What is mushroom coffee, and why is everyone drinking it? Discover how this adaptogenic drink blends functional mushrooms with coffee to boost energy, focus, and immunity—without the crash. Learn benefits, side effects, and how to brew it right.
Mushroom Coffee: Health Trend or Hype?
In a world where we’re all looking for smarter, cleaner energy, mushroom coffee has emerged as a surprising—but promising—contender. This trendy beverage, which blends functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, or reishi with your daily cup of joe, claims to offer the focus of coffee without the crash, while adding immune, brain, and gut health benefits. But is mushroom coffee just the next overhyped wellness trend, or is there real science behind it? In this guide, we’ll break down what mushroom coffee is, why it’s trending, and whether it’s truly worth swapping out your regular brew.
“He who drinks wisely, thinks wisely.” — Ancient Ayurvedic proverb, reimagined for the mushroom age.
What Is Mushroom Coffee and Why Is It Trending?
Mushroom coffee is exactly what it sounds like: a blend of coffee beans and medicinal mushrooms ground into a powder or combined in extract form. But don’t worry—despite the name, it doesn’t taste like a mushroom stir-fry. These are not your everyday portobellos. They’re adaptogenic mushrooms, long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic healing for their powerful effects on the mind and body.
The Rise of Functional Mushrooms in Wellness
In recent years, mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps have gone mainstream. According to a 2023 report by Global Wellness Institute, the functional mushroom market is projected to grow to $19.33 billion by 2030, driven largely by younger consumers seeking natural solutions to stress, fatigue, and mental fog.
Social media influencers, athletes, and health brands alike have embraced these fungi as daily staples—either in the form of teas, powders, capsules, or coffee blends. Brands like Four Sigmatic, MudWtr, and Ryze have popularized mushroom coffee with sleek packaging and promises of clean focus and crash-free energy.
“Mushroom coffee gives me mental clarity without the anxiety I used to get from regular espresso.” — Ashley Jordan, wellness coach and founder of Mindful Fuel
What Makes Mushroom Coffee Different from Regular Coffee?
| Feature | Mushroom Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | Lower (typically 40–80mg per serving) | Higher (95–200mg per cup) |
| Energy Type | Balanced, sustained focus | Quick spike, often followed by crash |
| Health Benefits | Adaptogens support brain, immune, gut | Primarily stimulates CNS |
| Taste | Earthy, mild, slightly nutty | Rich, bitter, acidic |
| Additives | Contains lion’s mane, chaga, or reishi | Usually contains only roasted beans |
Where traditional coffee delivers a jolt of caffeine, mushroom coffee promises a calmer, more focused mental boost, with fewer side effects like jitteriness, stomach irritation, or the dreaded 3 p.m. slump.
See more: How to Make Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Home
Who Should Consider Drinking Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee may be a fit for:
Students and professionals looking to improve concentration without caffeine dependency
People with anxiety or caffeine sensitivity
Fitness enthusiasts wanting an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant boost
Biohackers exploring natural nootropics
Anyone seeking immune and gut health support without sacrificing the ritual of a morning brew
Key Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
The claims behind mushroom coffee go beyond energy and productivity. Here’s a breakdown of the most science-backed benefits of its most commonly used fungi:
Enhanced Focus and Brain Function (Lion’s Mane)
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been studied for its neuroregenerative properties. A 2009 Japanese study found that daily lion’s mane supplementation improved cognitive function in older adults with mild memory loss. It contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds believed to stimulate the growth of brain cells and support neuroplasticity.
“Lion’s mane is like fertilizer for your brain.” — Dr. Austin Perlmutter, neurologist and author of Brain Wash
This makes lion’s mane coffee a favorite for:
Creative workers
Writers, coders, and designers
People managing ADHD symptoms naturally
Immune System Support (Chaga & Reishi)
Chaga mushroom, often referred to as the “king of medicinal mushrooms”, is loaded with beta-glucans, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Studies show it may support immune health, reduce oxidative stress, and even help fight viral infections.
Reishi, meanwhile, is revered in Eastern medicine as the “mushroom of immortality”. Research shows it modulates the immune system and supports stress response by balancing cortisol levels.
“Chaga in the morning, reishi at night—balance your days and dreams.” — Traditional Finnish forest saying
Reduced Caffeine Crash and Jitters
One of the main draws of mushroom coffee is its ability to provide energy without overstimulation. Many blends cut traditional coffee with decaf beans or lower-caffeine sources, allowing for a more sustained energy arc.
Consumers often report:
No jittery side effects
No post-coffee anxiety
Better sleep even after afternoon consumption
Gut Health and Antioxidants
Mushrooms are rich in prebiotic fibers and polysaccharides, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Regular intake of reishi or chaga has been linked to better digestion, lower inflammation, and improved skin clarity due to the gut-skin axis.
In one 2021 clinical review, chaga was shown to have significantly higher ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) levels than blueberries, making it a top-tier antioxidant source.
Popular Types of Mushrooms Used in Mushroom Coffee
Not all mushroom coffees are created equal. Depending on the blend, you may get one or several of these functional fungi, each with unique benefits:
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Best for: focus, cognitive enhancement, creativity
Flavor: mild, slightly sweet
Pairs well with: cinnamon, vanilla, oat milk
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Best for: immune support, antioxidants, gut health
Flavor: earthy, tea-like
Pairs well with: nutmeg, dark roast coffee, cocoa powder
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Best for: stress reduction, sleep, longevity
Flavor: bitter, deep
Pairs well with: almond milk, honey, adaptogen blends
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Best for: stamina, oxygen uptake, athletic performance
Flavor: earthy, slightly metallic
Pairs well with: cacao, coconut milk, maca
“One mushroom to focus, one to defend, one to recover, one to endure.” – Popular saying among mushroom microdosing communities
How to Brew Mushroom Coffee at Home
Making mushroom coffee is easier than you think. It comes in several formats—instant, ground, pods—and is widely available through health food stores and online retailers.
Instant Mushroom Coffee vs Fresh Brew
| Format | Preparation | Taste | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Powder Mix | Mix with hot water | Mild, smooth | Fast, travel-friendly |
| Brewable Grounds | Use French press, drip, or pour-over | Richer, more like coffee | Better texture & flavor |
| Capsules/Pods | Nespresso or Keurig compatible | Consistent | Easy for beginners |
At Lyoncafe, we recommend starting with instant mushroom coffee blends if you’re new, then leveling up to fresh-ground dual-extract coffees once you’ve found your flavor.
Recommended Brands and Where to Buy
| Brand | Notable Mushrooms | Flavor Notes | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Sigmatic | Lion’s Mane, Chaga | Smooth, coffee-like | $$ |
| Ryze | 6-mushroom blend, MCT oil | Creamy, coconut undertones | $$ |
| MudWtr | Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cacao | Spiced, chai-like | $$$ |
| Lyoncafe Earthbrew™ | Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps | Clean focus, barista-level taste | $$ |
🎯 Pro Tip: Try the Lyoncafe Starter Sampler Pack, available at mtnlyoncafe.com, to explore both hot and cold mushroom coffee options at home.
Brewing Tips for Taste and Potency
Always use filtered water for better flavor clarity
Don’t boil—keep water around 85–90°C (185–195°F)
Add plant-based milk like oat or almond to soften bitterness
Froth with coconut oil or MCT oil for enhanced texture and brain fuel
Sprinkle cinnamon, cacao, or nutmeg for extra antioxidants and flavor
Mushroom Coffee vs Regular Coffee: A Comparison
While many people are discovering mushroom coffee for its functional benefits, some still wonder how it actually compares to their beloved morning brew. Here’s a breakdown based on taste, health impact, and long-term wellness:
| Aspect | Mushroom Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Earthy, slightly nutty or mild | Bold, acidic, rich |
| Caffeine | Lower (40–80 mg/serving) | Higher (95–200 mg/serving) |
| Crash & Jitters | Rarely reported | Common, especially in sensitive individuals |
| Digestive Impact | Gentler on the stomach due to mushroom adaptogens | Can cause acidity or discomfort |
| Added Benefits | Immune support, brain function, adaptogenic stress relief | Primarily stimulates nervous system |
| Flavor Variety | Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps blends offer complexity | Based on roast profile and origin |
| Sustainability | Often sourced from regenerative mycology practices | High water and land use in traditional coffee farming |
“With mushroom coffee, I feel like I’m fueling both mind and body—without feeling overcaffeinated by noon.” – Chloe Kim, yoga instructor & Lyoncafe ambassador
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Though mushroom coffee is widely regarded as safe, it’s important to understand potential side effects and how to use it responsibly, especially if you have medical conditions or take medication.
Allergies, Interactions, and Dosage Guidelines
Allergic Reactions – Some individuals may be allergic to fungi, particularly reishi or chaga. Always start with a small dose if you’re new.
Medication Interactions – Reishi and cordyceps can interfere with blood pressure or immune-suppressant medications. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Suggested Dosage – Most blends recommend 1–2 servings (400–800 mg of mushroom extract) per day. Exceeding this may lead to digestive discomfort or fatigue.
Who Should Avoid Mushroom Coffee?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to insufficient clinical research)
Individuals on anticoagulants or immunosuppressants
People with autoimmune conditions (consult with a doctor first)
Children under 12
⚠️ Lyoncafe’s rule of thumb: When in doubt, start small and listen to your body.
Barista Tips: How to Make Mushroom Coffee Delicious
Even the best functional drink won’t stick if it doesn’t taste good. At Lyoncafe, we’ve developed over 25 mushroom-based drinks for our cafés and at-home kits—each tested for taste, texture, and health impact. Here are expert tips from our beverage team.
Best Mix-ins (Oat Milk, Cinnamon, Cocoa)
To neutralize earthiness or boost flavor:
Oat milk – naturally creamy, pairs well with lion’s mane
Cinnamon – enhances brain and gut synergy, warms the profile
Cacao powder – adds antioxidants and a mocha-like twist
Vanilla extract – improves depth and sweetness
Almond butter – for texture and healthy fat
Sea salt – balances sweetness and bitterness (just a pinch!)
“If you’re new to mushroom coffee, try adding ½ tsp of raw cacao and 1 tsp maple syrup. Your taste buds will thank you.” – Linh Vo, Beverage Director at Lyoncafe Saigon
Cold Brew Mushroom Coffee Ideas
Yes, mushroom coffee can be iced too! For summer or pre-workout drinks, try this:
Brew 2 tbsp of Lyoncafe Earthbrew™ mushroom coffee in hot water, cool for 5 minutes
Pour over a glass filled with ice
Add ¼ cup oat milk, 1 tsp brown sugar syrup, and a dash of cinnamon
Stir and top with whipped coconut cream (optional)
Garnish with cacao nibs or grated nutmeg
Sweeteners and Spices That Enhance Flavor
| Additive | Flavor Benefit | Health Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Syrup | Rich, deep sweetness | Lower glycemic index than refined sugar |
| Stevia or Monk Fruit | Zero-calorie, neutral | Diabetic friendly |
| Cardamom | Floral, aromatic | Aids digestion |
| Turmeric + Black Pepper | Earthy, warming | Anti-inflammatory synergy |
FAQs About Mushroom Coffee
Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like Mushrooms?
Surprisingly, no. It’s more earthy than mushroomy. Most blends are mild and often masked by coffee roast flavor or added spices. Chaga tastes closest to tea; lion’s mane is nearly flavorless.
“Think of it like drinking coffee with a health twist—not mushroom soup in a cup.”
Can You Drink It Daily?
Yes, most people drink mushroom coffee once or twice a day safely. Just be mindful of caffeine intake if you mix with regular beans. In fact, many Lyoncafe clients say it’s become their permanent morning brew.
Is Mushroom Coffee Good for Weight Loss or Fitness?
Mushroom coffee can support metabolism, energy, and appetite control, especially blends with cordyceps or green tea extract. It’s not a magic bullet, but when combined with healthy eating and movement, it supports fat burning and muscle recovery.
Conclusion: Is Mushroom Coffee Right for You?
If you’re looking for a coffee alternative that supports focus, immune function, and digestive health—without caffeine crashes or jitters—mushroom coffee is worth a try. Whether you’re a creative professional, wellness enthusiast, or someone who just wants to feel good without overstimulating their nervous system, this functional beverage offers a powerful yet gentle upgrade.
At Lyoncafe, we’ve seen firsthand how customers—from Saigon to San Francisco—have incorporated Earthbrew™ mushroom blends into their daily rituals. Some started for health reasons, others for curiosity, but many have stayed for the clarity, calm, and taste.
“You don’t need to give up coffee to feel better—you just need to evolve how you drink it.” – Minh Truong, Founder of Lyoncafe
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!