We dove headfirst into the wild world of mushroom coffee, and let's just say the results ranged from a mild buzz to, well, a gritty mess. From brands promising laser focus to those delivering a surprisingly smooth sip, we've broken down the best (and worst) of the bunch.
Lifeboost Mindflow's instant powder kicks off with a sharp, astringent note that mellows into something surprisingly coffee-like. While not exactly a powerhouse, it offers a subtle alertness that lasts a couple of hours. A unique bonus? It’s one of the few mushroom supplements that also boasts electrolytes, potentially helping with hydration.
Four Sigmatic's Focus blend, labeled a dark roast, defied expectations by ditching the typical smoky aftertaste. What we got instead was a comforting, familiar vibe. After two days of switching from our usual caffeine fix, a small dose of this blend sent us into a productivity frenzy, tackling spreadsheets and even preparing for a solo jam session. Genius adaptogens at work, apparently.
North Spore Functional-5 Mushroom Coffee sits comfortably in the medium roast category, a safe bet that avoids the often-harsh notes of darker roasts. Unlike many competitors, it skips the ashy flavor and oily sheen, delivering a robust, earthy taste that stands on its own. You'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart from your everyday Folgers or Illy.
Ryze Superfoods Mushroom Coffee, unfortunately, lands on the underwhelming side. Its flavor is more of a whisper of other drinks than a distinct identity. For those who just need to chug their morning brew to "adult," this might work. But for those seeking a delightful sip, Ryze falls flat, leaving us cranky and unimpressed after a week of testing.
Cuppa offers a gentle, inoffensive start to the day. Its light body and mellow acidity evoke a pleasant diner coffee experience. The powder dissolves easily, leaving no sediment behind. It delivers a subtle energy boost, perfect for those who prefer easing into their morning rather than hitting the ground running at full caffeine throttle.
MUD/WTR's Original Blend presents a maximalist approach with its spicy, herbaceous mix. However, achieving a smooth consistency is a challenge, often resulting in a gritty aftertaste. Even with additions like milk and sweetener, the bottom quarter of the cup remains a less-than-appetizing sludge. While it offers a semblance of a boost, the effort required makes it more of a treat than a daily go-to.
