What happens when you drink mushroom coffee every day? A comprehensive guide

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 500,000 monthly searches in 2025 indicated a surge in interest for functional beverages like mushroom coffee, but what happens when you drink mushroom coffee every day? This daily ritual, blending medicinal mushrooms with coffee, offers a unique alternative to traditional java, promising sustained energy and enhanced focus rather than the typical jittery spike and crash.

Quick Summary

Daily mushroom coffee may offer benefits such as improved focus, sustained energy, and immune support through adaptogenic compounds. However, side effects like digestive issues, medication interactions, or kidney problems can occur, especially with high doses or certain mushroom types like chaga.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: Daily mushroom coffee, with its lower caffeine and adaptogens, can provide a more balanced energy boost without the crash associated with regular coffee.
Enhanced Focus: Lion's Mane mushrooms, often found in these blends, may support cognitive function, mental clarity, and memory over time with consistent daily use.
Stress Management: Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi help regulate cortisol levels, potentially improving your body's response to stress and anxiety over the long term.
Immune Support: Antioxidant-rich mushrooms such as Chaga and Reishi can help strengthen the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.
Cumulative Effects: The beneficial effects of adaptogenic mushrooms are often cumulative, meaning consistent daily consumption produces better and more lasting results than sporadic use.
Potential Digestive Issues: Some individuals, particularly when starting, may experience gastrointestinal distress like bloating or nausea.
Kidney and Liver Risks: Excessive intake of Chaga can raise oxalate levels, potentially impacting kidney health, while rare cases of liver issues have been linked to high Reishi doses.
Drug Interactions: Certain medicinal mushrooms can interfere with medications, particularly blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and diabetes drugs.
Product Quality is Key: Choosing high-quality brands that use proper extraction methods and third-party testing is essential for both safety and effectiveness.

The Rise of the Functional Brew

Mushroom coffee is a modern wellness trend blending traditional coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga. Unlike regular coffee, which can lead to energy crashes and jitters, mushroom coffee is often marketed as a healthier alternative that provides balanced, sustained energy. The key lies in the adaptogenic properties of the mushrooms, which help the body manage stress and fatigue. The mushrooms are typically dried, ground, and processed to concentrate their bioactive compounds before being mixed with coffee grounds or instant coffee powder. While promising, the effects of daily consumption vary based on the blend, dosage, and individual body chemistry. This daily ritual has garnered significant attention, but understanding both the potential benefits and the possible risks is crucial before making it a long-term habit.

Potential Benefits of Drinking Mushroom Coffee Daily

For those who make it a daily habit, the potential benefits of mushroom coffee are numerous, though many are based on research of the individual mushrooms rather than the coffee blend itself.

Sustained Energy Without Jitters: Many blends contain less caffeine than regular coffee, and the adaptogens help modulate the body's energy response. This can result in a smoother, more sustained energy boost throughout the day, avoiding the typical crash associated with high caffeine intake.
Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Function: Lion's Mane mushroom is renowned for its nootropic properties, with some studies suggesting it can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. Daily intake may support brain health, enhance mental clarity, and improve memory over time.
Improved Stress Response: Adaptogens like Reishi and Cordyceps help regulate the body's stress response by balancing cortisol levels. Regular consumption can help increase resilience to mental and physical stressors, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Immune System Support: Mushrooms like Chaga and Reishi are packed with antioxidants and polysaccharides that can strengthen the immune system. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and support the body's natural defenses against pathogens.
Gut Health and Digestion: Mushroom extracts contain complex carbohydrates and prebiotics that can promote healthy gut bacteria. For some, this can lead to improved digestion and nutrient absorption over time. Additionally, many mushroom coffee blends are lower in acidity, which can be gentler on the stomach than regular coffee.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Daily Consumption

While generally safe for most, daily mushroom coffee can cause side effects and is not suitable for everyone, especially those with pre-existing conditions or on certain medications.

Gastrointestinal Distress: Some individuals may experience side effects like bloating, gas, or nausea, particularly when first starting. This can be due to the fiber content or difficulty digesting the mushroom extracts.
Kidney Problems: Chaga mushrooms, a common ingredient, are high in oxalates. Excessive, long-term consumption could increase the risk of kidney stones, particularly for those with pre-existing kidney issues.
Drug Interactions: Certain mushrooms can interact with prescription medications. Reishi and Cordyceps can affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels, which is a concern for individuals on blood thinners or diabetes medication. It is crucial to consult a doctor before incorporating daily mushroom coffee into your routine, especially if you take medication.
Liver Toxicity: While rare, case reports of herbal-induced liver injury have been associated with excessive Reishi consumption. Moderation and high-quality products are vital to minimize this risk.
Caffeine Sensitivity and Sleep Disruption: Even with lower caffeine content, daily consumption can still cause jitters or anxiety in highly sensitive individuals. Drinking it later in the day can also interfere with sleep quality for some, despite the calming effects of certain mushrooms.

Key Mushroom Varieties and Their Effects

Different mushroom species offer unique benefits and potential side effects. Most commercial mushroom coffee blends combine several for a synergistic effect.


Feature	Lion's Mane	Reishi	Chaga	Cordyceps
Primary Benefits	Cognitive enhancement, focus, mental clarity, nerve health	Stress reduction, immune support, calming properties, adaptogenic effects	Immune support, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects	Energy enhancement, physical endurance, improved aerobic capacity
Potential Side Effects	Generally well-tolerated, rare stomach upset	May cause digestive issues or interact with blood thinners in high doses	High in oxalates; risk of kidney stones with excessive long-term use	Can cause dizziness or increased heart rate in some individuals
Best for...	Boosting concentration and memory	Managing stress and promoting relaxation	Supporting immune function and overall vitality	Enhancing athletic performance and combating fatigue

Is Daily Mushroom Coffee Right for You?

Deciding if daily mushroom coffee is a good fit requires careful consideration of your individual health, budget, and wellness goals. For many, it can be a valuable addition to a mindful routine, providing sustained energy and supporting cognitive and immune health. However, the cost can be a barrier, as premium products are often more expensive than regular coffee.

To maximize potential benefits while minimizing risks, consider the following:

Listen to your body. Start with a small amount and monitor how you feel. Pay attention to changes in energy, digestion, and sleep patterns.
Choose high-quality products. Look for brands that use the mushroom's fruiting body and provide third-party testing results to ensure potency and purity.
Be consistent. The adaptogenic effects of functional mushrooms are cumulative and build over time. Allow several weeks or months to notice lasting effects.
Consult a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take regular medication.

Conclusion

Drinking mushroom coffee every day can be a worthwhile wellness practice for many, offering a smoother energy profile, enhanced focus, and adaptogenic support for managing stress. The benefits, including sustained energy and immune support, tend to build with consistent, long-term use. However, potential side effects, such as digestive issues or interactions with medications, must be considered, and it's essential to source high-quality products and listen to your body. Ultimately, for those seeking a more balanced daily beverage to support long-term well-being, mushroom coffee is a compelling option, provided it is approached with informed caution and moderation.

[Medical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or dietary change.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mushroom coffee is generally considered safe for daily consumption for most people. In fact, many of the purported benefits from adaptogenic mushrooms are cumulative and are enhanced with consistent, regular intake.

Yes, but differently from regular coffee. Thanks to lower caffeine content and adaptogenic mushrooms like Cordyceps, mushroom coffee provides a more sustained, jitter-free energy boost throughout the day, rather than a sharp peak and crash.

Certain adaptogens in mushroom coffee, like Reishi, are known for their calming properties and can help regulate the body's stress response. Furthermore, the lower caffeine content can reduce jitters and anxiety often associated with traditional high-caffeine coffee.

Common side effects, particularly when starting, can include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, gas, or nausea. Rare side effects include allergic reactions and potential interactions with medications.

Some effects, like sustained energy and reduced jitters, can be noticed relatively quickly. However, the more significant and lasting benefits from the adaptogenic and cognitive-supporting compounds often require consistent daily use over several weeks or even months to become apparent.

Individuals with mushroom allergies, those on blood thinners, diabetes medication, or immunosuppressants, and people with a history of kidney stones should consult a healthcare provider before daily consumption. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice.

The recommended dosage can vary by brand, but many products suggest one to two servings per day. It is always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and start with a smaller dose to assess your body's response.

The primary difference lies in the ingredients and effects. Mushroom coffee includes medicinal mushroom extracts, has a lower caffeine content, is less acidic, and provides more sustained energy and adaptogenic benefits compared to regular coffee's high caffeine jolt.