Mushroom Coffee: Healthy Brew Or Fad?

Mushroom coffee is a trendy drink that has gained popularity for its purported health benefits. It is made by extracting the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, dehydrating them, grinding them into a fine powder, and mixing them with ground coffee beans in a 1:1 ratio. The resulting beverage is said to have a nutty and earthy flavour, similar to regular coffee. While mushroom coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, boasting medicinal properties and reduced caffeine content, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. The potential health benefits of mushroom coffee include improved immunity, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and reduced stress due to the presence of adaptogens and antioxidants in mushrooms. However, consuming whole mushrooms as part of a diet may provide more significant health benefits than drinking processed mushroom coffee. Additionally, certain mushroom varieties, such as Chaga, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Overall, while mushroom coffee may offer some health advantages, it is essential to approach it with caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with kidney or digestive issues.

Potential health benefits of mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee. It is made by extracting the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, dehydrating them, grinding them into a powder, and mixing them with ground coffee beans in a 1:1 ratio. The most popular types of mushrooms used for this purpose include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail.

While there are many claimed health benefits of mushroom coffee, there is little research to support these assertions. Most studies on medicinal mushrooms are based on animal testing or lab experiments, and there is no evidence that the benefits of mushrooms remain intact when they are processed and brewed with coffee. Nevertheless, here are some potential health benefits of mushroom coffee:

Improved immunity: Mushrooms have been shown to possess immune-boosting properties in test-tube studies. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, have demonstrated the potential to suppress the activity of immune cells responsible for allergic responses to certain foods.

Cancer prevention: Some studies indicate that lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, chaga, and cordyceps mushrooms may be useful as supportive therapies for cancer patients, helping to fight nausea and vomiting.

Anti-ulcer properties: Studies conducted on rats showed that Chaga mushrooms may help fight ulcers.

Reduced inflammation: Mushrooms contain compounds called polyphenols and antioxidants, which may help to reduce inflammation.

Reduced anxiety and stress: Adaptogens found in mushrooms may help to regulate cortisol, a stress hormone, and reduce the effects of stress on the body.

Better sleep: While mushroom coffee itself cannot aid better sleep, its reduced caffeine content may help some people achieve a more restful night's sleep.

Lack of research on health claims

While mushroom coffee is currently trending, the concept is not new. It is said to have been used as a coffee substitute in Finland during World War II and has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Asian countries, especially in traditional Chinese medicine.

Medicinal mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits, including improved immunity, cancer prevention, anti-allergenic properties, and improved response to stress. However, most studies on medicinal mushrooms are based on animal testing or lab experiments, with few well-designed clinical trials including humans. As a result, the health claims associated with mushroom coffee remain largely unverified.

The benefits observed in animal and test-tube studies may not directly translate to humans, and there is limited research specifically on the combined effects of mushrooms and coffee beans. While some experts believe that the drying, extraction, and brewing processes may affect the health benefits of mushrooms, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support this.

Although mushroom coffee is generally considered safe, it is important to note that mushrooms can cause digestive issues, especially for individuals with existing kidney problems or grain intolerance. Certain varieties, such as chaga mushrooms, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before regularly consuming mushroom coffee.

Safety concerns and side effects

While mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people, there are some potential side effects and safety concerns to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to note that there is limited research specifically on the health effects of mushroom coffee. Most studies on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms are conducted on animals or in lab settings, and there is a lack of well-designed clinical trials involving humans. Therefore, the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee, such as improved immunity, reduced inflammation, and better sleep, remain largely unproven.

One concern related to mushroom coffee is its potential impact on individuals with kidney issues or digestive problems. Certain mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as chaga mushrooms, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. If you have existing kidney or digestive issues, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming mushroom coffee.

Additionally, while mushroom coffee is marketed as having reduced caffeine content compared to regular coffee, caffeine sensitivity can vary among individuals. Therefore, even the lower amount of caffeine in mushroom coffee may still affect some people, potentially leading to negative side effects such as jitters or increased anxiety.

Furthermore, the cost of mushroom coffee is typically much higher than that of regular coffee. This may be a significant financial consideration for those interested in trying mushroom coffee. Lastly, while not a direct safety concern, it is worth noting that experts suggest that consuming whole mushrooms as part of your diet may provide more health benefits than drinking mushroom coffee.

Cost of mushroom coffee

The cost of mushroom coffee varies depending on the brand, quantity, and type of mushrooms used. Here is an overview of the prices of some popular mushroom coffee products:

Four Sigmatic Lion's Mane Chaga Mushroom Coffee

The Four Sigmatic brand is a well-known pioneer of mushroom coffee. Their Focus Ground Coffee, featuring organic coffee blended with Lion's Mane and Chaga, is available in a 10-ounce package and can be purchased from Target. While the price is not mentioned, the product is eligible for free standard shipping for orders over $35.

Rowdy Knights Club Instant Coffee

Rowdy Knights Club offers an instant coffee blend with a 6-mushroom blend. Their product is priced at $29.99 for 6 ounces, providing 30 servings, which equates to approximately $1 per cup.

Premium Organic Mushroom Coffee

This premium brand offers a water-processed instant coffee mix with 7 superfood mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps. It is available in a 3.98-ounce package and was previously priced at $20, although the current price is not mentioned.

SHROOMS Mushroom Coffee

SHROOMS offers a range of mushroom coffee blends, including Be Well with Reishi, Energize with Cordyceps, and Focus with Lion's Mane. While the exact prices are not provided, their website mentions that they sell their products by the case, and individual boxes are also available for purchase.

Beworths Mushroom Coffee

Beworths Mushroom Coffee is a multiple mushroom extract powder that can be added to coffee, tea, or smoothies. It is available in a 4.23-ounce package and was previously priced at $22.99, although the current price is not mentioned.

The prices mentioned above may vary depending on the retailer and the time of purchase, and it's always a good idea to check multiple sources for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Taste and preparation

The taste of mushroom coffee depends on the ingredients included in the formula, including the species of mushroom and the quality of the coffee. Most mushroom coffee is made with functional mushroom species, each of which has its own distinct flavour profile. Mushroom coffee typically has dark, earthy flavours with a mild bitter aftertaste. One of the predominant flavours of mushrooms is called "umami", a Japanese word meaning "savory". It is considered one of the five basic tastes, alongside salty, sweet, bitter, and sour.

Lion's Mane mushroom, for example, is often used as a substitute for seafood because its flavour is similar to crab. It is also slightly sweet, with a distinct umami aftertaste. Chaga mushroom coffee is also very earthy with a little bitterness. This mushroom is the most similar in taste to coffee itself and is often used in Northern countries like Canada and Siberia as an alternative to coffee.

Mushroom coffee can be prepared in several ways, but the French Press or Cafetiere method is said to produce the best results for health and flavour. To make one cup of mushroom coffee, you will need 15g of ground coffee and mushroom mix and 250g of water added to the cafetiere. Use regular tap water to pre-heat the cafetiere coffee maker, then discard the water. Put the mushroom coffee powder into the cafetiere, pour in the hot water, and let it brew for 6-10 minutes, depending on your taste preference.

Alternatively, you can make a mushroom latte by adding mushroom powder, maple syrup, almond butter (optional), cacao powder, cinnamon, and sea salt to a small blender. Steam or heat dairy-free milk and add it to the blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until frothy and well blended. You can adjust the flavour as needed, adding cinnamon for warmth and spice, more sweetener to taste, or more cacao for a rich chocolate flavour.

Frequently asked questions