Mushroom coffee: what you are actually drinking and whether it helps
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- Instant mushroom coffee, half-caf. Best for: Coffee drinkers who want less caffeine in a quick cup. See options on Amazon
- Ground mushroom coffee. Best for: People who prefer brewing in a drip maker or French press. See options on Amazon
- Lion's mane mushroom coffee. Best for: People mainly interested in lion's mane. See options on Amazon
What is in mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is regular coffee mixed with mushroom extracts. For example, Four Sigmatic describes its original instant blend as organic Arabica coffee infused with lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail, plus vitamin B12 and probiotics, with 30 servings per container.
The mushrooms used are the same ones sold as supplements. Each has its own evidence and cautions, which you can read in our guides to lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps and turkey tail.
Caffeine: the biggest real difference
| Drink | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Four Sigmatic original mushroom coffee | 50 mg per serving (label) |
| Regular brewed coffee, 12 oz | 113 to 247 mg (FDA) |
| Black tea, 12 oz | 71 mg (FDA) |
| Green tea, 12 oz | 37 mg (FDA) |
The FDA says 400 mg of caffeine a day is not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, but sensitivity varies, and some conditions and medicines make people more sensitive. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, the FDA recommends asking your provider about limiting caffeine.
Because many mushroom coffees are half-caf, people who feel jittery on regular coffee may notice a difference. That comes from less caffeine, not necessarily from the mushrooms. Check each label, since caffeine varies by brand and serving size.
The FDA adds that the body handles naturally occurring and added caffeine the same way, so count every source, including tea, soda, energy drinks and supplements. Decaf coffee still has some caffeine, typically 2 to 15 mg in 8 ounces.
What the mushroom evidence shows
- Lion's mane. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) says limited clinical data suggest it may help memory and mood in some groups, but most research is preclinical.
- Chaga. MSK says its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in clinical studies.
- Reishi. NIH LiverTox says none of its purported benefits has been shown in adequate, controlled human trials.
- Cordyceps. MSK reports mixed results for exercise performance in healthy people.
Mushroom coffee products have not been tested the way these individual mushrooms have, and the amount of each mushroom in a serving is often small or not listed. Treat focus, immunity and stress claims as unproven.
Who should be careful
- Blood thinners. MSK says reishi, chaga and cordyceps may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
- Kidney disease. Chaga is high in oxalate, and MSK describes serious kidney injury after months of large amounts of chaga powder. Ask your doctor before drinking chaga blends daily.
- Diabetes medicines. Chaga and cordyceps may add to blood sugar lowering in lab studies.
- Immune-suppressing drugs or cancer treatment. MSK says reishi can boost immune response and may not be safe with immunosuppressants; ask your doctor or oncologist.
- Caffeine sensitivity, pregnancy and children. Follow the FDA caffeine guidance above. The FDA notes caffeine drinks should be avoided for children under 2.
How to choose mushroom coffee
- Caffeine per serving. Pick a level that fits your day; half-caf blends are common.
- Mushroom list and amounts. Prefer labels that list each mushroom and how much is in a serving.
- Form. Instant packets and tubs are quick; ground coffee brews like regular coffee.
- Added extras. Some blends add vitamins, probiotics or sweeteners. Count anything you already take.
- Organic and tested. Prefer organic coffee and mushroom extracts from brands that state testing.
What to look for when you buy
Instant mushroom coffee, half-caf
Best for: Coffee drinkers who want less caffeine in a quick cup
Four Sigmatic's original instant blend lists 50 mg of caffeine per serving with five mushroom extracts.
Watch out: Mushroom benefits are unproven. Contains chaga and reishi; check with your doctor if you take blood thinners or have kidney disease.
See options on AmazonGround mushroom coffee
Best for: People who prefer brewing in a drip maker or French press
Ground blends brew like regular coffee while adding mushroom extracts.
Watch out: Caffeine varies by brand and brew strength. Read the label.
See options on AmazonLion's mane mushroom coffee
Best for: People mainly interested in lion's mane
Single-focus blends make it easier to know which mushroom you are getting; MSK notes limited data on lion's mane for memory and mood.
Watch out: Evidence is early. Stop if you get stomach upset or a rash.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is mushroom coffee good for you?
- It can be a lower caffeine coffee option. The mushroom benefits for focus, immunity and stress are not proven for mushroom coffee itself.
- Does mushroom coffee have caffeine?
- Usually yes, often less than regular coffee. Four Sigmatic's original blend lists 50 mg per serving.
- Is decaf mushroom coffee caffeine free?
- Not completely. The FDA notes decaf coffee typically still has 2 to 15 mg of caffeine in 8 ounces.
- Who should not drink mushroom coffee?
- Ask your doctor first if you take blood thinners, diabetes or immune drugs, have kidney disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- How much caffeine is too much?
- The FDA cites 400 mg a day as generally safe for most adults, though sensitivity varies.
Sources
- Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Original Mushroom Coffee (us.foursigmatic.com), Four Sigmatic
- Lion's Mane Mushroom: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Chaga Mushroom: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Lingzhi, Reishi - LiverTox (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Cordyceps: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center