Michael Davis
Mushroom coffee is a rising trend in the beverage industry, offering a functional and tasty alternative to regular coffee. It is made by combining instant coffee powder with medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps. These mushrooms are believed to provide various health benefits, such as improved focus, digestion, and reduced inflammation and stress. With the growing popularity of mushroom coffee, numerous brands have emerged, offering unique blends with distinct flavours and additional ingredients. So, which mushroom coffee blends are worth trying, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best-tasting mushroom coffee | Atlas Coffee Superblend |
| Best instant mushroom coffee | Atlas+ Coffee Superblend |
| Best mushroom coffee subscription service | Atlas Coffee Club |
| Best mushroom coffee for bold taste | MUD/WTR |
| Best mushroom coffee for energy | Ten Mushrooms Coffee |
| Best mushroom coffee for a premium taste | Shroomi |
| Best mushroom coffee for a cozy, gently flavoured cup | Unspecified brand with 98% mushrooms and 2% coffee |
| Best mushroom coffee for a chocolatey taste | Healthy Rituals Coffee |
| Best mushroom coffee for wellness-curious drinkers | Laird Superfood |
| Best mushroom coffee to add to coffee brewed with Global South beans | Om |
| Best mushroom coffee for a bold taste and 20 hours of energy | Rowdy Mushroom Coffee |
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What You'll Learn
Taste
Atlas Coffee Club
Atlas Coffee Club's Superblend is described as having a barely noticeable mushroom flavor and a creamy, more cocoa-like taste. The latte superblend has a coffee flavor [that is] muted with a roasty aftertaste. The aroma of the coffee powder is also described as the best of all of them, smelling like really good coffee.
Shroomi
Shroomi's mushroom coffee is described as tasting like a premium ground coffee with cacao notes. The Peru half-caffeinated roast and the Mexico light roast are also mentioned as potentially aligning with different coffee profiles.
North Spore
North Spore's mushroom coffee is praised for its smooth taste, with a barely noticeable mushroom flavor.
Laird Superfood
Laird Superfood's Functional Mushroom Focus coffee has a hint of smoke on the sip and a gentle numbing tingle on the swallow.
Ten Mushrooms Coffee
Ten Mushrooms Coffee's Boost Your Energy blend is made with ten types of mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, lion's mane, maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, and more. It is described as having a real artisan coffee shop vibe, with a bright and fruity flavor.
MUD/WTR
MUD/WTR's mushroom coffee has a unique flavor and is best suited for those who are open-minded and do not mind sediment or a bold taste.
IQJOE
IQJOE's Original Black flavored coffee is described as tasting slightly artificial and quite sweet, reminiscent of "waiting room coffee."
Om
Om's mushroom coffee is described as adding a savory pop to Colombian Supremo beans, smoothing out their brightness.
Rowdy Mushroom Coffee
Rowdy Mushroom Coffee's organic instant coffee with caffeine and herbal mushrooms is mentioned on Reddit as tasting good.
When sampling mushroom coffee, it is recommended to prepare it according to the package instructions and taste it both black and with a plain milk alternative to get a uniform experience. The "cupping" technique, where you slurp the coffee to aerate it and bring the aromas and flavors to your nose and taste buds, can also be used to fully experience the taste.
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Caffeine content
While mushroom coffee is made by combining instant coffee powder with medicinal mushrooms, it is not completely void of caffeine. However, it does contain significantly less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. For example, the Laird Superfood Functional Mushroom Focus coffee is a medium roast that provides a hint of the familiar coffee taste without the high caffeine content.
The Atlas Coffee Superblend, which has been described as the "best mushroom coffee", is an all-in-one supplement that provides a good amount of energy that lasts all day. While it does not contain coconut milk and sugar, it does have a strong coffee aroma and a granular texture. Atlas Coffee Club's blend is also described as creamy and cocoa-like, with only about half the caffeine content of a regular cup of coffee.
Shroomi's blend, which includes organic Arabica ground coffee beans and lion's mane mushroom, has a similar taste and aroma to premium ground coffee. Their Guatemala Huehuetenango Dark Roast grounds have strong cacao notes, while their Peruvian half-caffeinated roast and Mexican light roast offer lower-caffeine options.
For those who want a plain cup of coffee with the benefits of mushrooms, a mushroom coffee made with chaga and lion's mane mushrooms is a good option. Although it smells strongly of mushrooms before preparation, the mushroom flavour is not overpowering. This coffee is also available in a flavoured version, with sweet vanilla and funky mushrooms complementing the roasty coffee aroma.
Ten Mushrooms Coffee's Boost Your Energy blend is made with ten distinct types of mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, lion's mane, maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, and more. Each one-teaspoon serving, mixed with 5-8 fluid ounces of hot water, includes 500 milligrams of fruiting mushroom bodies and is designed to boost energy and mental focus without the jitters caused by caffeine.
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Intended use
The intended use of mushroom coffee is to provide a coffee alternative that delivers the health benefits of mushrooms without the negative side effects of regular coffee. Mushroom coffee is made by combining instant coffee powder with medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane. These mushrooms are known for their ability to improve focus and digestion, reduce inflammation and stress, and boost cognitive function and endurance.
Mushroom coffee is ideal for those who are sensitive to regular coffee or are looking for a caffeine-free alternative. It offers a way to consume mushrooms in a more palatable form, providing a boost of energy and improved overall health. Some mushroom coffees also include additional ingredients such as ashwagandha, prebiotics, probiotics, collagen, and vitamins, and healthy spices like turmeric or cinnamon to enhance the health benefits.
When choosing a mushroom coffee, it is important to consider the ingredients and ensure there are no added fillers, unnecessary flavours, or sweeteners. Organic certifications, such as the USDA Organic Seal, and other certifications like vegan and gluten-free, can be helpful indicators of quality. Price is also a factor, and it is worth paying attention to the serving size and the cost per serving to determine the value of the product.
Mushroom coffee can be prepared in various ways, according to package instructions. Some come in pre-portioned packs that can be combined with hot water for a quick and convenient beverage. Others can be added to smoothies, teas, or regular coffees to enhance their nutritional content. It is recommended to sample different brands and prepare them according to the instructions to find the most suitable product for your taste and needs.
Overall, the intended use of mushroom coffee is to provide a functional beverage that offers sustained energy, improved focus, and potential health benefits without the negative side effects associated with regular coffee consumption.
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Health benefits
Mushroom coffee is made by adding mushroom powder extracts, or "functional mushrooms", to coffee grounds or instant coffee. These mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and are thought to have a variety of health benefits.
One of the most common mushrooms used in mushroom coffee is lion's mane. This mushroom has been used in traditional herbal medicine and is also consumed as food. It is purported to have cognitive and mood-related benefits, with some evidence from human trials supporting these claims. Other purported benefits of lion's mane include boosting endurance and cognitive function.
Reishi is another mushroom used in mushroom coffee. It is said to provide better immunity and reduced inflammation. Reishi is also an adaptogen, which helps the body manage stress and fatigue. Cordyceps is a mushroom that is often marketed for its energy, immune, and anti-aging effects, although most of the data supporting these claims comes from animal and in vitro studies. Cordyceps is also said to have cardiovascular and exercise enhancement benefits.
Chaga is another common mushroom used in mushroom coffee. It is purported to improve memory, focus, and immunity. The fruiting bodies of chaga mushrooms have higher levels of bioactive compounds, which are linked to immune health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In addition to these purported benefits, mushroom coffee is said to provide better sleep, more energy, improved focus, and reduced inflammation. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee, and most of the studies have been conducted in test tubes or on animals. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before consuming mushroom coffee, as some mushrooms may interact with commonly prescribed medications.
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Price
When it comes to price, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best mushroom coffee. Firstly, pay attention to the serving size to determine how long the product will last. Higher-priced options may offer better mushroom dosages or premium coffee beans, so it's worth calculating the cost per serving to assess the value.
For example, Shroomi's blend, which includes 100% organic Arabica ground coffee beans and 1,000 milligrams of organic lion's mane mushroom per cup, is described as tasting like a premium ground coffee. This product is more expensive than some of the other options listed, but reviewers suggest that it is worth the price.
Another option is the subscription-based Atlas Coffee Club, which offers a starter kit with a frother and a scoop, along with your choice of a coffee superblend or a latte superblend. While the price is not mentioned, subscription services like these often provide value for money by ensuring a regular supply at a discounted rate.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, Ten Mushrooms Coffee offers a blend made with ten distinct types of mushrooms and fair-trade, medium-roast, instant Arabica coffee. This blend is designed to boost energy, mental focus, immune support, and creativity, providing a cost-effective way to enhance your coffee experience.
Lastly, for those who prefer single-serving options, IQJOE offers K-Cups with various flavors, including "Caffè Mocha," "Toasted Hazelnut," and "Vanilla Spice." While the price is not mentioned, single-serving options often provide convenience and portion control at a reasonable cost.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is a beverage that combines coffee with medicinal mushrooms. It is intended to be a healthier alternative to traditional coffee, with potential benefits such as improved sleep, increased energy, better focus, and reduced inflammation.
There are several popular mushroom coffee brands, including OM Mushroom Superfood Coffee Blend, Ryze Mushroom Coffee, Teeccino Mushroom Herbal Coffee, MUD/WTR, Shroomi, North Spore, and Four Sigmatic. Each brand offers unique features, such as different types of mushrooms, flavour profiles, and preparation methods.
When selecting a mushroom coffee, consider the quantity and type of mushrooms used. Prioritize blends that use "fruiting bodies" over mycelium, as they are generally considered more potent. Check the ingredient list to ensure there are no fillers, unnecessary flavours, or sweeteners. Also, consider your intended use, such as improving focus, energy levels, or immunity, and choose a product that aligns with your goals.
