For many of us, a day doesn’t start without a cup of coffee. But as interest in health and wellness grows, caffeine alternatives are gaining traction. One that’s garnering particular buzz is energy-boosting mushroom coffee, which blends coffee beans with a variety of medicinal mushrooms.
Mushroom coffee mix are packed with antioxidants and adaptogens, compounds that help the body cope with stress and improve overall wellbeing. Proponents of mushroom coffee say it boosts concentration and immune function, among other benefits. But the drink’s benefits are largely anecdotal, and there’s not much research to back up the claims. Plus, the powders used in mushroom coffee can be hard on digestion and some types of mushrooms (especially chaga) are high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones if you consume too many.
Some people report that it helps them deal with stress, while others claim it reduces inflammation and improves sleep. In fact, “there’s very little scientific evidence on these effects,” says Butcher.
Buy Organic Mushroom Coffee: Top-Rated Options for 2024
If you’re curious to try mushroom coffee, check out this kit from Clevr that includes two different mushroom latte blends and a frother and scooper for making them at home. The kits also include a guide on how to make the best mushroom coffee. Another option is this blend from MUDWTR, which uses a mix of lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms to improve mood, focus, and immune function while still tasting like a traditional coffee. It has about a third of the caffeine found in regular joe and is great for those who want to cut out coffee entirely or just want less caffeine in their diets.