Sarah Brown
Mushroom coffee is a natural drink that combines instant coffee powder with medicinal mushrooms. It is marketed as a healthier, lower-caffeine alternative to traditional coffee, with purported health benefits such as improved focus, digestion, reduced inflammation, and stress relief. With numerous mushroom coffee brands available, selecting the best one can be challenging. Important factors to consider include the type of mushrooms used, their source, and the presence of additional ingredients. Taste is also a critical factor, as some mushroom coffees have an earthy or acidic flavour that may be unappealing to some consumers. Reviews and rankings can provide guidance, with brands like Atlas Coffee Superblend, North Spore, Shroomi, OM, and Teeccino receiving positive mentions for their flavour, effectiveness, and overall experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Flavors vary from nutty and slightly dark caramel to earthy and bold. Some mushroom coffees have a funkiness or an acidic tang. |
| Caffeine Content | Lower caffeine content than regular coffee. |
| Intended Use | Focus, energy, immunity, and gut health. |
| Ingredients | Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, lion's mane, and oyster mushrooms. Additional ingredients may include ashwagandha, prebiotics, cinnamon, chicory, and healthy spices. |
| Certifications | Organic, vegan, and gluten-free certifications are indicators of quality. |
| Price | Varies depending on the brand and ingredients. |
| Customer Service | Consider the ease of cancelling subscriptions and the timeliness of support. |
| Preparation | Some mushroom coffees are instant, while others require brewing like traditional ground coffee or steeping a tea bag. |
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What You'll Learn
Taste
Some mushroom coffee blends are described as having a smooth, nutty, slightly dark caramel taste, with an earthy note lingering on the backend. The flavour profile of mushroom coffee varies, with some brands offering a range of roasts, from light to dark, and fruity to cacao notes.
One brand, Micro Ingredients, offers a product that barely tastes like coffee or mushrooms, but still provides the same caffeine hit. Other brands, such as Four Sigmatic, claim that their blend tastes just like regular coffee, with no unusual or bitter notes. However, some users disagree, describing the taste as burnt or bland.
It's important to note that the taste of mushroom coffee may also depend on the type of mushroom used, the extraction process, and the ratio of mushroom powder to coffee beans. Some brands, like Shroomi, use the fruiting body of the mushroom, while others, like North Spore, focus on creating a tasty coffee experience, with the health benefits of mushrooms.
Overall, while some people find the taste of mushroom coffee unusual or bitter, others claim that it tastes similar to their regular cup of coffee, with added health benefits.
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Caffeine content
Mushroom coffee is often a less-caffeinated alternative to regular coffee. This is because it usually contains a mix of coffee grounds and mushroom powder, with the latter being caffeine-free. The more mushrooms in the blend, the less caffeinated it is.
The caffeine content of mushroom coffee varies depending on the brand and type of mushroom used. Some mushroom coffees contain around 30 to 45 milligrams of caffeine per cup, while others can have up to 60 milligrams. For reference, a regular cup of coffee typically contains 70 to 140 milligrams of caffeine.
MUD/WTR, for example, contains only 35 milligrams of caffeine per serving. This is because it is not a coffee blend, but rather a mix of functional mushrooms, masala chai, and cacao. The low caffeine content comes from black tea, which also contains L-theanine, an ingredient that may slow caffeine’s absorption into the bloodstream.
Everyday Dose, on the other hand, is a mushroom coffee with a relatively high caffeine content. This may be a selling point for some, but for those sensitive to caffeine, it may induce jitters.
When choosing a mushroom coffee, it is important to consider the caffeine content, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or looking to cut down on your intake. Many brands will indicate the caffeine level on the packaging or website, so be sure to check before purchasing.
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Intended use
The intended use of mushroom coffee is to provide a healthier and more beneficial alternative to traditional coffee. It is meant to be a lower-caffeine or caffeine-free option that still provides a boost of energy and improved focus. For those who are caffeine-sensitive or looking to reduce their caffeine intake, mushroom coffee offers a potential solution.
Additionally, mushroom coffee is often marketed as a functional beverage, claiming to support immunity, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote overall gut health. The medicinal mushrooms used in these coffees, such as lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps, are believed to provide these health benefits.
For coffee enthusiasts who value taste, mushroom coffee offers a unique sensory experience. Some blends are crafted to resemble the flavour profile of a typical coffee brew, ensuring that coffee drinkers can enjoy a familiar taste while reaping the potential benefits of the added mushrooms.
Furthermore, mushroom coffee caters to those seeking a holistic approach to their daily routine. With added adaptogens, nootropics, and other functional ingredients, mushroom coffee aligns with the growing trend of incorporating superfoods and supplements into one's diet for enhanced wellness.
Lastly, mushroom coffee appeals to those who are curious about the potential benefits of mushrooms but may not enjoy consuming them in their whole food form. By incorporating mushroom extracts and powders into a familiar beverage like coffee, individuals can explore the world of functional mushrooms in a more accessible and enjoyable way.
While the intended use of mushroom coffee varies from person to person, it ultimately offers a unique blend of taste, energy, and potential health benefits, providing a compelling alternative for those seeking a break from traditional coffee or looking to enhance their daily routine.
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Price
When it comes to price, mushroom coffee brands vary. Some higher-priced options offer better mushroom dosages or premium coffee beans, so it’s worth checking the cost per serving to determine the value.
For example, a 1.95-ounce jar of MUD/WTR, containing roughly 30 servings, retails for $50, which equates to $1.67 per cup. A 12-ounce bag of Lifeboost Cognition mushroom coffee costs $26.36 for a one-time purchase, but subscribing to regular deliveries drops the per-bag price to $21.11.
On the other hand, some mushroom coffee options are quite affordable. For example, Om Mushroom Superfood Master Blend is a versatile option that can be added to coffee, smoothies, or other dishes, offering a potent blend of 10 mushrooms at a reasonable price.
The price of mushroom coffee also depends on the type and quantity of mushrooms used, with some varieties being more expensive to cultivate or source. Additionally, the inclusion of other superfood or herbal ingredients, organic certification, and third-party testing can impact the price.
Lastly, some brands offer subscription services, which can provide savings compared to one-time purchases. However, be sure to read customer reviews about their subscription service, as some companies have received mixed feedback regarding cancellation policies and customer support.
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Certifications
When selecting a mushroom coffee, it is important to remember that not all varieties are created equal. With the rise in popularity of mushroom coffee, many brands are jumping at the opportunity to make money without concern for quality or safety. Therefore, it is important to purchase products from a trusted vendor and check for third-party testing to verify purity and potency. Avoid products with vague labelling and extensive health claims.
One common certification to look out for is the USDA Organic Seal, which indicates that the product is certified organic and grown without synthetic pesticides. Other certifications like vegan and gluten-free can also be helpful indicators of quality. If you are concerned about safety, look for products manufactured under Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) guidelines as put forth by the FDA. Common third-party certifications are NSF International and USP (United States Pharmacopeia).
Some specific brands that are certified organic include Shroomi, MUD\WTR, Laird Superfood, and Four Sigmatic. Shroomi is also certified non-GMO. MUD\WTR is a certified-organic coffee alternative with over 50,000 5-star reviews. Laird Superfood is co-founded by big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton and his wife, sand volleyball superstar Gabrielle Reece. Four Sigmatic is a mushroom supplement company that offers mushroom capsules, protein powders, and a line of teas in addition to ground coffee.
In addition to certifications, other factors to consider when selecting a mushroom coffee include the ingredients, price, and serving size. Avoid low-quality versions that don't contain fruiting bodies or those with fillers and additives. Look for options that are fair-trade and do not contain added sugar. Pay attention to the serving size to determine how far your mushroom brew will get you, as some higher-priced options offer better mushroom dosages or premium coffee beans.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is a combination of instant coffee powder and medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane. It is a lower-caffeine alternative to traditional coffee.
Medicinal mushrooms are purported to have a host of health benefits, including improved focus and digestion, reduced inflammation, and stress relief.
The best mushroom coffee depends on individual preferences. OM Mushroom Superfood Coffee Blend, for example, has bold, strong, and earthy flavours, while Ryze Mushroom Coffee has an acidic tang. Atlas Coffee Superblend and North Spore offer tasty options that are less mushroom-forward. Shroomi is another popular choice, with its range of roasts and organic certification.
When buying mushroom coffee, it is important to consider the ingredients. Look for blends that use compounds from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, rather than just the mycelium (root). Avoid added fillers, unnecessary flavours, and sweeteners. If organic ingredients are important to you, look for the USDA Organic Seal. Other certifications, like vegan and gluten-free, can also indicate quality. Lastly, consider the price and your budget.
