Mushroom In Coffee—Crazy Good Drink or Just Plain Crazy?

Coffee is a beloved drink for people in all parts of the world. The flavor, the aroma, the mind-refreshing effects—we all love coffee for either or all of its qualities. But, as much as it bums us, we also know that there are several downsides to caffeine consumption. Especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

But, what if someone told you that you can keep sipping on your favorite drink without worrying about all the not-so-nice stuff caffeine does to your body? 

That’s where adding mushroom in coffee comes into the picture. Not only is mushroom coffee deemed as a coffee alternative, but also a highly nutritional drink. 

Experts have spoken about the substantial health benefits of including mushroom in coffee, and how it could successfully replace your average cup. Plus, add a whole string of health benefits.

So, what does it mean for you? 

You just might not have to give up on your go-to energy boost to kick-start the day, or the calming cup when you’re feeling stressed.

Keep reading to find out just what mushroom coffee is, why adding mushroom in coffee is so beneficial for your health, and the different brands you can try. 

What is mushroom coffee?

If you’re thinking that this is where you brew coffee and chop up a few mushrooms and toss them into the brew… well, you’re wrong. That’d just be gross—no one wants to drink that. 

Putting mushroom in coffee doesn’t work that way. The mushrooms used in coffee blends aren’t your shiitake and portobello that you’d have for dinner. They’re medicinal mushrooms. Common ones used in mushroom coffee are Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps. These mushroom types have multiple health benefits and are known for their healing properties.

Types of mushroom coffee

Let’s look at what makes these mushrooms so ideal for making coffee.

Chaga Coffee 

       

Chaga mushroom is a type of fungi that is seen growing on the bark of birch trees. While it might not have much of a visual appeal, this mushroom variant not only has multiple nutritional benefits, but also a flavor profile that wonderfully complements coffee. 

These mushrooms have been used for more than 500 years in Poland, Russia, and the Baltic states, to cure cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and liver diseases. Chaga mushrooms contain a healthy dose of antioxidants that boost the immune system and protect the body from viral infections and harmful bacteria. 

Chaga mushrooms have a unique earthy flavor with bitter undertones, which is highly similar to coffee. It also contains vanillin, like vanilla beans, making the flavor more approachable. The unique taste, similar composition, and a multitude of health benefits make Chaga a healthy alternative to coffee beans. Chaga coffee is a tasty blend that doesn’t taste much different from coffee!

Reishi mushroom coffee

Reishi mushrooms are large reddish brown mushrooms that stem from the trunks of large deciduous trees. They are rarely found in the wild and are almost always farmed. Used in Chinese medicine since ancient times, Reishi mushrooms have been called the ‘mushroom of immortality, for the various disease-fighting qualities they possess.

Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans that regulate cholesterol and glucose levels. They also have adaptogens that boost the immune system and help in the growth of white blood cells that fight cancer and other illnesses.

While reishi mushrooms might not have an appetizing taste, their health benefits are difficult to ignore. Combined with other flavors, they make a delicious coffee blend that’s full of nutritional value.

Lion’s mane coffee

Much like the name suggests, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a sight to behold with their long white spines that grow in a shaggy clump on hardwood trees. They are especially known for their focus-inducing benefits, and Lion’s Mane coffee is perfect for folks who need their morning cup to get them energized for the day.

Lion’s mane mushroom is a well-known element of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically for the mental benefits it provides. Research shows that the compounds in Lion’s Mane reduce brain plaque associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and boost cognitive and memory function. Apart from being a source of Vitamin D and beta-glucans. 

Lion’s Mane mushrooms taste delicate, and Lion’s Mane coffee might make a pleasant addition to your morning routine.

Cordyceps coffee

Hailed as a superfood, Cordyceps mushroom grows out of the brains of spiders and insects—which, er, is not-so-nice to know. But that could be overlooked in the face of the variety of health benefits it provides. These mushrooms grow on the high mountains of the Himalayas and appear dried with a yellow-gold color.

2 of the 400 are used in both medicinal compounds and coffee making. Cordyceps may promote ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which improves oxygen use in the body and provides stamina to muscles. It’s also rich in antioxidants that boost immunity, improve sexual drive, and stave off aging. Plus, it regulates blood-sugar levels, reduces tumor growth, and prevents cancer.

Don’t worry about the insect-brain part—modern-day cordyceps are grown in labs and have an approachable taste. Rich in health benefits, cordyceps coffee is a worthwhile addition to your daily nutrition. 

How is mushroom coffee made?

The mushrooms are dried and extracted of their medicinal elements and made into a fine powder, which is then blended with coffee beans. 

The ratio of mixing coffee beans and the extracted mushroom powder is usually 1:1. Mushroom coffee can be consumed as an instant powder, ground coffee blends, or coffee pods. And you can use it to make all the regular coffee drinks like lattes and mochas.

Mushroom coffee doesn’t taste that different from your normal cup of Joe’s, because it’s just coffee with mushroom extract.

However, there are slight differences—like, a darker color, a smoother blend, and a nutty taste. These are the characteristics of mushroom coffee. 

What makes mushroom coffee different?

Putting mushroom in coffee not only subtly changes the consistency and taste, but makes it much healthier than your ordinary cup of coffee. 

Mushroom coffee might be a current trend, but the world is no stranger to the medicinal qualities of certain mushrooms. Especially in Eastern Asia and China, where mushrooms have been traditionally used for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. 

More recently, during the Second World War, due to a lack of coffee beans, mushrooms were used as a replacement in Finland. 

Using mushroom in coffee can help you balance the effects of caffeine and cut back on coffee if it’s something you’re working on. We all like a no-fuss cup of bold coffee. But once in a while trying something different—that has several health benefits and a refreshing taste—can be gratifying. And that’s where mushroom coffee comes into the picture. 

Benefits of mushroom coffee

Here’s some detailed information on how mushroom coffee benefits your health.

Balances the caffeine in coffee

We all know that excessive coffee consumption can cause a lot of problems—from headaches and dehydration to insomnia and anxiety, to name a few.

If you like the taste of coffee and like drinking it, but want to avoid all the side effects caused by caffeine, then mushroom coffee is a wonderful alternative for you.

Most mushroom coffee contains very little caffeine, except some variants that have about half the amount present in your normal cup. It tastes similar to coffee without all the jitters and the crash. So, you can enjoy your favorite drink without worrying about your caffeine consumption.

Helps with stress management

A cup of bold, warm coffee is the go-to drink for most of us to destress—replacing that with mushroom coffee will have the same effect while providing many more health benefits.

Mushroom species that contain adaptogens help maintain the equilibrium of the body and improve the immune system. Thus, they help to counter stress symptoms. 

Reishi mushroom is one such example. Drinking a cup of Reishi mushroom coffee before bed will help you destress and prepare for a restful night of sleep.  

Enhances the cognitive function of the brain

Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane contain compounds that improve nerve and brain health and help counter brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The bioactives in mushrooms help regulate mood, increase alertness, support memory, and healthy brain functioning.

Drinking a cup in the morning will help you focus and get you motivated for the day.

Improves gut health

A healthy gut is a secret to a healthy body and mind. Mushrooms promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that keep your gut in good health. Adding a spoonful of mushroom coffee to your daily diet can increase your prebiotic fiber consumption—which helps to keep your gut nourished and healthy. 

Regulates blood sugar and cholesterol 

Mushroom coffee contains beta-glucans which are soluble fiber that help improve your cholesterol levels and boost heart health. They also help to regulate your body’s blood sugar level, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans.

Reduces inflammation 

Inflammation causes many diseases and health conditions in your body. Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds like mycosteroids, carotenoids, and metabolites. These help to support your body’s response to inflammation.

Prevents the risk of diseases like cancer

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids. By boosting white blood cells, they help fight cancer and other illnesses. The anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms help in destroying cancer cells, and the ergothioneine found in them acts as a potent cellular protector.  

Including mushrooms in your daily diet—and what better way to do it than consuming them with your daily cup of coffee—reduces the risk of cancers like breast cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer. 

Best mushroom coffee brands to try

Daily Harvest – Chaga + Chocolate Latte

Mud/Wtr

Rheal Superfoods: Shroom Coffee

Four Sigmatic 

Renude Chagaccino 

Wunderground

RASA 

So, what is our final take on mushroom coffee?

It’s something you must try. 

The energizing effects and awesome taste of mushroom coffee might help you successfully replace your daily coffee. Plus, it comes with a multitude of proven health benefits. 

The only thing you need to take care of is that the mushrooms are carefully sourced and of high quality. The type of mushroom in your coffee will directly affect your health. But, you don’t have to worry, all the brands we’ve listed are safe, and of the highest quality. 

We hope you find something you like ^^. Enjoy your mushroom coffee!