The Truth About Mushroom Coffee: Benefits vs. Hype

By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM

What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Scientifically Supported Benefits
Common Myths vs. Scientific Reality
Potential Side Effects 
Should You Try Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a beverage that combines traditional coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms. It has emerged as a prominent player in the functional beverage market. Mushroom coffee has recently been popularized as a healthier alternative to regular coffee and has been attributed to health benefits such as enhancing cognitive function, supporting immune health, and reducing caffeine intake.

This article examines the scientific evidence behind these claims, focusing on the bioactive compounds in mushroom species commonly used in mushroom coffee, namely Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris).^1,2 Some of the common myths and the underlying reality of the benefits of mushroom coffee will also be explored.

Image Credit: Oleksandra Naumenko/Shutterstock.com

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is typically a blend of ground coffee beans and mushroom extracts. The mushrooms are often dried, ground, and processed to concentrate their bioactive compounds. Unlike culinary mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms used in these blends are valued for their potential therapeutic effects.

The commonly used mushroom species include Lion’s Mane, which is associated with cognitive support; Chaga, prized for its antioxidant properties; Reishi, known for immunomodulatory effects; and Cordyceps, which has been linked to energy enhancement in various studies.^1,2

Although mushroom coffee does contain less caffeine than regular coffee, it is not entirely caffeine-free. The blend for mushroom coffee contains a small portion of ground coffee beans, so the caffeine content is lower.

This lower caffeine content may reduce the side effects associated with high caffeine consumption, such as jitteriness and sleep disturbances.³ In addition to reduced caffeine, mushroom coffee is believed to contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, which contribute to its proposed health benefits.⁴

The Therapeutic Potential of Mushrooms

Scientifically Supported Benefits

Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection

Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, has been widely investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects. Two major bioactive compounds extracted from Lion’s Mane, called hericenones and erinacines, have been found to improve the synthesis of nerve growth factor, a critical protein for nerve cell growth and maintenance.⁴

The nerve growth factor protein is essential for neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity, making it vital for maintaining cognitive health.

Additionally, triterpenoids and polysaccharides extracted from Lion’s Mane have been reported to have blood glucose-regulating properties, as well as immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer properties, among others.⁵

Studies on animal models have also shown improved cognitive function and neuroregeneration following Lion’s Mane supplementation. In a recent study, rodents treated with Hericium erinaceus extracts demonstrated enhanced memory and learning performance in maze tasks, indicating potential cognitive supporting activity of Lion’s Mane extract.⁶

The interest in the medicinal properties of Lion’s Mane is not recent. A Japanese study from 2008 reported that individuals with mild cognitive impairment experienced cognitive improvements after 16 weeks of supplementation with Yamabushitake or Lion’s Mane. The participants showed better performance on cognitive function tests compared to the placebo group.⁷

These findings suggest that Lion’s Mane may offer support for individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline. However, further robust clinical trials involving larger sample sizes and diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term implications of Lion’s Mane consumption.¹

Immune Modulation and Inflammation Reduction

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) mushrooms, which are also used in mushroom coffee, contain polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in various preclinical studies.

Beta-glucans have been reported to enhance immune responses by activating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and improving the body’s defense against pathogens. These compounds also interact with immune receptors and stimulate cellular responses that promote immune surveillance and pathogen clearance.⁴

Chaga, in particular, is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and melanin, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.²

Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. By neutralizing free radicals, the antioxidants in Chaga may help mitigate oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.

Evidence from pre-clinical studies suggests that Chaga extracts inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce markers of inflammation in animal models.²

A study involving zebrafish models also showed that polysaccharides extracted from Chaga mushrooms exhibited genoprotective properties.⁸ However, while preclinical data is promising, there is a dearth of studies on humans, and future research is required to establish the clinical relevance of these effects.

Energy and Stress Adaptation

An increasing number of studies have reported that Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps militaris) help enhance physical endurance and reduce fatigue. A bioactive compound that is unique to Cordyceps, known as Cordycepin, has been shown to improve adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and increase cellular energy.⁹

Given that ATP serves as the primary energy currency of cells, its efficient production is critical for muscle function and physical performance.

Cordyceps has also been identified as an adaptogen, which is a metabolic regulator that can potentially help the body cope with stress.¹⁰ Adaptogens enhance the body’s resilience to physical, chemical, and biological stressors.

Research involving athletes has suggested that Cordyceps supplementation may improve aerobic capacity and reduce exercise-induced fatigue.¹¹ However, human data remains largely inconclusive, necessitating additional research to establish efficacy and optimal dosage.

The Rise of Functional Beverages

Common Myths vs. Scientific Reality

Myth: Mushroom Coffee Is Caffeine-Free

Contrary to popular belief, most mushroom coffee products contain caffeine. The caffeine content varies depending on the blend, but consumers should not assume it is a caffeine-free alternative.

Individuals sensitive to caffeine should also verify the product labels for mushroom coffee blends to understand their caffeine intake.³

Myth: It Replaces Medication

Claims that mushroom coffee can treat or replace medications for anxiety, depression, or chronic illnesses are unsupported by clinical evidence. While research does indicate that certain mushrooms exhibit bioactive properties, they should be viewed as complementary rather than primary treatments.

Medicinal mushrooms may support overall health, but they are not substitutes for pharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should be consulted before using mushroom coffee as a therapeutic alternative.¹²

Myth: All Mushroom Coffee Is Equal

The quality of mushroom coffee products varies significantly based on extraction methods, the type of mushroom used, and mushroom sourcing. Moreover, water extraction and dual extraction methods yield different concentrations of bioactive compounds.

Dual extraction involves both water and alcohol extraction to obtain a broader spectrum of bioactives, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids.¹³ Therefore, products with transparent labeling regarding mushroom content and extraction processes should be preferred, as they provide clarity on potency and purity.

Potential Side Effects

Although mushroom coffee is generally considered safe for most individuals, allergic reactions and gastrointestinal discomfort have been reported. Medicinal mushrooms can also interact with anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and hypoglycemic drugs.

Therefore, individuals with underlying health conditions or those on medications should seek medical advice before consumption of mushroom coffee. Studies have also reported cases of liver toxicity associated with excessive Reishi mushroom consumption, which highlights the importance of moderation and product quality.^4,14

Should You Try Mushroom Coffee?

In summary, while mushroom coffee offers a promising functional beverage alternative, its health claims require cautious interpretation. While preliminary research supports potential benefits related to cognitive function, immune support, and energy enhancement, robust human clinical trials and conclusive findings on the benefits of mushroom coffee remain limited.

Mushroom coffee may benefit individuals seeking reduced caffeine intake or those interested in functional foods. However, it is not a cure-all and should not replace conventional medical treatments.

It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating mushroom coffee into a regular diet, particularly for individuals with preexisting health conditions.

Ultimately, mushroom coffee is a complementary wellness product with potential health benefits, but further scientific research is essential to validate its therapeutic claims.

References

1. Kała, K., Cicha-Jeleń, M., Hnatyk, K., Krakowska, A., Sułkowska-Ziaja, K., Szewczyk, A., Lazur, J., & Muszyńska, B. (2024). Coffee with Cordyceps militaris and Hericium erinaceus fruiting bodies as a source of essential bioactive substances. Pharmaceuticals, 17(7), 955. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070955
2. Lu, Y., Jia, Y., Xue, Z., Li, N., Liu, J., & Chen, H. (2021). Recent developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) polysaccharides: Isolation, structural characteristics, biological activities and application. Polymers, 13(9), 1441. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13091441
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 24). Mushroom coffee: Should you be drinking it? Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mushroom-coffee-should-you-be-drinking-it (Accessed on 19 February 2025).
4. Venturella, G., Ferraro, V., Cirlincione, F., & Gargano, M. L. (2021). Medicinal mushrooms: Bioactive compounds, use, and clinical trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2), 634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634
5. Seweryn, E., Ziała, A., & Gamian, A. (2021). Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. Nutrients, 13(8), 2725. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082725
6. Ratto, D., Corana, F., Mannucci, B., Priori, E. C., Cobelli, F., Roda, E., Ferrari, B., Occhinegro, A., Di Iorio, C., De Luca, F., Cesaroni, V., Girometta, C., Bottone, M. G., Savino, E., Kawagishi, H., & Rossi, P. (2019). Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging. Nutrients, 11(4), 715. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040715
7. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2008). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
8. Eid, J. I., Majdah Mohammad Al-Tuwaijri, Mohanty, S., & Das, B. (2021). Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) polysaccharides exhibit genoprotective effects in UVB-exposed embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) through coordinated expression of DNA repair genes. Heliyon, 7, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06003
9. X. Zhou, Z. Gong, Y. Su, J. Lin, and K. Tang, “Cordyceps fungi: natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products,” Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, vol. 61,no. 3, pp. 279–291, 2009.
10. Di Lorenzo, R., Falanga, D., Ricci, L., Colantuono, A., Greco, G., Angelillo, M., Nugnes, F., Di Serio, T., Costa, D., Tito, A., & Laneri, S. (2024). NAD-Driven Sirtuin Activation by Cordyceps sinensis Extract: Exploring the Adaptogenic Potential to Promote Skin Longevity. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(8), 4282. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084282
11. Hirsch, K. R., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Mock, M. G. (2017). Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of dietary supplements, 14(1), 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386   
12. UCLA Health. (2023, July 27). Should you switch to mushroom coffee? UCLA Health. Available at: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/should-you-switch-mushroom-coffee (Accessed on 19 February 2025).
13. Mali, S. V., Shaikh, N. S., Shaikh, M. C., Shelake, S. N., Shendge, N. H., & Shelke, S. D. (2023). Formulation and evaluation of herbal mushroom coffee powder as an immunoboosting drink. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 8(5), 2202–2203. https://www.ijisrt.com/formulation-and-evaluation-of-herbal-mushroom-coffee-powder-as-a-immunoboosting-drink
14. Valverde, M. E., Hernández-Pérez, T., & Paredes-López, O. (2015). Edible mushrooms: Improving human health and promoting quality life. International Journal of Microbiology, 2015, 376387. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/376387

Further Reading

• All Nutrition Content
• The Role of Nutrition in Health
• What Are the Positive Health Effects of Eating Meat?
• What Are the Negative Health Effects of Eating Meat?
• Macrominerals and Trace Minerals in the Diet