I Drank Mushroom Coffee for Two Months–These Were the Benefits

If you’re looking for more than a caffeine boost, the latest wellness trend on TikTok is mushroom coffee. Yes, you read that right. And no, it’s not those kinds of mushrooms. Tempted by the idea of supercharging my cup of Joe, I set out to try several different types of mushroom drinks to see if they energized me without the crash. I also spoke with registered dietitians who weighed in on the benefits and downsides of sipping on this type of beverage. Spoiler alert: there are a ton of options available, and as it turns out, one of my favorite drinks already falls into this category. See below for my honest reviews on different mushroom coffees, teas, matcha, and even shakes.

What exactly is mushroom coffee?

There are medicinal mushrooms such as “lion’s mane, chaga, and reishi, which provide potential benefits such as immune support, cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Laila Ouldibbat, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC, a certified dietitian-nutritionist. Pair all of the above health benefits with caffeine, and you get mushroom coffee–the best of both worlds.

My honest review of mushroom coffee

After a couple of months of testing, I’m all about shroom drinks. But, I’m also by no means a coffee fanatic. If you’re someone who lives for fresh ground coffee beans and gourmet lattes, and your Nespresso machine is your most prized possession, I don’t think mushroom coffee will cut it for you. And a lot of them are instant formulas that you mix with water, so they’re definitely a bit, well, watered down. However, they’re great for subbing out your second (or third) cups of coffee throughout the day. You’re still going to get a little energy boost. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy a little midday sweet treat. Especially if you’re looking for bonus benefits.

Trying all of these different drinks was a good way to branch out, too, and see what might be a better fit for my routine. For instance, IQJOE has a variety pack with different flavors of their adaptogenic and magnesium-infused instant coffee, and it comes in a “stick” format, so it’s super easy to bring with you on the go. So, although it may not be my everyday drink, it’s perfect for traveling with. Especially because in addition to mushrooms, it has magnesium, too, so I had some extra calming vibes on a recent trip where I brought a packet on the plane with me and just added hot water.

Other mushroom beverages I tested

Why drink mushroom coffee?

Along with all of the benefits listed above, mushroom coffee “contains about half the caffeine of regular coffee, potentially leading to less jitteriness and improved sleep quality,” says Thara Vayali, ND, a naturopathic doctor as well as cofounder and chief medical officer of women’s wellness brand Hey Freya. Integrative health coach and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, Hannah Brooke Derrickson, adds that mushroom coffee is a better choice than regular coffee because it won’t give you an unhealthy cortisol spike but rather provide sustained energy and an improved mood.

So, what does mushroom coffee taste like?

Typically, mushroom coffee consists of a blend of ground coffee and mushroom powder, says Dr. Vayali. But, the question on everybody’s mind: Does mushroom coffee taste like, well, mushrooms? “No, mushroom coffee does not taste like mushrooms,” says Derrickson.

“That said, most people find they need to doctor up their mushroom coffee to get their desired flavor.” The fact of the matter is, while it may not taste like mushrooms, it doesn’t necessarily taste like regular coffee either.