You've probably seen it on café menus and in the coffee aisle, and maybe you've wondered: what is mushroom coffee, and does it actually taste like coffee? The short answer is yes. Most mushroom coffee is regular coffee blended with powdered mushrooms such as Lion's Mane and Chaga. In this guide, we'll cover what's in it, what it tastes like, how much caffeine to expect and how to make a great cup at home.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is coffee that has been blended with dried, powdered mushrooms. These aren't the button mushrooms you'd slice into a salad. Brands usually use functional mushrooms that have long been dried and brewed into teas and tonics, with Lion's Mane, Chaga, reishi and cordyceps being some of the most common.
The mushrooms are dried and ground into a fine powder (or made into an extract), then mixed with ground or instant coffee. The result looks and brews much like the coffee you already know. Nothing about it is psychedelic: the mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are not "magic" mushrooms.
Ground vs. instant mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee generally comes in two formats:
- Ground mushroom coffee: Ground coffee beans mixed with mushroom powder. You brew it in a drip machine, pour-over or French press, just like regular ground coffee. Our Vitality Mushroom Coffee is a ground medium roast made with 90% Arabica coffee, 5% organic Lion's Mane and 5% organic Chaga.
- Instant mushroom coffee: Freeze-dried instant coffee mixed with mushroom powder. You simply stir it into hot water. Our Mushroom Fuse Instant Coffee is 70% freeze-dried Arabica, 15% organic Lion's Mane and 15% organic Chaga.
Some products sold as "mushroom coffee" contain no coffee at all. Those are usually blends of mushrooms with cacao, chicory or spices. Always check the ingredient list so you know what you're buying.
What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?
This is the question most people ask first, and the answer is usually a relief: mushroom coffee tastes like coffee. Because coffee is typically the main ingredient, the flavor of the roast leads. The mushrooms add a subtle, earthy, slightly nutty note in the background rather than a savory "mushroom" flavor.
How strong that earthy note is depends on the blend:
- More coffee, less mushroom: A ground blend with a small share of mushroom powder tastes very close to a classic medium roast.
- More mushroom: Blends with a higher share of mushroom powder taste smoother and earthier, a bit like a mellow, chocolatey cup.
- The roast matters too: Medium roasts with chocolate notes pair especially well with the earthy character of Lion's Mane and Chaga.
Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?
Yes, if it's made with coffee, mushroom coffee contains caffeine. Mushrooms themselves don't contain caffeine, so the amount in a cup comes from the coffee in the blend. Blends that swap part of the coffee for mushroom powder have less coffee per scoop, so they tend to have less caffeine than the same amount of pure coffee. Blends that are mostly coffee land close to a regular cup.
Caffeine varies a lot from product to product, so check the label, start with one cup and see how it fits your routine. If you're sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing, or taking medication, talk to your healthcare professional before adding any new coffee or mushroom product. Looking for a different kind of caffeine? See our comparison of matcha vs coffee.
How to Make Mushroom Coffee
Ground mushroom coffee
- Use about 1 tablespoon (10 g) of ground mushroom coffee per cup.
- Brew it in your drip machine, pour-over or French press, just as you would regular coffee.
- Drink it black, or add milk and sweetener to taste.
Instant mushroom coffee
- Add 1 teaspoon (one scoop) to your mug.
- Pour in 8–10 oz of hot water, around 160–175°F (70–80°C). Very hot, boiling water can make instant coffee taste bitter.
- Stir until dissolved. Use two scoops for a stronger cup.
Ways to make mushroom coffee taste even better
- Make it a latte: Froth warm milk or a plant-based milk and pour it over your coffee.
- Add a little spice: A pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla complements the earthy notes.
- Serve it iced: Dissolve instant mushroom coffee in a splash of hot water, then add cold water or milk and ice.
- Try a creamer: A spoonful of your favorite creamer softens the flavor if you're new to it.
For more ideas, read our guide on how to make instant coffee taste better. Most of the tips work for instant mushroom coffee too.
What's in Mushroom Coffee?
A good mushroom coffee keeps the ingredient list short. Ours contain just three ingredients each: roasted Arabica coffee, organic Lion's Mane powder and organic Chaga mushroom powder. Here's a quick look at the two mushrooms you'll see most often:
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy mushroom with a mild flavor. Lion's mane mushroom coffee is one of the most popular styles.
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees and has traditionally been brewed as a tea. It has a deep, earthy taste.
When shopping, look for the percentage of each ingredient, the type of coffee and whether the mushrooms are organic. Avoid blends that hide their ingredients behind a vague "proprietary blend."
Mushroom Coffee vs. Mushroom Supplements
Mushroom coffee is a food: a cup of coffee with mushroom powder mixed in. Mushroom supplements, such as capsules or gummies, are a different kind of product with their own suggested use on the label. If you're interested in functional mushrooms beyond your morning cup, you can browse our mushroom supplements and compare labels. Some people enjoy both as part of their daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?
Not really. Most people describe it as coffee with a light earthy or nutty finish. Blends with more coffee taste closest to a regular cup.
Is mushroom coffee caffeine free?
No, not if it contains coffee. Mushroom coffee made with coffee beans or instant coffee has caffeine. Only coffee-free mushroom blends are caffeine free, so check the label.
Can I drink mushroom coffee every day?
Many people enjoy mushroom coffee as their daily cup, just like regular coffee. Follow the suggested use on the label, and talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about caffeine or about mushrooms with your diet or medications.
Can I add milk to mushroom coffee?
Yes. Dairy or plant-based milk, creamer and sweetener all work. Mushroom coffee makes a great latte.
Try Mushroom Coffee at Home
If you love your morning coffee but want to try something a little different, mushroom coffee is an easy swap. Pick Vitality Mushroom Coffee if you like to brew a full pot, or Mushroom Fuse Instant Coffee for a cup in seconds. Explore our full mushroom coffee collection and find your new favorite brew.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This content is for general information and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have questions about your health.
