Mushroom coffee combines regular coffee (arabica, robusta, or both) with functional mushrooms, providing health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function, boosted immunity, improved digestion, and reduced anxiety and stress.

Mushroom coffee usually contains four (or more) different types of medicinal mushrooms, with lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps being the most commonly used. These mushrooms boast a range of health benefits. When combined with high-quality coffee, they can greatly improve focus, concentration, and energy. 

Mushroom coffee blends can be purchased pre-made (such as our premium Shroom Boost Lineup) or made at home from dried mushrooms that have been foraged, bought, or cultivated. 

Making mushroom coffee at home is easy, but getting the ratios right to create a brew that tastes great without sacrificing the benefits can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know to make delicious (and healthy) mushroom coffee at home. 

There are 3 Types Mushroom Coffees You Can Make

There are countless mushroom coffee recipes you can buy or make yourself, but all of them fit into one of three categories: 

1. Enhanced Coffee (Coffee + Functional Mushrooms)

This is the most common type of mushroom coffee — it combines a variety of functional and medicinal mushrooms with traditional coffee from the beans of Coffea robusta and/or Coffea arabica. This combination aims to provide the rich, familiar taste of coffee while infusing it with the health benefits of functional mushrooms.

The species of mushrooms commonly used in mushroom coffee include lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi, each known for their unique health benefits.

The mushrooms and other natural herbs and extracts used in mushroom coffee are usually adaptogens, which are substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. These ingredients are carefully blended to enhance cognitive function, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being.

2. Coffee Replacement (Coffee-Free)

Mushroom coffees made with high ratios of chaga or chicory root are popular coffee replacements for people who are trying to limit their caffeine consumption or are sensitive to coffee. The chaga mushroom has a characteristic "earthy" flavor similar to coffee. Roasted chicory root or roasted dandelion root are often added to further enhance this "coffee-like" flavor without adding any actual coffee.

Replacing your regular morning brew with mushroom coffee may boast a range of benefits. Consuming these types of mushroom coffees regularly could lead to improved cognitive function, boosted metabolism, better immune function, improved digestion, reduced anxiety, and enhanced energy levels without the jitteriness associated with caffeine.

3. Microdose Coffees (Psychedelic Mushrooms + Coffee)

In the third category of mushroom coffee, you'll see people talking about infusing mushrooms from the Psilocybe cubensis species with coffee grounds.

The idea is usually to microdose these magic mushrooms rather than provide a full psychoactive dose. Microdosing psychedelics is a popular practice for creatives and busy professionals as they're believed to support focus, concentration, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Of course, these mushrooms are illegal in the United States and many other countries around the world.

How to Make Mushroom Coffee From Scratch

Making mushroom coffee from scratch is easier than you might think. However, sourcing high-quality dried mushrooms and powders can be difficult. Creating a blend that tastes good and offers benefits from the functional mushrooms can be a challenge, too.

With that said, here’s how to make mushroom coffee at home:

1. Obtain Some Mushrooms

First, you'll need to obtain some functional mushrooms. You can grow them yourself or buy them online. Opt for the dried, powdered versions of these mushrooms whenever possible.

You can purchase functional mushroom blends for making coffee, such as our Shroom Boost Coffees, which makes life a lot easier. These blends are formulated to provide the best balance between flavor and effects. Simply open that package and mix it with hot water.

If you decide to make your own blend, make sure to purchase the dried mushrooms or powers from a reputable source. The mushrooms should be deemed “safe for consumption.” Improperly dried mushrooms can contain mold and harmful bacteria, which can impact health negatively.

2. Create the Blend

If you decide to create your own mushroom blend, take equal parts of each mushroom species, grind to a fine powder (if applicable), and combine thoroughly. There’s no wrong way to do it — you can use any combination of the mushrooms below.

Here are some popular mushrooms to consider including in your blend:

1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) — Bitter taste that may need to be balanced with sweeter ingredients. Known for its calming effects and ability to support immune health.
2. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — Most “coffee-like” flavor. Excellent immunomodulatory properties.
3. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) — Rich umami flavor that blends well with other species. Known for supporting blood sugar regulation and immune health.
4. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) — Rich, savory, smoky flavor. Use sparingly in mushroom coffee blends. Known for its widespread benefits to the circulatory system and skin.
5. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) — Mild sweet flavor. Boosts cognitive function and supports nerve health.
6. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) — Neutral flavor blends well with other mushrooms. Enhances energy and athletic performance.
7. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) — Earthy and mild, it pairs well with bolder flavors. Celebrated for its antioxidant properties and immune support.
8. Tremella (Tremella fuciformis) — Mildly sweet and gelatinous when brewed, known for its beauty-enhancing properties.
9. Poria (Poria cocos) — Subtle and slightly sweet, often used in traditional remedies for its calming effects.

We recommend using at least five of these species to make your blend. You can start with equal portions of each mushroom or create different ratios depending on your preference — there's no wrong way to do it, so embrace your creativity.

If you want something more coffee-like, opt for a higher portion of chaga than the other mushrooms in the blend.

3. Add Coffee (Optional)

You can choose to add real coffee to your blend or not. Some people prefer to leave it out and use their blend as an alternative to their morning brew — others combine them together to enhance their morning coffee instead.

Regardless, if you choose to add coffee, opt for a ratio of around 50% of the total blend. If you used 1 cup of powdered mushrooms, add another cup of ground coffee.

You can create your mixture at the time of brewing, or pre-mix a bunch of mushrooms and coffee to use in the morning.

Our advice here is to avoid pre-mixing a massive portion of coffee and mushrooms. Ideally, you should only combine enough coffee and mushrooms to last you one week. Beyond a week, the flavor of the ground coffee starts to go off and loses its rich flavor profile. 

4. Brew Your Coffee

The next step is to brew your coffee. You can do it by using any of your preferred brewing methods — however, we find the French press works the best.

This device provides a way to brew and strain the coffee with minimal pressure. A scoop or two of the coffee blend is added to the press and hot water (just off the boil) is poured in. The mixture is then left to brew for several minutes before plunging. 

The amount of time you wait before plunging and pouring will affect the taste and effectiveness of the brew. We've found that five minutes is optimal — producing a coffee that tastes and feels great. 

Play around with brewing techniques and brewing times until you find the taste you're looking for. Everyone's taste is different; some people prefer a strong coffee, and others prefer a weaker coffee. You can also experiment with the ratio of coffee to mushroom powder if you find the coffee is too strong or the mushroom flavor is too prevalent. 

5. Strain & Enjoy

Once you've allowed time for the mushroom coffee to brew, it can be strained, poured, and enjoyed. 

If using a French press, the plunger should be pressed down gradually until the grounds are pushed to the bottom of the container. The resulting coffee can then be poured into a cup and enjoyed. 

If you've made more than one serving in the press, you may want to pour the extra into a separate heat-proof pot. This will prevent the coffee from brewing further in the press. 

What’s the Best Blend for Mushroom Coffee?

Mushrooms don't make the best brew. If you brew them up without coffee, you'll be met with a cup of earthy, cheesy-tasting hot water. After all, we don't drink mushroom-infused liquids because they taste good; we drink them because of the benefits. These benefits vary depending on the blend of mushrooms used. 

The key to a good-tasting cup of mushroom coffee is the coffee blend itself. A good coffee will mask the unpleasant taste of the mushrooms and complement their earthy undertones. 

Choosing The Best Functional Mushrooms

The blend of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee can vary. Different pre-blended mushroom coffee powders contain different functional mushrooms. If you decide to make your own blend, the types of mushrooms you combine are down to you. 

The quality and proportion of each mushroom used in a mushroom coffee blend are crucial for maximizing the potential health benefits of the brew. High-quality, organically grown mushrooms must be used to ensure that the coffee is free from harmful pesticides and contaminants.

When combined in the right proportions, the resulting mushroom coffee can provide a potent mix of cognitive support, immune enhancement, and overall health benefits, without overpowering the taste of the coffee. 

Here are some of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms in coffee and their potential health benefits:

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

This species is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It supports brain health, improves memory and concentration, and may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Some studies suggest that lion’s mane may also ease symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1].

This mushroom blends very well with coffee — both in terms of benefits and flavor. It’s slightly sweet, which balances the strong, bold flavors of good coffee. It’s memory-enhancing effects pair well with coffee during long study sessions.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

This species is famed for being high in antioxidants. Chaga helps protect against oxidative stress, boosts immune function, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has the closest flavor to coffee and should make up the bulk of mushroom-only coffee blends. Blends that contain coffee don’t need to rely so much on this ingredient and can make up for mushrooms with less desirable flavors.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

This mushroom is known for its ability to improve energy levels, enhance athletic performance, and support respiratory health. It may also have anti-aging properties, as many people claim. 

The cordyceps mushroom has little impact on the flavor of the coffee, therefore making it a great addition to boost the effects of coffee or other mushrooms without afecting the flavor. This mushroom works great in blends intended to boost physical performance.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

These mushrooms are known for their calming, relaxing effects. They may help reduce stress and anxiety and induce relaxation. They also support the immune function and may improve sleep quality in insomnia sufferers, according to some studies [2].

This shroom is an excellent option for people looking to curb the stimulating qualities of coffee. These mushrooms help prevent jitters and anxiousness generated by the coffee without negating its many benefits.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

These mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting qualities, ability to regulate blood sugar levels, and ability to support cardiovascular health. The flavor of these mushrooms are best described as “umami.” They work great for enhancing the flavor of other mushrooms in the blend, but should not be used alone.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. They may also promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, according to some studies [3]. 

Much like maitake, the shiitake mushroom has a lot to offer in the falvor of mushroom coffee blends, but only if used as a supportive, rather than the primary mushroom in th eblend. They enhance and balance the flavors, but can be overpowering if used alone.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

This mushroom species is rich in polysaccharides, which enhance immune function. They also have prebiotic properties that support gut health and overall digestive function. The flavor of these mushrooms is not great — we recommend mixing this mushroom sparingly and considering adding some sweeteners to help curb the strong shroom taste of this species.

Choosing The Best Coffee Beans

The coffee blend used is equally important in creating a pleasant and enjoyable mushroom coffee.

A high-quality coffee blend will mask the earthy and somewhat cheesy taste of the mushrooms, offering a smooth and rich flavor that compliments the unique undertones of the mushrooms. The best coffee blends for making mushroom coffee are medium to dark roasts, which provide a robust flavor profile that integrates well with the mushroom’s unique flavors.

Both Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea robusta) coffee beans can be used to make mushroom coffee. However, we’ve found that the intense, strong, dark flavor of Robusta coffee integrates better with our mushroom blends than Arabica. If Robusta coffee isn’t to your taste, try an Arabica and Robusta blend.

Recommended coffee blends for making mushroom coffee:

• HaNoi Coffee (100% Robusta) — A dark roast with strong, earthy, and chocolatey notes that work perfectly for mushroom coffee.
• BanMe (100% Peaberry Robusta) — This is the strongest coffee in the world. It’s an excellent addition for mushroom coffees designed to enhance focus and concentration.
• DaNang Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) — A medium-dark roast with hints of hazelnut, citrus, and maple syrup. This is perfect for masking the taste of mushrooms and adding a subtle sweetness to the brew. 

The Easiest Option: Pre-Blended Mushroom Coffee

If making mushroom coffee from scratch seems a little too in-depth for your liking, don't worry; there's another option. 

Pre-blended mushroom coffee like our Shroom Boost Coffees contain a variety of different functional mushrooms, blended to provide the perfect balance between taste and effects. 

By combining mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps with other adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola, we've created the perfect formula for improved cognitive function, energy, and focus. 

Purchasing a pre-mixed mushroom coffee is usually cheaper than buying the different ingredients yourself, and it removes the need to combine different mushrooms and craft your own blend. Simply mix one packet of our mushroom coffee powder with hot water and start drinking. 

Side Effects of Mushroom

Mushroom coffee is generally considered safe to consume in moderation for most people. These mushrooms have an impressive health profile. All species we’ve explored so far can be consumed in very large doses without leading to side effects. Many are even recommended in doses of 4 grams or more. The average mushroom coffee calls for a dose of around 3 grams total mushrooms and coffee — so you can easily consume 2 or 3 of these coffees without any risk. 

With that said, some individuals may experience side effects or allergies to specific ingredients. If you experience side effects after consuming mushroom coffee you should stop consuming it immediately. If side effects continue to worsen or persist, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Some of the side effects reported from mushroom coffee include:

1. Digestive Issues — Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort, nausea, and/or diarrhea after consuming mushroom coffee, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or consume large volumes. 
2. Allergic Reactions — Some people may experience allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or digestive discomfort after consuming mushroom coffee. Even if you don’t have a known mushroom allergy, you can be allergic to one type of mushroom but not another. If you have an allergic reaction after consuming mushroom coffee and aren’t broadly allergic to fungi, identifying the culprit and removing it from the blend can help.
3. Interactions with Medication — Mushroom coffee may interact negatively with certain medications, especially those affecting blood pressure, blood sugar levels, or immune function. If you take prescription medication, consult with a healthcare professional before consuming mushroom coffee.
4. Caffeine Sensitivity — Although there’s generally less caffeine in a cup of mushroom coffee compared to regular coffee, if you’re sensitive to caffeine you may experience negative side effects. The side effects of caffeine consumption may include increased heart rate, jitteriness, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, and/or digestive issues. 

If you’re new to mushroom coffee, start with a small amount and see how your body reacts before brewing up a stronger cup. Consult a medical professional if you take medication, have allergy concerns, or experience any severe side effects.

FAQs: Mushroom Coffee 

Want to learn more about mushroom coffee and the functional mushrooms used in it? 

We've answered some of the frequently asked questions we've received below; check them out to learn more, or head over to the blog…

1. What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee offers several potential benefits, contributing to overall well-being. However, individual experiences may vary and the results differ depending on the specific blend of mushrooms used in the coffee as well as the quality of ingredients. 

Provided high-quality coffee containing a well-formulated blend of functional mushrooms is consumed regularly, you can expect some (or all) of these benefits:

• Increased Energy — Mushroom coffee contains caffeine, but less than the typical cup of “regular” coffee. It can provide a more balanced energy boost without the jitters or crashes associated with high-caffeine coffee. 
• Enhanced Focus — Mushrooms such as lion’s mane — a common functional shroom used in coffee — are known to support cognitive function, helping to improve focus, clarity, and memory.
• Reduced Anxiety & Stress — Mushrooms such as reishi and chaga may help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress when consumed regularly.
• Immune System Support — Chaga, turkey tail, lion’s mane, and cordyceps (among others) are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans. This may help eliminate free radicals in the body and boost the immune system.
• Improved Digestion — Some mushrooms such as turkey tail, reishi, lion's mane, and chaga can aid in digestion and promote gut health.
• Reduce Inflammation — Many functional mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Detoxification — Many functional mushrooms, but reishi in particular, are known for their potential to support liver health. They may even help detoxify the body by balancing liver enzymes and raising levels of glutathione (a powerful antioxidant). 
• Other Benefits — Drinking coffee that contains functional and adaptogenic mushrooms boasts a range of benefits. We’ve only scratched the surface here. Mushroom coffee may also promote healthy sleep, balance blood sugar levels, help aid in weight loss, and even fight cancer.

2. Is it Safe to Drink Mushroom Coffee Every Day?

Mushroom coffee can be consumed safely daily, provided the coffee you choose is made from high-quality ingredients without harmful additives. You should be mindful of your overall caffeine intake from all sources (not just mushroom coffee) to avoid potential side effects. 

As with any supplement or new addition to your diet, moderation is key. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if no adverse effects are noted. Ensure that your diet remains balanced; don't use mushroom coffee as a dietary replacement. 

You should also be careful consuming mushroom coffee daily if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — the safety of mushroom coffee during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-studied.

3. What’s the Most Popular Functional Mushroom?

The most popular functional mushroom the lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). This is the most commonly used functional mushroom in the Western world. However, several other mushrooms are popular for their potential health benefits outside of nutritional benefits. 

Here's a list of the most commonly used functional mushrooms:

• Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Tremella (Tremella fuciformis)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)
• Poria (Poria cocos)

References: 

1. Gravina, A. G., Pellegrino, R., Auletta, S., Palladino, G., Brandimarte, G., D’Onofrio, R., ... & Federico, A. (2023). Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus with a centuries-old history: Evidence in gastrointestinal diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 29(20), 3048.
2. Qiu, Y., Mao, Z. J., Ruan, Y. P., & Zhang, X. (2021). Exploration of the anti-insomnia mechanism of Ganoderma by central-peripheral multi-level interaction network analysis. BMC microbiology, 21, 1-16.
3. Yu, S., Wu, X., Ferguson, M., Simmen, R. C., Cleves, M. A., Simmen, F. A., & Fang, N. (2016). Diets containing shiitake mushroom reduce serum lipids and serum lipophilic antioxidant capacity in rats. The Journal of Nutrition, 146(12), 2491-2496.