Last updated: June 2026
Adaptogenic mushrooms have found their way into everything — including your morning cup. Mushroom coffee is one of the fastest-growing wellness trends, blending the familiar ritual of coffee with functional fungi used for centuries in traditional medicine. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground coffee and medicinal mushroom extract — typically in powder form, combined and brewed as a normal cup of coffee. It doesn’t use culinary mushrooms like shiitake or portobello, but rather adaptogenic medicinal fungi: chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps and turkey tail are the most common.
These mushrooms are extracted, dried and powdered, then blended with coffee grounds. Many brands also sell pre-packaged mushroom coffee blends for convenience. The result is a drink that looks and largely tastes like coffee, with the added functional compounds from the mushrooms.
Read more: Reishi mushroom benefits | How to make mushroom tea
Potential benefits of mushroom coffee
Immune system support
Chaga, reishi and turkey tail are particularly studied for their immune-modulating properties. They contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans — compounds shown to stimulate and regulate immune system activity. Research is still developing, but incorporating these fungi alongside a balanced diet may support immune function.
Cognitive support
Lion’s mane mushroom has received the most attention for cognitive applications. Some research suggests lion’s mane extract may support memory and concentration — particularly in older adults — though results vary by study and individual. The cognitive effects of mushroom coffee depend heavily on which mushrooms are used and at what concentration.
Stress management
The mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are classified as adaptogens — compounds that help the body adapt to and recover from stress. Reishi and cordyceps are thought to help regulate the HPA axis (the body’s stress system) and may reduce cortisol over time. Lion’s mane contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties linked to reduced stress markers.
Read more: Medicinal mushrooms for inflammation
Potential chronic disease protection
Reishi and chaga extracts have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in research — properties associated with reduced risk of chronic disease. Reishi has been studied for cardiovascular and liver protection; chaga for antioxidant activity. These are very early-stage findings, but they explain the growing clinical interest in these fungi.
Lower caffeine than regular coffee
Because mushroom powder is blended with — not added to — the coffee, most mushroom coffee blends use less coffee per cup than a standard brew, naturally reducing caffeine content. This can benefit those who enjoy coffee but are caffeine-sensitive.
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Take the free health quiz →Side effects to know
Mushroom coffee is generally considered safe, but side effects are possible depending on the individual and the mushrooms used:
- Allergic reactions — if you’re allergic to any of the mushroom species used, avoid that blend
- Digestive discomfort — bloating, gas or diarrhoea can occur in some people, particularly due to mushroom polysaccharides and fibres
- Medication interactions — some mushrooms (especially reishi) may interact with blood thinners or immunosuppressants — consult your GP if you take any medications
- Caffeine overstimulation — mushroom coffee still contains caffeine; those sensitive to caffeine should still moderate consumption
Consult a healthcare professional before drinking mushroom coffee if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have autoimmune conditions, or take prescription medications.
How to make mushroom coffee at home
Step 1: Choose your mushrooms
Select an adaptogenic mushroom suited to your goals: lion’s mane for focus, reishi for stress and sleep, chaga for immune support, cordyceps for energy. You can buy these as standalone powders or pre-blended mushroom coffee mixes. Alternatively, Evopure’s Reishi Mushroom Complex blends reishi with raw cacao for a rich evening adaptogenic drink.
Step 2: Prepare your mushroom powder
If starting from whole dried mushrooms, slice thinly and dehydrate at 54–60°C until fully dry and brittle. Grind to a fine powder. Alternatively, purchase quality extract powder — this is more potent and consistent than whole mushroom powder.
Step 3: Blend and brew
Mix mushroom powder with your ground coffee at roughly a 1:1 ratio (adjust to taste). Brew using your preferred method — pour-over, French press or percolator all work well. Add a sweetener if desired. The result has a slightly earthy, nutty flavour alongside the coffee.
What does mushroom coffee taste like?
Mushroom coffee has a slightly earthy, nutty undertone compared to regular coffee — but it’s more subtle than you might expect. The type of mushroom significantly shapes the flavour:
- Reishi — slightly bitter, earthy and woody with a hint of sweetness; closest to the base coffee flavour
- Chaga — bolder, earthier flavour with vanilla or caramel-like notes
- Lion’s mane — milder, more neutral — the least intrusive on coffee flavour
For those who find the taste challenging, adding milk, oat milk or a natural sweetener significantly smooths the earthy notes.
Frequently asked questions
Is mushroom coffee good for you?
It offers potential benefits including immune support, stress management and cognitive enhancement. Research is still developing — it’s a promising category but not a proven medicine.
Who should avoid mushroom coffee?
Anyone with a mushroom allergy, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those on medications that may interact with mushroom compounds — particularly blood thinners. Always consult a clinician if unsure.
Does mushroom coffee contain caffeine?
Yes — when blended with coffee. Most blends have less caffeine than a standard coffee due to dilution with mushroom powder. Can cause overstimulation in sensitive individuals.
Which mushrooms are best in coffee?
Reishi for stress and sleep support, lion’s mane for focus and cognition, chaga and turkey tail for immune support, cordyceps for energy. Most commercial blends combine two or more.
How do I make mushroom coffee?
Mix mushroom powder with ground coffee (roughly 1:1) and brew using your preferred method — pour-over, French press or percolator. Adjust ratio to taste.
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Take the free health quiz →Final thoughts on mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a genuinely interesting category — combining the ritual of coffee with adaptogenic fungi that have real emerging evidence behind them. For those curious about medicinal mushrooms, it’s a low-barrier entry point. Choose a quality product with stated mushroom species and extract concentrations, be aware of potential medication interactions, and consult your GP if you have underlying health conditions.
