The Sprightly Spud

Everything you need to know about the new ‘bean’ on the block.

Yes, you read that correctly. 

In the UK, we consume around 98 million cups of coffee each day, yet many health-conscious individuals are turning to mushrooms for a less conventional cup of Joe.

But why?

A Brew Steeped in History

Believe it or not, the concept of blending various fungi into a warming beverage far predated the ‘wellness era’. In reality, its roots lie in war-torn 1940s Europe, more specifically, the very same country that gave us the sauna and ice skates; Finland. 

Years of worldwide fighting brought strict trade embargoes, fierce conflict in coffee growing regions, and innumerable rationing laws. Consequently, many states regarded the drink as a ‘luxury’ item, meaning Finns seeking the nostalgic aroma and comforting warmth of a good brew had to come up with an ingenious alternative. They turned to an ingredient in ample supply: Chaga Mushrooms. 

A parasitic fungus common on birch trees in cold climates, Chaga could be dried, ground, and brewed, producing a dark brown liquid reminiscent of ‘traditional’ coffee. In addition to a sweet, nutty flavour, many believed Chaga possessed immune boosting properties, making ‘Chaga Tea’ the ideal hot drink for Finnish soldiers in the trenches. 

Initially, mushroom coffee was certainly an invention of necessity, rather than a health choice. Nevertheless, the idea of a shroom brew as a wellness elixir stemmed from the same Scandinavian state that pioneered it so many years ago. 

In 2015, Four Sigmatic, with shroom-obsessed founder Tero Isokauppila at their helm, launched their first Mushroom Coffee. Tero was driven by an intense desire to make fungi a fact of life, and share the benefits of nutrient-dense, functional mushrooms with the world. Inspired by his upbringing on a family farm, where his mother would teach him the intricacies of foraging mushrooms and berries for use in food and medicine, the Finn was determined to bring adaptogens into the mainstream in the form of our favourite energy-boosting drink. 

The OG Blend

Whilst the idea behind Four Sigmatic’s debut product was wholeheartedly organic, the highly specific selection of ingredients in the coffee is very much endorsed by science. 

Having studied chemistry, nutrition, and natural health at university Isokauppila and his team of entrepreneurs formulated their blend to include the very highest quality Lion’s Mane and Chaga mushrooms, alongside caffeine. Lion’s Mane has long been a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is attributed with being able to tackle deficiency of Qi; ‘life force’. In Japan, Yamabushitake Buddhist monks, keen to enhance their meditation practice, were also know to take powdered lions mane, and were a necklace-like garment in its image. Nutritionally, “Mountain Priest” is rich in Vitamin D, potassium, iron and a whole kingdom of antioxidants, hence why multiple historical cultures used it to heal wound, treat infections, and help manage diabetes.

In recent times, attention has turned to the cognitive benefits of this shaggy-looking fungus, in addition to its immune boosting properties. Its rife with polysaccharides including beta-glucan, which has demonstrated antitumour activity, and therefore may reduce cancer risk, and produces two families of compounds; erinacines, and hericenones, which are involved in nerve growth. Consequently, they stimulate the growth of neurons and protective cells in the human brain, allowing for improvements in overall mental performance. Intriguingly, research is also taking place to understand the mushroom’s potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and aid in treatment of anxiety or depression. 

The second adaptogenic* substance contained in FS’s coffee, is Chaga, the very same shroom used to satisfy wartime caffeine cravings. Like Lion’s Mane, Chaga is a nutritional powerhouse. Its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties mean it may reduce individuals risk of developing conditions like heart disease and arthritis, in addition to fighting off the bacteria and viruses we come into contact with each day. Its melanin content may even leave us better protected from UV rays. Not only this, but it stimulates the growth of white blood cells, and test tube studies have demonstrated its ability to prevent cancer growth in human liver cells. 

Finally, there is caffeine – 50 mg per serving, rather then the 100 mg of ‘normal’ coffee -.hough mushroom coffees are often used to help individuals reduce their caffeine intake (decaf blends are available too), and avoid the afternoon slump, it inevitably increases alertness, energy and concentration. In addition to stimulating the nervous system, the coffee beans its contained in have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any food. 

Since the launch of FS’ unprecedented initial product, the adaptogenic beverage market has blossomed. Driven by a vast augmentation in our desire to achieve ultimate wellness, it has hit a value of $2.72 billion in 2024, growth of 6.4% from just the previous year.  Four Sigmatic continue to dominate the realm, and now offer a whole range of blends, each claiming unique benefits. 

If coffee is your typical pre-workout, or you are in dire need of an additional study boost, the ‘Boost’ variety has a higher concentration of Arabica coffee, in addition to L-theanine and cordyceps extract. The first of these is an amino acid derived from green tea, which ensures a smooth caffeine release, as a pose to a sudden rush, and subsequent slump. Cordycep are another mushroom, with a reputation for improving energy, endurance, and fighting brain fog. 

‘Happy Gut’ is supplemented with log-grown turkey tail mushrooms, heat-resistant probiotics, and organic yacon juice powder. Not only has turkey tail long been used in Japanese cancer therapy, but it contains fibre and prebiotics to fortify the gut microbiome, and therefore aid in the (sometimes troublesome) digestion of coffee. Yacon juice, hailing from Peru, can help reduce cholesterol, improve overall digestion, and reduce blood sugar levels. The result of this ingenious combination of superfoods is a caffeine boost, without the gastric irritation coffee’s acidity can trigger, 

Next is ‘Balance’. As the name suggests, this half-caf mix is designed to balance daily moods, through including adaptogenic substances which help the body adapt to stress. In order to elicit a calming effect, the blend features ashwagandha, eleuthero extract, and tulsi extract. Ashwaganda 

regulates cortisol levels, and therefore has a positive impact on anxiety. Eleuthero extract is an endurance, energy and immune system boosting substance native to North East Asia. Traditionally used as a general stimulant, it may help fight fatigue and improve cognitive function, without the adrenaline release (and anxiety spike) caused by ingesting caffeine. Tulsi, or ‘Holy Basil’, hails from the tropics of Southeast Asia, where it has long been used as a medicinal herb. Not only does it have antibacterial properties and analgesics which may elicit rapid wound healing, but countless studies show it may alleviate psychological and physical stress. 

Finally, if you’re keen to fortify your immune system with fungi, ‘Protect’ integrates the vast antioxidant profile of chaga and the prebiotic rich turkey tail with zinc and vitamin D derived from Earthlight mushroom powder. 

In essence, no matter your health priority, there is a mushroom blend that could help you achieve it. Other brands of adaptogenic beverages have similarly extensive ranges, some including reishi, shiitake and king trumpet shrooms too. 

Taste 

A meta-analysis of 330,677 people drinking coffee daily found it to be a mood-booster. Its dopamine-releasing properties activate neural pleasure centres and release tension. Nevertheless, a significant driver of coffee consumption, is, without a doubt, its taste. Whether you opt for a puritanical long black, or a creamy caramel latte, many of us are sticklers for that distinctive flavour. 

So can mushroom coffee satisfy our thirst for a mellow morning brew?

Put simply, yes.

First of all, mushrooms coffees generally contain high quality, Arabica beans, and therefore inherit their slightly sweet taste, floral notes and fruity aroma. Furthermore, the fungi in your cup are dried and ground into a very fine powder, and, therefore, do not offer much more flavour than a very delicate earthy undertone. 

As with traditional coffee, the specific palate will depend on the concentration of coffee in relation to adaptogens, the variety of mushrooms used, and the depth of roast of the bean. Consequently, different brands will offer slightly different aromas and flavours, and its worth shopping around to find one you like. For example, Rheal source their beans from Colombia, know for sweet and chocolatey hints, whereas Four Sigmatic uses Honduran coffee, which is renowned for being distinctively fruity. 

Safety and Side Effects

The idea of foraging some toadstools, then grinding them into some mysterious, magical powder, does not seem entirely sensible. Nevertheless, functional coffee is perfectly safe for most people. What’s more, providers of mushroom blends are keen to ensure customers that every ingredient is tested in 3rd party labs for heavy metals, mycotoxins, mould, yeast and pesticides, guaranteeing a pure blend. 

Its tricky to disregard the natural segue one’s brain makes between mushroom coffee, and another type of ‘functional’ mushroom. However, mushroom coffee categorically does NOT contain magic mushrooms. 

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to adaptogens, which may result in nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and other allergic responses, nevertheless, these are extremely rare. Furthermore, individuals with a history of kidney problems, are advised to avoid mushrooms (in particularly Chaga) thanks to their high levels of oxalates presenting a risk factor for kidney stones. A natural substance found in many foods, oxalates can bond to calcium and form crystals while the body makes urine, although one would have to consume an extremely large amount of oxalates, and very little water, for this to become an issue. 

It is often recommended that pregnant women regulate their caffeine intake, therefore, a mushroom blend, specifically a low-caffeine or decaf variety, may serve as a good morning coffee replacement. Additionally, certain shrooms like shiitake and maitake, contain folate, vitamin D, iron and antioxidants, all of which are beneficial for mothers-to-be. It is important, however, to consult a medical professional before trying anything ‘out there’ in pregnancy. 

In conjunction with its lack of physical side-effects, mushroom coffee may have fewer environmental impacts than traditional coffee farming. Cultivating fungi requires significantly less space and resources than coffee beans, so swapping at least some beans for shrooms may a more sustainable option.

Long story short, for the average person, the benefits far outweigh any potential disadvantages, just don’t attempt to brew a morning energy potion with any of your own garden finds…

Worth the Investment?

As is often the case with avant-garde wellness trends, the price of mushroom coffees are nothing short of extortionate. 

One can pick up a 12oz bag of ground arabica coffee for just £2.19 in Aldi, meaning your morning brew costs around 10p. A bag of Four Sigmatic, however, demands an outlay of of £12.30, or 77p per cup! Albeit there is a discount if you buy in bulk, switching to shroom certainly isn’t cheap, with more expensive brands, such as Dirtea, asking £40 for just 150g (5oz) of their blend! 

The stomach – churning price tag on functional coffee is likely due to the fact that medicinal mushrooms have to be grown in their natural habitats, and are generally not commercially farmed, making them pretty hard to come by. Nevertheless, shelling out the cost of a weekly shop on a bag of coffee may seem utterly absurd to many of us. 

So, should we be switching to shroom?

Undoubtedly, incorporating functional mushrooms into one’s diet may elicit a myriad of benefits, from helping us fight winter colds, to keeping Alzheimer’s at bay. Nevertheless, the eye-watering cost of switching to an adaptogenic coffee blend makes it an unrealistic pursuit for the majority of consumers. 

The question is, will we soon be seeing mushroom brews in our favourite coffee chains?

*a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress