Some people claim that drinking coffee with medicinal mushrooms may improve several aspects of health, including stress reduction and cognitive function. Unfortunately, there is no solid evidence that links mushroom coffee to any benefits.
Human studies on the effects of medicinal mushrooms are relatively limited, and the data are mixed. It is unclear how drinking mushroom coffee impacts health and whether it offers any significant benefits.
Some of the medicinal mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as lion’s mane and reishi, are known adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that increase your resistance to stress and protect against stress-related damage.
A 2023 study of 41 healthy adults found that supplementation with 1.8 grams of lion’s mane for 28 days lowered stress levels compared to a placebo.
Mushrooms commonly added to mushroom coffee may improve certain aspects of cognitive health. Lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail have been shown to have cognitive-boosting effects in supplement form.
The 2023 study found that 1.8 grams of lion’s mane led to immediate and long-term cognitive benefits. Acute intake improved test performance, while 28-day use lowered stress compared to a placebo.
These results cannot be applied to mushroom coffee. Most products contain proprietary blends that do not disclose ingredient amounts. It is impossible to know if they contain dosages necessary to affect health.
Drinking mushroom coffee may increase intake of antioxidants and compounds that support immune health.
Cordyceps contains cordycepin, which has immune-modulating effects. Mushrooms like chaga and phellinus are rich in beta-glucans, or soluble fibers with immune-supportive properties.
A 2020 study found that coffee blended with cordyceps, chaga, and phellinus extracts contained higher polyphenol antioxidants, cordycepin, and beta-glucans than regular coffee.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so it increases alertness and helps you feel more energized.
One cup of coffee provides around 96 milligrams of caffeine, which can temporarily boost energy. Drinking coffee may also positively influence mental health and cognitive performance in the long term.
Coffee is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as:
- Caffeic acids
- Chlorogenic acids
- Ferulic acids
- Phenolic acids
- Polyphenols
- Quercetin
- Quinic acids
Coffee may protect against diseases like diabetes and heart disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The beta-glucans found in mushrooms may also have anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against disease. It is unclear if adding mushroom extracts to coffee offers additional benefits beyond regular coffee.
Mushroom coffee is a blend of coffee beans and ground medicinal mushrooms or mushroom extracts.
Although the mushrooms and other fungi vary, most products contain ingredients like:
- Chaga
- Cordyceps
- Lion’s mane
- Reishi
- Turkey tail
Some products also contain herbs like ashwagandha and amino acids like L-theanine. They may also contain added sugars and coconut powder. Read nutrition and ingredient labels, especially if you have allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions.
Just because a product contains an ingredient, like medicinal mushrooms, does not mean it provides enough to provide a significant benefit.
Most human studies have also investigated supplements with a single mushroom type, not multiple types. This makes it hard to assess products with more than one mushroom in undisclosed ratios.
There is no human evidence that mushroom coffee benefits health more than regular coffee.
1. Lack of Ingredient Transparency
The main downside of most mushroom coffee is that products do not disclose the amount of extracts or ground mushrooms. Some list the total weight of proprietary blends, but it is still unclear how much of each mushroom you are consuming.
Ingesting medicinal mushrooms in specific amounts may offer benefits, but most studies have used higher doses in supplement form.
2. Unsafe for Certain Populations
Most medicinal mushrooms are safe to take in supplement form, but they are not appropriate for everyone.
Reishi may cause headaches and dizziness and is not recommended for people with certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders.
The safety of medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been researched. Avoid drinking mushroom coffee and taking other medicinal mushroom products if you are pregnant or lactating.
3. Potential Drug Interactions
Avoid mushroom coffee if you are taking certain medications, such as blood pressure-lowering drugs. Some medicinal mushrooms have been shown to interact with common medications.
It is best to check with a doctor to ensure medicinal mushroom products are the right choice for you.
4. May Be Expensive
Mushroom coffee is much more expensive than regular coffee. A 12-ounce bag of Earth & Star Hazelnut Mushroom Coffee costs more than double the price of a 12-ounce bag of Jim’s Organic Hazelnut Ground Coffee.
Because there are no proven benefits of mushroom coffee and most products do not disclose the amount of medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee may not be worth the cost.
