Mushroom Coffee: Should You Drink It?

Mushroom coffee is one of the hottest trends on social media. Open your Instagram, Facebook and you’ll find people posting pictures of themselves drinking a black coffee like hot beverage and bragging about its health benefits. So, if you’re confused as to whether or not to drink mushroom coffee, you’re in the right place.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

It is nothing but your normal black coffee infused with some powdered mushroom. And mushrooms we are talking about here are not regular mushrooms we use in cooking, they are medical mushrooms instead. While the coffee is surely made with mushrooms, it doesn’t taste mushroomy at all. Instead, it has a muted and earthy taste to it. In general, medicinal mushrooms don’t taste like mushrooms we use while cooking, they have an entirely different taste which is more on the medicinal side.

Generally, mushroom coffee has half the regular amount of caffeine of the normal coffee, which accounts for about 95mg of caffeine per 8oz of coffee. Moreover, the caffeine volume of it is very close to that of green tea which has about 50mg of caffeine per 8oz.

Even after having low levels of caffeine than regular black coffee, mushroom coffee offers greater energy and has fewer side effects. For instance, Cordyceps – one of the medicinal mushrooms used in mushroom coffee – is a known energy booster that has been used for ages for its amazing health benefits.

Health Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee

The health benefits of this coffee depend on the type of fungi used for making it. For instance, a Cordyceps blend is a great energy booster, and a maitake mix is known to regulate the insulin levels and helps in fighting against physical or mental discomfort. Further, Chaga mushroom is very effective in treating an upset stomach and other gastrointestinal problems.

A majority of medicinal mushrooms are a good source of sulphur-rich antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine which help in fighting free radicals.

Medicinal mushrooms are also packed with vital vitamins and minerals such as potassium, selenium and copper. They’re also rich in calcium which offers strength to the bones and prevents joint problems.

Lastly, this great coffee is very popular among the women and men who want to cut those extra pounds and want a flat tummy. It contains zero fat and cholesterol and hence great for folks on some kind of diet.

Below are some of the other health benefits of mushroom coffee :

• Offers better sleep. If you’re someone who struggles with sleeplessness or insomnia, try it.
• It helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
• It strengthens the immune system.
• It helps in reducing inflammation and soothes sore muscles.
• It enhances memory.

How Is It Made?

It is made using medicinal mushrooms that are dried and ground into fine powder.

The most common fungi that are used for producing mushroom coffee are changa, Cordyceps and lion’s mane. Generally, it isn’t made using a single type of mushroom, instead it is made using several species mixed with instant coffee. Further, this coffee is sold in instant serving packs.

The mushroom coffee you might find at your local grocery stores is a half-n-half mix of coffee and medicinal mushroom powder.

These days, many brands are manufacturing mushroom coffee as a caffeine-free coffee alternative. It is great for those who want to cut on their caffeine intake while still needing a daily dose of energy. Further, there are brands that are experimenting and producing mushroom coffee in different flavors using the most liked ingredients such as dark chocolate, peppermint, chicory etc.

What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?

Almost all types of medicinal mushrooms including cordyceps, Chaga, lion’s mane and reishi don’t taste like your regular button or portobello mushrooms. They don’t have a mushroomy flavor at all. Instead, they are earthy and have a slight medicinal taste.

So, don’t expect your mushroom coffee to taste like coffee mixed in a mushroom stock. The good part is, the earthy flavor gets lost in the flavor of coffee.

How Much Do Mushroom Coffee Cost?

The cost of mushroom coffee ranges anywhere from $5 to $500 depending on the brand and number of packs. The cost of mushroom coffee also varies according to their flavors and type of mushroom.

Final Verdict – Should You Drink It?

Mushroom coffee is very popular among fitness freaks, especially women. It is offering great results with rare side-effects. The best part is, it has minimum caffeine content. So, you can definitely try it. However, if you’re on medication or allergic to mushrooms, take expert advice before using it.