There comes a moment in the life of a coffee drinker when the romance with caffeine turns toxic.
For me, that moment came somewhere between the third sleepless night and a vibrating eyelid.
But I still wanted something warm, earthy, and ritualistic.
Voilá! Mushroom coffee. A concept so bizarre, I first thought it was a health store prank. It wasn’t.
Turns out, decaf mushroom coffee is real. And it’s not just tolerable. It can be excellent.
Read on to get what it is, why people drink it, how to brew it, and what brands are worth your time and money.
Contents
What Is Decaf Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a blend of medicinal mushrooms (like lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi) with coffee or coffee alternatives. In decaf versions, the caffeine is reduced or eliminated, but the adaptogenic benefits remain.
Unlike your average decaf brew, mushroom coffee often has a deeper, woodsy flavor and a body that feels somewhere between coffee and tea. It’s less about a jolt and more about clarity, calm, and cognitive support.
Common bases include:
- Decaf instant coffee or decaffeinated ground beans
- Chicory root or roasted barley
- Herbal adaptogenic blends
Why Choose Decaf Mushroom Coffee?
People reach for it when they want:
- A caffeine-free or low-caffeine boost without anxiety
- Focus and mental clarity from lion’s mane or cordyceps
- Digestive or immune support (thanks to chaga or reishi)
- A coffee alternative that still feels rich and ritualistic
It’s not for everyone. But if regular decaf leaves you bored or bloated, and if herbal teas feel like warm regrets, this might be your third way.
How to Brew Decaf Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee can be brewed in a few ways depending on the format:
Instant Blends (Most Common)
- Add 1 packet or scoop to hot water (6–8 oz or 170g-230g)
- Stir well for 10–15 seconds
- Optional: Add milk, oat milk, or a dash of cinnamon
Ground Blends (With Decaf Coffee)
- Brew like a regular decaf using a French press, moka pot, or pour-over
- Recommended ratio: 2 tbsp per 8 oz / 230g of water
- Steep slightly longer for earthy blends
(Need help on brew styles? See our Decaf Brewing Methods Guide)
Herbal or Adaptogenic Mushroom Tea Blends
- Steep 1 tsp in boiling water for 10–15 minutes
- Add lemon, ginger, or honey if needed
- Best for nighttime or non-coffee based versions
Best Decaf Mushroom Coffee Brands (Worth Trying)
Here are brands offering reliable taste and decaf or caffeine-free blends:
- Four Sigmatic Decaf Mushroom Coffee: uses Swiss Water decaf with lion’s mane and chaga. Smooth, balanced, easy to mix.
- Ryze Mushroom Coffee (Caffeine-Free Version): creamy, chicory-based, adaptogen-rich. Good with oat milk.
- Mud/Wtr :rest: caffeine-free night blend with reishi, turmeric, cinnamon. Tastes like a cozy spiced chai.
- Dirtea Decaf Mushroom Coffee: UK-based, rich in functional mushrooms, minimal additives.
- Renude Chagaccino: chaga + cacao + monk fruit, caffeine-free. Great as a mocha-style alternative.
Recipes to Try at Home
1. Functional Mushroom Latte
- 1 scoop decaf mushroom coffee
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup frothed oat milk
- Pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
- Optional: honey or maple syrup
2. Iced Mushroom Mocha
- Brew strong decaf mushroom coffee (or concentrate)
- Mix with 1 tsp cocoa powder and plant milk
- Serve over ice, sweeten if needed
3. Immune Tonic Tea
- Steep reishi and chaga mushroom blend for 15 mins
- Add ginger, lemon juice, and turmeric
- Best for afternoons or before bed
Things to Watch Out For
- Taste profiles vary wildly: some blends are mild and chocolatey, others earthy and intense.
- Check for caffeine content: not all “mushroom coffees” are decaf by default.
- Adaptogens affect everyone differently: start slow and monitor how your body reacts.
- Read ingredient labels: some contain added sweeteners, gums, or fillers.
Who Should Consider It?
- Those tapering off caffeine but still want a flavorful ritual
- People seeking an adaptogenic or functional drink
- Coffee drinkers exploring wellness-forward alternatives
- Anyone looking for new caffeine-free experiences beyond tea
You might also explore other coffee alternatives here.
