I’ve been a daily coffee drinker since I was 13. Over the years, I have tried a seemingly endless variety of brews—classic drip, pumpkin spice lattes, flat whites, oat milk lattes, and even CBD-infused concoctions. They’ve all had their moments, but I always return to my tried-and-true: regular drip coffee, two sugar substitutes, and a whole lotta creamer.

However, I was intrigued when I heard about something I hadn’t tried: mushroom coffee. This alternative made with adaptogenic mushrooms is purported to have a range of health benefits.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is usually a mix of equal parts ground coffee and powdered medicinal mushrooms. However, some varieties are made purely from mushrooms.

While this beverage has gained attention in wellness circles in recent years for its potential health benefits, the idea of using mushrooms to improve health and well-being isn’t exactly new. Mushrooms have been utilized for their medicinal properties for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

What Are the Potential Benefits?

Mushroom coffee typically contains a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi. These mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine, but more recent research is looking at their mental and physical benefits, from brain fog to burnout.

“Each mushroom has potential benefits,” explains Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered dietitian, exercise coach, and nutritional consultant at WowMD. For example, she explains that lion’s mane may help boost memory and focus by supporting brain cell growth.

“When mixed with coffee, you get a smoother, more ‘clear-headed’ energy,” she says. “Reishi, on the other hand, is for helping your body manage stress better, calming the mind, and even promoting better sleep if you drink it later in the day without adding caffeine.”

1. May Improve Cognitive Function

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is probably the most well-researched when it comes to its potential brain-boosting benefits.

A 2023 study found that lion’s mane supplements were linked to improvements in cognitive function. It may also help reduce stress and mood disturbances in young adults.

Some animal research suggests that lion’s mane supplements may help improve memory and reduce brain inflammation. However, further research is needed to better understand its effects in humans. 

2. Provides Immune Support

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are rich in antioxidants, which can help support immunity. Antioxidants fight off unstable free radicals that can weaken the immune system and negatively affect cells. This ensures your body stays strong and ready to fight off potential threats.

Researchers also suggest reishi mushrooms may have potential for treating metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity, by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels, as well as supporting immune function.

3. May Provide a Gentler, Sustained Energy Boost

Mushroom coffee may offer a more balanced energy boost without the sudden jitters or energy crashes you might get from regular coffee.

Cordyceps mushrooms are often associated with improved energy and endurance. While there’s not much research to back up these claims beyond anecdotal reports, one 2016 study found that older adults who took cordyceps supplements showed better tolerance for high-intensity exercise.

“Mushroom coffee made with ground functional mushrooms—like lion’s mane, chaga, or reishi—either replaces or dilutes traditional coffee, lowering the total caffeine content or eliminating it entirely,” explains Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, the founder and principal food consultant at Mendocino Food Consulting.

“For people who feel jittery, anxious, or crash hard after drinking coffee, these blends offer a way to keep the morning routine without the same stimulant load. Some versions have no coffee at all, relying solely on mushrooms to provide focus or calm.”

4. May Lower Stress and Improve Sleep

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been associated with calming effects and the potential to improve sleep quality. These mushrooms are often used in traditional medicine to reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

While more research is needed, their adaptogenic properties may help the body better cope with stressors and contribute to more restful sleep. One study found that different formulations containing Ganoderma lucidum extract could effectively combat fatigue or improve sleep in mice.

More Research Is Needed

While these studies show promise, more human research is needed to better understand the potential effects of mushroom coffee.

“The health claims tied to mushroom coffee usually come from studies on isolated mushroom extracts, not from brewed powders or blends,” Le says. “There’s very little peer-reviewed research on how effective these products are when consumed in coffee-like drinks, especially at typical serving doses.”

Your response may also vary; talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or starting supplements.

For example, before trying mushroom coffee, I spoke to my doctor about how it might affect my blood pressure and heart rate. My doctor found no specific interactions with my current medications, but suggested starting slow, monitoring how I felt, and tracking my blood pressure to see if any changes occurred.

My Experience Drinking Mushroom Coffee Daily

I love coffee and mushrooms, but I’m going to be honest with you: I wasn’t 100% sold on the idea of pairing them together. Part of me seriously expected it to taste like I’d used cream of mushroom soup in my coffee instead of regular creamer.

Fortunately, that was not the case.

Week 1: I Was Pleasantly Surprised By How Much I Liked It

I started my new routine by making my first cup of mushroom coffee right after dropping my kids off at school on a Monday morning. First impressions? The taste was actually really good

Not only did it not taste like mushrooms at all, but it was much smoother and creamier than my regular brewed coffee. I don’t know if that was thanks to the mushroom blend or just the specific brand I was using, but it definitely made the drink feel a bit indulgent. I found myself cutting back on my usual splash of creamer because I felt like I didn’t need as much.

That said, I noticed the caffeine content was lower than in my regular cup; this was expected, as it contains half the coffee.

I’ve previously given up coffee temporarily when I was struggling with infertility and recurrent miscarriages; those experiences were accompanied by all the classic withdrawal symptoms: irritability, headaches, fatigue, cravings, etc.

Surprisingly, my symptoms weren’t nearly as noticeable as they were when I’d cut back on coffee in the past. Instead, my mornings during the first week were productive, though I did feel a bit more fatigued than usual by mid-afternoon.

During Week 2, My Energy Levels Improved

Instead of my usual pattern (exhausted in the morning, energized mid-morning through lunch, and dragging my way through the midday slump), I felt focused, and my energy stayed pretty even all day long.

It also seemed like my sleep was unusually good this week. Revenge bedtime procrastination is my downfall, but I found myself falling asleep much more easily and waking up feeling a little more rested than usual. I hadn’t changed anything else about my usual routine, so it’s safe to assume that the mushroom coffee played at least some part.

In Week 3, I Started To Experience Headaches

While I still felt like I was sleeping well and maintaining consistent energy levels, I started experiencing more headaches than usual. Had this happened earlier, I would have assumed it was a side effect of caffeine withdrawal, but I should have been well past that point by now. 

Because I have a history of high blood pressure, the headaches were concerning. However, I didn’t see any spikes in my blood pressure readings–in fact, they were somewhat lower throughout this month-long experiment than usual. Whether that can be attributed to the use of mushroom coffee or reduced caffeine intake is not clear, however.

The headaches weren’t terrible—just nagging and persistent. I brushed it off at first since I am prone to headaches. I told myself it might be something else, like not drinking enough water or staring at my computer screen for too long.

By the second day, I was starting to wonder if the mushroom coffee was having some unwanted effects. I continued to have periodic headaches off and on this week, and while I can’t say for sure that the two were related, it was enough to give me pause.

That said, I felt good overall. The headaches were the only real downside.

By Week 4, I Was Enjoying My New Routine

In week four, the headaches were largely gone. I’m not sure if it was just my body adjusting or something else, but it was a welcome relief.

At this point, mushroom coffee had just become a regular part of my daily routine–one I really looked forward to each morning. The great taste, non-jittery energy boost, and mental clarity were all major wins in my book.

While the headaches are an issue I’ll keep an eye on, the overall experience was more positive (and delicious) than I expected.

Should You Try Mushroom Coffee?

If you want to reduce your caffeine intake while still enjoying the taste and ritual of coffee, mushroom coffee is a great option.

You may need to experiment with a few different brands and blends to find the one that’s right for you. Many brands offer variations that focus on specific benefits depending on the type of mushrooms used, including blends for immunity, mental focus, or digestion.

Even if mushroom coffee works well for you, it’s not a magic solution. Don’t expect instant results. If you’ve never tried adaptogenic mushrooms before, consider starting with a half serving and give yourself time to adjust.

As with any supplement, your individual experience may vary. Consider keeping track of your mood, energy, sleep, and cognition during the first few weeks to see if mushroom coffee is working for you. Pay attention to any side effects you might experience, even mild ones. Tracking your experience makes it easier to notice subtle changes that you might otherwise overlook.

What Are the Potential Risks?

There are definitely perks to giving mushroom coffee a try, but there may also be risks and side effects to watch for.

• Allergies: “Although rare, some people could be allergic to mushrooms, so it’s smart to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts,” Gervacio cautions.
• Digestive Issues: “People who have a sensitive gut may experience a little stomach discomfort when they first start drinking mushroom coffee,” Gervacio says.
• Interactions: Mushrooms may interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners like warfarin. Because mushrooms can have immune system-boosting effects, you should also avoid mushroom coffee if you take an immunosuppressant.

You should also avoid drinking mushroom coffee if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since data on its use by these groups is limited.