Mushroom Coffee: What It Is and Is It Worth It?

You may have seen it at the coffee shop or on social media. A latte with "lion's mane" or "reishi" on the label. Before you pay extra, here is what you should know.

What is mushroom coffee?

Cleveland Clinic says mushroom coffee is regular coffee blended with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms are dried, and their compounds are pulled out and mixed into coffee grounds, instant packets or pods. Common ones are reishi, chaga, lion's mane and cordyceps. Harvard Health adds that some blends also use cacao or tea.

What do sellers claim?

Cleveland Clinic lists these claims: better sleep, less stress, less inflammation, a stronger immune system, better memory, more energy and less muscle soreness.

What does the research say?

Not much. Harvard Health says human research on medicinal mushrooms is scarce. Results in test tubes and animals may not hold up in people. Some reviews show the mushrooms may have effects on the immune system, but none of that research tested mushroom coffee itself.

Cleveland Clinic points out the big question mark. The claims assume that the mushroom's benefits survive drying, processing and brewing. The article says "we simply don't know" if they do.

Here is a fair summary: mushrooms in general are linked to antioxidants and less inflammation. But there is no strong proof that a cup of mushroom coffee gives you those effects.

Caffeine

Cleveland Clinic says mushroom coffee has less caffeine than regular coffee, but it does not give exact numbers. Amounts vary by brand, so read the label. The FDA says 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is an amount not generally linked to negative effects for most adults. It lists 113 to 247 milligrams in a 12-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee. People vary in how sensitive they are to caffeine.

Cost and taste

Cleveland Clinic says mushroom coffee costs about double the price of average coffee. Since the benefits are unproven, that is something to think about.

Who should check first

• Kidney problems or kidney stones. Cleveland Clinic says chaga is high in oxalates, which may affect kidney stones.
• Stomach or digestive trouble. Mushrooms can sometimes cause stomach upset.
• Trouble with grains. Cleveland Clinic suggests talking to a doctor or dietitian first.
• Medicines, pregnancy or nursing. Ask your health care provider before trying any new supplement-style product.

So, is it worth it?

Cleveland Clinic's dietitian says she is not inclined to recommend it. She suggests eating whole mushrooms instead. Cleveland Clinic also says it is probably safe to try if you have no digestive or kidney problems. Harvard Health says it probably will not do any harm.

If you like the taste, go ahead. Keep sugar and creamer low, because those add up. If you are drinking it to feel better or sleep better, there may be simpler ways. Get steady sleep, eat enough, and stay active.

A simpler idea

Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and eggs for breakfast, or add them to soup or stir-fry. You get real food, and you save money.