I just started drinking mushroom coffee this year. I found that the The Mushroom Coffee by Everyday Dose is my favorite right now. I love both the coffee and the matcha blends, and they seem to just blend up in my blender really well, or froth with a milk frother nice and creamy! I started drinking mushroom coffee like Everyday Does because it had so much extra goodness in it besides being just coffee. It also has less caffeine, so I feel like I am getting off of the caffeine and performing better mentally without as much caffeine as coffee! I still am obsessed with Starbucks coffee, and I LOVE my coldbrew drinks (you can see all of my favorite, low-calorie iced drinks here).

What is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a blend of regular coffee and medicinal mushrooms. The mushrooms commonly used in these blends include varieties such as chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Each type of mushroom is believed to offer various health benefits, such as improved focus, reduced stress, and enhanced immune function.

Key Points About Mushroom Coffee:

Combination: It typically combines ground coffee beans with powdered medicinal mushrooms.
Health Benefits: The mushrooms are thought to add health benefits beyond those of regular coffee, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
Flavor: While the coffee flavor usually dominates, the mushrooms can add a subtle earthy or nutty taste.
Caffeine Content: It often contains less caffeine than regular coffee, making it a good option for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

Mushroom coffee is one of my new favorite supplements because it gives you so much more than just a quick caffeine boost! Because it has the extra mushrooms and adaptagens, it really does a lot for your brain function! From the adaptogenic power of turkey tail that supports the immune system, to the cognitive enhancements courtesy of lion’s mane and the blood sugar regulation of chaga mushrooms, this isn’t your regular grocery store pick-me-up. It’s a carefully crafted concoction that promises not just great taste but a host of benefits to kickstart your day. With each sip, I’ve found not just an energy boost, but a surprising improvement in mental clarity, thanks to the less caffeine and more nutrient-packed punch of mushroom extracts. Whether it’s in instant coffee form or carefully ground for a french press, mushroom coffee blends are creating a buzz for all the right reasons, making their way into daily routines as the first thing many, including me, are eager to greet in the morning.

What are the benefits of adaptagens?

Mushroom adaptogens are a category of mushrooms known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. Adaptogens are substances, often herbs or mushrooms, that are believed to enhance the body’s resilience to stressors, whether they are physical, chemical, or biological.

Key Characteristics of Mushroom Adaptogens:

Stress Reduction: They help modulate the body’s response to stress, potentially reducing anxiety and fatigue.
Balance and Homeostasis: Adaptogens are thought to promote balance in the body’s systems, supporting overall health and well-being.
Non-Toxic: They are generally considered safe and non-toxic, with minimal side effects when taken in appropriate doses.

Common Mushroom Adaptogens:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):
- Benefits: Known for its calming properties, it may help with relaxation, better sleep, and immune support.
- Uses: Often used in teas, tinctures, and supplements for stress relief and immune support.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus):
- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, chaga is believed to support immune function and combat oxidative stress.
- Uses: Commonly consumed as a tea, in coffee blends, or as an extract.
- Comes in chaga mushroom powders
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris):
- Benefits: Known for boosting energy, stamina, and athletic performance, cordyceps may also support respiratory health.
- Uses: Available in capsule form, as powders, or in extracts.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract (Hericium erinaceus):
- Benefits: Linked to cognitive health, lion’s mane is thought to improve memory, focus, and nerve regeneration.
- Uses: Often found in dietary supplements, coffee blends, and culinary dishes.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa):
- Benefits: Supports immune health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Uses: Used in cooking, supplements, and teas.

How They Work:

Mushroom adaptogens are thought to work by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the part of the brain that controls the body’s stress response. By modulating this system, adaptogens can help normalize bodily functions and mitigate the negative effects of stress.

The Science Behind Mushroom Coffee

Studies on mushrooms, particularly those focusing on medicinal mushrooms and their adaptogenic properties, have shown promising results in various areas of health and wellness. Here’s an overview of some significant research findings:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Immune Modulation: Reishi mushrooms have been found to enhance immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and other components of the immune system .
Anti-Cancer Properties: Some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms have potential anti-cancer effects, particularly in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) .

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Antioxidant Activity: Chaga is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation .
Anti-Cancer Potential: Research indicates that chaga extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost the immune response against tumors .

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris)

Energy and Performance: Cordyceps have been shown to improve aerobic capacity and endurance, making them popular among athletes .
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Studies suggest cordyceps can reduce inflammation and support overall immune function .

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Cognitive Health: Lion’s mane is linked to improved cognitive function and nerve regeneration. Research indicates it may enhance memory and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression .
Neuroprotective Effects: Studies have shown that lion’s mane can stimulate the growth of nerve cells and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s .

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Blood Sugar Regulation: Maitake mushrooms have been found to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making them beneficial for people with diabetes .
Immune Support: Maitake can enhance immune function by activating various immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells .

General Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Adaptogenic Properties: Many medicinal mushrooms are classified as adaptogens, which help the body adapt to stress and restore balance .
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Certain mushrooms possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help fight infections and support overall health .

Top Picks for Best Mushroom Coffees

I am a little bit obsessed with trying new products in the supplement realm, usually a new protein powder, pre-workout or nootropic gummy, and it is the same for me with mushroom coffees! I usually find a product that I come back to, or a brand I love, then I venture out for new brands and products just to see how they compare to my favorite! My journey wasn’t just about finding a coffee substitute; it was about enhancing my daily routine with a brew that promised not just a caffeine kick but also a boost to my immune system, brain function, and energy levels—all with less caffeine. I discovered brands like Everyday Dose that not only offered great taste but also integrated high-quality ingredients including organic chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms. Their products, alongside others like Pella Nutrition mushroom coffee and various instant coffee options, promised potential health benefits, from supporting cognitive function to assisting in blood sugar regulation, all while providing the rich aroma and robust taste we crave in a morning cup of joe. Each brand stood out not just for its unique blend of mushrooms but also for its commitment to bringing the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms into the mainstream, offering everything from ground coffee beans to convenient, on-the-go sachets. For me, this journey wasn’t just about the pursuit of the best mushroom coffee brands; it was about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness, mental clarity, and a holistic approach to the first thing I consume in the morning.

Favorite Pick: The Mushroom Coffee by Everyday Dose:

I personally use this coffee, and I have it on subscription! One tbsp goes a long way, and I really like that is has collagen in it because I am doing my best to get more collagen in every day!

Four Sigmatic Think Mushroom Coffee:

I haven’t tried this, but it is highly rated on Amazon, and you can make it just like your normal cup of coffee!

What does Four Sigmatic mean?

Four Sigmatic foods are the most nutrient dense, most studied foods on the planet. Only 100 foods fall into this category and those are the foods you’ll find in our products, as well as various types of mushrooms.

Does your product taste like mushrooms?

Our products taste like coffee or hot cacao or whatever they’re mixed with. If you’re looking to taste mushrooms, sorry to disappoint.

Do you source your mushrooms locally?

We source our mushroom blend of ingredients from the highest quality locations around the world. And we’re always looking for better, more local options. If you have an idea, drop us a line.

Pella Nutrition High-Caffeine Mushroom Coffee

This mushroom coffee has a lot of goodness packed with extra mg of caffeine.

Infused with 7 Superfood Mushrooms includhing shiitake mushrooms, organic lion’s mane mushroom, , Robust Instant Coffee, Featuring Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, and Turkey Tail. It also blends well, and I think it replaces a regular morning cup of coffee hot or cold!

This one checks all the boxes with fair trade, no fillers, gluten free and vegan. It also only has 6 calories per servings, where my Everyday Dose has 15!

FreshCap Ultimate Mushroom Complex Powder:

This mushroom powder isn’t actually coffee, but you can add it to anything you like, and it has really good ratings. If you aren’t sure about a coffee, or you like your typical espresso on the morning, you can add a scoop of this to get all the mushroom benefits!

Beyond Brew Mushroom Superfood Coffee:

This is another brand that is highly rated, and it has prebiotics and probiotics. WIth a little bit of a cooa/chocolate taste, it is a little smoother than the other ones.

Renude Chagaccino – Wild-Foraged Chaga Mushroom Coffee

This one is on my list to try next! It is apparently wild mushrooms, which might be better, and it is slightly sweetened with monkfruit, so it probably tastes great! It doesn’t have collagen like my first choice, but it definiltey is one I want to try!

MUSHROOM & ADAPTOGEN POWDER: 500mg of 100% Wild-Foraged Chaga Mushroom Powder, Organic Peruvian Cacao, Organic Sri Lankan Cinnamon, Organic Japanese Monk Fruit
HIGHEST QUALITY: Our Chaga is Wild-Foraged from sustainable farms in Canada and Siberia. We freeze dry our Chaga instead of chemical spraying to ensure the best quality product.
DIET FRIENDLY: The Chagaccino is vegan, keto, gluten-free, sugar-free and zero calories. We use internationally sourced ingredients to give you the best of the best. No solvents, fillers, or emulsifiers either!

OM Mushroom Superfood Coffee Latte Blend Mushroom Powder,

I like this one because it is made with oatmilk too, so you get more of a latte than just plain coffee! I add milk to my mushroom coffee powders anyways, so this is a great way to have your oatmilk and coffee all in one!

There you have my top choices of mushroom coffees. I highly encourage you to give one brand a shot, then try a few to see which ones feels the best to you! I have found that the mushrooms seem to really help me focus more than traditional coffee. Also, when I can focus more, I am less agitated and more likely to get a better workout in! My next idea is to try mushroom hot chocolates for winter, when you want a little extra focus or calm, but you don’t want a coffee! If you have any tendencies towards ADD or ADHD, or a hard time focusing, I think a mushroom coffee could be a really good option for you!