Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?

Or, you’re looking for something different to get you going in the morning that doesn’t give you all the unwanted side effects of caffeine.

While there are many options out there for a morning boost, why not replace your morning cup of coffee with a mushroom-infused alternative?

With a smaller caffeine dose and natural benefits, mushroom coffee might be for you!

It might seem like a strange new trend, but not to worry — it’s actually more surprising than you think!

Let’s take a closer look at this overlooked shroomy alternative.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Don’t worry, you’re not going to put portobellos in your daily brew or trip out first thing in the morning!

So, what is mushroom coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a blend of dried and extracted adaptogenic mushrooms and coffee beans, meaning you get an energy boost combined with each mushroom’s superpowers.

Adaptogens are compounds found in extracted medicinal herbs and mushrooms that improve the body’s stress response.

Ranging from increased cognitive function to anti-inflammatory effects, mushrooms are full of surprises!

Mushrooms have been used over the centuries for medical purposes across many cultures.

They’re notoriously revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their superb health benefits.

It may seem like a new trend, but mushroom usage is timeless for us humans.

Surprisingly enough, medicinal mushrooms were used as coffee substitutes during the second world war.

This goes to show there’s something to it if it’s being used during something as intense as war.

Not all mushrooms are created equal, though.

We’ve identified thousands of mushroom species, but only a select amount have been found to be medicinal.

What makes them so remarkable?

Mushrooms are full of compounds such as vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to our overall health.

Each mushroom has its own unique superpower, and typically mushroom coffee blends combine several types of shrooms to supercharge results.

Let’s take a look at the most common batch of mushrooms used in mushroom coffees.

And don’t trip!

There are no psychedelic compounds in these shrooms.

Below are some common types of mushrooms and their benefits.

Chaga:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Immune system boost
• Reduce inflammations
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Improve insulin resistance

Lion’s Mane:

• Improved digestion
• Improved cognitive function
• Anxiety and depression relief
• Nervous system recovery
• Lowers risk of heart disease

Reishi:

• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Lessens fatigue
• Hormonal regulation

Cordyceps:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Aids with respiratory problems
• Liver disorders
• Arrhythmias
• High cholesterol
• Male sexual problems

Turkey’s tail:

• DNA damage protection
• Blood sugar balance
• Supports gut health
• Anti-inflammatory
• Immune system support

As you can see, mushrooms are bursting with health benefits!

There’s truly something for everyone when it comes to these shrooms.

Paired with the power of coffee beans, this combination makes an unstoppable team.

And with mushroom coffee, there are a variety of blends available depending on your desired outcomes.

What are some examples of possible blends and their benefits?

For instance, the popular brand MUDWTR offers blends according to the time of day.

Their morning and evening blends support you for a morning boost or a nighttime wind down.

Another brand, RYZE, says that alongside being a morning staple, it’s great for overall holistic health.

If you’re trying to figure out which product to choose, check out this review on the aforementioned brands for more clarity.

There’s dozens of brands to choose from, so find what works best for you.

You might be thinking…I don’t really like the taste of mushrooms though.

But in regards to flavor, you’re in luck!

Mushrooms are very mild and nearly flavorless, so they don’t overpower or interfere with the familiar taste of a cup of coffee.

Since this is the case, you can add a splash of oat milk, extra flavors or sweeteners just like your regular daily cup!

You can make mushroom coffee as you would with regular coffee or tea, such as coffee pods, instant blends, and through a coffee maker depending on the individual instructions.

It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before diving into new health ventures just in case there’s a component you need to look out for, whether it be pregnancy or a medication interaction.

Even mushrooms could cause potential conflict depending on your circumstances.

So, where do the energizing components of mushroom coffee come from?

Is there caffeine in the mix?

Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?

When it comes to mushroom coffee, the first question that comes to mind may be, well, does mushroom coffee have caffeine? (Source)

Yes and no!

Typically the answer is yes, but there are completely coffee-free blends out there that still serve as coffee replacements.

But since most mushroom coffee blends contain coffee beans, you’ll get a slight kick of caffeine in each serving.

Caffeine is found in some foods, in this case, the coffee bean.

It’s a psychoactive substance that can give you a burst of energy, though it can come with unwanted side effects such as anxiety or increased heart rate.

To regulate these side effects, a lower dose of coffee beans is included alongside the mushrooms, giving you the benefits of caffeine without unwanted jitters.

Mushrooms themselves do not contain any caffeine, some species of shrooms do have energizing components.

Meaning, the only caffeine you’re getting is strictly from coffee beans.

Mushroom coffee is typically divided half and half, so the coffee part is cut by 50%.

It still has more caffeine than decaf, but you’re still cutting the average caffeine intake virtually in half.

I mentioned earlier that while mushrooms don’t have caffeine, some do have potential energy-boosting properties.

Let’s take a look at these properties and answer this next question.

Are Mushrooms Energizing?

Medicinal mushrooms have been used over the ages for all sorts of purposes.

Now, there are many modern pioneers of the fungi kingdom.

Paul Stamets, a fungi fanatic, founded the concept of the Stamet Stack, a form of microdosing.

Stamet’s signature recipe combines Lion’s Mane, Psilocybin mushrooms, and Niacin (Vitamin B3). (Source)

This concoction dosed in small increments every few days is said to have enormous long-term benefits ranging from increased energy to greater neuroplasticity.

This is just one example of many among the mushroom community!

Modern products on the market won’t contain Psilocybin because of its psychoactive properties — but there’s another not-so-magic mushroom alternative praised for its energy boosting potential.

A common type of mushroom found to be an alternative to coffee itself is the Chaga mushroom listed in the above section.

Chaga has been used in the North of Europe, Russia, and Asia for centuries.

Its immune boosting properties helped with keeping healthy in colder climates.

Traditionally, Chaga is ground up into a fine powder and brewed as a tea.

Nowadays, you can find it as a latte, in supplement capsules, and many more.

Since it’s a coffee alternative, it may leave you wondering, does Chaga have caffeine?

While mushrooms themselves don’t contain any caffeine, they pair well alongside coffee beans.

So while drinking Chaga over coffee may work for some, others might want to opt for a combination of shrooms and caffeine.

Regardless, thua combination of a low caffeine count and not-so-magic mushrooms has a slew of perks.

Whether you need to improve your focus, assist in disease prevention, or support your immune system, this is a great alternative with the added energy boost.

Mushroom Coffee Caffeine Content

So with all of the awesome shroom benefits covered, how much caffeine is actually in the mix?

Typically, an average cup of coffee contains well over 80mg of caffeine.

While there isn’t anything inherently wrong or unhealthy about caffeine itself, addiction and other health issues can immerge with consistent and dependent use.

With mushroom coffee, caffeine count ranges from 0-50mg depending on your needs.

This is significantly better than a Starbucks frappuccino, averaging over 150mg of caffeine!

The idea with these blends is ultimately to decrease the amount of stimulant intake and pair it with a load of health benefits.

And since shrooms essentially counteract the downsides of regular coffee like jitters and crashes, mushroom coffee makes for the perfect combination.

With this in mind, moderation is always your best bet. Even mushroom coffee in excess will negate the desired benefits.

Overall, you’re saving yourself the caffeine anxiety by opting for mushroom coffee.

Mushroom Coffee: Closing Thoughts

Although more research is needed on both mushrooms and mushroom coffee in general, we can observe benefits regardless.

Overall, mushroom coffee seems to be a hidden treasure when it comes to supplements.

It gives you a boost of energy while supercharged with great benefits.

It’s got the familiar taste of coffee without the caffeine anxiety, all for a pretty decent price considering all of the upsides you get.

From improved cognitive function to anti-inflammatory properties, why not give mushroom coffee a go? It might be your next favorite healthy alternative!