Mushroom coffee seems to be everywhere these days—from grocery store shelves to trendy health cafes. Its rising popularity has created a booming market, expected to hit $1.8 billion by 2031. While the trend is undeniable, does this fungi-infused drink actually offer real benefits? Here’s what experts say.

### What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee blends regular coffee with powdered medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, shiitake, or maitake—all of which have been used for centuries for their potential health benefits.

“Mushroom coffee combines coffee with dried mushroom powders, offering the traditional benefits of these fungi in a convenient form,” explains nutritionist Marta Marcè. “The taste is barely noticeable, though some describe it as slightly earthy or nutty. It’s marketed as everything from a brain booster to an immune system enhancer.”

### The benefits of mushroom coffee
Proponents claim this blend can improve mental and physical performance, strengthen immunity, promote calmness, and even boost metabolism—depending on the mushrooms used.

But while these claims sound impressive, scientific backing is still limited. “The idea is simple: deliver the benefits of medicinal mushrooms in an easy-to-drink coffee,” writes Lindsay Warner of Harvard Health. “However, most research on medicinal mushrooms involves lab or animal studies—not humans. So, while results may look promising, we can’t assume the same effects apply to people.”

### Is mushroom coffee worth trying?
A key question is whether the body can properly absorb the active compounds in mushroom powders.

“If the powder is just dried and ground mushrooms—not extracted—absorption is very limited,” says Marcè. “Mushrooms have a tough cell wall called chitin, which can block the release of beneficial compounds during digestion. In that case, the body may not access the immune or cognitive benefits at all.”

She also notes that many brands don’t specify whether they use the mushroom’s fruiting body (the most potent part) or the mycelium (root system), which is typically less effective.

Another issue? “Most mushroom coffees contain just 250–500 mg of extract per cup—far less than the doses used in studies that showed actual benefits,” Marcè points out.

### Should you drink mushroom coffee?
There’s no denying that mushrooms have proven health benefits. But both Warner and Marcè emphasize that no research has specifically examined mushroom coffee’s effects. There’s no guarantee that processing and mixing mushrooms with coffee preserves their medicinal properties—so the touted benefits remain unproven.

That said, swapping your regular coffee for mushroom coffee likely isn’t harmful—especially if you enjoy the taste and don’t mind the higher cost. It may also contain less caffeine, which could be helpful if you’re cutting back or sensitive to stimulants.

### Other ways to consume medicinal mushrooms
Beyond coffee, medicinal mushrooms are available as capsules, extracts, tablets, or even cooked into meals. They’re also gaining popularity in skincare products.

However, Marcè notes that supplements are often the most effective form, since extraction (using hot water or alcohol) helps release the active compounds better than simply eating the mushrooms.

### Common medicinal mushrooms include:
– Lion’s mane (supports brain health)
– Reishi (promotes relaxation and immunity)
– Chaga (rich in antioxidants)
– Shiitake & maitake (support immune function)

While mushroom coffee might not be a miracle drink, it could be a worthwhile experiment—just don’t expect instant, proven results.Medicinal Mushrooms for Health Support

Lion’s Mane may support brain function and mental well-being by stimulating nerve growth factor, which could help with memory and focus.

Maitake is known for immune support and blood sugar regulation, with studies suggesting it may improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic balance.

Shiitake offers immune-modulating and antioxidant benefits.

Reishi, an adaptogenic mushroom, may help manage stress and support immunity. It’s rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, which can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Cordyceps has been associated with better physical performance and heart health.

### Are There Any Risks?
While medicinal mushrooms are generally safe, some precautions apply:

– Drug interactions: They may enhance the effects of blood thinners (like warfarin) or diabetes medications (such as insulin).
– Autoimmune conditions: Not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases or those taking immunosuppressants.
– Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety hasn’t been well studied, so caution is advised.

As with any supplement, choose high-quality products and consult a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that benefits are often gradual and work best as part of a healthy lifestyle—balanced nutrition, good sleep, and regular exercise.

When exploring health trends, always do your own research. Social media and AI tools like ChatGPT may not provide accurate or up-to-date scientific information. Whether mushroom coffee is a lasting trend or just a fad will become clearer with more research.