By Romas Marcin, Founder of Fundamental Fungi
Mushroom coffee has gone from niche to mainstream, and it's easy to see why: it promises your morning cup plus the functional mushrooms people take for focus and energy, in one step. But what's actually in it, and is it the best way to get those mushrooms? Here's an honest look at the benefits of mushroom coffee and the trade-offs.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is regular coffee blended with powdered or extracted functional mushrooms. Despite the name, it doesn't taste like mushrooms, and it isn't made from psychedelic mushrooms. The most common mushrooms in it are:
- Lion's mane, taken to support focus and mental clarity*
- Cordyceps, taken to support energy and endurance*
- Chaga and reishi, often included in blends
The benefits people switch for
1. Often less caffeine
Because part of the coffee is replaced with mushroom, many mushroom coffees have less caffeine per cup than regular brewed coffee. For people cutting back, that's the biggest draw. Check the label, since caffeine content varies widely by brand.
2. Functional mushrooms in a habit you already have
Linking a supplement to something you do every morning is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent, and consistency is what matters with functional mushrooms.*
3. A smoother-feeling cup for some people
Some people say mushroom coffee feels less jittery. That's most likely because it has less caffeine, so if jitters are your concern, the caffeine amount is the number to watch.
4. Lion's mane and cordyceps support
The mushrooms themselves are why most people try it: lion's mane for focus, memory and mental clarity, and cordyceps for natural energy and stamina.* Research on the mushrooms is still developing, and research on mushroom coffee as a product is limited.
The trade-offs
- Small or unlisted mushroom amounts. Many blends list mushrooms inside a "proprietary blend," so you can't tell how much you're getting per cup.
- Fruiting body or mycelium? Some mushroom coffees use mycelium grown on grain. See Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium.
- You're locked into one coffee. If you love a particular roast or your local café, you have to give it up.
- Caffeine and mushrooms are tied together. Cut back on coffee and you cut back on the mushrooms too.
- Cost per cup is often higher than regular coffee.
An easier alternative: keep your coffee, add a gummy
If you like your current coffee, you can get the same mushrooms separately. Take Lion's Mane Gummies with your morning cup, and if you want to cut back on caffeine, swap your afternoon coffee for Cordyceps Gummies.* You know exactly how much you're getting: 125mg of USDA Organic fruiting-body extract per gummy (8:1, equal to 1,000mg of mushroom), with no caffeine.
More on this in Lion's Mane and Coffee: Can You Take Them Together? and Cordyceps vs. Caffeine.
How to choose a mushroom coffee (if you go that route)
- Look for the mushroom amount per cup, not just a blend total
- Look for "fruiting body" on the label
- Check the caffeine per cup
- Look for third-party testing for heavy metals and microbes
FAQ
Does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?
Usually not. Most taste like a slightly earthier, milder coffee.
Does mushroom coffee have caffeine?
Yes, because it's made with coffee, but often less than a regular cup. Check the label.
Can I just take lion's mane with regular coffee?
Yes. Many people take lion's mane gummies alongside their usual coffee. Our gummies have no caffeine.
Is mushroom coffee psychedelic?
No. Functional mushrooms like lion's mane, cordyceps, chaga and reishi contain no psilocybin.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, take medication or have a medical condition.