A new trend is brewing in the world of coffee: mushroom powder. Mushroom powder is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans that, when brewed correctly, produces a smooth, nutty cup of “coffee.” The mushroom extracts used in mushroom powder can be derived from varieties like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, or turkey tail, all popular adaptogens that support the body’s immune and stress responses.

Mushroom Powder Coffee: The Latest Trend in Healthy Beverages

Mushroom powder coffee are combined with an equal amount of ground coffee beans, cutting the caffeine content by half compared to a regular cup of coffee. For some people, this reduced amount of caffeine can help mitigate negative side effects of coffee — including stomach upset, headaches, heart palpitations or anxiety.

However more research is needed on the efficacy of this coffee blend, and many nutrition experts have mixed opinions. “Mushrooms are linked to a variety of health benefits, such as immune-boosting properties and regulating cortisol levels, but the well-designed clinical trials have not been conducted on this particular combination of mushrooms in a coffee drink,” says Sheri Berger, RD, a registered dietician specializing in plant-forward and balanced nutrition.

Sheri adds that mushroom powder may be a good alternative to traditional coffee for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to increase their daily intake of mushrooms, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect against cognitive decline as we age. But it’s also important to note that mushrooms can sometimes trigger digestive issues for those with kidney problems or a history of difficulty digesting grains, and chaga mushrooms have been known to cause high levels of oxalates in the body, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.