Mushroom coffee has its roots in history, notably used in Finland during World War II as a coffee substitute when beans were scarce, according to Healthline. Asian cultures, particularly in Chinese medicine, have long valued mushrooms for their nutritional and health benefits. But does modern mushroom coffee live up to the hype?

What exactly is mushroom coffee?

Don’t worry, mushroom coffee isn't a cup of regular coffee with mushrooms floating on top. Instead, it’s a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans, resulting in a dark, smooth, and nutty beverage. Unlike culinary mushrooms such as shiitake and portobello, mushroom coffee typically uses medicinal mushroom extracts.

How is mushroom coffee made?

The process begins with extracting the fruiting bodies of medicinal mushrooms. These are then dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with ground coffee beans, usually in a 1-to-1 ratio. This mixture is available in various forms, including instant coffee packets, ground coffee blends, and coffee pods. You can prepare it just like regular coffee, making mochas, lattes, or black coffee.

Lower caffeine content

One of the selling points of mushroom coffee is its lower caffeine content compared to regular coffee. Caffeine, a natural psychoactive substance, can have negative side effects, especially for pregnant or lactating women, children, and individuals with heart conditions. While up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is generally safe, those sensitive to caffeine may experience anxiety, rapid heart rate, and stomach upset even at lower intakes.

Mushroom coffee typically halves the caffeine content by mixing mushroom powder with ground coffee beans, making it a suitable option for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

Potential health benefits

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. These mushrooms contain compounds called adaptogens, which may help the body respond better to stress. By incorporating medicinal mushroom extracts into coffee, proponents claim benefits such as improved stress management, enhanced focus, and boosted immunity. However, it's essential to approach these claims with caution. While mushrooms are indeed nutritious and have medicinal properties, scientific evidence supporting the specific benefits of mushroom coffee is still limited.

Mushroom coffee blends traditional wisdom with modern convenience, offering a potentially lower-caffeine alternative to regular coffee. While it may offer some health benefits due to its adaptogenic properties, more research is needed to substantiate these claims. For those curious about its effects, trying mushroom coffee could be a worthwhile experiment, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective and consult healthcare professionals when considering significant dietary changes.