How to Drink Mushroom Coffee: Explained in Detail

By Mushroom Naturals | Last Updated: 3rd January 2025

smiley face on mushroom coffee
 

Mushroom coffee is becoming increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to traditional coffee. With its promise of enhanced focus, reduced stress, and boosted immunity, many wonder what mushroom coffee is and how to drink it for the best results. Mushroom coffee might be the perfect solution to reduce caffeine while enjoying a morning cup. In this article, we’ll explore how to drink mushroom coffee to maximize its health benefits, flavor, and smooth energy boost.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Mushroom coffee can be a great alternative to regular coffee. It offers health benefits such as improved focus, stress reduction, and immune support with less caffeine.
  • It contains functional mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps, which may enhance brain function, reduce stress, and support overall well-being.
  • Mushroom coffee provides a smoother, balanced energy boost without the jitteriness or crashes typically associated with regular coffee.
  • Making mushroom coffee is easy. It's easy to brew and can be tailored to your taste preferences by adjusting the coffee-to-mushroom ratio or adding milk and natural sweeteners. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy your mushroom coffee just as you like without hassle.

Best Ways to Prepare Mushroom Coffee

There are several ways to prepare mushroom coffee, depending on the type you buy and your preferences. The most common methods are:

  • Instant Mushroom Coffee is the easiest and quickest option; just mix the powder with hot water.
  • Ground Mushroom Coffee – Brewed using a coffee maker, French press, or pour-over, just like regular ground coffee.
  • Coffee Pods – Similar to single-serve pods for regular coffee, you can find mushroom coffee pods for easy brewing.

You can make mushroom coffee using a French press or drip coffee maker. Just replace your regular coffee grounds with a mushroom coffee blend and brew as usual.

You can also adjust the strength of mushroom coffee by altering the ratio of mushrooms to coffee grounds. If you prefer a more pungent coffee taste, use more coffee grounds. If you want a more potent mushroom effect, increase the mushroom content.

What to Mix with Mushroom Coffee for the Best Taste

making mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee offers many health benefits, but some may find the earthy, slightly bitter taste of mushrooms overwhelming. Here are a few ways to enhance the flavor:

Mushroom coffee can have a subtle earthy flavor, but the coffee generally balances the taste. The strength of the mushroom flavor depends on the mushroom blend used and the ratio of coffee to mushrooms. This reassurance about the taste of mushroom coffee will make you feel comfortable and more open to trying it.

If you want to add a little sweetness to your mushroom coffee, consider using:

  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Stevia or Monk fruit (sugar-free options)

For a creamy, smoother taste, try adding:

  • Almond milk
  • Oat milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Soy milk

For additional health benefits, you can add:

  • Collagen for joint and skin health
  • MCT oil for sustained energy
  • Other adaptogens like Ashwagandha or Rhodiola reduce stress

When is the Best Time to Drink Mushroom Coffee?

The best time to drink mushroom coffee depends on your goals and daily routine:

  • Morning: For an energy boost without the jitters.
  • Afternoon: To sustain focus and mental clarity throughout the day

It’s best to drink mushroom coffee with food, as caffeine can irritate the stomach lining if consumed on an empty stomach.

The energy-boosting effects of Cordyceps make mushroom coffee a tremendous pre-workout drink to improve performance and endurance.

Mushroom coffee is generally better consumed earlier, as caffeine could affect sleep quality. However, Reishi mushrooms may help promote relaxation, so consuming them in the evening might still be okay for some people.

How to Enhance the Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

drinking mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is packed with health benefits, but here’s how you can enhance its effects:

  • The lower caffeine content in mushroom coffee provides smooth, sustained energy without the jitteriness often associated with regular coffee.
  • Turkey Tail mushrooms provide prebiotics that help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supporting gut health and improving digestion.
  • Mushrooms like Chaga and Reishi are rich in antioxidants, which help support immune function and protect the body from oxidative stress.
  • Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, supporting overall mental well-being and focus.

How to Make Iced Mushroom Coffee

Making iced mushroom coffee is easy with the correct method.

Try this:

  1. Use a cold brew method to steep mushroom coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. This creates a smoother, less acidic coffee.
  2. Blend mushroom coffee, banana, almond milk, and protein powder for a refreshing smoothie to enjoy a nutritious, energy-boosting drink.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drinking Mushroom Coffee

To get the most out of your mushroom coffee, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Start slow: Start with one cup daily and gradually increase if necessary to prevent digestive discomfort.
  • Don’t over-brew: Experiment with brewing methods, but avoid over-brewing, as it can lead to a bitter taste.
  • Quality matters. Always choose high-quality mushroom coffee with organic ingredients and no fillers to ensure the best health benefits.

Does Mushroom Coffee Contain Caffeine?

adding creamer to mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee contains caffeine but is typically lower than regular coffee.

  • Regular coffee contains 95-150 mg of caffeine per cup, while mushroom coffee usually contains 30-70 mg per cup.
  • This lower caffeine content makes mushroom coffee a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine's stimulating effects or who want to reduce their intake without giving up their morning ritual.

How is Mushroom Coffee Different from Regular Coffee?

Mushroom coffee offers several advantages over traditional coffee:

Try this:

  1. Lower Caffeine Content – Mushroom coffee provides a smoother, more balanced energy boost due to its lower caffeine levels.
  2. Health Benefits – While both types of coffee provide an energy boost, mushroom coffee includes medicinal mushrooms that help with stress management, immune support, and cognitive function.
  3. Reduced Jitters – Thanks to the adaptogens in mushrooms, mushroom coffee helps reduce the nervousness and anxiety sometimes triggered by regular coffee.

In short, mushroom coffee combines the energy benefits of coffee with the functional wellness benefits of mushrooms, making it a healthier choice for those seeking energy and overall well-being.

Can You Mix Mushroom Coffee with Regular Coffee?

Mix mushroom coffee with regular coffee for an extra energy boost or increased caffeine content. However, remember that this may reduce some of the health benefits of the mushrooms, as the caffeine level will be higher.

Combining mushroom coffee with regular coffee gives you the benefits of both—a boost of energy from caffeine and the wellness benefits of medicinal mushrooms.

The adaptogens in the mushrooms may help reduce the jitters that come with regular coffee, offering a more balanced experience.

1. Can You Drink Mushroom Coffee Every Day?

Mushroom coffee can be consumed daily, especially if you want a lower-caffeine alternative with added health benefits.

2. How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of Mushroom Coffee?

Depending on your body and sensitivity to caffeine, it may take a few days to a week to feel the cognitive and stress-relief benefits.

3. Is Mushroom Coffee Safe for People with High Blood Pressure?

Since mushroom coffee contains less caffeine, it is generally safer than regular coffee for people with high blood pressure.

4. Can You Drink Mushroom Coffee While Fasting?

Mushroom coffee can be consumed during fasting, but avoid adding sugar or cream to prevent breaking your fast.

5. Is Mushroom Coffee Good for Detoxing the Body?

Mushroom coffee may support detoxification by helping the liver process toxins more effectively and providing antioxidants from mushrooms like Chaga.

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