You may have heard of one of the latest trends sweeping the internet and wondered – mushroom coffee, what is it? Well, wonder no more!
We are here to guide you through the world that is mushroom coffee – what it is; how to drink it; the best types… Enjoy!
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Well, the clue is in the name really – mushroom coffee is basically coffee with mushrooms in it!
However, these are not your standard button or field mushrooms – mushroom coffee uses medicinal mushrooms to give you that coffee hit plus other health benefits.
Some of the common medicinal mushrooms used to make mushroom coffee are Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps. These mushrooms are all well known for their beneficial effects on the body.
The coffee and the mushrooms are ground up together, so the texture of your coffee will be exactly the same – there won’t be mushrooms floating on the top!
Mushroom coffee, although it is trending now, has actually been around for many years – mushrooms were used as a substitute for coffee in WW2.
The taste of mushroom coffee is reportedly barely different to regular coffee – you might get hints of a nutty flavour, but in general the coffee flavour is still there.
Mushroom coffee is marketed as being able to help reduce anxiety and improve the immune system, which is mostly why it is so popular.
Because half of the bulk of the beans is replaced by medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee is also lower in caffeine than standard coffee, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Mushroom coffee tends to be more expensive than regular coffee, which can put people off – but the potential health benefits have a real appeal.
Always discuss new supplements with your healthcare provider if you have any underlying health issues, but in general mushroom coffee is safe, and delicious.
This is a good video to tell you a little bit more about mushroom coffee, and whether it’s really worth it:
Does Mushroom Coffee Give You A Buzz?
If you are hoping that your mushroom coffee is the “magical” kind, you may be disappointed – no illegal mushrooms are used in the making of this blend!
The mushrooms used are known for their health benefits, not their recreational uses, so you will not feel any different after a cup than you do after a normal cup of coffee.
However, you may notice side effects such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety if you switch to mushroom coffee.
Also, many of the mushrooms used have proven health benefits such as antioxidants and even tumour-reducing properties, so you will hopefully notice some great improvements to your health.
Many medicinal mushrooms can help to improve cognitive function, so keep an eye on your pub quiz skills if you have just started drinking mushroom coffee!
Do Mushroom Coffees Taste Like Coffee?
For those who love their cup of joe, don’t panic – mushroom coffee tastes just the same as normal coffee.
Many people report that it has a “nutty” flavour, but this is mild and in general the coffee flavour takes precedence.
The mushrooms actually add a level of mildness that balances out the bitterness and acidity of the coffee, making it even more palatable.
The specific taste of each coffee will vary depending on the manufacturer, the brand, the coffee beans used, as well as the specific types of mushroom.
As we all know, each different branded product is slightly different, and this goes for mushroom coffee too.
The best thing to do is to try a few different types and see which one works the best for you (plus, this is a great excuse to drink delicious coffee!)
You can always, if you’d like, try adding different flavours to your coffee if you are unsure if you will like it with a hint of mushroom.
Who Should Not Drink Mushroom Coffee?
While it is generally safe, there are a few things to consider before you branch out into mushroom coffee.
People with mushroom allergies should definitely not drink mushroom coffee, for obvious reasons – you don’t want to make yourself poorly.
Additionally, those with low immune systems or autoimmune diseases should steer clear of mushroom coffee.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking blood thinners or other medications, you should definitely have a chat with your healthcare provider before diving into the world of mushroom coffee.
Basically, if you are in good health and not allergic to mushrooms, you should be fine. Anyone else should have a chat with their doctor – just to be on the safe side.
You don’t have to avoid mushroom coffee if you simply don’t like mushrooms – they are so hidden by the flavour of the coffee that you won’t even know they’re there!
How Long Does It Take For Mushroom Coffee To Work?
Starting any new supplement can feel like a waiting game – when should you start noticing effects and what should you look out for?
Mushroom coffee and its associated benefits will not take months to emerge – you should start to notice the benefits within the first couple of days.
However, for the longer-term benefits such as increased focus and mental clarity, you may have to wait between 1 and 12 weeks, depending on the individual.
You can, of course, speed up the process once you have worked out whether mushroom coffee agrees with you!
Simply drink the coffee on a regular basis, and ensure that you are making it correctly using the manufacturer’s guide.
Some people may be affected more quickly, as some people will be more sensitive to the benefits – it entirely depends on the person.
This in-depth article will tell you more about mushroom coffee, including its benefits and how long it takes to have an effect.
Final Words
Whether or not you feel that mushrooms belong in a coffee, why not give it a go? You might just surprise yourself! And, there is the added bonus of all the health benefits.
Now that you know a little more about it, the next time a friend says, “So, mushroom coffee – what is it?” You can confidently answer – and even order for them!
