Mushroom coffee is a trending coffee blend that has medicinal mushroom extracts added. Mushrooms like Lion’s mane, Chaga, Reishi and Turkey tail are dried, extracted and then blended into the drink to provide a nutritional boost. The drink looks and tastes like regular coffee, but is said to offer the health benefits of mushrooms without causing side effects such as jitters or sleep disruptions.

Mushroom Cooffee: A New Take on a Classic Beverage

Medicinal mushrooms are being studied for their potential to benefit immune systems and help prevent illness, including cancer, heart disease, obesity and cognitive decline. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These mushrooms are often called adaptogens, meaning they help the body adapt to stressful conditions. But most of the specific health claims made by companies marketing mushroom brews haven’t been proven in well-designed studies involving human participants. Additionally, the drying and brewing process can diminish some of the benefits of the mushrooms used.

Aside from the health claims, one reason to try mushroom coffee is that it has less caffeine than regular joe. A cup typically contains about half the amount of caffeine, which can make it a better option for people who are sensitive to caffeine or have chronic sleep disorders.

There are a number of brands that sell mushroom coffee, including Laird Superfood and Organo. Both are a mix of organic coffee beans and functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps. Olszewski recommends looking for a drink that is organic, fair trade and free of any added sugar or sweeteners.