Do all mushroom coffees have caffeine? Your definitive nutrition guide

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While many popular mushroom coffees typically contain about half the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee, some brands offer completely caffeine-free alternatives. This widespread misconception raises a crucial question for health-conscious consumers: Do all mushroom coffees have caffeine?

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in mushroom coffee varies significantly by brand and formulation. While many blends include coffee beans, true alternatives use substitutes like chicory root for a completely caffeine-free experience.

Key Points

Caffeine Varies by Product: Not all mushroom coffees contain caffeine; it depends on the specific blend's base ingredients.
Blends with Coffee Beans Have Caffeine: Most standard mushroom coffees combine mushroom powder with coffee beans, resulting in a lower but still present caffeine level.
Caffeine-Free Alternatives Exist: Many products replace coffee beans with ingredients like chicory root or cacao to create completely caffeine-free beverages.
Mushrooms are Naturally Caffeine-Free: The functional mushrooms themselves, such as Lion's Mane and Chaga, do not contain caffeine and offer adaptogenic benefits.
Read the Label: The best way to check for caffeine is to read the product's ingredients list and look for "decaf" or "caffeine-free" labels.
Benefits of Reduced Caffeine: Opting for lower or no caffeine helps avoid jitters, anxiety, and crashes associated with high stimulant intake.

Understanding the Blends: What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a trendy beverage that combines traditional coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms, not the culinary varieties found in grocery stores. The most common functional mushrooms used include Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps, which are valued for their adaptogenic properties and potential health benefits. These mushrooms are processed into a fine powder and then blended with ground coffee beans or, in some cases, other coffee alternatives.

The key to whether a mushroom coffee contains caffeine lies entirely in the base ingredient. If the blend uses actual coffee beans, it will contain caffeine. If the product is labeled as a "coffee alternative" and uses a different base, such as chicory root, cacao, or roasted grains, it is likely caffeine-free.

The Role of Adaptogenic Mushrooms

The medicinal mushrooms themselves are naturally caffeine-free. Their benefits, which include supporting focus, energy, and immunity, come from compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids, not stimulants. For this reason, adding mushroom powder to a decaffeinated or herbal base is a popular way to create a wellness drink without any caffeine.

Caffeine Content: Standard Blends vs. Alternatives

Standard Mushroom Coffee Blends

Most mainstream mushroom coffee brands formulate their products by mixing mushroom extract powder with ground coffee beans. A typical serving contains significantly less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee because the mushroom powder effectively dilutes the coffee content. While a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee can have 80-100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, a similar serving of a mushroom blend often falls in the 40-60 mg range. This reduced dose can be a major draw for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine and experience jitters, anxiety, or crashes from regular coffee.

Caffeine-Free Mushroom Coffee Alternatives

For those who want to avoid caffeine entirely, a growing number of brands offer mushroom coffee alternatives. These products replace coffee beans with other ingredients that mimic coffee's flavor profile without the stimulant. Common coffee substitutes include chicory root, roasted dandelion root, or cacao powder. Chicory root, in particular, offers a roasted, robust flavor that can be surprisingly similar to coffee, making it an excellent base for a caffeine-free mushroom beverage.

Here are some common ingredients found in caffeine-free mushroom alternatives:

Chicory Root: Provides a rich, slightly earthy flavor similar to coffee.
Cacao Powder: Offers a chocolatey flavor and provides a small boost from compounds other than caffeine.
Dandelion Root: Another popular coffee substitute with a robust, roasted flavor profile.
Rooibos Tea: Some mushroom blends use a rooibos base for an herbal, stimulant-free drink.

How to Identify Caffeine in Your Mushroom Coffee

Reading the product label is the most reliable way to determine a mushroom coffee's caffeine content. Many brands will clearly state "decaf" or "caffeine-free" on the front of the packaging. The ingredients list is also a crucial resource. If you see "Arabica coffee," "instant coffee," or "coffee beans" listed, the product contains caffeine. Conversely, products listing ingredients like "chicory root," "roasted dandelion root," or solely mushroom extracts will be caffeine-free. Pay close attention to the fine print, as some blends may use decaffeinated coffee, which still contains trace amounts of caffeine.

Comparison Table: Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Mushroom Blends


Feature	Regular Mushroom Coffee	Caffeine-Free Mushroom Alternative	Regular Coffee (for comparison)
Caffeine Content	Lower (e.g., 40-60mg/cup)	Zero (0mg)	High (e.g., 80-100mg/cup)
Primary Energy Source	A milder stimulant effect from caffeine, balanced by adaptogens	A calm, sustained boost from adaptogenic mushrooms	A significant, often sharp, stimulant effect from caffeine
Primary Base	Ground or instant coffee beans	Chicory root, cacao, dandelion root	Coffee beans
Taste Profile	Similar to traditional coffee, with possible earthy or nutty undertones	Earthy, nutty, or chocolatey notes, resembling coffee but distinct	Distinct, familiar coffee flavor
Potential Health Benefits	Adaptogenic support, lower caffeine side effects	Adaptogenic benefits, stress relief, no stimulant jitters	Antioxidants, mental alertness, though can cause jitters

Choosing the Right Mushroom Coffee for Your Needs

Making the right choice depends on your specific health goals and caffeine sensitivity. If you enjoy the taste and ritual of coffee but want to reduce your overall caffeine intake, a standard mushroom blend is an excellent option. It offers a gentler energy lift and can help mitigate the side effects of high caffeine consumption. Popular brands include Four Sigmatic and Ryze (which offers both caffeinated and caffeine-free products).

For those aiming for zero caffeine intake, such as individuals with high sensitivity, those seeking better sleep, or people who want to avoid stimulants entirely, the caffeine-free alternatives are the best route. Look for products that explicitly state "decaf" or "caffeine-free" and list a coffee substitute in their ingredients. Brands like Moksha and La Republica offer robust caffeine-free options.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and how your body responds to caffeine. By understanding the ingredients and reading labels carefully, you can find a mushroom coffee that aligns with your nutritional needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is a myth that do all mushroom coffees have caffeine. The caffeine content is not inherent to the mushrooms themselves but depends on the other ingredients in the blend. While many popular products use coffee beans and contain a reduced amount of caffeine, there are plenty of completely caffeine-free options available that use herbal bases like chicory root. For consumers looking to reduce their stimulant intake or avoid it completely, checking the ingredient list and product description is essential. By distinguishing between standard blends and caffeine-free alternatives, you can confidently select a mushroom beverage that meets your wellness goals and supports your nutrition diet.

For more in-depth research on the potential benefits of adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms, consult reliable sources like those available through the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mushroom coffee is typically a blend of instant or ground coffee with extracts from functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps. The mushrooms are processed into a fine powder and then added to the coffee base.

Yes, standard mushroom coffee blends generally contain less caffeine than regular coffee. This is because mushroom powder, which contains no caffeine, is blended with coffee beans, effectively diluting the overall caffeine content.

There are several brands that offer completely caffeine-free mushroom coffee alternatives, often using a base of chicory root, cacao, or roasted dandelion root instead of coffee beans. Brands like Moksha and La Republica offer decaf products.

The easiest way is to check the product packaging for labels like "decaf" or "caffeine-free." Always read the ingredients list; if it contains coffee beans or instant coffee, it has caffeine. If it lists a substitute like chicory root, it is likely caffeine-free.

Functional mushrooms like Cordyceps and Lion's Mane are adaptogens that may help improve energy and focus without the stimulating effect of caffeine. They provide a calm, sustained energy boost rather than a jittery rush.

For individuals sensitive to caffeine, standard mushroom coffee with its reduced caffeine content may be a better option than regular coffee. However, a completely caffeine-free mushroom alternative is the best choice to avoid any stimulant side effects.

Yes, you can make your own by blending high-quality mushroom extract powders with your preferred caffeine-free base, such as hot water with chicory root or cacao powder. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile precisely.