If you love coffee but don’t quite like the caffeine crash afterwards, then mushroom coffee may be a great alternative for you.
Some of the best mushroom coffees on the market offer a range of benefits for your mental clarity and immune system.
Mushroom coffee has become one of the latest trends in health and wellness.
Many individuals on social media are raving about mushroom coffee for its energy-boosting properties.
But what exactly is mushroom coffee and what benefits does it have? What are the best mushroom coffees?
In this guide we’ll look at:
- What is mushroom coffee?
- What types of mushrooms are used in mushroom coffee?
- What are the benefits of mushroom coffee?
- Coffee vs mushroom coffee
- 5 of the best mushroom coffees for a healthier, happier you
Ready?
Let’s get started!
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushrooms are a common food ingredient.
You may be used to enjoying mushrooms on toast, on pizza or stuffed with cheese on top, but in coffee? Maybe not.
Mushrooms have long been recognised for their antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.
In fact, in eastern medicine, mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as a health and wellness supplement.
More recently, different blends of medicinal mushrooms have been combined with other ingredients like tea leaves to create a delicious alternative to coffee.
Related: What color is my aura? 11 aura colors explained
What types of mushrooms are used in mushroom coffee?
The following mushrooms are known for their functional and medicinal properties and are typically used in mushroom coffee:
Cordyceps
There are over 400 species of Cordyceps worldwide, notably found in Asian countries, including Korea, China, Japan, Thailand and Nepal.
According to research, they are known to lower blood pressure and suppress tuberculosis and asthma.
Adding that the physiologically active substances found in Cordyceps (Cordycepin) have antitumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Russia, Poland and the Baltic States for well over 500 years.
Research tells us they contain a variety of polyphenols and flavonoids which act as a powerful antioxidant.
In addition, they can be used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, liver disease, gastritis, gastrointestinal cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Phellinus
Phellinus is a valuable medicine because it is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
They are also known to be effective against conditions such as tumours, digestive system cancer and gastric pain.
These types of mushrooms also contain a large amount of polysaccharide β-glucan which plays a role in activating the immune function in normal cells.
Lion’s Mane
Known for its shaggy appearance (hence its name), Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane helps to improve brain and nerve health as well as strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom is widely used in eastern medicine and some studies show that it can help to boost the immune system and help with depression and fatigue.
More research is needed to fully understand its benefits and side effects.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail has been used for years to improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue, treat UTIs and many other conditions.
However there needs to be more research on the benefits of Turkey Tail in humans.
Related: How to use a face roller: How it works + benefits
Related: Dandelion greens: Benefits + 5 simple and delicious recipes
What are the benefits of mushroom coffee?
There are plenty of claims surrounding the benefits of mushroom coffee.
First and foremost, mushroom coffee tends to have less caffeine than normal coffee, so if a cup of joe gives you the jitters, mushroom coffee may be a better option for you.
Some of the supposed benefits are that mushroom coffee:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves sleep
- Increases your energy levels
- Improves your memory
- Strengthens the immune system
- Relaxes sore muscles
To date, there hasn’t been a huge amount of research to support these claims.
Mushrooms in general have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so there is some evidence that they help to strengthen the immune system.
However, any claims surrounding mushroom coffee should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Related: The best crystals for emotional healing
Coffee vs mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee typically contains less than half the amount of caffeine compared with a regular cup of coffee.
However, if you’re trying to avoid caffeine completely, you’re better off drinking decaffeinated coffee or another beverage completely.
Here’s how they compare based on a 8oz cup of coffee:
| Coffee type | Average caffeine amount* |
| Caffeinated coffee – ground | 100mg |
| Caffeinated coffee – instant | 60mg |
| Decaffeinated coffee – ground | 2mg |
| Decaffeinated coffee – instant | 2mg |
| Mushroom coffee – ground | 60mg |
| Mushroom coffee – instant | 50mg |
* All amounts are approximate.
Related: The best crystals for good luck
Related: How to start your day with morning meditation
5 of the best mushroom coffees for a healthier, happier you
Now you know more about the benefits of mushroom coffee, here are our 5 top picks of the best mushroom coffee.
#1 Best mushroom coffee for soothing the gut: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic is probably the best known mushroom coffee brand having been around for 11 years.
They offer ground, whole bean, pods, cold brew and instant mushroom coffee – so if you’re looking for a wide range of choice, look no further!
Their Happy Gut organic mushroom coffee is a great choice if you’re worried about digestive issues.
It combines organic Arabica coffee with a blend of Chaga, Turkey Tail, probiotics and Yacon juice powder.
#2 Best mushroom coffee for productivity and focus: Rheal Shroom Coffee
The ‘shroom’ coffee from Rheal Superfoods promises a delicious cup of coffee but without the jitters and caffeine crash.
They’ve combined premium and organic Colombian Arabica coffee with a blend of Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha Root.
Their coffee delivers about half the amount of caffeine compared with a regular cup of coffee.
Therefore making it a good option for anyone who doesn’t want to give up regular coffee for good.
#3 Best mushroom coffee for caffeine lovers: Sun Alchemy Mushroom Coffee
The mushroom coffee from Sun Alchemy combines organic, fair trade coffee with Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps mushrooms.
It contains about the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee.
So if you’re worried about weaning yourself off of regular coffee, this may be the choice for you!
#4 Best mushroom coffee for when you’re on the go: VitaCup Shroom Fuel
Shroom Fuel from VitaCup comes in individual packets, making them perfect for a quick pick me up on the go.
The mushroom drink mix is made using Chaga, Lion’s Mane, maca root and cacao.
It also has hints of chocolate and cinnamon, making them a good choice if you have a hint of a sweet tooth.
#5 Best organic mushroom coffee: Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder
Although technically not a mushroom coffee, this diet supplement powder from Sacred 7 can be added to your coffee and used in your every day routine.
Made from 100% USDA-certified organic mushrooms, the powder is a blend of seven mushrooms: Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Shitake and Turkey Tail.