What are the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

In recent years, mushroom coffee has emerged as a new player in the realm of alternative wellness beverages. Hailing from ancient traditions and now gaining momentum in modern lifestyles, this unique fusion of coffee and mushrooms has garnered the interest of health-conscious people looking for alternatives to their morning pick-me-up. 

But just what benefits are associated with mushroom coffee? This blog explores the types of mushrooms used, how the caffeine content compares to traditional coffee and the impact it may have on your health.

What is mushroom coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a coffee alternative that combines coffee with extracts from various types of mushrooms. The mushrooms are usually harvested, dried and ground up either in a pure powder form or added to coffee grounds.

The idea is mushroom coffee combines the caffeine boost from traditional coffee grounds with the functional benefits of mushrooms, which contain a good source of B vitamins, copper, niacin and riboflavin.

Types of mushrooms used for coffee

Chaga: Chaga mushrooms are a type of fungus that mainly grows on birch trees and are known for their black and orange appearance. Chaga mushrooms contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans and antioxidants. Chaga mushrooms taste earthy and bitter, with hints of vanilla. When combined with coffee, they impart a woody flavor.

Cordyceps: Cordyceps mushrooms are a popular type of fungus that grow by infecting insects and then sprouting from their body. Once used in traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps are known for their ability to increase energy levels. These mushrooms have an earthy taste with hints of earthy and sweet notes. When combined with coffee, they provide a woody flavor.

Lion's Mane: Lion's Mane mushrooms are a unique type of fungus known for their physical appearance – the long spines look shaggy like the hair of a lion. They grow on dead or decaying hardwood trees in Europe, North America, China and Japan. When eaten, Lion’s Mane can have cognitive benefits and boost your mood. Cooked Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a similar meaty texture to crab or lobster, providing a savory flavor. The dried version has a mild, sweet flavor.

Reishi: Reishi mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows at the base of living and dead deciduous trees, usually native to China and Europe. These mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. Reishi mushrooms have an earthy, bitter flavor that is rather robust.

Turkey Tail: Turkey Tail mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on dead hardwood logs and trees, particularly in forests. Their unique color shading – brown, orange, red and green – resemble the fanned tail of a wild turkey. Turkey Tail mushrooms have a subtle earthy flavor and are slightly bitter. In coffee, they provide a mild woody flavor.

What does mushroom coffee taste like?

Since most mushroom coffee blends are a mix of coffee grounds and mushroom extracts, the taste closely resembles your typical cup of coffee. Some people pick up on earthy, bitter undertones from mushrooms (some types are more earthy than others).

Does mushroom coffee have caffeine?

Mushroom coffee does contain caffeine, but the presence of mushroom powder can reduce the caffeine content by as much as half compared to regular coffee. Mushrooms alone don’t have caffeine, thus the caffeine content depends entirely on the ratio of coffee grounds to mushroom extracts – meaning the more mushrooms used, the lower the caffeine.
Some mushroom coffee mixes on the market contain 50 mg of caffeine compared to 95 mg for a cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant, so mushroom coffee has less of an effect on the body.

Mushroom coffee benefits

Whether as a way to lower caffeine consumption or boost energy levels, mushroom coffee has become a compelling choice for coffee drinkers. Here are a few of the potential benefits:

Adaptogens: Adaptogens, which are plants or herbs, are intended to enhance your body's capacity to manage your overall well-being, including stress, anxiety and fatigue. Put simply, adaptogens aid your body in "adapting" to external stressors that can affect how your body operates. For example, cordyceps mushrooms have a calming effect and reishi mushrooms can improve adrenal gland function to manage stress.

Stress regulation: There is some research that suggests mushrooms can influence cortisol levels (a steroid hormone that serves as the body’s main stress hormone) and help the body manage stress more effectively.

Less caffeine: Caffeine makes some people feel jittery, dehydrated or restless. Since mushroom coffee has less caffeine, it’s a more attractive option for people who want their morning cup of coffee without as many side effects.

Antioxidant benefits: Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, phenolic compounds, indole compounds, carotenoids, tocopherols and flavonoids, all of which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals to protect the body against potential damage.

Anti-inflammatory benefits: Mushrooms are known to contain several anti-inflammatory properties, including beta-glucans, ergothioneine and plant compounds called polyphenols. In general, anti-inflammatory agents are capable of reducing swelling or inflammation.

Sleep hygiene: A combination of less caffeine and possible stress-relieving capabilities from mushroom coffee may help you sleep better.

It’s important to know the research on mushroom coffee is limited, so the specific impact it can have on each individual can be difficult to determine. You should always consult your doctor before undergoing any dietary changes or adding supplements to your daily routine.

Mushrooms can sometimes cause side effects to those with kidney problems or digestive issues. For example, chaga mushrooms contain high levels of oxalates (plant compounds that can form crystals in the body) that may cause acute kidney damage.

Ultimately, your decision to choose mushroom coffee over traditional coffee comes down to personal preference. People looking to decrease caffeine consumption can enjoy some benefits of mushroom coffee, whereas drinking it for stress relief may be a costly alternative – whole mushrooms are a better source of nutrition.

For more health and wellness content, visit the INTEGRIS Health For You blog.