What time of day should I drink mushroom coffee?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

While a standard cup of coffee contains around 95-120mg of caffeine, many mushroom coffee blends have significantly less, averaging 40-60mg, making timing less dependent on avoiding jitters and more about harnessing the specific mushroom's benefits. This makes answering what time of day should I drink mushroom coffee a matter of personal health goals.

Quick Summary

The optimal time to drink mushroom coffee depends on your wellness goals and the specific mushroom blend, ranging from morning for energy and focus to evening for relaxation and better sleep.

Key Points

For Energy & Focus: Drink mushroom coffee blends with Lion's Mane and Cordyceps in the morning or early afternoon to support mental clarity and stamina.
For Relaxation: Choose decaffeinated or Reishi-based mushroom coffee blends in the evening to help unwind, manage stress, and prepare for sleep.
Consider Your Blend: The ideal timing depends heavily on the specific functional mushrooms in your coffee; stimulating types are for day, calming types are for night.
Watch Caffeine Intake: Many mushroom coffees have less caffeine than regular coffee, but some still contain enough to affect sleep if consumed late in the day. Check the label.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different timings affect your energy and sleep patterns, and adjust your intake accordingly to find what works best for you.
Consistency is Key: For long-term benefits like cognitive support or stress management, consistent daily consumption is more important than perfect timing.

Timing Your Mushroom Coffee for Your Daily Routine

Determining the best time to drink mushroom coffee is less about a single answer and more about your individual wellness goals. Different functional mushrooms have distinct properties, and understanding these can help you customize your intake for maximum benefit. The adaptogenic nature of these fungi means they help your body adapt to stress, but their effect—whether energizing or calming—is what dictates the ideal time to brew up.

The Morning Ritual: Fueling Focus and Energy

For many, mushroom coffee is a perfect start to the day. Replacing a regular high-caffeine brew with a functional fungi blend can provide a smoother, more sustained energy boost without the crash often associated with traditional coffee. This is particularly true for blends containing stimulating mushrooms like Cordyceps and Lion's Mane, which are linked to improved cognitive function and mental clarity. Drinking this in the morning, especially with breakfast, helps set a tone of calm focus for the day's tasks.

Cordyceps: Often called nature's energy booster, Cordyceps supports endurance and stamina by promoting cellular energy (ATP) production. It's excellent for a pre-workout ritual or to get a natural lift first thing in the morning.
Lion's Mane: Known as nature's brain booster, Lion's Mane is associated with improved memory, focus, and overall cognitive performance due to compounds that support nerve growth factor production. A morning cup is perfect for supporting sharp focus during work or study.
Chaga: This antioxidant-rich mushroom supports overall wellness and can be taken at any time of day, making it a versatile addition to a morning blend.

The Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Avoiding the Mid-Day Slump

The afternoon energy dip is a common challenge. Instead of reaching for a second, high-caffeine coffee that could lead to evening jitters, an afternoon cup of mushroom coffee can offer a gentle, sustained boost. This is an excellent time for blends containing Cordyceps or Lion's Mane, helping to carry you through the rest of the workday without a harsh crash later.

Lists for optimal afternoon consumption include:

Having your second, lower-caffeine cup around lunchtime or in the early afternoon.
Using a blend with Cordyceps to combat fatigue during the post-lunch slump.
Opting for a simple Chaga blend for antioxidant support without any stimulating effects if you are sensitive to even low caffeine levels.

The Evening Wind-Down: Promoting Relaxation and Rest

Certain mushroom blends are specifically designed for evening consumption to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep. The calming effects of some adaptogenic mushrooms contrast sharply with the stimulating properties of caffeine, making the right choice crucial for a restful night. It is important to choose a blend that is either decaffeinated or made with calming mushrooms like Reishi to avoid sleep disruption.

Reishi: Known as the “mushroom of calm,” Reishi contains adaptogenic compounds that help manage stress and support relaxation. A warm cup containing Reishi, consumed 1-2 hours before bed, can help signal to your body that it's time to unwind.
Decaffeinated Blends: For those who enjoy the ritual of a warm evening drink, many companies offer completely bean-free or decaffeinated mushroom blends. This provides the functional benefits of the mushrooms without any caffeine interference.

Mushroom Type and Timing Comparison


Mushroom Type	Primary Benefit	Recommended Time	Rationale
Lion's Mane	Focus, cognitive clarity	Morning / Early Afternoon	Boosts mental performance for daily tasks.
Cordyceps	Energy, endurance	Morning / Before Workout	Supports sustained energy and stamina throughout the day.
Reishi	Relaxation, stress management	Evening / Before Bed	Promotes a sense of calm to prepare for sleep.
Chaga	Antioxidant, immune support	Any time of day	Less stimulating, focuses on overall wellness support.

Listening to Your Body

Ultimately, the 'best' time to drink mushroom coffee is a personal decision based on how your body responds. Consistency is key to experiencing the long-term benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms. Some people might find a morning dose of Lion's Mane and a later, decaf Reishi brew works best for their routine. Others might simply enjoy a single cup in the morning and notice the benefits over time. The key is to pay attention to how different timings and blends affect your focus, energy levels, and sleep quality. You can track your feelings in a journal or health-tracking app to fine-tune your routine. For those with health conditions or on medication, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended before incorporating new supplements like mushroom coffee.

Conclusion: Finding Your Flow with Mushroom Coffee

The versatility of mushroom coffee allows it to be integrated into your routine based on specific needs. For a productive morning and afternoon, a blend with energizing mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps can provide sustained mental clarity and energy. For a calming evening to aid in sleep and stress reduction, a decaf or Reishi-based blend is the better option. By understanding the distinct properties of different functional fungi and observing your body's response, you can easily determine what time of day you should drink mushroom coffee to best support your wellness goals. It’s a flexible ritual that adapts to you, rather than the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you should choose a decaffeinated or Reishi-based blend. Calming mushrooms like Reishi can promote relaxation and aid sleep, but caffeinated versions should be avoided close to bedtime.

Morning is generally best for an energy and focus boost from blends with stimulating mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps. An early afternoon cup can help combat the mid-day slump, providing sustained energy without a crash.

Most mushroom coffee blends contain less caffeine than standard coffee, with many averaging 40-60mg per cup compared to regular coffee's 95-120mg. Some brands even offer completely caffeine-free options.

Some short-term benefits, like an energy or focus boost from Cordyceps and Lion's Mane, can be felt within hours of consumption. Deeper adaptogenic benefits often take 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use to become apparent.

Yes, many people find mixing mushrooms beneficial. A morning blend of Cordyceps and Lion's Mane for energy can be followed by an evening blend with Reishi for relaxation.

For focus and cognitive clarity, a mushroom coffee blend containing Lion's Mane is highly recommended. It is known to support nerve growth factor, which is vital for brain function.

Yes, for most people, drinking mushroom coffee daily is safe and recommended for experiencing its full adaptogenic benefits over time. As with any supplement, pay attention to how your body responds.