Mushroom Coffee | What is it and is it really good for you?

 

Wondering what the deal is with "mushroom coffee"? You're not alone. With the growing trend comes the question, "What is mushroom coffee?". Well first, as you might have guessed, mushrooms don't make coffee. Mushroom coffee is simply one of two things, it is ground coffee with the addition of ground mushrooms, or it is ground mushrooms with the addition of caffeine extracted from coffee beans. There are several popular examples for mushroom coffee out there from Four Sigmatic, Ryze, Daily Dose, and others. Personally, we are partial to the flavor and content of our own specialized blend: Mind Glow. More on that later.

 

 

So why the craze? Well it's no secret that there are incredible health benefits to mushrooms. They have been used as natural medicines for literally thousands of years. Recall that Aristotelian imperative "Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine, thy food". Currently, there are more than 14,000 known species of mushrooms, each unique, each with its own flavor profile, each with its own health benefits, or in some cases, dangerously toxic or deadly. So what are the benefits? Excessive and wide ranging. It really comes down to which mushrooms you select and whether they are extracts or fruiting bodies. There are many ways to parse out the benefits and none of them are necessarily wrong, simply different.

So to the point, since there aren't 14,000 species of mushrooms in the specialized blends of mushroom coffees and since our special blend Mind Glow contains 4 - 5 more types of mushrooms than the leading brands, we will look at which mushrooms we have included and why.

 

Lions Mane:

 

Certainly the most popular, Lions Mane is a fuzzy white mushroom with incredible benefits. Lions Mane is shown to decrease signs of dementia, anxiety, depression, heal ulcers, stimulate a gut-healthy microbiome via the natural occurring prebiotic fibers called beta-glucans, reduce heart disease, manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar, fight cancer, reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and decrease oxidative stress. So, pretty impressive. There are two primary compounds found in Lions Mane that are attributed to these incredible benefits: hericenones and erinacines. These are only bio-available to humans through a dual-extraction process. This is because of an indigestible fiber compound called chitin that prevents the digestive system from absorbing the full scope of compounds found in the fungi. It is for this reason that Lions Mane is most efficacious when extracted via the means of both alcohol and hot water. The alcohol based extraction releases hericenones, while hot water extracts erinacines. Our particular blend, Mind Glow, includes the potent benefits of the extracted form of pure organic Lions Mane.

 

Reishi:

Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi has long been revered for its calming and adaptogenic properties. This deep reddish-brown mushroom supports the body's stress response, helping to regulate cortisol levels and promote a sense of balance. But that’s just the beginning. Reishi is rich in triterpenes and beta-glucans, compounds that contribute to its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Studies suggest it may improve sleep quality, reduce fatigue, and support heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. At Wildflower, we exclusively use the fruiting body of Reishi in Mind Glow—where the most potent concentration of active compounds resides—because quality matters when you're crafting something designed to support mind and body alike.

 

Cordyceps:

If you’ve ever wondered whether a mushroom could support athletic performance, Cordyceps is your answer. This unique fungus—originally discovered growing on high-altitude caterpillars in the Himalayas—has earned its reputation as a natural energy booster. The active compound cordycepin is structurally similar to adenosine, a molecule that helps deliver energy to our cells. This makes Cordyceps a powerful ally for increasing oxygen uptake, improving endurance, and fighting fatigue. It's even been studied for its ability to enhance libido and support respiratory health. We include the fruiting body form of Cordyceps in Mind Glow to ensure you get the full spectrum of benefits without the mycelium filler found in lesser blends. Whether you’re hitting a workout or tackling a long day at work, Cordyceps helps keep the fire lit.

 

Chaga:

Unlike most of the mushrooms in this list, Chaga doesn’t look like your typical fungus. Found growing on birch trees in cold climates, Chaga resembles a chunk of burned charcoal—but inside, it’s rich in antioxidants, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. It's no wonder Chaga has been dubbed the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms.” Chaga supports immune function, reduces inflammation, promotes healthy skin, and may even slow cellular aging. We use the fruiting body form of Chaga in Mind Glow, extracted to preserve its powerful compounds like betulinic acid and melanin. It’s a robust foundational mushroom that lends earthy depth to the blend and serious support to your wellness.

Maitake:

Translated as “Dancing Mushroom” in Japanese folklore—because people literally danced with joy upon finding it—Maitake is a fan favorite for its immune-boosting potential. Rich in beta-glucans that help activate immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, Maitake also shows promise in regulating blood sugar and supporting insulin sensitivity. It's been studied for its role in supporting weight management and cardiovascular health. Our inclusion of the fruiting body form of Maitake in Mind Glow ensures that what you’re getting isn’t just tradition, but scientifically supported wellness. Plus, it has a subtly savory profile that deepens the flavor of our mix in the most delightful way.

Turkey Tail:

Named for its colorful, feathered appearance, Turkey Tail is one of the most extensively studied medicinal mushrooms in the world. It contains two potent polysaccharopeptides: PSK and PSP, both of which are known to enhance immune function. In fact, PSK is so well regarded that it’s been used as an adjunct treatment in oncology in countries like Japan. Beyond its cancer-fighting potential, Turkey Tail is known to support gut health through its prebiotic fibers, contributing to a balanced and diverse microbiome. We use the whole fruiting body in Mind Glow to give you the full force of this mushroom’s well-documented benefits. Turkey Tail is the unsung hero of immune support, quietly bolstering the system that keeps you resilient and ready.

 

 

Conclusion:

Mushroom coffee is popular for a reason, however, Mind Glow isn’t just a trendy drink—it’s a thoughtfully formulated blend designed to support cognition, energy, immunity, and overall vitality. By choosing high-quality extracts and pure fruiting bodies, we’ve crafted a mushroom latte that’s as functional as it is flavorful. For those easing into the morning or looking for a gentle boost without the jitters, Mind Glow is more than coffee—it's WILD. GOOD. RITUAL.