Is There Caffeine in Mushroom Coffee? The Answer Explained

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Food & Wine, most mushroom coffee products are not caffeine-free, though they contain significantly less caffeine than a standard cup of traditional coffee. The answer to "is there caffeine in mushroom coffee?" depends entirely on the brand and blend you choose, as many products combine coffee beans with powdered functional mushrooms.

Quick Summary

Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, as it is a blend of coffee grounds and mushroom extracts. The exact amount varies by brand and ratio of ingredients. While some blends are caffeine-free, most include coffee beans and provide a gentler energy boost without the jitters associated with high caffeine intake.

Key Points

Caffeine Content Varies: Most mushroom coffee blends contain caffeine, but usually about half the amount found in a regular cup of coffee, though some products are entirely caffeine-free.
Less Intense Energy Boost: The combination of lower caffeine and adaptogenic mushrooms provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost without the jitters or crash associated with high caffeine intake.
Adaptogens Provide Extra Benefits: Medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi offer potential benefits for focus, stress reduction, and immune support beyond what regular coffee provides.
Read the Label: Since products can range from low-caffeine blends to completely caffeine-free alternatives, it is essential to read the product's label to confirm its exact caffeine content.
Consider Health Concerns: Individuals with health conditions, those on medication, or people with kidney issues should consult a doctor before consuming mushroom coffee, especially blends containing Chaga, which is high in oxalates.
Check Your Budget: Mushroom coffee is typically more expensive than traditional coffee due to the cost of sourcing and processing medicinal mushrooms.

Is There Caffeine in Mushroom Coffee? Understanding the Blends

The simple answer is that most mushroom coffee does contain caffeine, but usually in a much lower concentration than a standard cup of regular coffee. The term "mushroom coffee" is a broad one that encompasses various blends made by combining regular ground coffee beans with powdered extracts from medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps. Since the mushroom powder itself is naturally caffeine-free, blending it with coffee grounds dilutes the overall caffeine content in the final product. This provides a more moderate, sustained energy boost compared to the intense spike and crash often associated with high-caffeine beverages. However, it is crucial to read the label of any mushroom coffee product, as some rare varieties are made without any coffee at all, making them completely caffeine-free.

How Caffeine Levels in Mushroom Coffee Compare

To understand the difference, consider the typical caffeine content. An average 8-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine. In contrast, a cup of mushroom coffee usually falls in the range of 40 to 60 mg, roughly half the amount. This difference is a major reason many people switch to mushroom coffee to reduce their caffeine intake without completely abandoning their morning ritual. The reduced caffeine can help prevent common side effects like jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, especially for those who are caffeine-sensitive.

The Role of Adaptogens in Mushroom Coffee

Beyond just reduced caffeine, the functional mushrooms added to these blends provide additional benefits through compounds known as adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body respond to stress and maintain balance, which can contribute to a smoother energy lift. For example:

Lion's Mane: Often included for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects, supporting focus and memory.
Cordyceps: Used to help increase energy and stamina.
Chaga: Known for its high antioxidant content and immune-supporting properties.
Reishi: Valued for its calming and stress-reducing properties, helping to balance the stimulating effects of caffeine.

This combination of lower caffeine with adaptogens is what allows mushroom coffee to provide focused energy without the overstimulation that some people experience from regular coffee.

Is All Mushroom Coffee the Same?

It is important to note that not all mushroom coffee products are the same, and the term can refer to several different forms:

Ground Coffee Blends: These mix ground coffee beans with mushroom powder and are brewed like traditional coffee. The caffeine content will be lower than regular coffee but not zero.
Instant Coffee Packets: Pre-mixed instant coffee and mushroom powder that dissolve in hot water. These are popular for convenience and typically list the caffeine content per serving.
Caffeine-Free Blends: Some products, like certain MUD\WTR varieties, are designed as coffee alternatives and contain no coffee beans, resulting in zero caffeine.

Therefore, anyone looking to avoid caffeine entirely must check the ingredient list carefully to ensure no coffee beans are present. The variety of options means consumers can find a product that aligns with their specific wellness goals, whether that's reducing caffeine or eliminating it completely.

Comparison: Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

To help you decide which is right for you, here is a comparison of mushroom coffee and traditional coffee:


Feature	Mushroom Coffee	Regular Coffee
Caffeine Content	Typically lower (40–60 mg per 8oz cup).	Higher (around 95 mg per 8oz cup).
Energy Effect	Sustained and balanced energy, less likely to cause jitters or crashes due to adaptogens.	Quick, intense energy spike that can lead to crashes and anxiety for some.
Acidity	Often lower in acidity due to the balancing effect of mushrooms, making it gentler on the stomach.	Relatively acidic (pH 4.85–5.10), which can cause stomach discomfort for sensitive individuals.
Health Benefits	Contains adaptogens with potential benefits for stress reduction, immune support, and cognitive function.	Offers antioxidant benefits but lacks the adaptogenic properties of medicinal mushrooms.
Flavor Profile	Can have a slightly earthy or nutty undertone, but high-quality blends closely mimic traditional coffee taste.	Rich, familiar bold flavor favored by many.
Cost	Generally more expensive than regular coffee due to the specialized ingredients.	Lower cost and more widely available.

Conclusion

In short, most mushroom coffee does contain caffeine, but typically about half as much as regular coffee. The key takeaway is that the presence and amount of caffeine vary by brand and product type. For consumers looking for a lower-caffeine option that provides a smoother, more balanced energy boost with additional wellness benefits from adaptogenic mushrooms, mushroom coffee can be an excellent choice. However, those sensitive to caffeine should always check the label, as only specific caffeine-free blends contain zero caffeine. Ultimately, understanding your own health goals and reading product information will lead you to the right choice for your daily ritual.

For more detailed information on specific mushroom adaptogens, you can consult reputable health resources like Healthline.(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushroom-coffee)

Frequently Asked Questions

Mushroom coffee may offer health benefits such as reduced inflammation and immune support due to the antioxidants and adaptogens in the mushrooms. However, robust human clinical trials on mushroom coffee specifically are limited, so claims should be viewed with some caution.

Surprisingly, most high-quality mushroom coffee blends do not taste like mushrooms. The flavor is often described as similar to regular coffee, with a slightly earthier or nuttier undertone that is usually subtle and not overpowering.

For those sensitive to high caffeine levels, mushroom coffee's lower caffeine content can reduce jitters and anxiety. Additionally, adaptogens like Reishi mushrooms have calming properties that may help manage stress.

For most healthy individuals, drinking mushroom coffee daily is considered safe. However, those on medication or with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider first, and it's best to start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.

The amount of caffeine varies by brand and blend. Typically, a cup contains between 40 and 60 milligrams of caffeine, compared to around 95 milligrams in a standard cup of regular coffee.

Some potential side effects include digestive issues like bloating or gas, especially in sensitive individuals. Certain mushrooms can also interact with medications, and Chaga has high levels of oxalates, which can be a concern for those with kidney problems.

Whether mushroom coffee is "better" depends on your individual needs. It is often a good option for those seeking less caffeine, fewer jitters, and additional adaptogenic benefits, while regular coffee is better for those who prefer a bold taste and a stronger, quicker caffeine boost.