Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee: What's the Difference?

If you love coffee but have started hearing about mushroom coffee, you may be wondering what actually makes it different from a regular cup of coffee.

Is mushroom coffee just coffee with mushrooms added to it? Does it taste different? Does it have caffeine? And how do you choose a good mushroom coffee?

The answer depends on the ingredients and how the coffee is made.

Let's break down the differences between mushroom coffee and regular coffee so you can decide which one is right for you.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is coffee combined with mushroom ingredients, usually in the form of mushroom powder or extract.

Common mushrooms used in coffee blends include:

• Lion's Mane

• Reishi

• Chaga

• Cordyceps

• Turkey Tail

Some products contain one mushroom, while others use a combination of several varieties.

At Shroom-Mates, our mushroom coffee combines organic Arabica coffee with Lion's Mane and Reishi mushrooms.

The result is still coffee — it simply includes mushroom ingredients as part of the blend.

Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

The biggest difference is simple:

Regular coffee contains coffee. Mushroom coffee contains coffee plus mushroom ingredients.

Here's a quick comparison:

Regular CoffeeMushroom CoffeeCoffeeYesYesCaffeineUsuallyUsually, depending on the coffee usedMushroom ingredientsNoYesFlavorTraditional coffeeCoffee with an earthy mushroom characterPreparationBrew or mixBrew or mixMushroom varietiesNoneDepends on the blend

The exact ingredients and caffeine content can vary significantly from one mushroom coffee to another, so it's always worth checking the product label.

Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine?

It can.

Mushroom ingredients themselves do not naturally contain caffeine, but most mushroom coffee products use regular coffee as their base.

That means a mushroom coffee can still contain caffeine.

For example, Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee is made with organic Arabica coffee, so it contains naturally occurring caffeine from the coffee.

If you're looking for a caffeine-free mushroom drink, look for a product specifically made without coffee.

What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?

One of the biggest questions people have is:

Does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?

Usually, not as much as you might expect.

The coffee flavor remains the dominant flavor in most mushroom coffee blends.

Mushrooms can add an earthy or slightly savory note, but the intensity depends on the type and amount of mushroom used.

Lion's Mane and Reishi can both have earthy characteristics, which can complement the roasted flavor of coffee.

If you're new to mushroom coffee, you may notice a slightly different flavor compared with your normal coffee, but it shouldn't taste like you're drinking mushroom soup.

Lion's Mane and Reishi in Coffee

Different mushrooms bring different characteristics to a coffee blend.

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a distinctive culinary mushroom with a mild, earthy character.

It has become one of the most recognizable mushrooms used in functional mushroom products.

Learn more about Lion's Mane in our guide:

What Is Lion's Mane Mushroom? Uses, Nutrition & How to Use It

Reishi

Reishi is another mushroom commonly used in coffee and tea products.

Unlike Lion's Mane, Reishi has a stronger earthy and bitter flavor, which is why it is often combined with other ingredients.

Our Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee combines Lion's Mane and Reishi with organic Arabica coffee.

How Do You Make Mushroom Coffee?

Making mushroom coffee doesn't have to be complicated.

If you're using a ready-to-brew mushroom coffee blend, prepare it the same way you would prepare your regular coffee.

Depending on the product, you can:

• Brew it in a coffee maker

• Use a pour-over

• Make it in a French press

• Prepare it as an instant coffee

• Add it to your favorite coffee recipe

You can drink it black or add milk, cream, sweetener, cinnamon, or other ingredients you normally enjoy with coffee.

Can You Add Mushroom Powder to Regular Coffee?

Yes.

Another way to make mushroom coffee is to add a mushroom powder to your regular cup of coffee.

For example, you can add Lion's Mane powder to brewed coffee.

If you're doing this, mixing the powder with a small amount of hot coffee first can help create a smoother mixture before adding the rest of the cup.

If you'd rather not measure and mix mushroom powder yourself, a premade mushroom coffee blend is a convenient alternative.

Mushroom Coffee vs. Adding Mushroom Powder

Both approaches can work, but they offer different levels of convenience.

Premade Mushroom Coffee

A premade blend gives you coffee and mushroom ingredients in one product.

You don't have to measure separate ingredients every morning.

Regular Coffee + Mushroom Powder

Adding your own mushroom powder gives you more control over the amount and lets you use the coffee you already enjoy.

It also means you can experiment with different mushroom powders and flavors.

For example, our Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder can be added to coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, sauces, and other recipes.

What Should You Look for in Mushroom Coffee?

Not all mushroom coffees are made the same way.

When comparing products, check the ingredient list and look for:

The type of coffee

Does the product use Arabica coffee, Robusta, instant coffee, or another type?

The mushrooms

Look for products that clearly identify which mushrooms are included.

The ingredient list

Check what else has been added to the coffee.

The serving information

Make sure the package clearly explains how much to use and how to prepare it.

The flavor

Mushroom coffee should still be something you enjoy drinking.

If you don't like the flavor, you're probably not going to reach for it every morning.

Is Mushroom Coffee Healthier Than Regular Coffee?

There's no simple answer to that question.

Mushroom coffee and regular coffee are different products, and their nutritional and ingredient profiles depend on exactly what goes into the blend.

Mushrooms are being studied for a variety of properties, but research on specific health outcomes varies by mushroom, preparation, and product.

Rather than assuming that mushroom coffee is automatically "better" than regular coffee, look at the actual ingredients and choose a product that fits your preferences.

Who Might Enjoy Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee can be a good option for people who:

• Already enjoy coffee

• Want to experiment with functional mushrooms

• Like trying new coffee blends

• Want a convenient way to incorporate mushroom ingredients

• Enjoy earthy or roasted flavors

You don't have to give up regular coffee to try mushroom coffee.

You can simply replace one cup with a mushroom coffee blend and see what you think.

Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee

Our Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee combines organic Arabica coffee with Lion's Mane and Reishi mushrooms.

It's designed for people who enjoy coffee and want an easy way to incorporate mushroom ingredients into their daily routine.

[Shop Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee]

And because we grow mushrooms ourselves here in Kansas, mushrooms aren't just an ingredient we discovered recently — they're something we've been working with firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mushroom coffee actually coffee?

Yes. Most mushroom coffee products use coffee as the primary ingredient and add mushroom powder or extracts.

Does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?

Usually the coffee flavor remains dominant. Mushroom ingredients can add an earthy character, but the exact flavor depends on the mushrooms and coffee used.

Does mushroom coffee contain caffeine?

It depends on the product. Mushroom ingredients themselves don't naturally contain caffeine, but coffee does. Check the label for the caffeine content of the specific product.

Can I make mushroom coffee at home?

Yes. You can either use a premade mushroom coffee blend or add an appropriate mushroom powder to your regular coffee.

What mushrooms are commonly used in mushroom coffee?

Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps are among the mushrooms commonly found in mushroom coffee products.

Is mushroom coffee better than regular coffee?

There's no universal answer. They are simply different products. The best choice depends on your taste preferences, ingredients, caffeine preferences, and what you're looking for in your coffee.

Final Thoughts

Mushroom coffee isn't as complicated as it sounds.

At its simplest, it's coffee combined with mushroom ingredients.

You can buy a premade blend or experiment by adding mushroom powder to the coffee you already drink.

If you're curious about trying it, start with a blend that clearly lists its ingredients and uses mushrooms you recognize.

And if you'd like to try a mushroom coffee made with organic Arabica coffee, Lion's Mane, and Reishi, check out Shroom-Mates Mushroom Coffee.