Mushroom coffee is a trending coffee blend that mixes regular coffee with extracts of medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga, cordyceps, reishi, lion’s mane and turkey tail. It has been marketed as having less caffeine than regular coffee and offers health benefits like calmer focus, no jitters or energy crashes, digestive balance and immunity support. However, many of the mushroom coffee health claims are unverified at this time and further research is needed. Plus, these brews can be expensive, costing double that of a typical cup of regular coffee.

Is Mushroom Coffee Caffeine-Free? Understanding the Options

The main drawback of mushroom coffee is that it can be hard on the stomach for people with kidney or digestion issues, especially if the brew contains Chaga mushrooms because they are high in oxalates and can contribute to kidney stones. There is also a lack of human studies on these types of mushrooms and their effect on human health, so it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian before trying them.

Is mushroom coffee caffeine free, while these brews may have less caffeine than normal coffee, they still contain some and can cause side effects such as anxiety, headache, rapid heart rate and trouble sleeping for those who are sensitive. Caffeine can also act as a diuretic and cause frequent urination, which can lead to dehydration. Those who have a mushroom allergy should also steer clear of these brews as they can cause negative symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain and breathing difficulties.