Laura Smith
Mushroom coffee has become increasingly popular, with consumers opting for this fungi-infused brew for its supposed health benefits, including improved focus, better sleep, more energy, reduced inflammation, and immune-boosting benefits. It is important to note that while studies in test tubes and animals have shown compelling health benefits associated with consuming medicinal mushrooms, there is limited research on the effects of medicinal mushrooms on humans. When it comes to gluten, while some mushroom coffee blends are not labelled gluten-free, there are several options available that are certified gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes, most mushroom coffee brands are gluten-free, but always check the product labels before purchasing |
| Caffeine content | Most mushroom coffee blends have less than half the amount of caffeine compared to regular coffee |
| Health benefits | May include improved focus, energy, immunity, better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic function |
| Taste | Most people report a "nutty" or "earthy" taste, but some may not notice any flavor difference from regular coffee |
| Price | The price of mushroom coffee can vary, but generally, it tends to be more expensive than regular coffee |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free mushroom coffee options
One popular option is Four Sigmatic's mushroom coffee, which is organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Their Focus dark roast ground coffee is blended with lion's mane to improve focus and memory and chaga to boost overall mood and well-being. With over 23,000 ratings, it is the top-selling mushroom coffee on Amazon. The blend uses log-grown Lion’s Mane and wildcrafted Chaga mushrooms, which are known for promoting mental clarity, focus, and a smooth, sustained energy boost.
Another option is RYZE mushroom coffee, which contains functional mushrooms and keto-friendly ingredients. While RYZE is not yet certified gluten-free, they assure customers that all their ingredients are gluten-free, organic, and vegan. Their blend includes cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, king trumpet, organic Arabica coffee, organic MCT oil, and organic coconut milk. Cordyceps, in particular, is said to increase oxygenation to sustain energy and support rapid recovery, while lion's mane is known for enhancing focus and purpose.
When choosing a gluten-free mushroom coffee, it is important to carefully read the product labels and look for certifications like gluten-free, organic, and vegan, which can be helpful indicators of quality. Additionally, consider the quantity of mushroom content per coffee, selecting blends that utilize beneficial mushroom compounds from the "fruiting bodies" rather than just the mycelium (root).
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Health benefits of mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a powdered beverage made from medicinal mushrooms, commonly using coffee as a base. It is a combination of regular coffee and ground mushrooms. The final product combines the robust flavors of coffee, herbs, and spices with the health benefits of mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms are rich in essential nutrients and are sources of B vitamins, potassium, selenium, copper, zinc, vitamin D, and fiber. Studies have shown that supplements containing medicinal mushroom extracts or ground mushrooms may help improve certain aspects of health, including heart health and cognitive function.
Mushroom coffee is said to have numerous health benefits, including:
- Improved cognitive function: Lion's mane, a common ingredient in mushroom coffee blends, is often marketed for its cognitive-enhancing properties. A 2023 study found that those who were supplemented with 1.8 grams of lion's mane experienced immediate and long-term cognitive benefits.
- Enhanced immune system: Medicinal mushrooms are concentrated in compounds that have immune-enhancing properties. A 2018 laboratory study found that Ganoderma lucidum, often referred to as reishi, boosted the immune system in mice with liver cancer.
- Reduced inflammation: Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant support: Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Calmer energy boost: Mushroom coffee has less caffeine than regular coffee, offering a gentler energy lift without the jitters and crash associated with regular coffee.
- Improved gut health: Mushroom coffee is said to support a calm digestive tract and gut health.
- Stress relief: Mushrooms like reishi are classified as adaptogens, natural substances that help the body adapt to stress.
While mushroom coffee is associated with these potential health benefits, it is important to note that human studies on the effects of medicinal mushrooms are relatively limited, and the specific benefits of drinking mushroom coffee compared to regular coffee are not yet fully understood.
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Mushroom coffee ingredients
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms, coffee beans, and other ingredients. It is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, with lower caffeine content and added health benefits. The type of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee varies by brand, but common varieties include Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps.
For example, Four Sigmatic's Focus Mushroom Coffee contains organic coffee blended with Lion's Mane and Chaga. Similarly, RYZE Mushroom Coffee contains a blend of six types of mushrooms: Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and King Trumpet, in addition to organic Arabica coffee, organic MCT oil, and organic coconut milk.
Some mushroom coffee blends may also include other functional ingredients such as ashwagandha, prebiotics, or healthy spices like turmeric or cinnamon. These additional ingredients are believed to enhance the potential health benefits of the drink.
It is important to note that while mushroom coffee is often marketed as having reduced caffeine content, this may not be true for all brands. The caffeine content is often not listed on the product packaging, so it is advisable to check the ingredients and nutritional information carefully before consumption.
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Taste of mushroom coffee
The taste of mushroom coffee is a divisive topic. Some claim that it tastes just like regular coffee, while others find it slightly bitter or unusual. However, it's important to note that the taste may vary depending on the brand and the type of mushrooms used. Most people describe the taste as nutty or earthy, with slight notes of dates and citrus. Some brands, like Four Sigmatic, claim that their mushroom coffee has a smooth taste, while others, like Melting Forest, have a more bitter flavour profile.
The process of making mushroom coffee involves drying and extracting the beneficial compounds from mushrooms, which are then blended into regular coffee grounds or beans. This results in a product that looks like your typical coffee grounds, with a similar taste. The mushroom powder is usually combined with an equal amount of ground coffee, which cuts the caffeine content in half compared to a regular cup of coffee.
Some brands, like North Spore, offer a coffee that tastes like a typical medium roast with a nutty, slightly dark caramel taste and an earthy note lingering at the end. Others, like Atlas, have a more cocoa-like flavour with hints of coconut. Shroomi, on the other hand, is known for its premium ground coffee taste and aroma.
While the taste of mushroom coffee may vary, it is generally well-received by consumers. Some find it to be a decent substitute for coffee, especially for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake or experience the potential health benefits associated with mushroom consumption. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee specifically, and most studies on medicinal mushrooms are based on animal or lab tests rather than human clinical trials.
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How to make mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a combination of regular coffee (arabica, robusta, or both) and functional mushrooms. The functional mushrooms are believed to provide health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function, boosted immunity, improved digestion, and reduced anxiety and stress. The most commonly used mushrooms in mushroom coffee are lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps.
Making mushroom coffee from scratch is a simple process, but getting the ratios right and creating a blend that tastes good can be challenging. Here are the steps to make mushroom coffee at home:
First, you need to obtain some functional mushrooms. You can grow them yourself, buy them online, or forage them. Opt for the dried, powdered versions of these mushrooms whenever possible. You can also purchase functional mushroom blends specifically designed for making coffee, which makes the process easier. These blends are formulated to provide a good balance between flavor and effects.
If you decide to make your own blend, make sure to purchase dried mushrooms or powders from a reputable source. Select mushrooms that are known for their unique health benefits and create a blend that suits your preferences. Some commonly used mushrooms in mushroom coffee include lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. You can start with equal portions of each mushroom or create different ratios depending on your taste.
Once you have your mushroom blend, simply mix it with hot water to make your mushroom coffee. You can also add other ingredients such as ashwagandha, prebiotics, or healthy spices like turmeric or cinnamon. If you're using whole bean coffee, store your beans and mushroom powder separately and mix them when you grind your coffee for brewing.
Brew your mushroom coffee just as you would your regular morning coffee. You can use a percolator, a pour-over setup, or even a French press. Use the same amount of ground coffee (mixed with your mushroom powder) as you would normally use, along with the same filters. The only extra step is adding the mushroom powder. Adjust your mix of mushrooms to achieve your desired flavor, and feel free to add cream and sugar to taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Most mushroom coffee brands are gluten-free, but it is always best to check the product packaging for specific ingredients and certifications.
Fans of mushroom coffee claim that it has several health benefits, including improved sleep, more energy, better focus, improved immunity, reduced inflammation, and improved physical and mental performance.
There is very little research on the effects of medicinal mushrooms on humans. However, mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, so it may be a good alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
