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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Contents
By
Ru Chen
Key Takeaways
Mushroom coffee blends mushrooms with coffee to create flavorful coffee with potential health benefits. Adaptogenic mushroom coffee aims to promote overall well-being and help your body respond better to stress and fatigue. It is also an increasingly popular alternative to traditional coffee.
Does mushroom coffee work for or taste good to everyone? Not really. But it is a unique choice that some people adore, replacing their usual cup of joe with an exciting new blend. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of mushroom coffee and how to brew the best DIY mushroom coffee.
Mushroom + Coffee = Health Benefits?
Mushroom coffee commonly uses: lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps mushrooms. It generally tastes earthy, with a noticeable mushroomy flavor. The beverage will also have the distinct aroma of coffee, especially in high-quality mushroom coffee blends. A Harvard Health article discussed the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee, noting that it may be worth a try.
You can enjoy mushroom coffee as:
Mushroom coffee can be a solid option to consider if:
You can try out a variety of mushrooms, but they have to be safely edible. After all, around 70-80 species of mushrooms are very dangerous, such as the aptly named death cap. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid picking your own mushrooms unless you are expertly certain they are safe to ingest. Buying mushrooms from trusted stores and coffee mushroom vendors is a good idea.
Here are the most popular mushrooms when it comes to brewing mushroom coffee.
Chaga mushrooms are commonly consumed for boosting immunity and lowering cholesterol. This fungus is loaded with antioxidants, making it a popular addition to teas and supplements.
You can easily buy chaga powders online or at local shops. It generally tastes like:
Lion’s mane mushrooms are large, dangling from trees like a fluffy mane or beard. Lion’s mane tends to taste the most neutral when brewed in coffee, so if you’re wary of the mushroom part of mushroom coffee, lion’s mane might be your first fungus of choice.
Research has shown that lion’s mane mushrooms can have a beneficial impact on stress and mood.
The reishi mushroom is also known as Lingzhi. It has a distinct reddish-brown color, and looks like kidneys forming numerous fans.
Chefs and herbal medicine experts have used reishi mushrooms to help enhance the immune system, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. For some, the reishi mushroom can even lessen fatigue and improve sleep.
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi. Sounds scary? This one is actually commonly used in food and medicine. Some types of cordyceps have been consumed for thousands of years due to their potential health benefits. When cautiously consumed, edible cordyceps can enhance energy and improve heart health.
Negative health concerns can include stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal issues. Be careful when using cordyceps to brew coffee – it’s not necessarily a smart idea. In addition, cordyceps taste noticeably better when cooked or ingested in soups. Chefs do not recommend consuming cordyceps raw.
Mushroom coffee can offer you health benefits depending on what mushrooms you use. Here are some potential health benefits that you could reap.
Many mushrooms are consumed for their beneficial properties. A study showed that mushrooms can have a beneficial effect on health and nutritional levels.
If you have a sensitive stomach but want to drink coffee, mushroom coffee could also be a good choice for you. The lesser caffeine content can be just enough to soothe your stomach.
Caffeine can cause jitters and feelings of anxiety. Increased heartrate is a common symptom of caffeine consumption – lowering your caffeine intake is a good way to avoid these jitters. Most mushroom coffees come with lower caffeine levels. By switching to mushroom coffee, you could reduce your jitters and caffeine reliance. This can also reduce the impact of a caffeine crash, resulting in less fatigue and headaches.
Mushroom coffee still has caffeine, which can give you enhanced focus and productivity levels.
Many mushrooms are linked to immune system support. Boosting your immune system is a natural, important way to fight off disease and improve your overall health.
Insomniacs or stressed individuals can try out mushroom coffee for its potential to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Regular coffee generally offers greater energy boosts, which can be good for productivity. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which can improve overall health and reduce stress.
Compared to regular coffee, mushroom coffee offers a less noticeable energy boost due to lower caffeine levels. The functional mushrooms can offer stress relief and immune system support without creating as large a reliance on caffeine, potentially reducing how many caffeine jitters you will get.
Mushroom coffee is often described as tasting like coffee with earthy undertones. Chaga and reishi can also have mild nutty and woody notes.
If you dislike mushroom aromas, consider the lion’s mane mushroom coffee. Lion’s mane has the most neutral flavor so it will affect your coffee flavor less. Cordyceps mushrooms are another option for mild and neutral.
You can customize your mushroom coffee taste, of course, the same way you personalize any coffee. Just add cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, or any other flavoring to spice up your mushroom coffee (or balance out the earthy undertones). Add cream, milk, and sweeteners for a more traditional flavor experience.
Mushroom coffee contains less caffeine than regular coffee, but more than herbal teas. Contains functional mushrooms that can promote better focus, immunity, and stress management. Taste greatly depends on what mushroom type you pick.
Herbal teas are a naturally caffeine-free choice if you want to avoid caffeinated drinks while still drinking something more flavorful than water. Ideal for those sensitive to stimulants – probably better than mushroom coffee. Taste varies depending on what herbal infusion and brand you choose.
Coffee offers energy boosts and antioxidants. It has that classic coffee flavor, bold and rich. You can easily choose roasts and flavorings to sweeten or darken the flavor.
To prepare mushroom coffee at home, you can use pre-packaged blends or DIY mixtures. Pre-packaged blends are a great way to try out different mushroom coffee options.
Caffeine can cause jitters. Stopping coffee can lead to caffeine withdrawal symptoms (we’ve all had that horrible lack-of-coffee headache). Solution? Decaf is a classic. Mushroom coffee is an alternative solution.
Adaptogenic mushroom coffee has been shown to have potential health benefits. If you’re switching to a healthier lifestyle due to too much stress, digestive concerns, or other reasons, mushroom coffee could offer you a boost in overall wellness without being too drastic of a dietary change.
If you’re vegan, consume gluten-free diets, or have other dietary preferences, mushroom coffee could be a great beverage choice for you.
People with dietary sensitivities, allergies, and health concerns should consult a doctor before trying out new ingredients and drinks. Pregnant women should also consult their doctor before trying out new foods and drinks, such as mushroom coffee.
Mushroom coffee: Contains your mushroom of choice (e.g. cordyceps, chaga, lion’s mane, or reishi). Contains your coffee of choice and other additions (e.g. caramel syrup, milk)
Regular coffee: Contains your coffee of choice and other additions.
If you’re brewing your own cup of joe at home, it becomes much easier to control the ingredients you put into your mushroom coffee. Try out different syrups and roasts to see which ones result in the most delectable mushroom coffee.
Mushroom coffee: Typically contains less caffeine per serving (<100mg) due to the mushroom blend
Regular coffee: 95mg to 150mg per cup, depending on the brew strength
If you’re new to drinking coffee, make sure to monitor any negative side effects you might have from consuming caffeine. Some people are extra sensitive to caffeine and should avoid coffee or choose decaf options.
Mushroom coffee: Smoother energy, less coffee jitters. Can offer health benefits such as reduced stress, improved stamina, better focus, and enhanced immunity.
Regular coffee: Boosts energy and provides antioxidants. High doses of caffeine can cause jitters and anxiety. Can also worsen digestive issues.
The health impact of normal coffee v.s. mushroom coffee can vary greatly between individuals. Anecdotally, many people on Reddit have had good experiences drinking mushroom coffee. The adaptogens in mushrooms can promote wellness and give you a noticeable improvement compared to drinking normal coffee.
Mushroom coffee: $20+ for a standard bag, more for higher quality mushroom coffee
Regular coffee: Up to $10 for one standard pack of coffee grounds; Premium blends and specialty roasts cost more
Unfortunately, mushroom coffee can cost significantly more than regular coffee. While you can get traditional coffee grounds for $10 or less, mushroom coffee can cost double that (or more!). As with all types of coffee, you can get higher quality mushroom coffee blends for a more expensive price.
Overview of top-rated mushroom coffee brands in the market.
What sets these brands apart (e.g., flavor, sourcing, mushroom combinations).
Customer reviews and price ranges.
Ingredients:
Mushroom Coffee Recipe:
How to mask the mushroom earthiness: Finding mushroom coffee too earthy? Add some sweeteners such as cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup to improve the taste.
Warning: Self-picked mushrooms are not generally recommended due to the risk of picking mushrooms with toxins in the wild. Make sure to source your mushrooms safely to avoid digestive concerns.
Prepackaged blends can be more expensive and offer less control over ingredients and taste. Some baristas prefer to use DIY mushroom blends, which involve grinding your own mushrooms. When doing this, just make sure the mushrooms are safe to consume.
Mushroom coffee can come with downsides and risks. Always be careful when consuming new types of foods and ingredients. Risks include:
Mushroom allergies can result in mild symptoms, such as itching, hives, rashes, respiratory issues, and stomach discomfort. However, a severe mushroom allergic reaction can cause life-threatening allergic reactions (i.e. anaphylactic shock).
If you’ve never ingested mushrooms before or are prone to allergic reactions, definitely beware when trying out new mushroom drinks.
Mushroom coffee should be ingested in moderation. If you are sensitive to caffeine and have chosen mushroom coffee as an alternative, this is wonderful for your stomach and jitters! However, beware – consuming too much mushroom coffee can still be dangerous.
Some mushrooms may interact poorly with medications. If you are on blood thinners, antidiabetic drugs, imunosuppressants, or other drugs, speak with your doctor before consuming mushroom coffee.
To mitigate the potential downsides to coffee, it is crucial to source high-quality mushroom coffee from legitimate vendors that have positive customer reviews. For example, buying mushroom coffee from a coffee club is a good way to get the highest quality, safest ingredients.
Mushroom coffee is a unique and bold choice as a coffee alternative. It combines the energy enhancement of coffee with the health-boosting potential of functional mushrooms. Less caffeine also means fewer caffeine jitters and digestive trouble. However, this type of coffee can also be a bit too adventurous for some.
Looking to try mushroom coffee? Check out our curated list of the best mushroom coffee for your convenience and coffee journey!
Ru Chen
Content Writer
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
