Is Mushroom Coffee Healthy? Here’s What to Know
Are there any drawbacks to mushroom coffee?
The price may be one of the biggest downsides, because mushroom coffee tends to be considerably more expensive than many bagged coffees, Ayoob says. “The more exotic the mushroom, the more likely it is to be costly.”
Another potential concern has to do with quality control. Many mushrooms “absorb compounds from their environment—so sourcing and cultivation practices matter,” says Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian based in New York. Look for products that have been tested for contaminants like lead, arsenic, and mercury.
While medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe for many people, there are some exceptions. If you take prescription medications, it’s best to check with your doctor before trying mushroom coffee. “Some mushrooms like reishi may interact with medications such as blood thinners,” says Bazilian. And chaga is high in oxalates, so if you’re predisposed to kidney stones, mushroom coffee with chaga might be risky, Moore says.
