A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, mushrooms have long been a favorite ingredient of the wellness community. These superfoods are packed with vitamins and nutrients associated with a variety of potential benefits. Medicinal mushrooms, in particular, can help promote immune health, enhance bone strength, regulate mood, improve sleep, boost digestive health, and support brain function.
Switching from traditional coffee to mushroom coffee is an easy way to incorporate these benefits into your wellness routine. Made from a blend of coffee beans and mushroom extracts, this coffee substitute combines the energizing properties of regular java with the health benefits of mushrooms. Whether you typically have a morning cup of coffee to kick-start your day, a mid-day cup for an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-dinner cup with dessert, switching to mushroom coffee is a great way to level up your wellness game.
From instant coffee to pre-measured pods, mushroom coffee comes in many varieties. With so many blends, brewing methods, and products to choose from, it can be challenging to find the ideal option for your needs. No worries—we’ve done the hard work for you and are here to help with this carefully curated list of some of the best mushroom coffees available on the market today. Join us as we explore these exciting coffee substitutes and learn more about how they can help you tap into the many possible health benefits mushrooms have to offer.
Summary of the Best Mushroom Coffee
- Best Overall Mushroom Coffee: VitaCup Focus Ground Coffee
- Most Energizing Mushroom Coffee: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Kit
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are edible fungi with therapeutic properties. These superfoods are divided into two categories: medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms. The former contain health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants, whereas adaptogenic mushrooms consist of compounds that optimize the body’s immune system and stress response systems.
The bioactive compounds of these mushrooms are extracted and concentrated for use in dietary supplements such as capsules, powders, gummies, and functional mushroom coffee. There are over 700 types of edible mushrooms that reportedly have a wide range of therapeutic properties. The ones most commonly found in supplements and mushroom coffee include:
- Chaga mushrooms
- Lion’s mane mushrooms
- Cordyceps mushrooms
- Reishi mushrooms
- Turkey tail mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Phellinus mushrooms
- Agaricus mushrooms
Best Functional Mushroom Coffee
This coffee substitute combines the health benefits of fungi with the energizing effects of traditional coffee. Let’s take a look at some of the best functional mushroom coffees on the market today!
1. Best Overall Mushroom Coffee: VitaCup Focus Ground Coffee
VitaCup Focus Ground Coffee
Best Overall Mushroom Coffee
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Elevate your body and mind by starting your day with VitaCup’s Focus Ground Coffee. Just one cup of this heavy-bodied coffee blend is all you need to boost your concentration, energy, and metabolism so you can stay focused and balanced all day long. Made from ground coffee beans, this product is suitable for a variety of brewing methods including French press, pour-over, and drip.
Infused with chaga mushroom powder and lion’s mane extract, this medium-dark roast ground coffee can improve cognitive function and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Every sip contains a blend of essential B vitamins and plant-based vitamin D to strengthen your immune health. Plus, the addition of inulin, a natural fiber found in artichokes, helps promote healthy digestion while adding a touch of natural sweetness.
Coffee lovers will appreciate the earthy flavor, and those who don’t care for the taste of mushrooms needn’t worry—while this coffee is infused with mushroom powder, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms! Furthermore, this product is vegan, sugar- and gluten-free, and contains no artificial ingredients.
Pros:
- Pleasant, earthy taste
- Can be brewed in multiple ways
- Infused with vitamins for added health effects
- Free from gluten, soy, sugar, and artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Aroma isn’t as potent as our other picks
Specs:
- Size: 10 ounces per bag
- Roast: Medium-dark
- Strength: 500 mg of lion’s mane and 250 mg of chaga per bag
Learn more about VitaCup Focus Ground Coffee today!
2. Most Energizing Mushroom Coffee: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Most Energizing Mushroom Coffee
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If you’re looking for a morning coffee alternative that’ll put a pep in your step and improve your focus, look no further than Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. This ground coffee is infused with a combination of organic chaga and lion’s mane and is formulated to improve concentration, increase energy, and boost mood. Plus, lion’s mane also has the potential to regulate blood sugar levels.
Unlike many other mushroom coffee products, this one is made with organic coffee. These coffee grounds can be brewed using drip, French press, and pour-over methods. The rich chocolate flavor is sure to delight any coffee drinker and offers a healthier alternative to hot chocolate. The delicious flavor can be further enhanced by adding your favorite nut milk or cream.
The coffee is free of fillers and artificial flavors, with all ingredients being natural or wild-harvested. Best of all, it’s third-party lab-tested for toxins and guaranteed free from mycotoxins, yeast, heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. Many users notice positive effects within a week of switching to this coffee.
Pros:
- Organic, keto-friendly, sugar-free ingredients
- Tested by third-party labs and toxin-free
- Discounts available for subscribers and bulk buyers
- Doesn’t taste like mushrooms
Cons:
- No added vitamins
Specs:
- Size: 12 ounces per bag
- Strength: Unspecified
Learn more about Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee today!
3. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Kit
Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Kit
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
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If you have a sensitive stomach or experience digestive issues, we recommend trying the Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Kit. Brought to you by one of the top mushroom coffee brands, this product is formulated to be gentle on the stomach. The coffee blend is lab-tested and free from heavy metals, common allergens, mold, and mycotoxins.
Delicious on its own or with your favorite milk or sweetener, this coffee is creamy and light with chocolatey taste notes. It’s packed with flavor and sugar-free, making it suitable for those who are diabetic or watching their blood sugar. The infusion of lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms can help improve focus, digestive health, and immunity. This coffee is also formulated with collagen protein for skin, nails, hair, joints, and bone health as well as L-theanine for sleep support and better concentration.
In addition to 30 servings of delicious mushroom coffee, this kit also comes with a rechargeable frother, a dosing spoon, access to a mobile app, and more. Everything comes beautifully packaged in a gift-ready box and is backed by the brand’s 45-day return policy.
Pros:
- Non-GMO and gluten-, sugar-, soy-, and dairy-free
- Tested by third-party labs
- Comes with accessories and extras
- Low-acidity formula is easy on the stomach
Cons:
- Lower caffeine content may not be ideal for some
Specs:
- Size: 6.3 ounces per bag
- Strength: 2,275 mg of mushrooms and nootropics blend per serving
Learn more about the Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee Kit today!
How We Picked the Best Functional Mushroom Coffee
To ensure we recommended the best products from the best mushroom coffee brands, we examined countless options according to a stringent set of criteria. Only products that met the standards outlined below were featured in this article.
Quality Ingredients
A mushroom coffee is only as good as the quality of its ingredients. Therefore, we only selected coffees containing all-natural ingredients, with preference given to those made from organically-grown mushrooms and ingredients.
Testing and Manufacturing
Without FDA regulation, it’s not always easy to determine if a brand is trustworthy. One of the best ways to determine whether a company is reputable is to check how its products are manufactured. We gave preference to products that are tested by third-party labs and confirmed to be free from heavy metals, toxins, mold, and other harmful substances.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback from buyers who have used a product can provide invaluable insight into its effectiveness, quality, flavor, and benefits. We only featured products that regularly receive positive ratings and reviews from customers.
How To Find the Best Mushroom Coffee for You
With a huge pool of mushroom coffee products to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. As you’re shopping, keep the following considerations in mind to ensure you choose the best mushroom coffees for your specific needs and goals.
Ingredients
The best mushroom coffees are made with premium, all-natural ingredients. Look for options that are free from fillers, additives, artificial colors, dyes, and other undesirable ingredients. Mushroom coffee ingredients should include top-quality coffee beans and mushroom extracts. Some of the most common and beneficial mushrooms to look for in your coffee product are lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms; turkey tail mushrooms are also quite beneficial and rich in antioxidants.
Type and Brewing Method
Before making a purchase, it’s important to make sure the coffee you’re considering is compatible with your preferred brewing method(s).
Most mushroom coffees are ground and can be used with a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over method. If you prefer to grind the beans yourself for extra flavor and freshness, then you’ll want to look for high-quality coffee beans.
Whether you live alone or are the only coffee lover in your household, coffee pods are ideal for those who don’t want to brew a whole pot. They contain a pre-measured amount of ground coffee and are compatible with most single-serving coffee makers.
The convenience of coffee pods is rivaled only by Instant coffee, which is one of the quickest, most convenient options when it comes to brewing methods. Simply mix the instant coffee with hot water, and you’re good to go! This option is a great choice for busy parents and professionals who are often on the move.
Roast
Consider which roast type best suits your taste buds and preferences. Light roasts are more acidic and higher in caffeine, and they typically have fruity or chocolatey flavor notes. A medium roast will have a sweeter, more balanced flavor with nutty, fruity, or chocolatey taste notes. Those who opt for a dark roast can expect low acidity levels, a slightly bitter taste, and smoky flavor notes.
Brand Reputation
Look for products sold by reputable brands. The best mushroom coffee suppliers offer excellent customer service and stand behind their merchandise with money-back guarantees. Also, look for brands that have fair return policies and high levels of customer satisfaction.
Mushroom Blend
As we mentioned above, different mushrooms offer different effects. For instance, lion’s mane and cordyceps are both types of adaptogenic mushrooms yet each offers a unique set of benefits. Lion’s mane can alleviate stress, enhance memory, and improve cognitive function, whereas cordyceps is known for boosting immune health and reducing inflammation.
Think about what health benefits you hope to gain from your morning cup of mushroom coffee, and choose a product that’s in line with your wellness goals. The product you select should be made with mushroom blends that offer the benefits you seek.
For example, if you want to boost your immune system or reduce swelling, look for coffee that contains cordyceps or turkey tail mushrooms. If you’re looking for a coffee that can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, increase energy levels, and reduce stress, then one infused with chaga mushrooms is a good match.
Many coffees are also infused with vitamins and minerals for added health benefits. For example, L-theanine is added to some blends to enhance sleep quality and focus while other products may be infused with collagen protein to enhance skin, hair, and nail health.
Price
The best mushroom coffees aren’t always the ones with the highest price tags. Look for ones made with all-natural, top-quality ingredients that strike an ideal balance between cost and value. Many retailers offer perks like free shipping and discounts for first-time buyers, subscription holders, and customers who purchase bulk quantities.
Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Research suggests that polysaccharide compounds known as beta-glucans are responsible for some of the potential health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms. Let’s take a closer look at the possible benefits you may experience if you switch from regular coffee to mushroom coffee.
Improved Cognition
Mushroom coffee may promote mental clarity, focus, and concentration. Lion’s mane mushrooms are particularly well-known for their potential to improve brain function.
Reduced Stress
Some mushrooms have the potential to reduce stress and anxiety. This is likely due to their ability to increase the levels of an important neurotransmitter modulator that plays a role in neural growth and regulating cognitive and emotional function.
Immune Support
The beta-glucans found in mushrooms may increase the activity of certain immune-activating and anti-inflammatory compounds in cells, supporting the immune system and overall immune function.
Heart Health
Some research suggests that certain mushrooms may benefit cardiovascular health. For example, reishi mushrooms may protect against heart damage and heart disease by improving cholesterol and blood pressure. Additionally, the lion’s mane mushroom can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by preventing cholesterol oxidation in the bloodstream.
Other Benefits
Some additional therapeutic perks associated with functional mushrooms include improved sleep quality, boosted energy levels, memory support, and muscle relaxation.
Potential Side Effects of Functional Mushroom Coffee
Now that we’ve discussed some of the many mushroom coffee benefits, let’s talk about the potential side effects.
Some people—especially those who have trouble digesting grains—may experience digestive issues after consuming mushroom coffee or other supplements infused with mushroom extract.
Mushroom coffees often contain the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee. Below, you’ll find some of the possible side effects of consuming too much caffeine.
- Restlessness
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Fast heart rate
- Irritability
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Insomnia
- Dependence (with excessive daily consumption)
Those with any mushroom allergies should avoid mushroom coffees altogether. Symptoms of a mushroom allergy may include stomach pain, hives, vomiting, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any adverse effects after drinking mushroom coffee, don’t drink it again, and speak with your doctor.
It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before taking a mushroom supplement, as it may interact poorly with prescription medications, non-prescription medications, or other supplements you may be taking. Also, it’s wise to avoid mushroom coffee if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless your healthcare professional says otherwise.
FAQ
Are functional mushrooms safe?
Functional mushrooms are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive distress, headaches, or dizziness. Also, these mushrooms can be harmful for those who are allergic to mushrooms, pregnant, or taking certain medications or supplements. As such, we strongly recommend talking to your healthcare provider before incorporating functional mushroom products, including mushroom coffee, into your wellness routine.
How does functional mushroom coffee taste?
Since it’s infused with mushroom extracts, many drinkers worry about mushroom coffee tasting like mushrooms. Fortunately, the best mushroom coffees taste just like regular coffee, making them ideal for people who don’t care for the taste of mushrooms but want to take advantage of the wellness benefits they offer.
How do I prepare mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee can be made with hot water, just as you would prepare a regular cup of coffee. Follow the directions for your favorite brewing method. Once brewed, you can drink the coffee as-is or customize it with your favorite mix-ins such as non-dairy milk, creamer, nut milk, maple syrup, butter, and sugar (or sugar substitute, if you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels).
What are the best mushrooms for sleep?
The reishi mushroom has been used for centuries to improve sleep quality. The lion’s mane mushroom can also help promote sleep by calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and boosting mood.
What are the best mushrooms to improve energy?
While many types of mushrooms are known for their energizing properties, lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms are two of the most popular options. In addition to increasing energy levels, these mushrooms can also improve focus and concentration.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and support your immune system, heart health, digestion, and neurological function, then you may want to consider swapping out your morning coffee for mushroom coffee. This coffee alternative has all the energizing benefits of regular coffee plus a host of possible wellness benefits. If you’re new to mushroom coffee, the products featured above are a great place to start.
Carefully crafted by some of the best mushroom coffee brands in the industry, each of our recommendations is made with safe, premium, natural ingredients and packed with nutrients and flavor. We hope you found this article informative and that it helps you find the perfect mushroom coffee for your health goals.
