Mushrooms… in My Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most familiar rituals of the day, until it isn’t. Imagine your usual cup … but blended with mushrooms once prized in traditional medicine. It sounds unexpected, but mushroom coffee has become one of the fastest-growing twists in modern coffee culture. 

The idea goes back further than it seems. In Finland during World War II, when coffee beans were scarce, chaga mushrooms from birch trees were brewed as a substitute. In Asia, mushrooms have been used in teas and tonics for centuries. Today, those traditions meet coffee in modern blends. 

Mushroom coffee is a blend of regular coffee and extracts from functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane¹, reishi², chaga³ or cordyceps⁴. These are not culinary mushrooms, but rather varieties that have long been valued in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. 

The process is more refined than it might sound. Mushrooms are dried, extracted and powdered before being blended with coffee, creating a drink that tastes familiar but with an earthy twist. Today, it’s increasingly available in convenient formats, ranging from instant sachets that take just seconds to prepare to ground blends for traditional brewing. 

Some early studies (mostly in animals or regarding the use of mushroom supplements) point to possible benefits for focus, immunity or stress balance. While more human research is needed, curiosity and the appeal of a gentler caffeine experience are driving interest in this area. 

The global mushroom coffee market was worth about USD 2.71 billion in 2022 and is forecast to reach USD 4.12 billion by 2030, growing at around 5.5% annually. North America leads with nearly 29% of the share, Europe is catching up fast, and Latin American origins like Peru and Ecuador are beginning to explore blends of their own (Source: Grand View Research). 

People reach for mushroom coffee for many reasons: a gentler caffeine lift, a touch of earthy flavor or the story that connects forest traditions with modern wellness. Whatever the motivation, it’s clear this is more than a passing fad. It’s a new chapter in coffee culture. 

Will McNaught, Trading Director at Sucafina Instant, points out that mushroom coffee is attracting a new wave of coffee drinkers. He notes that many functional coffee products are direct-to-consumer brands, and their success highlights changing ways people discover and choose what they drink. 

For brands ready to explore it, Sucafina Instant can help bring the idea to life. With expertise in sourcing and soluble coffee, we develop consistent, scalable blends that work in instant sachets or customized formats for different markets. From high-quality coffee bases to integrating functional ingredients like mushrooms, we support companies that want to turn this trend into products consumers trust and enjoy. 

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¹Lion’s mane – known for its unique white, shaggy appearance; studied for potential effects on focus and memory. 
²Reishi – often called the “mushroom of immortality”; linked with relaxation and stress balance. 
³Chaga – a hard, dark mushroom that grows on birch trees; used traditionally for its antioxidant properties. 
⁴Cordyceps – originally found in high mountain regions; traditionally associated with energy and stamina.