9 Best Mushroom Coffee Brands
Table of Contents
Finding the Best Mushroom Coffee Brands
Mushroom coffee is taking the wellness sector by storm. It’s being guzzled down in liters by health nuts and those looking for a cleaner kind of buzz.
For those who haven’t hopped on the fungi train yet, thinking about the (what we could only assume to be) earthy, brown mushroom-like soup doesn’t exactly involve the same comforting imagery that our daily java does.
And yet, the concept of a beverage that can boost performance without the jitters is ultra appealing, doncha think?
That’s especially true for people like us who are confronted with the daily choice of forgoing our morning caffeine habit for the sake of afternoon sanity (we’re a little sensitive over here).
“Since mushroom coffee is essentially medicinal mushroom extract powders blended with instant coffee, it usually contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of caffeinated coffee,” said Theresa Gentile, a certified nutritionist, and dietician.
According to Gentile, “Mushroom coffee averages about 40mg of caffeine per cup, so, for those sensitive to the effects of caffeine, it should not give you that jittery effect.”
Meet the Expert: Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN, CDN
With over 13 years in nutrition, Theresa Gentile offers individual and group counseling at her private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and specializes in home enteral nutrition at the Maimonides Medical Center.
Theresa earned her Master of Science degree at CUNY Brooklyn College and completed her Dietetic Internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She’s co-chair of the Cultural Foods Committee of the Greater NY Dietetic Association and has worked on the “Let’sMove!” campaign led by First Lady Michelle Obama.
She’s also a former adjunct faculty member of the Health and Nutrition department at CUNY Brooklyn College.
If you’re new to the whole mushroom coffee trend, there’s one thing you should know before you start reading this best mushroom coffee list: it actually tastes pretty good.
“Mushrooms are a suitable alternative to regular coffee beans as their earthy taste blends well with the bold, roasted flavor of coffee beans,” Gentile said.
“Coffee aroma changes depending on the processing method and manufacturers have been able to maintain the original coffee aroma without incorporating the off flavors from mushrooms.”
So it’s nothing like the chalky beverage I imagined—the one that’s taste is akin to a fresh cup of dirt (that’s one myth busted).
For the most part, it just tastes like coffee. Because it is, but with less caffeine and a hefty dose of mushrooms.
The 9 Best Mushroom Coffees
Whether you’re here to read about the best mushroom coffee on the market because of its touted health benefits, because you’re seeking a calmer, cleaner focus, or because you simply want to cut out caffeine (yes, it comes in decaf too), you’ve come to the right place.
This list will take you through my top nine picks for the best mushroom coffee on this side of the earth. Of course, it’s made by those who know and love fungi the most. By the end, I hope you’ve found your new favorite brew. Let’s get to diggin’.
#1: MUD/WTR
While you might not seem too keen on drinking a cup of ordinary mud, MUD/WTR is anything but. As a self-titled “coffee alternative,” this brand’s product is for those who want energy and focus without having to rely on the mean bean caffeine machine.
Containing about 1/7 of the amount of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee, the :rise mud features a base of masala chai enhanced with a ton of adaptogenic mushroom goodness for a crash-free experience.
Okay, but what exactly do I mean by “adaptogenic mushroom goodness” and does it actually work? Well, judging by the 17k+ reviews on the brand’s website, the company is definitely doing something right.
Let’s dive into the details.
Realistically, all you need is one tablespoon of mud added to a cup of hot water to enjoy MUD/WTR’s host of benefits.
Featuring well-known superstars such as Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps, this concoction is also augmented with cocoa, turmeric, cinnamon, and Himalayan salt for enhanced taste and vitality.
Nowadays, it seems like you can’t have a proper cup of any mushroom beverage without Lion’s Mane. As a staple of eastern medicine, this mushroom helps provide alertness and focus so you can start your day off on the right foot.
Meanwhile, Chaga mushroom is the yin to Lion Mane’s yang, offering a holistic and calming experience to keep you in that zen state.
Here’s how to really one-up your average cup of joe: the addition of Reishi mushroom can help boost your immune system because it’s absolutely chock-full of immune-boosting molecules (namely polysaccharides and beta-glucans).
Lastly, Cordyceps is the slow-and-steady (fun)guy, keeping your body going throughout the day by naturally sustaining energy and stamina levels.
Of course, the more flavorful ingredients aren’t just there to tickle your tastebuds. They’re also packed with antioxidants and contain even more immune system boosters.
MUD/WTR keeps things simple by offering three main products: :rise, :rest: and :mushroom boost to help cater to whatever you might want out of your cup of mushroom coffee.
On top of that, they also sell healthy and holistic :sweetener and :creamer if you want a little somethin’-somethin’ to top off your morning brew.
A 30-gram tin of the brand’s main offerings starts at $40 but, if you’re ready to make it a more permanent addition to your morning ritual, you can also subscribe and save 20% on monthly shipments.
Related: For more information view our full MUD WTR Review.
Highlights
- Offers low/no caffeine mushroom beverages with a variety of health benefits
- Whole30-Approved
- Made in the US
- No sugars or sweeteners added
#2: RYZE Mushroom Coffee
“Heal Your Body & Mind” is a heck of a thing to read upon first landing on RYZE‘s page for their mushroom coffee, but that’s how you know that this brand means business.
While less caffeinated than coffee (coming in at less than half the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee), the RYZE Mushroom Coffee can be a fantastic way to start the day—at least according to the likes of Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and the 6k+ 5-star reviews left by their customers.
This brand’s mushroom coffee contains a veritable who’s who of the mushroom world. You have the standard additions of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, but RYZE has also included King Trumpet and… Shiitake?
It turns out that besides being an extremely delicious addition to meals, Shiitake mushrooms are no slouches when it comes to keeping us healthy. I don’t know about you, but something tasty that also has the labels of anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor sounds pretty darn good to me.
Speaking of anti-inflammatory, King Trumpet has a great name and a variety of benefits fit for royalty. These mushrooms also fight inflammation and high cholesterol. Plus, they’re potential allies in helping to prevent heart-related problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Turkey Tail, the so-called “guardian of the gut,” is an essential addition to the RYZE Mushroom Coffee because of how it complements your digestive system.
Now, I’m not saying that regular coffee doesn’t help with that as well, as I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s a tad more regular after a good ol’ cup of joe, but we should expect more from our morning beverage.
That’s where Turkey Tail shines. By promoting healthy digestion and acting as an anti-microbial agent, this superstar earns its stripes for being your stomach’s bestie.
Of course, we look to our morning coffee to give us the kick we need to get going and stay going at school, work, or periods of physical activity, and that’s what Lion’s Mane coffee is known for.
Lion’s Mane can aid memory, focus, and concentration to give you crisp clarity when taking on your to-do list.
Reishi, on the other hand, knows that good mental clarity depends on a good mood, so it can act as a mood booster and help decrease stress levels. I’m sold already.
What else is important to good mental and physical activity? Good sleep, or at least being less fatigued.
Cordyceps is for all the athletes at the office or on the field that need a bit more stamina and a load more antioxidants in their lives.
As for pricing, one pack of 30 servings of the RYZE Mushroom Coffee will cost you $36, but you can also start your mushroom-infused wellness journey off on the right foot with the RYZE Starter Kit for $66.
This kit contains 60 servings of mushroom coffee along with a handmade acacia spoon, a gratitude journaling app, and a recipe booklet.
Related: For more information view our full RYZE Mushroom Coffee Review.
Highlights
- Contains an esteemed list of potent mushrooms
- Reportedly less bitter and smoother than regular coffee
- No sugar added
- Well-reviewed product
#3: Laird Superfood Mushroom Coffee
Are you a surfing fan? You’ve probably heard of Laird Hamilton then, the founder of Laird Superfoods. Created to offer healthy, plant-based foods to amp up your coffee, the brand is perhaps best known for its creamers, along with its commitment to sustainability.
Laird Superfoods offers medium and dark roast brews made from organic Peruvian coffee. Hand-picked and slow-roasted, the brand’s small-batch beans are blended with Chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps mushrooms to boost wellness and enhance performance.
In a review published by The International Journal of Molecular Sciences, preclinical studies showed that the Chaga mushroom’s hepatoprotective properties are probably related to its phenolic components.
Moreover, in-vitro studies found that ergosterol peroxide from Chaga mushrooms has antitumor activity against colorectal cancer cells. The authors also described an animal study in which Chaga mushrooms showed prebiotic effects modifying the gut microbiota.
Lion’s mane has bioactive components that may provide several benefits to human health. In an in-vitro study, it was proven that some components of this mushroom (phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acids) have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumoral properties.
In addition, a preclinical study published in The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found Lion’s mane extracts to have antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity. Plus, Lion’s mane appears to have neuroprotective effects.
An in-vitro study conducted at the University of Malaya found that Lion’s mane extracts have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on neurons and microglia cells.
Another preclinical study published in bioRxiv showed that Lion’s mane enhanced nerve regeneration and improved recognition memory in mice.
Cordyceps mushrooms are rich in proteins and essential micronutrients and may also provide several health benefits. A review published in Molecules explored the positive effects of the bioactive components in Cordyceps mushrooms.
The results? Cordyceps mushrooms were found to have anti-diabetic activity and they improved cholesterol profiles (reduction of LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides).
Cordyceps provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, anti-tumoral activity, and the capacity to modulate the immune system.
What does this mix of mushies taste like? Bold, nutty, and smooth with a low acid profile. The taste is one of the things sippers love most about the brand’s brews, along with the pleasant boost of energy it provides. A 12 oz bag of grounds costs $16.
Related: For more information view our full Laird Superfood Review
Highlights
- Contains three types of beneficial mushrooms
- Low acidity
- Coffee is roasted in small batches
- Organic
#4: Teonan Mushroom Coffee
A small but potent brand, Teonan’s quirky graphics, and creativity make it stand out from the crowd.
The brand mixes its Colombian Arabica coffee with what they call “the 6 Protectors”—a special blend of mushrooms picked to supercharge immune function and includes Chaga, turkey tail, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi, and shiitake.
Turkey tail’s bioactive components appear to boost the immune system. As described in a review published by The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, preclinical studies showed that Turkey Tail extract was found to support the immune system, have antiviral activity, and reduce cholesterol levels.
Moreover, some clinical studies showed that Turkey tail improved the quality of life of patients with cancer and appeared to extend their lifespan by 5 to 10 years. However, clinical evidence is still limited and further research is needed.
Furthermore, maitake mushrooms may enhance the immune response against viruses and tumors while reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A review published in Discovery Medicine describes that beta-glucans from Maitake mushrooms have proven anticancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies.
In addition, beta-glucans were shown to lower blood sugar levels, improve the cholesterol profile, and reduce blood pressure in mice.
Moreover, Maitake mushrooms have prebiotic properties and the potential to modulate the gut microbiota. However, as usual with mushrooms, further clinical research is needed.
If that wasn’t enough, reishi mushrooms have bioactive components such as polysaccharides, triterpenes, and proteins responsible for several benefits to human health.
A pharmaceutical review by S.W. Chan and colleagues proved that reishi can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in animal models. However, evidence in humans is limited.
Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides with immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.
In a study conducted at the National University of Singapore, researchers found that oral administration of lentinan, a purified beta-glucan from shiitake, inhibited the growth of tumors in mice. It also boosted their immune response by activating lymphocytes.
All in all, Teonan is all about bringing you health, but making attaining it as attractive as possible. How do they do that? By focusing on how their products taste just as much as what’s inside of them.
You’ll find a blend of probiotics, adaptogens, and mushrooms, all of which are organic, gluten-free, and vegan.
What else sets this brand apart from other best mushroom coffee companies is what kind of mushrooms are inside its beverages.
Selecting strong “fruiting body dual extracts,” its coffees contain higher levels of triterpenes (bioactive components that may modulate the immune response and have anti-inflammatory properties) than coffees made from mycelium alone.
Teonan Mushroom Coffee tastes just like regular coffee and promises a boost of energy and clearer focus. You can get a 2 oz pack (15 servings) for $19.
Highlights
- Six potent mushrooms
- Organic
- All-natural
- No added sugar
#5: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Here’s a name you may have already heard of. Four Sigmatic is quickly becoming a grocery store brand, loved for its delicious taste and accessible, approachable coffees.
The name itself, “Four Sigmatic” nods at the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, a hint at what its products are made of.
Created in Finland, the brand’s concept stemmed from its founders’ grandparents who turned to brewing mushrooms when they couldn’t get coffee in WWII. One of the varieties they used, Chaga, is actually a four-sigmatic food and is the ingredient you’ll find in their Mushroom Coffee.
Served up in six different types, Think, Defend, Chill, Perform, Balance, and Immune Boost, you’ll find this best mushroom coffee in grinds or pods fit for your Keurig machine—making it an easy pick for lovers of convenience.
On Amazon, 11k+ shoppers rated it 4.5/5 stars, with the majority writing of a pleasant, earthy taste that becomes truly addictive.
Made with fair trade, single-origin coffee, its blends use real reishi and Chaga mushroom extracts (not mycelium) and have a slightly sweet, nutty taste. Pick up a 12 oz bag for $20, a pack of 24 pods for $36, or a 10 pack of the instant mix for $15.
Related: For more information view our full Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Review
Highlights
- Fair-trade, single-origin coffee
- Made with two types of functional mushrooms
- Available in Keurig pods, instant mixes, and grinds
#6: RASA Mushroom Coffee
There’s definitely a traditional medicine-like vibe to RASA, as if its products are carefully made for real results. The brand’s blends are formulated by a clinical herbalist, promising effects that range from a calm to happy mood with special blends packed within colorful, decorated bags.
RASA was developed by Lopa van der Mersch after a very stressful year as a new mom. Searching for something that didn’t leave her feeling tired and anxious, she used her 10 years of knowledge in practicing Ayurveda, brought an herbalist on board, and came up with a solution.
RASA Mushroom Coffee is designed to give you steady energy, a balanced mood, improved sleep, and lower stress levels. These positive effects are all thanks to its potent, pure, and effective botanical ingredients sourced from some of the cleanest and safest locations around the world.
You won’t find endangered species in its formulas which are all tested for heavy metals and toxins to guarantee they’re safe for consumption. Revered for its quality, RASA sourced fair or direct trade ingredients, some of which contain coffee, others that don’t.
Organic, sustainable, and packed with nine different adaptogens (schisandra, shilajit, gynostemma, etc.), its extracts are full-spectrum to give you powerful results. Speaking of schisandra, these mushrooms may decrease stress while reducing fatigue and increasing exercise performance.
In a preclinical study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that a glycoprotein present in schisandra mushrooms has antifatigue and antioxidant activity. Moreover, in animal studies, schisandra chinensis is known to have anti-stress effects.
As highlighted in an article by S.J. Stohs, shilajit was found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts the immune response, improves the cholesterol profile, enhances physical performance and reduces stress.
As mentioned before, these are promising preclinical results. However clinical studies in humans are needed to validate these findings.That said, customers report a smooth taste and a clean feeling of energy. Get an 8 oz bag (30 servings) for $38.
Highlights
- Organic & non-GMO
- 3rd party tested for purity and safety
- Complex formula (contain nine adaptogens)
- Made by a clinical herbalist
- Nice variety of options (caffeinated & decaf)
#7: La Republica Superfoods Mushroom Coffee
Based in Los Angeles, La Republica Superfoods prioritizes using the “cream of the crop” ingredients. Its products are completely organic, fair trade, and vegan, and are packaged in BPA-free jars or compostable bags.
La Republica uses sustainably-sourced arabica coffee from beans that are locally grown in California. The coffee is then blended with a mix of seven different foraged, organic whole fruiting bodies of mushrooms that help lower the caffeine content and deliver a steady stream of energy.
Love options? La Republica has a variety of coffees, including regular, decaf, and instant, all made with chaga, maitake, cordyceps, shiitake, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail mushrooms.
The company claims the ingredients address a wide range of issues and provide benefits such as increased energy and improved allergies.
Is there anything mushrooms can’t do? Grab a 2.12 oz jar (30 servings) for $22 (normally $24).
Highlights
- Locally and sustainably-sourced
- Packaged in BPA-free recyclable jar
- Seven different mushrooms
- Offered in regular, decaf, and instant versions
- Organic
#8: PowerPlant Superfoods Mushroom Coffee
PowerPlant Superfoods guarantees “no B.S.” You can see it in its simple, clean website and product lineup.
Offering two different types of ground and instant mushroom coffee, you’ll pick from Chaga or Lion’s Mane, both of which harness the full power of a single ‘shroom and combine it with sustainably sourced 100% arabica coffee.
The brand’s mission is to “turn everyday foods into superfoods,” which is exactly what it’s done with the ritualistic brew that is coffee. Promising the purity of organic mushrooms without additives and preservatives, a 12 oz bag of the Mushroom Coffee clocks in at $26.
Want more of the instant-type? You can get a 3.5 oz bag for $20.
Highlights
- Uses organic mushrooms
- Offers two different types of mushroom coffee
- Sustainably-sourced coffee
#9: Om Best Organic Mushroom Coffee
Om stands for Organic Mushrooms, so without much thought, it’s clear that this brand is a stickler for quality. Founded by health and wellness expert Sandra Carter (M.A. MPH, Ph.D.) and mycologist Steve Farrar, the brand was sprouted from a love for mushrooms.
Rooted in spirituality and hope for mankind, Om’s aim is to help people live their best lives, starting with personal wellness. The founders believe that success starts with the right frame of mind and that it can be achieved by consuming the right things.
Om is perhaps best known for the way its staff cares about the mushrooms they grow, and are sticklers for quality.
Customers report benefits that range from better sleep to lifted depression, though the Best Organic Mushroom Coffee is formulated to assist with focus, energy, and the immune system.
It does so by containing 2000mg of lion’s mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, and reishi mushroom extracts along with ginkgo biloba.
The latter is included for added memory support and increased focus. However, evidence regarding the positive effects of ginkgo biloba in the central nervous system is inconclusive.
Those extracts are then blended with sustainably harvested 100% Arabica coffee beans to create a delicious, bold brew worthy of your favorite cup. Grab a 6.24 oz canister (30 servings) for $38.
Highlights
- Certified organic
- Made by a mycologist and wellness expert
- Range of beneficial mushrooms + ginkgo
- Uses sustainably-harvested coffee
First Off, What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushrooms are certainly having their moment in the wellness world. Adored by those seeking to upgrade their daily coffee habit, in its most basic form, mushroom coffee is exactly what it sounds like: coffee mixed with mushrooms or a coffee-tasting beverage made entirely from mushrooms.
Of course, there’s a little more to it than that—don’t worry you won’t be sipping chunks of raw button mushrooms along with your tasty, robust brew.
The best mushroom coffee (and all mushroom coffees for that matter) is a mixture of ground mushrooms with coffee beans. The result? A smooth, enjoyable beverage with added health benefits.
Your best mushroom coffee pick may have one or a few varieties of medicinal (traditional, not psychedelic) mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, Chaga, and turkey’s tail.
When eaten alone, these mushrooms have a slightly earthy, nutty, or sweet taste, and blending them with coffee makes for a delicious-tasting beverage that’s not so unlike your regular morning brew.
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are known as adaptogens—things that assist in survival during stressful events. Drinking mushroom coffee may have a range of benefits, and that’s exactly why people are going crazy for the fungi-filled beverage.
To be consumed in place of coffee, alongside it, or even mixed in with your favorite beverage of choice, the best mushroom coffee will come in instant or ground form that you can easily scoop into hot water or place in your regular coffee machine.
And most consumers say that the brew tastes exactly like regular coffee—just with a slightly earthy spin.
Is Mushroom Coffee Really Good For You?
Not every mushroom has amazing health benefits, but the best mushroom coffees certainly have more benefits than the average mushrooms that you throw in a stir-fry. You’ll find several of these coffees on my list above.
Using concentrated amounts of beneficial mushrooms (like lion’s mane, turkey’s tail, and cordyceps), the blends in this list give you a potent dose of goodness.
Whether or not mushroom coffee is as good for you is still up for debate. People’s opinions will vary depending on who you talk to. And, according to some evidence, the answer is “of course,” whereas other experts say that more research is needed.
When looking at what’s inside certain types of mushrooms, it’s clear that, at least in some way, consuming them will be beneficial.
In general, mushrooms are packed with polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, which may play an important role in immune system support and function.
This reason alone makes mushrooms beneficial for your health, and packing them together with potent doses of coffee may increase the likelihood of you experiencing positive effects.
And in terms of the coffee itself, since mushroom coffee typically has less caffeine than regular java, it won’t give you the jitters.
Speaking of caffeine, since you’re consuming less of it, the best mushroom coffee may actually improve your sleep cycle as well.
Better sleep leads to faster recovery and thus increased performance. It’s a simple chain reaction that may also result from a reduction in caffeine.
While we’re at it, another potential benefit of mushroom coffee comes from fungi’s adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens are known to help combat the effects of stress, and some evidence suggests that they can help to improve the way our bodies respond to stress in general.
In addition to mushrooms and caffeine content, mushroom coffee often contains other beneficial elements that may boost your health as well.
For instance, ingredients like ginkgo, probiotics, and certain botanicals have been linked to an increase in wellness, so you have that working in your favor too.
Looking at the science, it seems evident that mushroom coffee would truly be good for you. But there is some question of whether or not certain blends that don’t use the full fruiting body of the mushroom have the same positive effects as those that do.
So, you may want to pay close attention to the quality of a brand when making your final decision, as certain companies prioritize which part of the mushroom they get their extracts from, whereas others don’t.
Does Mushroom Coffee Get You High?
The best mushroom coffee blends included on the list above are made to make you feel good, but not high—unless you count feeling high on life.
The coffees mentioned here aren’t made with psychedelic shrooms, but they’re made with mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
For example, you’ll find varieties like reishi, maitake, and lion’s mane—mushrooms known for their health and wellness-boosting effects and neuroprotective properties.
With that said, you may experience a buzz from some. Though the best mushroom coffee includes lots of friendly, non-psychoactive fungi, there’s also coffee (and caffeine) in most of them.
Fortunately, with lower caffeine levels compared to regular coffee, mushroom java shouldn’t make you feel anxious, jittery, or frenzied—the typical effects reported from a caffeine “high.”
Now with that said, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may still experience those effects depending on how much you drink.
In fact, if you have a low caffeine tolerance and you want to avoid a coffee buzz at all costs, opt for a decaf version or a brand that skips out on the coffee altogether. Mushrooms alone also make a pleasant brew.
How Does Mushroom Coffee Make You Feel?
In short, mushroom coffee is made to make you feel good. There isn’t much feedback out there that says otherwise either. Its effects range from increased focus to calm to plain old happiness.
Many of the picks on this best mushroom coffee list include therapeutic amounts of mushrooms. This means they contain enough to treat a specific condition.
There are a few different blends out there designed to bring about certain feelings (energized, relaxed, balanced, etc.), but in general, the fungi brews are all about feeling good without the anxiety and jitters that typically come with coffee.
Some drinkers report feeling more focused in a matter of days while others say just one cup can help them instantly feel more balanced and positive.
Since there’s much less caffeine in mushroom coffee than there is in regular java, you shouldn’t experience a frantic “high,” but results vary depending on how much you drink—most blends still contain the stimulating drug.
Choosing the Best Mushroom Coffee: Things to Consider
The best mushroom coffee list I shared with you exists to make your life easier. I’ve already done the digging, but choosing the right type can still be tricky—especially when so many awesome brands are on the market.
Do you need some help zeroing in on the perfect pick? If so, check out my tips below. They cover everything from sifting through ingredients to weighing out prices.
Brand
Chances are you’ve heard of a few of my choices for the best mushroom coffee that landed on this list. Brands like Four Sigmatic and Laird Superfoods are huge, and if you feel more comfortable trying out a coffee from a trusted and popular company, either of these is an easy go-to.
That said, recognizing a brand name isn’t everything. Some of the highest quality coffees can come from small, lesser-known businesses. So names you haven’t heard of before are definitely worth checking out.
I’ve included the basic specs on each product above so that you can get a feel for what kind of company you’ll be supporting.
Ingredient Quality
Even though the majority of the best mushroom coffee is made with the same varieties of mushrooms, not all mushrooms are created equal.
If it’s the wellness benefits you’re after by glugging back a cup of this somewhat earthy brew (as we assume it is), then ingredient quality is something you’re going to want to pay close attention to.
Some brands use entirely organic ingredients, whereas others are non-GMO only. Some focus on locally grown ‘shrooms while others source ingredients meticulously from abroad. And since it’s mushroom coffee we’re talking about here, you’ll find that certain brands prioritize fair-trade ingredients whereas their competitors don’t.
If you’re a stickler for quality, be prepared to pay a slightly higher price for your healthy, mushroom-dosed cup.
Quantity
As you read through the best mushroom coffee products, you probably noticed that they come in different sizes. Here, size is important when looking at price, but more so, you’ll want to find out how many servings come in each bag.
A 6 oz bag may have 30 servings, but a 12 oz bag may have 30 too. Because of this, you can’t really compare the weight of each bag—you’ll need to look at the serving size instead.
Considering that the best mushroom coffee is something you’ll likely want to include in your daily diet, first, figure out how much you’ll drink per day and then do the math.
There’s no sense in buying a small bag if you have a big coffee-drinking habit, so just keep the size in mind as you browse.
Added Benefits
You will, of course, find a simple mushroom and coffee mix amidst this best mushroom coffee selection, but you’ll also discover many more brews that promise added benefits.
One of the things I love about mushroom-centric wellness companies is that they’re all about boosting health.
Improving focus, reducing inflammation, and upping happiness levels seem to be a given with mushrooms like Chaga, cordyceps, and lion’s mane. But for some of the names on this list, mushrooms aren’t the only beneficial ingredients you’ll find in the grinds.
Certain brews include additional perks like increased energy and better digestion (thanks, probiotics!). Whereas others add ingredients like ginkgo Biloba, which is claimed to boost concentration and focus.
“Although regular coffee appears to have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the gut, it can also trigger some gastrointestinal issues. Mushroom coffee, on the other hand, should produce less GI issues, as it contains half the amount of coffee,” Gentile said.
“Mushrooms contain significant amounts of polysaccharides that act as prebiotics in our gut. These help increase the growth of good bacteria in our gut microbiome, mainly lactobacilli,” she continued.
Are you looking for extra benefits from your coffee that aren’t caffeine-related? Then be on the lookout for some of these beneficial ingredients.
Price
Price is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a product. Something out of your price range isn’t exactly worth skipping out on, but considering the best mushroom coffee is something you’ll probably want to include in your daily routine (and maybe multiple times per day), you’ll want a coffee that easily fits within your budget.
As I touched on earlier, the quality, quantity, and added benefits of each mushroom coffee come into play when we talk about the price.
For instance, an organic, local, fair-trade product with probiotics and adaptogens certainly has a higher value than a simple, mushroom-coffee mix, and the price will reflect that.
That’s the reason why you may see a 2 oz bag of grinds with a price tag comparable to one with 12 oz in it. Keep this in mind as you browse through the brands and their products above; the price is often a reflection of their value.
Final Thoughts
The best mushroom coffee is called the best for a reason. All of the names on this list prioritize quality and delivering the right effects, but as you’ve seen, they’re all incredibly different.
Some products are more straightforward than others, and if you came looking for something simple and uncomplicated, then I know you’ll leave happy.
If you were more interested in packing as many benefits into your morning brew as physically possible, I’m sure you’ve found a few coffees that piqued your interest.
Since we’ve now reached the end of this listicle, I hope you’re leaving with at least one or two promising picks, along with a greater understanding of what mushroom coffee is all about.
References
Da Silva GG, Zanoni JN, Buttow NC. Neuroprotective action of Ginkgo biloba on the enteric nervous system of diabetic rats. World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Feb 21;17(7):898-905. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i7.898. PMID: 21412498; PMCID: PMC3051139
Ghosh, S., Nandi, S., Banerjee, A., Sarkar, S., Chakraborty, N., & Acharya, K. (2021). Prospecting medicinal properties of Lion’s mane mushroom. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 45(8). https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13833
Goel, B., & Maurya, N. K. (2018c). Memory booster herb (natural cognitive enhancers): An overview. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 4(1), 975–979
He, Y., Li, X., Hao, C., Zeng, P., Zhang, M., Liu, Y., Chang, Y., & Zhang, L. (2018). Grifola frondosa polysaccharide: a review of antitumor and other biological activity studies in China. Discovery Medicine, 25(138), 159–176
Hobbs, C. (2004b). Medicinal Value of Turkey Tail Fungus Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Pilat (Aphyllophoromycetideae). A Literature Review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 6(3), 195–218. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v6.i3.10
Hobbs, C. (2005). Medicinal Value of Turkey Tail Fungus Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Pilat (Aphyllophoromycetideae). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 346–347. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v7.i3.100
Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., Abdullah, N., & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic Properties of the Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30
Shao, S., Wang, M. X., Zhang, H. Y., Fan, L., Han, R. X., Shen, Y. X., Yan, M. M., & Zhao, D. Q. (2020b). Antifatigue Activity of Glycoprotein from Schisandra chinensis Functions by Reducing Oxidative Stress. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4231340
Looking for other top brands? Check out these curated lists below:
Ask the community or leave a comment
WRITE A REVIEWCustomer Reviews
Leave a review