact amount of caffeine can vary by brand and may not be listed on its package. On average, the amount of caffeine in mushroom coffee ranges between 50 and 60 milligrams.
Mushroom Coffee Benefits
Mushroom coffee proponents highlight a long list of claims – from promoting better sleep to decreasing stress, reducing inflammation, boosting your immune system and maintaining gut health. Unfortunately, none of these claims have been substantiated in research conducted specifically on mushroom coffee. Research does indicate that both coffee and mushrooms individually may provide health benefits. But it’s unclear whether there are combined positive or negative health effects of mixing mushrooms and coffee beans.
More rigorous clinical trials are needed to substantiate many of the health claims around medicinal mushrooms.
Decreases stress
Probably the biggest buzz around mushrooms when it comes to mushroom coffee are the adaptogens in medicinal mushrooms. Adaptogens are plant-based compounds that provide a health benefit when it comes to fighting the effects of stress. Adaptogens may help protect our bodies from the effects of stress due to their stimulant properties. Specifically, they help keep balance in our hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal glands by tweaking hormone production so our body can function at its best. Adaptogens can affect how much cortisol – a hormone produced in times of stress – your body releases. If the adaptogens in mushroom coffee reduce the amount of cortisol in your system, that may help reduce the effect that stress can have on your body.
Reduces inflammation
Mushrooms, and coffee beans, contain compounds called polyphenols, which because of their antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidants fight against damaging free radicals and have been associated with a decreased risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
Improves immune response
These same polyphenols, as well as other powerful antioxidants such as flavanols and carotenoids, found in mushrooms and coffee, may also help strengthen one’s immune response.
Maintains gut health
Mushrooms are a good source of both fiber and prebiotics, the food for probiotics, both of which can help maintain gut health.
Promotes better sleep
By drinking less caffeine, many individuals, especially those sensitive to caffeine, may see improved sleep. Fans of mushroom coffee also claim it is the stress-reducing adaptogens that improve their quality of sleep as well. However, the big question still lies in whether there are enough of these adaptogens present in mushroom coffee to make a difference. The jury is unclear.
Mushroom Coffee Side Effects
Mushrooms can sometimes cause gastric upset, especially for those who have kidney or digestive issues. Chaga mushrooms are especially high in oxalates. Depending on the level of oxalates in your diet, you may be at an increased risk for kidney stones.
Talk with your health care provider, as some medicinal mushrooms may interact with certain medications.
Bottom Line: Is Mushroom Coffee Good for You?
There is no doubt that both coffee and medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps and lion's mane can have health benefits. Would it be healthier to simply brew a pot of coffee and eat your mushrooms separately in their original plant form? Maybe. Should you simply drink another less caffeinated beverage in the morning, like green tea or matcha, which may come with a slew of its own health benefits? Maybe.
Whichever you do decide for now, make sure to drink your mushroom coffee without a lot of added sugar or unhealthy coffee creamers because that is something where the jury is clear.
