Mushroom coffee is a beverage that combines ground best mushroom coffee with regular coffee beans. The mushroom blends vary, but many use adaptogen mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps to promote energy, focus and immune health. They’re also known for anti-aging effects and may improve gut health and reduce stress levels. Many brands also add ingredients like chai spices, turmeric and chocolate to improve flavor and boost nutritional value. Some even add prebiotics and other healthy extras. When shopping for a product, look for organic, vegan and non-dairy options as well as an ingredients list that excludes any unnecessary sweeteners and fillers.

Many mushroom brews have a similar taste to traditional coffee, and they’re typically lower in caffeine than other coffee products. This can help reduce jitteriness and energize the body without the afternoon crash that’s associated with caffeinated joe. Some may also be suitable for people with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping.

The Health Benefits of Adding Mushroom Coffee to Your Diet

However, despite the marketing claims of some mushroom coffee purveyors, the health benefits of these drinks are unclear. There’s no meaningful research that shows if the medicinal mushrooms used in fungi-infused blends retain their benefits when they’re dried, extracted and brewed into a drink. And while mushrooms themselves have been linked to numerous health benefits, a lack of human studies means we don’t know how they might interact with other supplements or medications.