Can Mushroom Coffee Make You Gain Weight? The Full Answer

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that plain, unadulterated mushroom coffee powder typically contains fewer than 20 calories per serving? This low caloric base means the answer to 'Can mushroom coffee make you gain weight?' is almost entirely dependent on what you add to your mug and the rest of your diet.

Quick Summary

Mushroom coffee itself is very low in calories, so it does not directly cause weight gain. Potential weight gain comes from high-calorie additions like creamers or sweeteners, or an overall caloric surplus. The fungi's adaptogenic properties may even support weight management by reducing stress and balancing energy.

Key Points

Calorie Source: Plain mushroom coffee powder has very few calories; weight gain would come from high-calorie add-ins like creamers or sweeteners.
Adaptogenic Support: Functional mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps can aid in weight management by helping to manage stress and boost energy, not cause weight gain.
Stress Reduction: Reishi is an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol, which can help prevent stress-induced weight gain and belly fat accumulation.
Sustained Energy: With often less caffeine than regular coffee, mushroom coffee provides balanced energy without the crash, helping you stay active and burn more calories.
Nutrient-Dense Fungi: The mushrooms used in these blends offer antioxidants and other compounds that support overall metabolic health, which is beneficial for weight management.
Conscious Choices: The key to preventing weight gain is being mindful of your additions and incorporating the drink into a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Understanding the Calorie Content of Mushroom Coffee

At its core, mushroom coffee is a blend of ground coffee and powdered medicinal mushroom extracts. The extracts, which typically include varieties like Chaga, Reishi, and Lion's Mane, contribute a negligible amount of calories. As shown by nutritional information from popular brands, a single serving of the powder is often under 20 calories.

The most significant factor in whether a drink contributes to weight gain is its total calorie load, and mushroom coffee is not inherently high in calories. The potential for weight gain is not from the mushroom content but from what you add to it.

The Impact of Add-ins and Preparation

The low-calorie nature of the mushroom and coffee mix is often altered by the ingredients consumers use to enhance flavor or creaminess. Here's a look at how common additions can influence the caloric value of your drink:

The Hidden Calories in Creamers and Sugars

Sweeteners: A few teaspoons of sugar can add 15-30 calories. Syrups, especially flavored ones used for lattes, can contain even more.
Creamers: A single tablespoon of many liquid coffee creamers can contain 30-40 calories. Using multiple servings or opting for high-fat dairy can significantly increase this.
Milks: While non-fat milk adds some protein, higher-fat milks like whole milk or sweetened oat milk can increase the calorie count substantially. For example, a single cup of whole milk adds over 150 calories.
Fats: Some people add coconut oil or MCT oil for energy. While these are beneficial in moderation, one tablespoon of MCT oil is over 100 calories.

Comparing Preparation Methods

To illustrate the impact, consider the difference between a simple black mushroom coffee and a decadent mushroom latte.


Feature	Plain Mushroom Coffee	High-Calorie Mushroom Latte
Mushroom Extract	Powder, minimal calories	Powder, minimal calories
Coffee Base	Plain brewed coffee	Plain brewed coffee
Add-ins	None, or low-calorie sweeteners	Milk, syrups, whipped cream
Calories (per serving)	Under 20 calories	150-300+ calories
Primary Goal	Wellness, energy without jitters	Indulgent, flavorful drink

This table clearly shows that the choices you make during preparation have the most significant effect on the final calorie count. If you're concerned about weight, drinking it black or with low-calorie additions is key.

How Functional Mushrooms May Affect Weight

Interestingly, the functional mushrooms themselves contain properties that may actually aid in weight management rather than causing weight gain. They are known as adaptogens, which help the body manage various stressors, and have other beneficial effects.

Stress and Appetite Control

Reishi: Known as the 'mushroom of immortality,' Reishi is an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels are linked to stress-related belly fat and emotional eating, so Reishi can indirectly help with weight management.
Chaga: This antioxidant powerhouse may help control inflammation, which is another factor linked to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain.
Lion's Mane: While primarily celebrated for its cognitive benefits, Lion's Mane has been shown to potentially help with mood, which can influence food choices and help prevent emotional eating.

Boosting Metabolism and Endurance

Cordyceps: This mushroom is associated with improved athletic performance and energy. By enhancing stamina, it may allow for more effective workouts, contributing to a higher calorie burn.
Overall Effect: The combination of these functional mushrooms, along with the natural caffeine from the coffee, can provide a more balanced and sustained energy boost without the jitters and crash of regular coffee. This steady energy helps you stay active and productive throughout the day, supporting weight management efforts.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While mushroom coffee is generally considered safe, there are some considerations. For most healthy adults, side effects are minimal, often limited to mild digestive issues when first introduced. However, certain groups should be cautious. Individuals with mushroom allergies should obviously avoid it. Furthermore, those on medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or blood thinners should consult a doctor due to possible interactions. Weight gain is not typically reported as a side effect.

Putting It All Together: Your Daily Cup

Ultimately, whether mushroom coffee contributes to weight gain is a matter of how you consume it within the context of your overall diet. If you are mindful of the additions, it can be a health-supportive beverage rather than a high-calorie one.

To keep your mushroom coffee from causing weight gain, follow these guidelines:

Limit High-Calorie Add-ins: Choose unsweetened milks like almond or low-fat dairy. Use minimal or no added sugar.
Be Mindful of Oils: If adding MCT oil, be aware of the caloric density and use it in moderation.
Focus on Whole Foods: As noted by health experts, eating whole, unprocessed mushrooms is still the best way to get their full nutritional benefits.
Incorporate with Exercise: Remember that functional mushrooms like Cordyceps can support exercise, so pairing your coffee with a workout can maximize its benefits for weight management.

In conclusion, mushroom coffee itself is not a magic bullet for weight loss nor a cause for weight gain. Its effect on your weight is determined by your overall lifestyle and dietary habits. Enjoyed plain or with low-calorie additions, it is a healthy beverage option that can support your wellness goals without tipping the scale. For further reading, Harvard Health offers additional perspectives on the potential benefits and limitations of mushroom coffee.

Conclusion: So, Can Mushroom Coffee Make You Gain Weight?

The short answer is no, not on its own. The potential for weight gain comes not from the fungi themselves, which are very low in calories, but from caloric additions like sweeteners, creamers, and fatty oils. By making conscious choices about your ingredients and maintaining a balanced diet, you can enjoy mushroom coffee as a supportive element of a healthy lifestyle, not a source of unwanted weight gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking too much plain mushroom coffee is unlikely to cause weight gain, as it is very low in calories. However, excessive consumption of mushroom coffee with high-calorie additions could contribute to weight gain over time, similar to any other high-calorie beverage.

To avoid weight gain, prepare your mushroom coffee with just hot water. If you prefer a richer taste, opt for unsweetened, low-fat milk alternatives like almond milk and use a zero-calorie sweetener if necessary.

No, the types of functional mushrooms typically used, such as Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps, are not known to cause weight gain. In fact, some of their adaptogenic and metabolic-supportive properties may aid in weight management.

The caffeine content in mushroom coffee is typically lower than in regular coffee and is not linked to weight gain. Instead, the caffeine, in moderation, can temporarily boost metabolism and energy, which can support weight management.

Some functional mushrooms, particularly Reishi and Lion's Mane, may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings, which can help with appetite control. Therefore, mushroom coffee could help, not harm, your weight goals.

Mushroom coffee can be better for weight management for individuals who are sensitive to the high caffeine content of regular coffee. The adaptogenic properties provide a more balanced energy boost, potentially reducing stress and crash-induced cravings.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that mushroom coffee directly causes weight gain. Research has focused on the potential benefits for metabolism and stress reduction, and overall weight depends on total caloric intake and lifestyle factors.