Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee: A Complete Comparison
Mushroom coffee has become super popular recently, and you might be wondering if it’s worth all the hype. What can a cup of mushroom coffee do for you that regular coffee can’t? And are the differences really big enough to even care about?
In this article, we’re breaking down mushroom coffee vs regular coffee so you can choose the brew that’s actually best for you. By the end, you’ll know whether to stick with your regular cuppa, swap it for some functional fungi, or alternate between the two. There’s really no wrong answer — unless your mug is empty.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee can vary pretty widely depending on the brand you choose. Some brands sell “coffee” that is made from mushrooms, but it’s really more like mushroom tea (sans coffee).
Others (like us) offer drinkable supplements that blend regular coffee with functional mushrooms and other ingredients. Still other brands sell blends that are more coffee than mushroom, with concentrations so small that you’re basically paying double for a regular cup of coffee.
Don’t worry, you can’t really taste the mushrooms — as long as there’s coffee in the mix. The mushroom flavor is usually subtle, adding earthy undertones.
Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee
So mushroom coffee has mushrooms in it — what does that mean for you? Here are the main things that set it apart from regular coffee.
Caffeine Content
An average 8-ounce cup of regular coffee packs about 95 to 100 mg of caffeine, and espresso drinks can clock in even higher. On the other hand, most blends of mushroom coffee land in the 40 to 60 mg range.
This is partially because other ingredients dilute the coffee itself, and partially because many brands intentionally create blends that are lower in caffeine. For instance, each Dose of our Mushroom Coffee+ contains only 45 mg of caffeine. It’s enough to get you out of bed after a long weekend, but it won’t leave you anxious and jittery like some higher-caf blends can.
Benefits
Regular coffee is loaded with antioxidants, can support brain health, and may encourage long-term wellness. Mushroom coffee can keep many of those benefits (because in our case, it still contains coffee), but it also sprinkles in potential perks from its mushroom ingredients.
For instance, you can get immune support from reishi, antioxidants from chaga, or razor-sharp focus from lion’s mane. Plus, our blend also includes L-theanine to encourage sleep and relaxation, as well as collagen protein to support skin and gut health.
Flavor Profile
Regular coffee offers a full-bodied, aromatic punch, boasting everything from dark, smoky notes to bright, citrusy tangs depending on the roast and bean origin. Mushroom coffee is usually milder, with an extra earthy flavor from the mushroom powder.
That doesn’t mean it tastes “mushroomy” — most blends are surprisingly smooth and less acidic, which can affect the flavor a bit. You might not get the same bold slap-in-the-face flavor as a dark roast espresso, but it’s definitely still a delicious cup of coffee. Plus, our mushroom coffee contains Arabica coffee extract to highlight more flavor notes than you’d get from other brands.
Brewing Methods
One of the biggest differences between the two is that mushroom coffee often comes in instant form. That means no grinder, no fancy coffee maker, no 12-step pour-over process that makes you late for work. Just stir the powder into hot water, and boom — you’re done.
Regular coffee, while romantic in its ritual, can require more gear and time if you want a high-quality brew. And while all this fine-tuning does affect the flavor a little bit, unless you’re a major coffee purist, the difference isn’t always easy to taste.
Versatility
Mushroom coffee may actually beat regular coffee in this category — at least in our opinion. If you want a latte, it’s as easy as quickly combining mushroom coffee, hot water, and some steamed milk. Craving an iced coffee? Mix it into cold water and add ice. You can even make mochas, breves, and pretty much any other coffee drink in just a minute or two.
Regular coffee can be versatile too, but certain drinks like cappuccinos or macchiatos require espresso shots. This means you’ll need to invest in machines, beans, and the time it takes to learn barista skills.
Which One Should You Drink?
Choosing between mushroom coffee and regular coffee really comes down to your personal goals. If you’re chasing big caffeine kicks, an unmistakable coffeehouse aroma, and don’t mind the occasional jitters, regular coffee might be your match. But if you want smooth, sustained focus, easy digestion, and benefits ranging from skin health to joint support, mushroom coffee could be the move.
If you already drink coffee in the mornings, this is kind of a no-brainer. With mushroom coffee, you still get to sit down and enjoy a smooth, aromatic cup of joe, but you get more benefits than you’d get in regular coffee. And these aren’t just little benefits — if you’re consistent, you can see real changes in how you feel and think. To us, the decision is easy.
The Bottom Line
Mushroom coffee and regular coffee both have their pros and cons, but there’s a clear winner when it comes to the benefits. The right choice depends on your priorities: caffeine power, flavor punch, or extra health perks.
And with blends like our Mushroom Coffee+, you don’t even have to choose between taste and benefits. And if you want to get really creative, check out some of our mushroom coffee recipes.
Sources:
Caffeine chart | Center for Science in the Public Interest
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