Is Mushroom Coffee Worth the Hype? Let’s Look at the Science

These days, it seems like you can’t scroll through social media without seeing an ad for mushroom coffee. It’s marketed as a smoother, healthier alternative to regular coffee—packed with benefits like improved focus, better immune function, and even boosted memory. But does the science back it up?

To break it all down, we’re leaning on insights from Dr. Adrian Chavez, a nutrition expert who recently tackled this topic on his podcast. After digging into the research and reviewing popular mushroom coffee brands, he’s got some key takeaways that might make you rethink your morning cup.

The Problem with Proprietary Blends

One of the biggest red flags with mushroom coffee is the use of proprietary blends. This means companies don’t disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient in their products. You’ll see a list of mushrooms—like lion’s mane, chaga, or cordyceps—but you have no idea how much of each is actually in your coffee.

Why does this matter? Because most of the studies that suggest mushrooms may have benefits—like improved cognitive function or immune support—use specific doses of standardized extracts. If a study finds that a certain dose of lion’s mane improves memory, that doesn’t mean the tiny, undisclosed amount in a mushroom coffee will do the same. Without transparency on the dosage, there’s no way to tell if you’re getting enough to make a real difference.

Standardization Matters

When researchers study medicinal mushrooms, they typically use extracts that are standardized to a certain percentage of active compounds, like beta-glucans or polysaccharides. This ensures consistency and potency. But with mushroom coffees? There’s no guarantee you’re getting a meaningful amount of these compounds.

In other words, companies might be using low-quality mushroom extracts—or even just ground-up mushrooms—which don’t contain the concentrated bioactive compounds needed to deliver actual health benefits.

Mushrooms Are Healthy—But Whole Food First

Dr. Chavez isn’t saying mushrooms are useless—far from it. There’s solid evidence that regularly eating mushrooms can support overall health. Studies link mushroom consumption to lower cancer risk, better blood sugar control, and improved immune function.

The problem is that supplementing with mushrooms—especially in a non-standardized, underdosed way—doesn’t necessarily translate to the same benefits.

So what’s the better move? Eat actual mushrooms. They’re easy to add to meals, and just a few servings per week could offer long-term health benefits. If you’re not a fan of the taste, try finely chopping them and mixing them into ground beef or turkey—you won’t even notice they’re there.

The Bottom Line

If you love the idea of mushroom coffee and just enjoy the taste, go for it. But if you’re drinking it solely for the supposed health perks, it’s probably not worth your money. Instead:

• Stick with regular coffee—it’s already been well studied for cognitive and health benefits.

• Incorporate mushrooms into your diet—they have real, proven benefits when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

• Be skeptical of vague health claims—if a supplement doesn’t list exact doses or standardization, you might not be getting what you think.

Mushroom coffee might be trendy, but when it comes to actual benefits, the science just isn’t that strong. If you’re after better focus, energy, and long-term health, a well-rounded diet, good sleep, and exercise will get you a lot further than a cup of overpriced coffee with mystery mushrooms.

What do you think? Have you tried mushroom coffee? Hit reply and let me know your experience!

I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email.

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Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.