Many people rely on a cup of coffee to jumpstart their day. However, a new coffee trend has been gaining attention: mushroom coffee. With over six billion views on TikTok, mushroom coffee has piqued the interest of many. But what exactly is it? Does it contain coffee? Will it provide the same energy boost as regular coffee? And is it a healthier alternative?
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Mushroom Coffee: What Is It?
Functional mushrooms are a rising trend in the health industry, leading to an increase in helpful mushroom products such as mushroom coffee. Available mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, and king trumpet are typically present in mushroom coffee, providing benefits such as energy and focus. Mushroom coffee can contain actual coffee or not, with some brands using curated shroom mixes as a coffee alternative. Some mushroom coffee blends may contain ashwagandha, burdock root, chicory, dandelion, maca, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and Rhodiola. Whether you choose to consume mushroom coffee with or without actual coffee, the presence of functional mushrooms is the essential requirement for this trendy drink.
Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee includes dried, ground, and sometimes extracted functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, and other adaptogenic or herbal ingredients. Functional mushrooms have additional health benefits outside of the nutrients they contain, with adaptogenic properties that assist the body in adapting to stress. The adaptogens in functional mushrooms have been linked to improved bodily inflammation, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cognitive impairment.
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Types And Brands Of Mushroom Coffee
While mushrooms used in products like mushroom coffee are generally considered safe and contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it’s important to note that research on their health benefits is still ongoing and largely animal-based. Therefore, claims of their super adaptogenic benefits have yet to be fully proven.
Mushroom coffee alternatives without actual coffee are available, providing a similar energy boost. Some contain caffeine from tea, while others are caffeine-free. Examples include MUD/WTR, Rasa, Wooden Spoon Herbs, and Velty (which contains decaf coffee).