Is mushroom tea caffeinated? Your guide to a non-jittery brew

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While standard tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine, mushroom tea is fundamentally different, with varieties like reishi and chaga being completely caffeine-free. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking a soothing beverage without the stimulating effects of traditional caffeinated drinks.

Quick Summary

Medicinal mushroom teas are typically caffeine-free, offering a calming alternative to coffee or traditional caffeinated teas. They are derived from functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and lion's mane, and contain adaptogens that help the body manage stress and support overall well-being.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Nature: Pure mushroom tea, made from medicinal fungi like reishi or chaga, contains no caffeine.
Adaptogenic Properties: Functional mushrooms act as adaptogens, helping the body manage stress and promoting overall balance.
Source of Benefits: The health benefits of mushroom tea, such as immune support and relaxation, come from bioactive compounds like beta-glucans and antioxidants, not stimulants.
Distinguish from Mushroom Coffee: Be aware that many popular "mushroom coffee" products are blends that do contain caffeine from the added coffee beans.
Brewing Method Matters: A decoction (simmering) is often the best method for extracting beneficial compounds from tough, woody mushrooms used for tea.
Considerations for Use: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with autoimmune diseases, and people on certain medications should consult a doctor before consuming mushroom tea.

What is Mushroom Tea?

At its core, mushroom tea is an infusion of hot water with the dried, ground powder or pieces of functional mushrooms. Unlike beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant (black, green, and oolong teas), these brews are made from fungi. They are not to be confused with psychedelic "magic mushroom" teas, which are made from a different, illegal type of fungus and contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin. The mushroom teas discussed here utilize medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, chaga, lion's mane, and cordyceps, which have been used for centuries in Eastern and traditional medicine for their therapeutic potential.

The Answer to 'Is Mushroom Tea Caffeinated?'

The short and simple answer is that functional mushroom tea is not caffeinated. Since mushrooms are fungi and do not contain the naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee beans or tea leaves, a pure mushroom tea will be free of caffeine. Any caffeine present in a mushroom-based beverage would come from an additional ingredient, such as coffee or traditional tea, that has been added to a mushroom blend. This is a crucial distinction, as some popular "mushroom coffee" blends do contain caffeine.

Key Adaptogens and Benefits in Caffeine-Free Mushroom Teas

The primary benefit of mushroom tea lies in its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are natural substances found in certain herbs and fungi that help the body adapt to stress and promote balance.

Here are some of the most common mushrooms used in tea and their unique properties:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the "mushroom of immortality," reishi is praised for its calming and stress-relieving effects. It is often used to support relaxation and improve sleep quality due to compounds called triterpenes.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): This fungus, which grows on birch trees, is packed with antioxidants. Chaga tea is traditionally used to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): This mushroom is often lauded for its cognitive-enhancing benefits. It is believed to support brain function by promoting the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).
Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis): Unlike the calming reishi, cordyceps is used to boost energy and endurance. However, it does so by supporting the body's natural vitality, not through a stimulating effect like caffeine.

Mushroom Tea vs. Caffeinated Drinks: A Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison of caffeine-free mushroom tea with traditional caffeinated beverages.


Feature	Caffeine-Free Mushroom Tea	Caffeinated Coffee	Traditional Caffeinated Tea (e.g., Black)
Caffeine Content	None	High (e.g., 96mg per cup)	Varies (e.g., 25-50mg per cup)
Energy Boost	Gentle, sustained lift from adaptogens	Strong, fast-acting jolt, potential for jitters and crash	Moderate lift, often steadier than coffee
Primary Function	Relaxation, stress reduction, immune support	Focus, alertness, and productivity	A balance of alertness and relaxation, depending on type
Best Time to Drink	Evening or any time for a calming effect	Morning or early afternoon	Morning, afternoon, or evening (for herbal varieties)
Flavor Profile	Earthy, umami, can be bitter or woody depending on mushroom	Rich, bold, and often nutty flavor profile	Varies widely, from robust to floral
Preparation	Steeped, often requires a longer brewing time (decoction) for tougher mushrooms	Brewing methods like drip, pour-over, or espresso	Steeping leaves in hot water for a few minutes

How to Prepare Mushroom Tea

Preparing mushroom tea varies depending on the format you purchase—be it loose powder, dried chunks, or pre-packaged bags. For optimal extraction of beneficial compounds, a method called decoction is often recommended, especially for tough, woody mushrooms like reishi and chaga.

Steps for a Traditional Decoction:

Grind or powder the dried mushrooms. A coffee grinder works well for this.
Combine the mushroom powder with water in a saucepan. For tough varieties, a ratio of 1-3 grams of powder per cup of water is common.
Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, or longer for woody types like chaga, which can be brewed multiple times.
Strain the liquid into a mug. Add flavorings like honey, ginger, or lemon to taste.

Many commercial products now offer convenient instant powders or teabags, allowing for a much faster preparation time.

Potential Considerations and Risks

While functional mushroom tea is generally considered safe for most people, there are some considerations. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have autoimmune diseases should consult a doctor before consuming mushroom teas. Additionally, certain mushrooms, like chaga and reishi, may interact with medications, including blood thinners and insulin. High doses of chaga, in particular, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Conclusion

In summary, is mushroom tea caffeinated? The answer is no, provided it is a pure blend of functional mushrooms without added tea leaves or coffee. For individuals sensitive to caffeine or seeking a calming ritual, a pure mushroom tea can be a beneficial part of a wellness routine. While it offers a mild, earthy taste and a host of adaptogenic and antioxidant benefits from varieties like reishi and chaga, it's crucial to distinguish it from caffeinated blends. By understanding its caffeine-free nature, you can make an informed choice to support your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mushroom coffee, which is a blend of functional mushroom extracts and ground coffee beans, does contain caffeine. The amount is typically about half that of regular coffee, as the caffeine-free mushroom powder cuts the content in half.

Reishi mushroom tea is widely recommended for sleep due to its calming and stress-relieving properties. It contains compounds called triterpenes that can aid in relaxation and promote better sleep quality.

The flavor of mushroom tea varies by the mushroom used, but it is generally described as earthy and umami. Reishi can be bitter and woody, while chaga has a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Other ingredients like honey, lemon, or ginger can be added to enhance the taste.

Yes, there is a very important distinction. Medicinal mushroom tea is made from non-psychoactive fungi, while "magic mushroom" tea is made from fungi containing psilocybin, a psychoactive compound. Medicinal mushroom teas do not cause hallucinations or alter consciousness.

To make a simple mushroom tea, combine ground or powdered dried mushrooms with hot water and let them steep. For tougher varieties, a decoction method (simmering the mushrooms in water for a longer period) is recommended to maximize the extraction of beneficial compounds.

For most healthy people, daily consumption of functional mushroom tea is considered safe and potentially beneficial. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medication.

Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as digestive upset. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, and certain mushrooms can interact with specific medications. It is important to consult a medical professional if you have concerns or experience adverse effects.