Why I Get a Boost Out of Mushroom Coffee
Key takeaways:
Mushroom coffee is the latest health drink trend on social media.
Companies claim it can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost the immune system. But experts say there isn’t enough research to confirm these benefits.
Three people tell GoodRx they drink mushroom coffee because it’s easier on the stomach, reduces jitters, and helps with focus and energy.
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve likely seen that many influencers are drinking mushroom coffee instead of their regular cup of joe.
That’s because mushroom coffee is the latest health drink promising big benefits — less stress, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. On TikTok, the hashtag #mushroomcoffee has more than 10 million views.
Mushroom coffee is generally made with half regular ground coffee beans and half of a blend of medicinal mushrooms (such as reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane). Makers claim it contains “adaptogens” — a buzz word for plants and other substances (like mushrooms) commonly touted for their ability to help your body handle stress.
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Experts say mushroom coffee contains less caffeine, which can reduce jitters. But they also say more research is needed to confirm any real health benefits. Three people who drink mushroom coffee told us about their experiences.
For her, it’s gentler on the stomach
Ruth Thomas Hansen, 55, first heard about mushroom coffee through a pop-up ad on Facebook about a year ago. At the time, she was on a restrictive diet to manage inflammation in her spine, which caused neck pain and migraines.
Instead of having her usual tea with honey, she’d been drinking regular coffee.
“And I overindulged. The acid made me very sick,” says Ruth, a grandmother of 10 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. “Through the sorcery of creepy advertising, the targeted ad [for mushroom coffee] found me at a moment I was willing to try a $30 bag of magic coffee. To my surprise, it wasn’t disgusting.”
In fact, Ruth grew to like it. Mushroom coffee became part of her daily routine, and something she credits with helping her lose 50 lbs.
She tried many brands and prefers the taste of Ryze and Everyday Dose. She often has two cups a day — one in the morning and one before bed.
“I typically add a small amount of milk to a cup. But sometimes I use some protein shake as creamer,” she says. “The taste is milder than regular coffee and not bitter. My husband will even drink it without noticing it’s not regular coffee.
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Although Ruth hasn’t observed any of the touted benefits like improved focus, she does find mushroom coffee to be more gut-friendly.
“I have a history with acid reflux, and the mushroom coffee doesn’t upset my stomach or give me that acid-y burn like regular coffee does,” she says. “I enjoy my comfort fix drinking the mushroom coffee. I do admit, however, that I am missing my pumpkin spice cappuccinos.”
It gives her focus without the caffeine
Kayla Torres, who has dealt with anxiety for most of her life, was intrigued when she first saw mushroom coffee trending on social media.
“I was looking for an alternative way to calm my mind while still providing energy to my exhausted body,” says Kayla, a 38-year-old health coach in Orlando, Florida. “My days start with really early mornings, so caffeine was almost a necessity. But too much would mess with my sleep.”
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In 2022, she tried the brand MudWtr but didn’t love the taste. A friend later recommended Everyday Dose, and she gave it another shot.
“I was hooked immediately,” Kayla says. “I have been drinking it regularly for 3 months and have definitely noticed a difference.”
Every day, she mixes one and a half scoops of mushroom coffee with cold brew coffee, sugar-free syrup, and a splash of oat milk.
“I’ve noticed I am much more alert, yet less anxious,” she says. “Usually when I have anxiety, caffeine just makes it worse.” But mushroom coffee makes her feel calm and focused, she says.
It tastes like coffee — not mushrooms
Nannette Matos first heard about mushroom coffee on the Mom Brain podcast in 2020. She finally tried it in 2022 after dealing with brain fog and exhaustion.
“I was hoping that it would not smell or taste like mushrooms and that it would help me focus and manage my brain fog,” says Nannette, a 42-year-old mother of two in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Her favorite brand is Four Sigmatic Organic Coffee.
“I think it smells and tastes like regular coffee,” she says. “It actually smells so good that my daughter’s bus driver asked me what brand of coffee I was drinking because every time she closed the doors the scent would linger, and she loved it.”
Since making the switch, Nannette has noticed steady energy without the edginess she used to get from regular coffee.
“With regular coffee I would get jittery and then crash,” she says. “But I just feel more energy and a little less foggy.”
What does the doctor say?
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Senior Medical Editor
Mushroom coffee is a beverage made from dried mushrooms and coffee beans.
It’s often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee. Many brands claim their coffee contains “adaptogen mushrooms” or “medicinal mushrooms.” They take extra care to point out that these aren’t “culinary mushrooms” like portobello or white button. Rather, they’re fungi full of health-promoting benefits.
To be clear: You can cook (and eat) adaptogen mushrooms. They may be harder to find than typical grocery store varieties, but they have been enjoyed in various cultures for centuries.
Mushrooms, like fruits and vegetables, are full of vitamins and minerals and an important part of a well-rounded and healthy diet. But there’s no evidence that drinking mushroom coffee will offer any additional health benefits.
Some people may notice less jitteriness since mushroom coffee has less caffeine than regular coffee. Mushrooms also lower coffee’s acidity, which, along with the lower caffeine content, may help lessen acid reflux and heartburn.
If you’re looking for a way to add mushrooms to your diet and cut back on caffeine, mushroom coffee may be a good — though expensive — choice. Right now, there’s no evidence that mushroom coffee is harmful, either. So, there’s no reason to stop drinking it if you like it. And if you’re not a coffee fan, many brands that sell mushroom coffee also sell mushroom tea and mushroom matcha.
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