For many of us, myself included, drinking a morning cup of coffee is a daily ritual. Perhaps you spend a huge chunk of your wages on Pret lattes every morning? Or you simply can’t function until you've knocked back that double espresso... well, the good news is, you’re not alone.
According to research, 98 million cups of caffeine are consumed daily and 75% of us rely on a daily shot of caffeine to get us going. Yet, recently, we’ve seen a shift in people (read: health-conscious types) starting to reduce their caffeine intake – in fact, research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health notes caffeine consumption decreased during the pandemic. And now two in five coffee drinkers are searching for ways to cut down on their caffeine intake, according to Mintel.
But instead of ditching coffee altogether, some are now looking to mushroom coffee – sprinkled with adaptogens, for added health benefits. And it’s everywhere.
From mushroom espresso martinis to celebrity fans like Meghan Markle even investing in the companies behind the Adaptogen coffees, mushroom coffee is big business. While you might just pass it off as a fad, the global market for functional coffee is nothing to be scoffed at – and is expected to grow by $2.36 billion between now and 2027.
Could a daily mushroom latte be the answer to a less stressful day? From Instagram to TikTok, many people claim that mushroom coffee reduces their stress levels – but how true is it? So, before you rush out to buy a bag, we take a deeper look at the research to find out...
What is mushroom coffee?
'Mushroom coffee is typically a mix of traditional ground coffee beans and different varieties of mushrooms, which often have medicinal or therapeutic properties,' explains clinical dietician Kate Hilton. 'It tends to be prepared in a similar way to a cup of instant coffee, however, mushroom coffee naturally has about half of the caffeine content, due to the addition of the mushrooms.'
Brands like Dirtea and Innermost have jumped on the mushroom coffee trend – claiming mushroom coffee is a healthier alternative to your usual morning cuppa (since they contain less caffeine than a normal coffee, so you won’t get that coffee crash or jitters). These mushroom blends tend to include whole, dried or ground mushrooms – such as chaga, Lion’s Mane and cordyceps – along with added extras such as Ashwagandha and Maca.
Of course, incorporating mushrooms into your diet, for health benefits, is nothing new: 'Mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years,' explains nutritionist Dr Pam Mason, from Adact Medical.
'Many Chinese herbal medicines incorporate mushrooms for their therapeutic properties, thanks in part to their beta-glucans, which are dietary fibres (natural polysaccharides) strongly linked to improving cholesterol levels, boosting heart health and supporting the human immune system.'
So, can mushroom coffee really help our stress levels?
We're all prone to bouts of stress – whether it's in our work or personal lives. Quick recap: when we're stressed, a hormone called cortisol is released, affecting our nervous system – with symptoms such as high blood pressure, difficulty breathing and even panic attacks. Adaptogens, found in mushroom coffee, are thought to help reduce the negative effects of stress, anxiety and fatigue on the body.
'Adaptogens are compounds which essentially work on our central nervous system, as well as other parts of our body, to help us cope with stress better by decreasing our sensitivity to stressors,' explains Hilton.
Nutritionist Lara Buckle adds that mushroom coffee could also impact the neurotransmitters in the brain: 'Some research suggests that adaptogenic mushrooms may influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, leading to a calming effect on the central nervous system.'
While mushrooms can also support the immune system, with Buckle adding: 'Stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses. By supporting immune function, mushroom coffee may indirectly help alleviate stress by promoting overall health and resilience.'
Not all mushroom coffees are similar though, so it's worth deep diving into which mushrooms have the best stress-relieving effects.
Lion's Mane is a popular choice, not just for coffees but supplements too, as it's said to help with focus, support anxiety symptoms and also improve heart health. In fact, a 2023 study from the journal Nutrients, showed that Lion's Mane helped with performance and stress reduction in adults aged 18 - 45.
Chaga, another popular adaptogen mushroom is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties: 'Chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health problems, including mood disorders. Certain mushrooms, such as Chaga, possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate the inflammatory stress response,' adds Buckle.
What are the health benefits of mushroom coffee?
The first, most obvious factor is that you'll be consuming less caffeine every day: 'Most of the coffees are diluted by approximately 50%, which means that they tend to contain less caffeine, which can be useful for those wishing to watch their caffeine intake,' explains Hilton.
While the ones made with whole, ground mushrooms can also have nutrient benefits, 'providing a source of selenium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D if consumed in high enough amounts'.
Coffee's ability to make us alert is one reason why many people opt for the brew, but mushroom coffee could give us more focus and better cognitive function, explains Buckle: 'Some mushrooms, like lion's mane, are believed to support cognitive function and may help improve focus and memory. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2020 examined the effects of lion's mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
'The analysis concluded that it significantly improved cognitive function compared to a placebo, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive decline,' she says.
The mushroom coffee's adaptogenic properties, particularly in reishi, are also said to help with anxiety: 'A study by University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, investigated the anxiolytic effects of reishi mushroom extract in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. The trial found that participants who received reishi extract experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms.'
Those who get the caffeine jitters after one too many cups may be pleased to know that mushroom coffee can reduce this side effect.
Are there any downsides to mushroom coffee?
Many of us jump on trends quickly, without looking at the small print. So, like anything new you are adding to your diet read the ingredients before you take a sip.
If you have allergies you should also be careful with mushroom coffee: 'While rare, some individuals may be allergic to certain types of mushrooms,' explains Buckle, and adds: 'It's essential to be aware of any mushroom allergies before consuming mushroom coffee or mushroom-based products. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.'
Some mushrooms are known to interact with medications too: 'Certain mushrooms, particularly those with potent bioactive compounds, may interact with medications or underlying health conditions.' Buckle adds that reishi mushrooms may have anticoagulant properties and could potentially interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
So it's important to consult your GP before drinking mushroom coffee if you're taking medications. The nutritionist explains that while not common some of us can experience digestive discomfort, such as 'bloating, gas, or upset stomach, when consuming mushroom coffee, particularly if they have sensitive stomachs or underlying gastrointestinal conditions.'
The best mushroom coffees
London nootropics coffee
The bottom line? Mushroom coffee is lower in caffeine than regular coffee, and has been lauded for numerous health benefits, but, as with a lot of trends, mushroom coffee needs more rigorous clinical trials (on humans) to back up all these health claims. Another thing to note? It’s more expensive than regular coffee – and definitely an acquired taste!
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