Can I Put Sugar in My Mushroom Coffee?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

The mushroom coffee market is expected to increase substantially, according to a recent report. Many new consumers often ask, can I put sugar in my mushroom coffee? While it's permissible, understanding the impact on its properties is essential.

Quick Summary

Adding sugar to mushroom coffee is acceptable to alter the flavor. However, refined sugar can counteract the adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal mushrooms. Natural sweeteners provide a better alternative for sweetness and wellness.

Key Points

Adding sugar is okay: You can add sugar, but it might reduce health benefits.
Natural sweeteners are better: Options like monk fruit, stevia, or maple syrup are better for wellness.
Refined sugar causes inflammation: Regular sugar promotes inflammation and blood sugar spikes, which negates the mushrooms' effects.
Enhance flavor without sugar: Use spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance flavor without affecting health goals.
Moderation is important: Use sugar sparingly, as too much can defeat the purpose of drinking mushroom coffee.
Focus on your health goals: Choose a sweetener based on whether you're prioritizing health benefits or flavor.

Understanding Mushroom Coffee's Purpose

Mushroom coffee combines traditional coffee with functional mushroom extracts such as Chaga, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi. It's valued for potential health benefits like improved focus, stress reduction, and immune support. The aim is to get these health advantages without the jitters usually linked with regular coffee.

The Role of Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a key part of mushroom coffee. These are natural substances helping the body adapt to stress and normalize bodily processes. Mushrooms like Chaga and Reishi have anti-inflammatory qualities. Adding white sugar introduces an ingredient known to cause inflammation and blood sugar spikes, which can work against the intended adaptogenic effects.

Sweetening Your Mushroom Coffee: Your Options

Adding granulated sugar to mushroom coffee is an option, but not the only one. Alternatives can complement the drink's wellness aspect without compromising health.

Healthier Sweetener Alternatives

Monk Fruit: This natural, zero-calorie sweetener from monk fruit is a good choice because it does not cause blood sugar spikes.
Stevia: Another popular zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener that offers sweetness without extra calories or blood sugar impact.
Maple Syrup: In moderation, pure maple syrup offers a rich flavor with some minerals, and it's less processed than table sugar.
Honey: Raw, unfiltered honey adds a distinct floral sweetness with enzymes and antioxidants. Use it sparingly to avoid excessive sugar intake.
Dates: Blending a few dates into mushroom coffee adds natural sweetness and fiber, as found in some recipes.

The Refined Sugar Reality

If you prefer regular sugar's taste, you can still add a small amount. The key is moderation. A small amount of sugar likely won't eliminate the medicinal mushrooms' benefits, but a larger amount might. Many switch to mushroom coffee to lower reliance on sugary drinks. Adding a lot of sugar can defeat this primary purpose.

Comparison Table: Sugar vs. Natural Sweeteners


Feature	Refined White Sugar	Natural Sweeteners (e.g., Monk Fruit, Stevia)
Impact on Blood Sugar	Causes rapid spikes and crashes.	Minimal to no impact on blood sugar levels.
Caloric Content	High in calories and contributes to overall intake.	Typically zero or very low in calories.
Inflammatory Effect	Can promote inflammation in the body.	Generally considered anti-inflammatory or neutral.
Nutritional Value	Provides empty calories with no nutrients.	Some (like honey or maple syrup) offer trace minerals.
Taste Profile	Provides a straightforward, sweet flavor.	Can have a slight aftertaste or unique flavor profile.
Effect on Wellness Goals	Can undermine health-focused goals.	Aligns with most wellness-oriented goals.

How to Enhance Flavor Without Sugar

If you're trying to reduce sugar intake, you can still improve the taste of mushroom coffee. The earthy, sometimes bitter flavor of certain mushroom blends can be balanced in other ways.

Flavor-Enhancing Techniques

Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can add warmth and depth without sugar.
Milk or Cream: Adding milk—whether dairy or plant-based (like oat or almond)—can soften earthy notes and create a creamier texture.
Cacao Powder: For a mocha twist, add a teaspoon of unsweetened cacao powder. It provides a rich, chocolate flavor that can mask bitter notes.
Blending: Using a blender to mix mushroom coffee powder with liquid can make the drink exceptionally smooth, improving the mouthfeel and flavor.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Whether to add sugar to mushroom coffee is a personal decision. While permissible, it can detract from the health-focused reasons people choose this beverage. Natural, low-calorie sweeteners or flavor-enhancing spices are the most effective approach for those committed to adaptogenic benefits. For those simply enjoying the flavor, a moderate amount of sugar is fine. The key is to be mindful of your wellness goals and make a choice that aligns with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, adding sugar does not completely negate all benefits, but it can counteract the anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-stabilizing effects of the adaptogenic mushrooms. The extent of the impact depends on the amount of sugar added.

For those on a ketogenic diet, monk fruit or stevia are the best options. They are zero-calorie, do not impact blood sugar, and are widely accepted in keto circles.

Yes, you can use honey. As a natural sweetener with some antioxidants, it is often seen as a better alternative than refined sugar. Just be mindful of the quantity, as honey is still a form of sugar.

Many people drink mushroom coffee for its anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-stabilizing properties. Adding refined sugar introduces inflammation and can cause blood sugar spikes, which works directly against these desired effects.

Yes, adding sugar can mask the earthy or bitter notes of some mushroom blends. However, spices like cinnamon or cacao powder are also effective at balancing the flavor without adding sugar.

While the type of mushroom doesn't dictate your sweetener choice, different mushrooms have varying flavors. Some find the taste of Chaga or Lion's Mane less pronounced than others, requiring less sweetener to achieve a balanced taste.

For most healthy individuals, there are no specific health risks associated with adding a small amount of sugar to mushroom coffee. The primary concern is that it can reduce or negate the therapeutic benefits sought by those drinking it for wellness.