In the world of wellness, a new beverage has been slowly but surely spreading: mushroom coffee. With its global industry projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2031 , mushroom coffee has truly become a phenomenon. Although it's only slowly making its way into our country, we can confidently predict that in the coming years it will achieve the same popularity and accessibility as matcha. We've researched this new healthy drink for you. In this article, we answer the questions you need to know before trying mushroom coffee, which is said to provide more sustainable energy and improved mental performance.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee, as the name suggests, is a powdered beverage that blends ground versions of various functional mushrooms with ground coffee beans. While it can vary from brand to brand, it is generally prepared with adaptogenic mushrooms such as Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Maitake . Additionally, some brands may add adaptogens like ashwagandha or natural amino acids like L-theanine to their mushroom coffee formulations .
Before you wonder any more: None of these mushrooms are "magical." In other words, they don't have hallucinogenic effects. Therefore, mushroom coffees sold in supermarkets have no psychedelic effects whatsoever .
What are the benefits of mushroom coffee?
The reason mushroom coffee is so popular is that, like traditional coffee, it offers energy and concentration support, but not through a faster heart rate, but through a feeling of calmness. According to some studies, thanks to the effects of the functional mushrooms it contains, this coffee can support metabolic health, increase physical and mental performance, and strengthen the immune system. All the claimed benefits can be listed as follows:
- It can lower stress levels. It can support mental and emotional resilience.
- It can improve cognitive performance.
- According to a recently published study, thanks to its antioxidant content, it can strengthen the immune system.
- It can increase energy levels.
- It can help control inflammation in the body.
So, can mushroom coffee really provide all these benefits according to scientific evidence? Both yes and no.
Many of the adaptogenic mushrooms found in ground form in mushroom coffee are not absorbed effectively enough by the body. Simply drying and physically grinding the mushrooms does not make them sufficiently bioactive. Since the chitin that makes up the cell wall of most mushrooms does not break down even during digestion, not all of their beneficial components are released. This can make mushroom coffee formulations much less effective than expected.
Also, most mushroom coffees contain far less adaptogenic mushrooms than is needed to provide all the benefits listed above. This, of course, affects the effectiveness of mushroom coffee.
While mushroom coffee doesn't yet have any scientifically proven health benefits, that doesn't mean it won't improve the well-being of those who drink it. Theoretically containing numerous antioxidants and adaptogens, mushroom coffee also contains significantly less caffeine than traditional coffee and tea. This makes it a great alternative, especially for those with a greater sensitivity to caffeine . Although more clinical research is needed, ultimately, the best way to determine if it's good for us is by trying it ourselves!
Are there any side effects of mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is generally a fairly safe drink for most people . However, there are some characteristics that are worth being aware of. First, mushroom coffee can be high in fiber. Suddenly increasing daily fiber intake can speed up bowel movements in some people. This effect usually subsides as the body adjusts.
In addition, some adaptogenic mushrooms, such as Chaga and Reishi, which can be used to make mushroom coffee, can interact with certain medications. Those taking blood thinners and immunosuppressants should definitely consult their doctor before drinking mushroom coffee. Furthermore, due to its high oxalate content, Chaga mushrooms can increase the risk of kidney stones if consumed in large quantities and for extended periods.
How does mushroom coffee taste?
Now, let's address the question most frequently asked by those wanting to try mushroom coffee: What does it taste like? First of all, let's say that a properly prepared, high-quality mushroom coffee doesn't have a mushroom taste. On the contrary, it tastes very similar to traditional coffee. With a smoother flavor and more earthy undertones, mushroom coffee isn't as bitter or sour as traditional coffees, so it can be easily consumed by people with sensitive stomachs. To enhance the taste, you can add natural sweeteners like milk, cream, honey, and cinnamon, just like with regular coffee. Of course, as with any beverage, the taste of mushroom coffee can vary from brand to brand.
What do people who use mushroom coffee say about its effects?
While mushroom coffee hasn't yet been scientifically proven to promote well-being and holistic health, many people who have incorporated this new adaptogenic beverage into their lives are reporting positive effects. Ceren from the Live to Bloom team is a big supporter of mushroom coffee. While writing this article, I asked her about her thoughts on mushroom coffee and how it has affected her.
“Coffee is a routine, even a ritual, for me. I love its taste and the feeling of invigoration that comes after a few sips. However, I was also curious about healthy alternatives to coffee. That curiosity led me to try MUD\WTR. Despite its low caffeine content, it clears the mind, provides good focus, and doesn't create any tension that stimulates the nervous system. It has an earthy, spicy, and cocoa-like aroma. It contains mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps. So it naturally supports energy, immunity, and focus, which is a big bonus! It's a great alternative for me to have a calm but alert mind at the start of the day.”