Imagine waking up in the morning not only with caffeine, but also with a warm cloud of antioxidants, adaptogens, and ancient Eastern medicine. This is supposedly mushroom coffee. Is it really a revolutionary super drink, or is it just an expensive coffee with a taste of damp moss?
Coffee with mushrooms is not a new thing. During World War II, the Finns replaced coffee with Chaga during a shortage. Today, decades later, the story returns in hipster packaging with a QR code, and for a specific price.
What is mushroom coffee anyway?
No, it doesn't have pizza sponges floating in it. It's a blend of classic coffee and dried extracts of medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi, Lion's mane, Cordyceps and Turkey tail. These mushrooms are known in traditional Chinese medicine as real treasures of health. They are freeze-dried to obtain a powder, which is then mixed with coffee. The result is a drink that contains about half the caffeine compared to regular coffee and is said to have some additional benefits.
It tastes surprisingly similar to coffee, although there is often a slight earthy or nutty aftertaste in the background. It is available in ground form, as an instant powder, in latte versions, and even in capsules.
What does it promise?
The initial promises are sound: better concentration, more energy without the “caffeine jitters,” immune system support, and even stress reduction. All of this is supposedly made possible by the medicinal properties of individual mushrooms:
- Lion's Mane It is said to support neuronal function and improve focus.
- Chaga and Turkey Tail They are full of antioxidants.
- Reishi and Cordyceps are known as adaptogens, which are said to reduce stress.
It almost seems too good to be true. And maybe it is.
What does science say?
Most of the claims surrounding mushroom coffee come from studies that used either whole mushrooms or concentrated extracts. Only a few studies have focused on the final product – coffee with mushroomsFor example, animal studies show that Lion's Mane promotes nerve cell growth, but the translation of these results to the effects in a cup of coffee remains uncertain.
Therefore, reputable institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic warn that we should not take the potential benefits for granted (source: clevelandclinic.org). They say that directly consuming whole mushrooms may achieve a greater effect than drinking a drink.
Real advantages and pitfalls
The first tangible advantage: Lower caffeine content. Most of these drinks contain between 50 and 70 mg of caffeine per cup, which is much less than the average filter coffee, which has between 100 and 150 mg. This means a lower risk of anxiety, jitters, and sleep disturbances.
But on the other hand: Price. Most mushroom coffees cost almost twice as much as regular coffee. Additionally, some people experience digestive problems, especially due to Chaga, which contains high levels of oxalates and can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Drug interactions are also not ruled out, so caution is recommended, especially for people with medical conditions.
So is mushroom coffee the future or a scam?
It depends on your expectations. If you expect it to replace a healthy lifestyle, you'll be disappointed. But if you want a drink with lower caffeine, an interesting flavor, and potentially a few bonuses, then it can be a great choice.
But remember: mushrooms have always been nutritious and beneficial. It may make more sense to add them to your plate than to your coffee machine.
The most famous brands of mushroom coffee
1. Four Sigmatic
– Probably the most recognizable brand in this fieldTheir offering includes blends with Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps.
– The most famous product: Think Coffee with Lion's Mane & Chaga
– (source: foursigmatic.com)
2. MUD\WTR
– Alternative coffee with a combination of mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps), cocoa and Ayurvedic herbs.
– Especially popular among those who are completely giving up caffeine.
– (source: mudwtr.com)
3. Ryze Superfoods
– They offer instant mixes with mushrooms, coconut milk and MCT oil.
– Intended primarily for morning rituals without shaking.
– (source: ryzesuperfoods.com)
Mushroom coffee: some report miracles
Coffee with mushrooms is a fascinating new product that combines ancient knowledge with a modern desire for health in every sip. But while it promises a lot, it remains primarily a cool alternative coffee with some interesting potential and some clear limitations.
So let it be just one of the many choices on your morning journey to wakefulness. Not a miracle drink, but an interesting story with a touch of the forest.
