What Is Mushroom Coffee? Why All The Rage These Days!

Last Updated on October 5, 2023

Mushroom coffee!? Yes, that’s right, it’s a coffee blend of mushrooms and coffee – an unlikely pairing that has taken the culinary world by storm!

Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or just looking for a new, healthy start to your day, check out this post to learn all about the incredible benefits of mushroom coffee.

Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom coffee, sometimes known as shroom coffee, is a type of trendy beverage that has been gaining traction in recent years due to its purported health benefits.

It is made by combining roasted mushrooms, such as reishi or chaga, with regular coffee beans, to create a smooth, nutty, and dark brew.

This type of coffee is a relatively new development in the world of specialty coffees.

It promises to provide the same benefits as traditional coffee or black coffee but with added benefits.

The Hidden History Behind

In the 1940s, during World War II coffee beans were scarce. Finnish people used chaga mushrooms as a coffee substitute in Finland.

During that time, coffee, along with sugar, was one of the first casualties of war in Finland.

A number of coffee alternatives were based on roasted rye, but chaga was especially popular. This alkaline-forming fungus has a blackened exterior and flesh the color of lava, resembling molten tree bark.

As history repeats itself, coffee shortages during wartime have led to crafty alternatives, such as okra seed coffee during America’s Civil War.

Types of Mushrooms Used

As a specialty drink, it can be made from either whole mushrooms that are brewed along with the beans or from ground beans and mushroom extracts. 

Mushroom coffee generally uses medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga.

There are also some brands that use culinary mushroom varieties in their mushroom coffee blend, including cordyceps, portobello, golden, Turkey tail, pink oysters, or blue oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and lion’s mane mushrooms.

This alternative beverage to traditional coffee has its unique “mushroom-like” taste profile and purported health benefits.

Recent studies have found that drinking mushroom coffee can help support cardiovascular health, reduce stress levels, and improve mental clarity. (Source: WebMD)

Some people believe it can even give them an extra boost of mental energy throughout their day because of its adaptogenic qualities, which work together to help balance hormones naturally in an effort to support the immune system and the body’s stress response systems.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier morning cup of Joe to traditional coffee or just want to enjoy a unique beverage experience with flavorful nuances you won’t find elsewhere.

This ‘not regular cup of coffee’ could be exactly what you need!

Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?

Many people wonder if mushroom coffee contains caffeine content, and the answer is yes.

Yes, mushroom coffee contains caffeine.

There are around 50 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of mushroom coffee. For healthy adults, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends 400 milligrams a day.

While the amount of caffeine in mushroom coffee may be lower than that of regular coffee, it still contains caffeine. This can have both positive and negative effects of caffeine on your body.

Caffeine can give you a boost of energy, but too much can leave you feeling jittery and anxious.

So it’s important to keep an eye on how much mushroom coffee you are consuming if you want to reap its potential health benefits without getting too much caffeine.

Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

It’s a more nutritious coffee alternative than a regular cup of coffee. Plus it can provide your body with nutrients that can help support overall health and wellbeing.

Mushroom coffee is said to contain mushroom products like Cordyceps, Chaga, and Reishi — all of which contain antioxidants, including polyphenols which help fight inflammation.

These antioxidants also work to protect cells and reduce free radical damage caused by pollutants in the environment.

In addition to antioxidants, like coffee, mushroom coffee can provide B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid (B5) which provide energy by helping to metabolize carbohydrates and fatty acids.

Furthermore, compounds like beta-glucans are known for their immune-boosting properties while ergothioneine may protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Studies have also suggested that drinking mushroom coffee may help improve cognitive function and focus — it may even help regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index rating.

With so many potential benefits offered by this unique beverage, it’s easy to see why many people are turning to mushroom coffee for an added boost in overall health and wellness!

(Source: Healthline)

Different Types of Mushroom Coffee Benefits

It depends on the combination of mushrooms used and what other ingredients it is combined with.

Typically, you will find mushroom coffee beverages with other brews such as regular coffee beans or green tea (mushroom tea or shroom tea).

There is also instant coffee that includes dried ingredients like functional mushroom powder blended with hot water for an easy-to-prepare cup of coffee.

Finally, some companies also sell mushroom powder blends that can be mixed into any type of beverage to give it an extra nutritional boost.

Here are a few common types of mushroom blends in mushroom coffee varieties:

Reishi: This blend includes reishi mushrooms combined with Arabica beans to create a rich and flavorful cup filled with ancient wisdom and antioxidants

Cordyceps: This cool blend pairs brewed Arabica beans together with Cordyceps sinensis fungus for an energizing and uplifting experience

Chaga: Made from pure organic Chaga mushroom extract blended together with organic espresso beans and cocoa powder for a unique flavor that’ll leave you feeling energized

Lion’s Mane: Lion’s Mane blended together with pure Colombian Arabica coffee beans for a smooth finish and natural boost in productivity

Drinking Mushroom Coffee Instead of Regular Coffee

Mushroom coffee is a unique morning beverage made by mixing ground mushrooms and coffee beans, creating an earthy, almost sweet flavor.

How To Make

Making a perfect cup of mushroom coffee requires patience and attention to detail in order to get just the right mix of flavors. Here are the basic steps for brewing up your own savory cup:

1. Start by selecting the mushrooms you’d like to use in your drink. Reishi and Chaga mushrooms are two popular choices, as they are said to provide both energy-boosting properties as well as possible health benefits like helping with digestion and reducing inflammation.

2. Grind 1 heaping teaspoon of dried mushrooms into a fine powder (local health food stores often have pre-ground mushrooms). In addition, grind 1 tablespoon of regular whole bean coffee into medium-fine grounds for maximum results.

3. Boil 8 ounces (1 cup) water before adding 3/4 teaspoon of mushroom powder and 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds through a filter or strainer coarsely into the pot or French Press device where you plan on brewing your drink. Allow for additional mixing time if desired for stronger flavor – about 5 minutes for an 8oz serving should do the trick!

4. Finally bring everything together by pouring your freshly brewed coffee & topping it with your favorite condiments such as plant milk or monk fruit sweetener if desired – Enjoy!

How to Choose the Best Mushroom Coffee Brands

When it comes to choosing the best brands, there are a few things you should consider. What type of mushrooms are used in the mix? 

Organic, ethically sourced (fair trade) mushrooms are preferable for better taste, as well as for health and environmental reasons.

You’ll also want to ensure that the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the mushrooms have been preserved. This is why some brands opt for cold brew methods when preparing their coffee.

The type of bean used also matters when choosing mushroom coffee. The lighter the roast, the more intense and earthy flavor you can expect from your coffee.

Darker roasts will produce a richer and more aromatic cup of coffee but may be more bitter than light roasts.

Some varieties may contain other natural flavorings, such as herbs or spices, which can add to or change how your coffee tastes.

Finally, the ratio of mushroom powder to ground coffee beans is important to consider when looking for mushroom coffee.

Generally speaking, a mix that contains equal parts will produce a balanced cup of coffee with just enough amounts of both components so that they’re complementary rather than overbearing.

However, you can adjust the ratios to suit your own taste preferences if desired.

my suggested brands of mushroom coffee products

• Ryze mushroom coffee 
• Four Sigmatic instant mushroom coffee with lion’s mane
• Laird Superfood Peruvian Dark Roast Coffee with Functional Mushrooms
• Forage & Flourish

Tips for Enjoying Mushroom Coffee

First, try experimenting with different recipes until you find a taste that you enjoy. Mushroom coffee can be blended with regular coffee beans to offer a more balanced profile or consumed alone for a more intense flavor.

Depending on the specific type of mushroom used, there can be distinct differences in taste and texture.

When sampling new flavors, start slow with small amounts until you get acquainted with how mushroom tastes influence your own personal palate.

Once you’ve found the optimal blend for your favorite cup of joe, don’t forget about brewing techniques that can impact the outcome of your drink.

Brewing times will vary depending on how strong of a flavor you want; just remember that over-brewing can cause the flavors to become too concentrated and unpalatable.

Plus, preparing your own homemade drinks and lattes at home will give you full control over the sweetness and texture. In addition, you can regulate exactly which ingredients are included in each mugful.

Finally, you can enjoy other food items as accompaniments to your favorite brew.

Locally grown decorative mushrooms add some warm earthy notes while incorporating oat milk and ginger to create soothingly tranquil sensations on their own or harmonize perfectly with dark chocolates or ground spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

For added complexity without masking those precious notes developed by specialty beans such as those used in mushroom coffees exclusively prepared by boutique roasters around the world today!

Sum Up – A Cup Of Coffee So Much More Than Traditional Coffee

In summary, mushroom coffee is a fascinating and delicious way to get the health benefits of mushrooms in an easy-to-consume beverage.

Those looking for a sensory experience beyond traditional coffee and tea should give it a try.

As with any herbal or medicinal product, it’s always wise to consult your physician before adding any new supplements to your daily routine.

More Food Info You’ll Like…

• What is Chai? The most satisfying cuppa in the world!
• Maca Coffee: It’s not your average cup of Joe!
• Kona Coffee: Best Hawaiian coffee that you can’t miss out!
• Expresso beans vs. coffee beans
• How To Make Mushroom Coffee Like a Pro
• What Is Blue Matcha (Butterfly Pea Flowers)
• Does white tea have caffeine?
• Pink Oyster Mushroom Guide
• Blue Oyster Mushroom Guide
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipes
• 38 Tasty Vegan Oyster Mushroom Recipes
• What are Bitters?
• What Is Vegemite?
• What Is Bean Curd?