Coffee isn’t just a drink. For many of us, it’s the steady anchor of the day — the first thing we reach for in the morning, the pick-me-up during long afternoons, and sometimes the companion that sees us through late-night work. It’s habit, comfort, even a little ritual. But as more people start paying closer attention to what they eat and drink and how it makes them feel, something a little unexpected has crept onto the scene: mushroom coffee.
Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Mushrooms and coffee in the same cup. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a fad dreamt up by wellness marketers. But actually, it’s become surprisingly popular. The idea is simple: roasted coffee beans blended with functional mushrooms. You still get your coffee taste and smell, but with a subtle earthy note and a smoother kind of energy. It’s not about giving up your favourite drink — it's more about giving it a small twist.
Why Mushroom Coffee?
Mushrooms have been treasured for centuries, not just as food but also in traditional health practices across the world. Mix them with coffee, and the result is a brew designed to give you a steadier lift. Instead of the all-too-familiar spike-and-crash, mushroom coffee aims to keep things balanced. If you’re curious about trying it yourself, our best mushroom coffee in the UK collection is a good place to start.
Plenty of people say it feels less jittery, a bit easier on the stomach, and more grounded overall. In short: you still get the coffee experience, but without quite as much of the sharp edge.
The Functional Fungi Behind the Brew
The real difference comes from the mushrooms themselves. Each one brings something slightly unique, and blends usually include more than one variety. A few of the most common are:
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Lion’s Mane Focus Mushroom Coffee (Hericium erinaceus) – With its shaggy, icicle-like look, this mushroom has long been admired in East Asia. In coffee, it’s a favourite for those who want a clear, steady focus, and it adds a subtle depth to the flavour.
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Cordyceps Endurance Mushroom Coffee (Cordyceps militaris) – Traditionally linked with energy and stamina, Cordyceps pairs naturally with coffee. Rather than a sharp caffeine buzz, it’s often chosen for a gentler, longer-lasting lift.
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Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Sometimes nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality”, Reishi is more about balance than stimulation. In a blend, it gives a grounding, calming touch.
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Chaga Immunity Mushroom Coffee (Inonotus obliquus) – Deep, earthy, and full-bodied, chaga has long been brewed as a tea. In coffee, it lends a rich backbone to the flavour.
Together, these mushrooms take an everyday cup of coffee and give it extra layers — not just in taste, but in cultural heritage too.
From Forest to Cup
Making mushroom coffee isn’t as simple as grinding up mushrooms with beans. The fungi are usually dried, then extracted, so their compounds are preserved. Those extracts are then blended with roasted coffee beans in carefully measured amounts. The result is coffee that tastes almost identical to what you’re used to, with just a hint of earthiness running underneath.
And there are choices. You’ll find instant sachets that are quick and easy, or ground blends you can brew in your cafetière or filter at home.
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Not sure where to begin? A few popular starting points include:
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Mushroom Coffee Blends – A straightforward way in. Just brew as you would normal coffee, with mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, or Reishi already mixed in.
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Lion’s Mane Capsules – Ideal if you’d rather not tinker with your morning brew but still want to try functional mushrooms.
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Cordyceps Capsules – A good option if you associate your coffee habit with energy and movement.
In short, you don’t have to overhaul your routine. Whether you sip a mushroom blend or take capsules alongside your usual drink, there’s room to experiment.
Taste and Experience
So, what does mushroom coffee actually taste like? The short answer: coffee.
The mushrooms don’t overwhelm it. They add little hints — earthy, nutty, sometimes a whisper of sweetness. For most people, the difference is subtle. If you’re already used to trying lighter roasts or single-origin beans, you’ll find the flavour shift feels quite natural. Some even say they prefer it once they’ve had a few cups.
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Brewing Rituals
Coffee is about ritual as much as flavour — grinding, waiting, breathing in that aroma that fills the kitchen. Mushroom coffee doesn’t take that away. If anything, it can make the process feel a little more mindful.
A few ways to enjoy it:
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Instant Sachets – Just hot water and a stir. Great for travel or the office.
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Ground Blends – Brew as you would any filter coffee, whether in a cafetière, V60, or espresso machine.
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Latte Style – Add oat, almond, or regular milk for a creamy finish.
And if you fancy experimenting, try a pinch of cinnamon, a spoon of cacao, or even a drizzle of honey to bring out the earthy side.
A Growing Movement on Mushroom Coffee
What started as a niche health-shop curiosity is now appearing on café menus and supermarket shelves. In the UK especially, mushroom coffee is edging into the mainstream.
It’s part of a broader shift. Just as plant milks and herbal teas went from “alternative” to everyday, mushroom coffee is beginning to carve out its own space. People are simply looking for drinks that taste good and feel good at the same time.
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Things to Consider
If you’re thinking of making mushroom coffee part of your routine, it helps to ease into it. Start with a small cup and see how it sits with you, rather than jumping straight into a full pot.
Also, take a look at the ingredients on the packet. Some blends lean more towards Lion’s Mane, others towards Reishi or Cordyceps — and they all bring slightly different qualities.
Most importantly, notice how your body responds. We all handle caffeine and mushrooms in our own way, so give yourself time to figure out whether it feels right for you.
The Future of Brewing Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee is more than just a new flavour. It reflects a growing interest in slowing down, choosing ingredients with care, and reconnecting with traditions that reach far back into history.
With research on functional fungi continuing and curiosity about new foods growing, mushroom coffee looks less like a passing fad and more like a natural step in how we enjoy our daily cup.
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FAQs
Q: Does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?
A: No. It tastes almost identical to regular coffee, with a faint earthy or nutty note in the background.
Q: Can I drink mushroom coffee every day?
A: Most people do. Like any coffee, it’s about finding what works for you.
Q: What makes mushroom coffee different from ordinary coffee?
A: It’s a mix of roasted beans and extracts from functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, or Chaga. Many find it gives a smoother, steadier energy.
Q: Is mushroom coffee suitable for vegans?
A: The majority of blends are plant-based, but always check the label just to be safe.
Q: Can I make mushroom coffee at home without blends?
A: Yes. Brew your normal coffee and stir in mushroom powders like Lion’s Mane or Reishi. That way you control the taste and strength.
Q: Will mushroom coffee replace my regular coffee?
A: That’s personal. Some people switch completely, while others keep it as an option alongside their usual cup.
Conclusion
Coffee will always be a daily staple. But mushroom coffee offers something slightly different: a familiar comfort, reimagined with an earthy twist. It’s not about giving up the drink you love; it’s about opening the door to another way of enjoying it.
Whether it’s a pre-blended bag of grounds, a capsule of Lion’s Mane, or a spoonful of Cordyceps stirred into a smoothie, there are plenty of ways to bring mushrooms into your routine. Next time you brew, pause for a second — you might find there’s more than roasted beans in your cup.