9 best mushroom coffees, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors
I’ll be the first to admit that I probably drink too much coffee — black, no sugar and upwards of four cups a day — so the prospect of mushroom coffee? Intensely appealing. And with Holland & Barrett reporting a 150% increase in the sale of mushroom products year on year, likely due to claims it can improve your focus and cognition, I was curious to test it for myself. Could it really be a (delish) alternative for those particularly sensitive to caffeine?
“Mushrooms have been a cornerstone of traditional practices in Asia for thousands of years," details Niamh McCormack, commercial trends & acceleration lead at Holland & Barrett. "Today, as consumers increasingly seek out ancient ingredients and holistic approaches, these fungi are experiencing a major resurgence.”
Granted, regular coffee has many proven benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants and fibre, but I do often find myself struggling to focus on work after lunch — even with the aid of a black Americano. Thankfully, Dr Rayyan Zafar, scientist at Imperial College London and chief scientific officer at Moodeys, revealed that mushrooms such as lion’s mane have been proven to enhance cognition, while chaga can support immunity. Cordyceps mushrooms have also been linked with improved physical performance, and reishi with stress reduction. So far, so promising.
Both experts were keen to point out that additional research is needed to learn more about the individual benefits of mushrooms in coffee — hence why I volunteered to sample a selection myself. So, keep reading for a rundown on everything you need to know about mushroom coffee, including answers to your FAQs, as well as the best worth making space in your wellness budget for.
SKIP TO: What is mushroom coffee? | Mushroom coffee FAQs | How we test mushroom coffee.
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- Dr Rayyan Zafar, scientist at Imperial College London and chief scientific officer at Moodeys.
- Niamh McCormack, commercial trends & acceleration lead at Holland & Barrett.
What is mushroom coffee?
“Mushroom coffee is a blend of traditional coffee beans and extracts from medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail,” explains Zafar. “These mushrooms are renowned for their adaptogenic and potential neurotrophic properties, which can help the body manage stress and maintain balance.
"The resulting brew tastes very similar to coffee; however, it often comes with earthy undertones, and typically contains less caffeine than standard coffee.” This, he says, makes it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine's effects. “Further, the addition of the mushroom products is believed to enhance and interact with the effects of the caffeine and polyphenols and antioxidants in coffee.” Sign us up.
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Since 2021, the GLAMOUR team — writers, editors and committed freelancers — has made it a priority to personally test a host of supplements, multivitamins and protein powders to boost your diet and overall wellbeing.
Every mushroom coffee in this round-up was mixed up and made into a cup of white coffee before being reviewed against the following criteria: ease of use, efficacy — how long until we noticed a difference — taste and value for money, such as the number of servings per pack. We also considered the quality and types of mushrooms. Unsurprisingly, only our favourites made it into the edit below.
Ahead, the best mushroom coffee for 2025, approved by GLAMOUR’s shopping editors:
Product type: Instant Arabica coffee.
Dosage: 2.5g.
Servings per container: 60.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- 100% organic.
- Nice coffee flavour and no nasty aftertaste.
- Mixes well with both water and milk.
Cons:
- More expensive than other options.
Rheal’s Shroom Coffee Blend is made from organic, good-quality ingredients, including 250mg of lion’s mane mushrooms, 250mg of maca root, and 50mg of caffeine from Arabica coffee. So, while it is more of an expense than others on the market, it’s certainly a good quality option. It also mixes really well when added to hot water and has little to no aftertaste. I’d even go as far as to say that you may not be able to tell this apart from ordinary instant coffee (depending on how precise your palette is), which is why I awarded it my favourite overall choice. All in all, this is a good investment for anyone wanting a good quality product to enjoy every day.
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Product type: Super-Strength mushroom coffee formula.
Dosage: 8g.
Servings per container: 30 (60 and 90 serving options available too).
Tested by: Sophie Donovan.Pros:
- Super-strength formula, infused with 1,250mg of lion’s mane, 1,000mg of cordyceps and 1,000mg of chaga.
- 100% vegan and naturally sweetened.
Cons:
- Can we request more aesthetic packaging so we can leave it on display?
Protein Works is my go-to for vegan protein powder (Chocolate Bueno is by far my fave), but the brand's mushroom coffee has converted me entirely. I love the slightly chocolatey taste and the fact that this mixes easily with my usual almond milk. But the fact that it's fortified with 100% of the recommended daily vitamin B6 dose means I don't have to worry about adding another capsule to my chaotic morning routine. And yep, none of the usual post-caffeine crashes.
Save when you shop the best mushroom coffee with these Protein Works discount codes.
Free Soul Wake Mushroom Coffee
Product type: Low caffeine functional mushroom blend.
Dosage: 5g.
Servings per container: 30.
Tested by: Sophie Donovan.Pros:
- 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans, plus free from dairy, gluten, preservatives, artificial colours, added sugar, and GMO ingredients.
- You've got the option to sign up for regular deliveries every four weeks — and you'll save 20% on every purchase.
- Packed in a recyclable pouch.
Cons:
- Not recommended for those pregnant or breastfeeding.
With just 65mg of caffeine per serving, Free Soul Wake is a great low-caffeine option for those who enjoy the morning boost but want to avoid the accompanying jitters. Better yet, it comes infused with cinnamon, cocoa, Himalayan pink salt and turmeric, resulting in a well-balanced blend that's not too sweet or bitter. My favourite feature, though, was the option to sign up for regular deliveries, saving me the hassle of reordering or the risk of running out.
Product type: Mushroom superblend with lion’s mane.
Dosage: 2.5g.
Servings per container: 60.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Claims to improve energy, focus and clarity.
- Full-bodied flavour.
- Infused with additional vitamins.
Cons:
- Quite strong aftertaste.
DIRTEA is perhaps one of the most well-known brands offering mushroom coffee and while it is one of the priciest options in the shortlist, it’s a great quality option that works out around 44p per cup. It has a stronger taste which I personally liked given my usual option is to go with either a black or white Americano, so I like that full-bodied coffee flavour. There is a slight earthy aftertaste though that takes a bit of getting used to.
It mixes really well with hot water and milk and, as it contains 80% less caffeine, promises sustained energy without crashes. This is down to its star ingredient, 1,000mg of Lion's Mane mushroom per serving, which helps improve focus and clarity, alongside the adaptogen Ashwagandha to help regulate and balance energy levels while preventing coffee-related crashes — not to mention 3 pm trips to the biscuit tin. There are added vitamins in each cup, too, such as B6, B12, pantothenic acid and folic acid. Try this if you need help getting through the afternoon but want to avoid caffeine-related jitters or anxiety.
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Cheerful Buddha Lion's Mane Mushroom Coffee Blend
Product type: Arabica ground coffee.
Dosage: 22g for a filter coffee, 12g for a cafetiere and 7g for an espresso.
Servings per container: 21.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Super affordable, and so a great option for those wanting to try mushroom coffee for the first time.
- Rainforest Alliance certified.
- The addition of cacao offers added sweetness.
Cons:
- Didn’t mix that well, and so is best enjoyed in a cafetiere.
This is another good option for those who enjoy starting a relaxing Sunday with a filter or cafetiere. It’s also one of the most reasonably priced options I tested, and it had the most pleasing smell as I popped open its foil top. (Very much like the coffee smell you get from opening a jar of ordinary coffee). Taste-wise, this is definitely on the weaker side, but you can make it stronger by adding more granules if you wish. For me personally, the recommended 7 grams for a single cup wouldn’t be strong enough. This is possibly due to the added cacao and MCT coconut oil that gives it a subtly smoother and sweeter aftertaste. You can, of course, make it as strong as you like in a cafetiere, which I think is the best way to enjoy this option. It did come out a bit grainy as a single coffee, so make sure you mix well with hot water before adding milk.
Quirky Monkey Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee Fusion
Product type: Mushroom coffee fusion.
Dosage: 4 teaspoons for a filter coffee, 3 for a cafetiere, and 1 for an espresso.
Servings per container: 30.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Rainforest Alliance certified.
- A great option for cafetieres and filters.
- Subtle chocolate taste due to raw cacao powder.
Cons:
- It can be a little grainy when drunk as an espresso.
Quirky Monkey’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee Fusion was my favourite option for those who like to enjoy their coffee in a cafetiere or filter. I found it a bit too grainy for making an espresso, but when used in a cafetiere, you get a much better result. When it comes to the ingredients, it boasts Rainforest Alliance-certified Arabica coffee sourced from Brazil, along with pure mushroom extracts of Lion's Mane plus ashwagandha, raw cacao, maca root, and C8 MCT oil. I found the raw cacao gave the coffee a subtle chocolate depth and sweetness, which makes it a good option for those who don’t like their coffee too strong or bitter. In terms of health benefits, expect improved cognitive function, increased energy levels, improved sleep and relaxation and reduced anxiety throughout the day.
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Sixways Hormone Balance Mushroom Blend
Product type: Decaf coffee.
Dosage: 5g.
Servings per container: 30.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Claims to help balance your hormones and reduce fatigue.
- Contains Maitake mushroom, which has been shown to aid those with PCOS.
- A sweeter, comforting taste that’s ideal for those sensitive to caffeine.
Cons:
- View that price tag as an investment in your well-being.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just want a decaf coffee option to enjoy post 2 pm, Sixways Hormone Balance is my top pick. Formulated with nutritionists to support regulated and rebalanced hormones and sustained energy, it contains a range of amazing ingredients such as maitake mushroom to reduce blood sugar levels and insulin resistance — it’s also shown to induce ovulation in people with PCOS — as well as maca root to boost immunity and improve energy and stamina. There are also vitamins such as B6 and zinc that contribute to the regulation of hormonal activity and normal fertility, as well as B6 and B12 to help reduce fatigue. In terms of taste, it fell on the sweeter side thanks to the ginger root and maca root, which is known for its caramel taste, and it has a comforting smell that makes it a nice option for later in the day or even after dinner. I definitely felt calmer after drinking it.
London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffee Selection Box
Product type: Selection of 3 adaptogenic coffees — Flow, Mojo and Zen.
Dosage: 3.3g.
Servings per container: 12.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Coffee is mixed with other flavours, including ginseng and rhodiola, to give the coffee a less earthy taste.
- Third-party tested.
Cons:
- The coffee taste isn't as strong as some others I tried.
If you’re new to mushroom coffee and don’t know what kind of funghi or associated benefits will suit you best, try a selection box such as this one from London Nootropics. The box I tried came with three different types of coffee: Flow, for those seeking focus and clarity in their day; Mojo, for those seeking physical endurance, strength and vitality; and finally Zen, for when you need calm and balance. Each coffee is made with premium dual-extracted lion's mane and cordyceps mushrooms and blended with the highest-quality ingredients, such as ginseng in Mojo, or rhodiola in Flow. These added ingredients also give the coffee a more unique taste, which does dull down the coffee flavour. Whether you like that or not is dependent on your personal taste. The coffee gets extra points for its beautiful packaging and description cards for each type of coffee.
Product type: Chocolate-flavoured food supplement.
Dosage: 5g.
Servings per container: 30.
Tested by: Cat Hufton.Pros:
- Contains lion’s mane and brahmi, as well as chaga mushroom and antioxidants.
- It can be added to both smoothies and hot drinks.
- Subtle chocolate flavour.
Cons:
- Contains allergens such as soya.
If you just can’t get on board with the earthy aftertaste or smell of mushroom coffee but want to enjoy its benefits, consider an alternative like this supplement from Bettervits. It comes as a chocolate-flavoured powder that can be added to your usual coffee or smoothie. It mixed really well with my usual Nespresso while adding a nice mocha flavour. This makes it a good option for those who aren’t particularly sensitive to caffeine and are still keen to get their fix with some added benefits (of which there are plenty). Lion’s mane and brahmi help with focus and cognitive health, while cordyceps sinensis, guarana, ashwagandha and Vitamin B5 help to sustain good energy levels. Chaga mushroom and vitamin C also help boost immunity. I’ll definitely be adding this to my coffee whenever I need an extra boost.
Mushroom coffee FAQs:
“Lion’s mane has emerged as one of the most sought-after mushrooms among our customers, with studies reporting potential cognitive health benefits in memory, attention and processing speed,” explains McCormack. “Reishi is another customer favourite, showing promise for immune support, with one study suggesting regular supplementation may increase immune markers such as white blood cells and antibodies.”
Zafar warns that when choosing a mushroom coffee, it’s important to be aware that quality varies significantly: “Look for products clearly stating mushroom species, using dual-extraction methods, and free from unnecessary additives or fillers. Transparency around sourcing and dosage is crucial, as these factors directly influence the potential benefits.”
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“Mushroom coffee can be enjoyed similarly to regular coffee, but moderation — one to two cups per day — is advisable given limited research on long-term safety,” says Zafar. “However, we know that up to three to four cups of coffee a day can improve some psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and could offer some physiological protection to other immune-mediated, metabolic and cardiac disorders.”
Some people have been shown to have allergies to certain mushrooms, while others experience digestive issues, possibly because some mushrooms can be harder to digest than others. As a general rule of thumb, mushroom coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. We also recommend consulting your doctor if you’re taking any medication that may interfere with it, such as blood clots or blood pressure.
