Does Ryze Hot Cocoa Really Work? An In-Depth Review

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review on Thingtesting, many users report improved sleep and digestion from using Ryze mushroom products. But does Ryze hot cocoa really work to deliver on its specific promise of aiding restful sleep?

Quick Summary

Ryze hot cocoa has garnered attention for its potential to improve sleep and reduce stress, largely due to its functional ingredients like Reishi, melatonin, and L-theanine. Customer experiences vary, with many praising its effectiveness for sleep, while some find the taste earthy and earthy.

Key Points

Supports Restful Sleep: Ryze hot cocoa is formulated with ingredients like Reishi, melatonin, and glycine to promote relaxation and aid in falling asleep faster and more deeply.
Manages Stress: As an adaptogen, Reishi mushroom helps the body cope with stress, while L-Theanine calms the mind, creating a peaceful state conducive to sleep.
Varied Effectiveness: While many customers report significant improvements in their sleep quality, results can be highly individual. Some users feel drowsy quickly, while others notice no major change.
Earthy Flavor Profile: The taste is not a typical sweet hot chocolate. Its earthy, mellow notes are a pro for some and a con for others. Adding milk or a natural sweetener can improve palatability.
Clean Ingredients: The product contains zero added sugar and relies on organic cacao and functional mushrooms for its flavor and effects, appealing to health-conscious individuals.
Enhances Nightly Routine: Consistent use as part of a relaxing bedtime ritual can amplify its effects. Taking it about 30 minutes before bed is a common practice.

The Science Behind Ryze's Sleep Claims

Ryze's Mushroom Hot Cocoa is marketed as a sleep-supporting beverage that leverages a unique blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and other calming ingredients. It aims to help users wind down and achieve a more restful night's sleep without the use of high-sugar or high-caffeine products.

Key Ingredients for Rest and Relaxation

The blend includes a mix of organic superfoods, each chosen for its specific properties that contribute to relaxation and sleep quality.

Reishi Mushroom: Known as the "mushroom of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is a powerful adaptogen. It is celebrated for its ability to help the body manage stress and promote a calm, relaxed state, which is crucial for unwinding before bed. Reishi is believed to support a still mind.
Melatonin: This hormone helps regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Many users report that the inclusion of melatonin in Ryze hot cocoa effectively helps them fall asleep faster.
L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea, L-Theanine is known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness. It helps to increase alpha-wave activity in the brain, creating a sense of calm and mental clarity that is conducive to sleep.
Glycine: This amino acid can help lower core body temperature, a natural process that supports falling asleep and staying asleep. It is also linked to improving overall sleep quality.
Cacao: The base for the hot cocoa, organic cacao provides a comforting chocolate flavor while also supplying antioxidants and mood-enhancing flavonoids. It delivers the nostalgic, satisfying taste without added sugar.
Chicory: Included for its digestive benefits, chicory root supports gut health, which can indirectly impact overall well-being and sleep.

Potential for Effectiveness

The combination of these ingredients creates a synergistic effect aimed at addressing multiple barriers to sleep. Reishi tackles stress, L-theanine calms the mind, and Glycine and Melatonin directly assist with sleep initiation and quality. Many customer testimonials support these claims, with users reporting feeling drowsy shortly after consumption and experiencing longer, more restful sleep. However, the effectiveness can vary by individual, and for some, the benefits are less pronounced or non-existent.

How Ryze Hot Cocoa Compares to the Competition

To understand if Ryze Hot Cocoa is the right choice for you, it's helpful to compare it to other nighttime beverages on the market. One common competitor is Four Sigmatic's Calm Organic Dark Hot Cocoa, and another is the popular traditional hot chocolate mix.


Feature	Ryze Mushroom Hot Cocoa	Four Sigmatic Calm Organic Dark Hot Cocoa	Traditional Hot Cocoa (e.g., Swiss Miss)
Primary Benefit	Relaxation, better sleep, mood support	Relaxation, immune support, stress relief	Comfort, indulgence
Key Ingredients	Reishi, Melatonin, L-Theanine, Glycine, Cacao, Chicory	Reishi, Cacao, Coconut Milk Powder	Cocoa powder, sugar, milk powder
Melatonin Content	Yes, included	No, not included	No, not included
Added Sugar	No added sugar	Low sugar	Often high in added sugar
Potential Effects	Gentle sleep aid, calmed mind, improved sleep quality	Calming effects, immune system support	Sugar crash, potential overstimulation
Flavor Profile	Earthy, mellow, needs customization for some	Rich, dark chocolate	Sweet, classic chocolate

Customer Feedback: Taste and Effectiveness

Customer reviews offer a mixed but generally positive perspective on Ryze hot cocoa. Many users who are seeking sleep aid and are conscious of their health goals find it to be a worthwhile investment. However, those expecting a traditional, sweet hot chocolate experience may be disappointed.

Positive Feedback:

Users like Marissa R. and Pamela G. on the Walmart product page highlight its effectiveness in helping them fall asleep quickly and sleep deeply.
Amanda P. notes it has been a "game changer" for getting restful sleep without the grogginess of other sleep aids.
Reviewers on Trustpilot and the Ryze website often praise the quality of the ingredients and the lack of a sugar crash.

Negative Feedback:

Some users, like Jessica Hughes on Facebook, complain that it lacks a rich chocolate flavor and has an off-putting earthy taste.
A gritty texture is another common complaint among those who don't love the product.
Some customers report that they did not notice a significant difference in their sleep quality.

Maximize Your Experience: Tips for the Best Results

Use the right liquid: While it can be mixed with water, many users recommend using milk or a plant-based alternative like oat milk or almond milk for a creamier, more palatable texture.
Add a touch of sweetness: For those who find the earthy flavor too strong, a small amount of natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or stevia can improve the taste.
Use a frother: A frother or vigorous stirring can help eliminate the gritty texture that some people experience, leading to a smoother drink.
Stick with a ritual: For best results, incorporate the hot cocoa into a consistent nightly routine. A warm drink signals to your body that it's time to wind down, amplifying the product's effects.
Adjust serving size: The standard serving size is one scoop, but some users found that using slightly more or less powder helped them find their ideal balance of taste and effect.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Ryze Hot Cocoa

So, does Ryze hot cocoa really work? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, particularly for those seeking a gentle, natural sleep aid and a calming bedtime ritual. The inclusion of ingredients like Reishi, melatonin, and Glycine is well-aligned with traditional and emerging wellness trends for stress management and sleep support. However, it's not a magic bullet, and its effectiveness is highly individual. Some will find its earthy taste off-putting, and those expecting the potent effects of pharmaceuticals might be underwhelmed. Ultimately, it is a healthy, low-sugar alternative to traditional hot cocoa that successfully aids in winding down for a significant portion of its users, especially when combined with a healthy sleep routine and personalized to taste.

Try Ryze Hot Cocoa Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Ryze hot cocoa helps you sleep by combining adaptogenic Reishi mushroom for stress relief, melatonin to regulate your sleep cycle, L-Theanine to calm your mind, and glycine to cool your body temperature, promoting a restful state.

The main ingredients are organic cacao, adaptogenic Reishi mushroom, melatonin, glycine, L-theanine, and chicory root. It contains no added sugar.

No, it does not. The taste is often described as more earthy and mellow due to the mushroom content. Many users suggest adding milk, a creamer, or a natural sweetener to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Side effects are rare and generally mild. Some users may experience a gritty texture or dislike the earthy taste. The inclusion of melatonin and other ingredients is intended to promote drowsiness, so it should be consumed before bed.

Many users report feeling the effects within 30 minutes of drinking it, with some feeling drowsy within a few minutes. However, as with any supplement, results vary by individual.

The ingredients are generally considered safe for consistent use, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine, especially for long-term use, pregnancy, or if you are on medication.

Unlike Ryze mushroom coffee which contains caffeine for sustained energy, the hot cocoa version is caffeine-free and formulated specifically for nighttime use. It includes sleep-supportive ingredients like melatonin that are not in the coffee blend.