We include tips from nutrition experts and the latest research on what to forage for inmushroom coffee.
In addition, we looked at the cost, caffeine content, and potential health benefits of each brew.
She enjoys the smooth, bold flavor of the coffee and believes it tastes just like regular coffee.
I enjoy the earthy taste of Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee.
However, Four Sigmatic mushroom coffee is much more expensive than regular coffee.
This coffee is brewed like regular coffee.
Our tester also convinced her mushroom-hating, coffee snob husband to try it.
Its available from a variety of vendors on Amazon.
There are few human studies of mushroom coffee.
Chaga mushrooms may be beneficial to skin health.
Best Tasting
Pella has a pleasant aroma with a nutty taste thats slightly bitter.
We added milk to cut the bitterness.
Pella also offers a salted caramel flavor and a dark roast blend with more caffeine.
It reminds us of a full-bodied dark roast coffee with a hint of mocha.
We liked that Pella was simple Brazilian coffee plus a blend of seven medicinal mushrooms.
The product is carbon neutral and manufactured in the United States.
It contains less caffeine than regular coffee plus 1 gram (g) each of fiber and protein.
Over-the-counter products should not be considered a substitute for prescription medications.
These benefits include but are not limited to neuroprotective properties in the brain and immune support.
All these parameters change the composition of the mushroom and, consequently, its bioactive capacity.
Our tester felt a nice sense of calm after drinking Lairds latte.
It may have been the mushroom blend or taking time out for herself in the middle of the afternoon.
She might mix it with her regular coffee since it has an added creamer.
Similarly, the caffeine content is not listed although freeze-dried coffee is one of the ingredients.
Laird contains a blend of chaga, lions mane, maitake, and cordyceps mushrooms.
More research on humans is needed.
Be warned that a sudden increase in inulin fiber may lead to gas and an upset stomach.
We tested a variety pack and enjoyed the French Roast and Toasted Maple flavors the most.
Teeccinos adaptogen mushroom blends offer a delicious and familiar way to introduce yourself to the world of adaptogens.
Most mushroom coffee blends are lower in caffeine than regular coffee, which has 95 mg per eight-ounce serving.
This mushroom powder also contains 250 mg of organic ashwagandha extract per serving.
Lions mane may play a role in positively impacting mental energy, according to areview of clinical trials.
Ashwagandha was also mentioned in this study for its mood-boosting effects.
In addition, turkey tail mushrooms may also have positive health benefits according to astudy.
The compounds known as polysaccharopeptides in these particular mushrooms may serve as immunological and anticancer agents.
Amy Ruschulte, MD, a Cincinnati family and integrative medicine physician, recommends Om.
I do like the taste however I mostly tried it for the nutritional/medicinal value of the mushrooms.
I was hoping for improved focus beyond the benefit of caffeine alone, says Ruschulte.
Im also a fan of mushrooms for theiranti-cancerandanti-inflammatoryproperties.
We suggest mixing Om into other beverages or foods for the best experience.
Our testers energy level was unchanged from Om, but that could be because it doesnt contain caffeine.
She did feel some improvement in focus and stress level after she drank it.
Manycollagen powdersthat containonlycollagen have 1020 g of collagen per serving.
This is especially important in older adults.
Everyday Dose provides the amino acid L-theanine, which shows some promise for mental health.
She usually drinks two to three cups of coffee daily, so the caffeine content was low for her.
This mushroom coffee reduced the jittery feelings I had from coffee.
Everyday Dose contains a combination of lions mane and chaga mushrooms.
Chaga mushrooms are packed with bioactive compounds like phenolics, terpenoids, and polysaccharides.
Creatine is popular in the bodybuilding world but it may also be beneficial to brain health.
I mostly noticed an improvement in focus, productivity, and staying power.
Beam Super Latte is much lower in caffeine than regular coffee and other mushroom coffees.
She didnt notice any bitterness from the mix of mushrooms just a muted earthiness.
The powder was too sweet for her palette, so she added unsweetened almond milk to mellow the mix.
Research on cordyceps mushrooms is encouraging.
According to astudypublished inMolecules, cordyceps is a medical mushroom that contains cordycepin.
An in vitroreview studyfound that extracts made from turkey tail are effective in reducing this dangerous toxin.
Huperzine-A is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment against dementia.
Areviewsuggests it may have neuroprotective properties to help treat Alzheimers disease.
More research is needed on human subjects.
Areviewpublished inFunctional Foodshighlighted several health benefits linked with theobromine, including cognitive enhancement and anti-inflammatory effects.
[Ive read research that] suggests that phosphatidylserine from cows may aid in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
It’s unclear whether Beam’s phosphatidylserine comes from bovine or plant sources.
MCT oil may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers disease according to a 2023study.
We liked how Ryze looked and smelled when it was mixed.
It has a sweet coconut smell and taste but isnt overpowering.
It contains just 15 calories per serving without added sweeteners.
You could add milk or creamer to it, but we didnt think it needed anything.
Focus and productivity were good after drinking Ryze.
Our writer suggests Ryze to her clients with acid reflux who love coffee but dont want the extra caffeine.
Ryze is pricey, considering they suggest two servings per day, with 30 servings per bag.
Individuals with nut allergies cant use this product given the coconut content.
Reishi mushrooms are also a source of beta-glucans.
Beta-glucansmay help protect the immune system.
Shiitake mushrooms found in Ryze also show promising anticancer health benefits.
According to onestudy, a compound called lentinan in shitake mushrooms contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor functions.
Shes a regular coffee consumer who tasted and evaluated the mushroom coffees featured.
The editors weighed in on their favorites, too.
In addition, mushrooms are recognized for their powerful nutrient profile including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
MUDWTR contains black tea powder.
Despite the name coffee, not all mushroom coffees are caffeinated.
Several are caffeine-free, and most mushroom coffees that do contain coffee have less caffeine overall than regular coffee.
What to Look for in Mushroom Coffee
Ingredients in mushroom coffee can vary greatly.
As mentioned above, some may be combined with coffee grounds or simply be made from mushroom blends.
Mushroom coffee may contain flavor enhancers such as coconut milk, MCT oil, cacao, and cinnamon.
Individuals with sensitivities to artificial sweeteners should look for mushroom coffees without added sweeteners.
Read theNutrition Facts labelfor grams of fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.
Other additives in mushroom coffee may include collagen, which would add protein and calories to your coffee.
MCT oil (found inRyze Mushroom Coffee) will add fat and additional calories to coffee, too.
Wild Foraged Mushrooms vs. Lab-Grown Mushrooms: Which Is Better?
Naturally grown mushrooms can have a high antioxidant content, depending on the species.
Onestudyfound that morchella and agaricus mushrooms were found to have the highest value in terms of biochemical content.
When evaluating the total antioxidant capacity,M.
collinitushave shown higher values than other mushrooms.
Mushroom caps tend to have higher nutrient content than the stems.
These mushroom products are often produced from myceliated grain.
OConnor also points to astudy published in 2023 inMoleculesthat touts the various benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
Mushrooms contain biologically active compounds that have anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory effects.
The taste of mushroom coffee depends on the blend.
The blends that I tried with a mix of mushrooms and coffee tasted just like coffee.
Your best bet is to try a few different brands and see what sits well with your taste buds.
Read the label for the addition of coconut milk or MCT oil.
Mushroom coffee is considered safe, although pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with their doctor first.
Most mushroom coffee companies promote their products as safe with the majority suggesting up to two cups per day.
Like regular coffee, mushroom coffee that contains caffeine could aggravate conditions such as reflux or anxiety.
To date, no studies have been published on mushroom coffee and weight loss.
Calorie-free orlow-calorie(40 calories or less) beverages can be included as part of a weight loss diet.
As some mushroom lattes have between 90 and 150 calories per serving, this could deter weight loss.
As always, weight will be affected by other habits, including sleep, exercise, and overall diet.
Mushroom coffee may help reduce caffeine intake, which could improvesleep.
ButNSFis one certification that a supplement can receive.
NSF is a globally recognized organization for public health standards.
They conduct testing, auditing, and certification which is supported by accredited labs.
They also provide consulting and training for brands and businesses.