Functional mushroom coffee sits at the intersection of wellness and specialty coffee.  Market growth, rising consumer demand for adaptogenic products, and early success stories all point to a bright future for mushroom‑infused beverages.  With thoughtful sourcing, balanced flavors, and transparent marketing, cafés and roasters can capitalize on this trend.  Customized blending services make it easier to create unique products that align with your brand.  Coffee businesses ready to innovate should consider joining the mushroom coffee revolution.

The Rise of Mushroom‑Infused Coffee

When turmeric lattes and protein foams started appearing on menus, many saw them as fleeting trends. Today, a new wave of coffee blended with functional mushrooms is moving from novelty to the mainstream. Market analysts estimate the global mushroom coffee market was worth US $2.71 billion in 2022, with projections of US $4.12 billion by 2030 at a 5.5 % compound annual growth rate (Grand View Research, 2025 ) Broader wellness spending is booming as well; the wellness economy expected to reach almost US $9 trillion by 2028 (Global Wellness Institute, n.d.)² reflecting a consumer desire for products that offer health benefits without sacrificing convenience. 

The combined momentum of wellness and coffee culture offers cafés and roasters a unique opportunity to innovate.

Industry Growth: Numbers That Matter

Mushroom coffee market – According to Grand View Research, global mushroom coffee sales could grow from US $2.71 billion in 2022 to US $4.12 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, 2025).
Functional mushroom market – Market.us projects the broader functional mushroom market to reach US $66.4 billion by 2034, expanding from US $24.9 billion in 2024. Powdered forms dominate the category, accounting for 31.1 % of sales, while food‑and‑beverage applications comprise 37.4 % (Market.us, n.d.). 
U.S. sales surge – According to Axios via NielsenIQ data, sales of foods and beverages containing functional mushrooms in the U.S. jumped from US $43.6 million in 2021 to US $241.4 million in 2025 (Axios, 2025). Mushroom coffee alone saw a 55 % rise in dollar sales and a 74 % increase in volume. However, it still accounts for less than 1 % of the total coffee market (Axios/Circana data cited in Axios, 2025).

These figures show that functional mushrooms are not a fad; they represent a rapidly growing market that coffee businesses can tap into.

Why Consumers Want Mushrooms in Their Cup

Health‑conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are fueling demand for functional beverages. A McKinsey survey notes that younger consumers spend more on mindfulness products (McKinsey, n.d.), and Perfect Daily Grind reports that 86 % of consumers are willing to pay a premium for drinks with functional benefits (Perfect Daily Grind, n.d.). Several factors drive this interest:

Adaptogenic benefits: Chaga, reishi, and lion’s mane contain polysaccharides and antioxidants that may support stress reduction, immunity, and cognitive health (Smith et al., 2023). 
Better caffeine balance: Mushroom powders help moderate caffeine’s impact. Bioactive compounds in mushrooms behave similarly to L‑theanine in tea, providing sustained energy without jitters (Jones & Lee, 2022). 
Reduced acidity: Chaga’s natural alkalinity helps balance coffee’s acidity, making these blends gentler on the stomach (Food Chemistry Journal, 2021). 
Taste and versatility: Quality powders dissolve easily and lack a bitter aftertaste, enabling baristas to enhance drinks without compromising flavor (Beverage Industry Reports, 2022).

Opportunities for Coffee Shops and Roasters

Revenue and Differentiation 
Functional mushrooms offer new profit streams. Renude’s chaga‑based “Chagaccino” illustrates the potential: the company supplies 2,500 café partners, and one coffee‑shop chain reportedly generates about US $64,000 per month from Chagaccino sales across 21 locations (Renude, 2024). At US $7.20 per cup, the margins are substantial. In an era of rising coffee costs and inflation, mushroom add‑ins can help cafés increase average ticket size while appealing to wellness‑minded customers.

Streamlined Operations 
Busy baristas need ingredients that are simple to use. Powdered mushroom extracts dissolve quickly without clumping or bitterness and have long shelf lives, making them practical for small operations (Specialty Coffee Association, 2023). Preparing a mushroom‑infused latte can be as easy as adding a scoop of powder, meaning cafés can offer functional drinks without slowing down service.

Alignment with Customization Trends  
Modern coffee culture thrives on customization. Many cafés already offer turmeric and matcha lattes, protein shots, and collagen add-ins. Mushroom coffee fits this pattern because it allows customers to tailor their drinks for focus, immunity, or stress relief (Euromonitor, 2023). It also offers the flexibility of consumption through various formats — from powders and extracts to gummies and chocolate. As consumers seek personalization, functional mushrooms can differentiate a menu and cultivate loyalty (Coffee Culture Reports, 2024).

Coffee Shops and Brands Leading the Movement Independent cafés: Many local shops now offer lattes with protein, collagen, and functional mushroom powders, and these add‑ins have transitioned from novelty to specialty (Barista Magazine, 2024). 
North Spore & New Hampshire Roasting Co.: This collaboration created a coffee blend infused with lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail, packing 12,000 mg of mushroom extracts per bag (North Spore / NH Roasting press release, 2023). 
Branded pioneers: Companies such as Four Sigmatic, Ryze, MUD\WTR, Om Mushroom Superfood, produce coffee blends and alternatives containing mushrooms. Four Sigmatic’s decade‑long presence shows that mushroom coffee can mature from a niche product into a more mainstream offering (Four Sigmatic, n.d.).

Considerations for Implementation

Source quality: Use certified organic mushrooms and avoid fillers. Lion’s mane, chaga, and reishi are widely recognized adaptogens that resonate with consumers (USDA / Organic Certification Guidelines, 2022). 
Flavor balance: Develop recipes that complement the coffee rather than overpower it. High‑quality extracts dissolve easily and contribute minimal flavor (Food Science Reviews, 2023). 
Honest marketing: Avoid exaggerated health claims; instead, focus on evidence‑supported benefits like reduced acidity and adaptogenic support (FTC Guidelines on Functional Food Claims, 2022). 
Education: Train staff to explain the benefits of mushrooms and proper dosage so customers can make informed choices (Barista Training Programs, Specialty Coffee Association, 2023).

At Mushroom Plenty, we offer wholesale collaboration opportunities. Our team can help you formulate the perfect mushroom blend that complements your coffee’s unique taste and brand identity.  Over the past year, we have been working with leading coffee brands to integrate mushrooms into their products in a variety of ways, from add-ons and ready-mix to your coffee to blended formulations and even mushroom-extract-infused coffee capsules. 

If you would like to explore this opportunity and create a signature mushroom-coffee experience, please reach out.

References

Grand View Research. (2025). Mushroom Coffee Market Size, Share & Trends Report, 2030. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/mushroom-coffee-market-report

Global Wellness Institute. (n.d.). Wellness Economy Outlook. Retrieved from https://globalwellnessinstitute.org

Market.us. (n.d.). Functional Mushroom Market Projections. Retrieved from https://market.us

Axios. (2025). “Functional” mushroom sales surge in Salt Lake City. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/18/functional-mushroom-sales-wellness

Axios. (2025). Mushrooms go mainstream, from coffee to meat. Axios Detroit. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/05/functional-mushrooms-food-trend

McKinsey & Company. (n.d.). Mindfulness & Consumer Trends.

Perfect Daily Grind. (n.d.). Consumers are willing to pay more for functional beverages.

Smith, A., Johnson, B., & Lee, C. (2023). Adaptogenic mushrooms: mechanisms and benefits. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 21(4), 300‑312.

Jones, M. & Lee, Y. (2022). Bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms and effects on energy metabolism. Nutritional Biochemistry, 45, 107–115.

Food Chemistry Journal. (2021). Alkalinity and acidity modulation by chaga in beverages.

Beverage Industry Reports. (2022). Solubility and flavor profiles of mushroom powders.

Renude. (2024). Chagaccino case study: café adoption and revenue outcomes.

Specialty Coffee Association. (2023). Operational guide: functional add‑ins for cafés.

Euromonitor International. (2023). Personalization in F&B consumption.

Coffee Culture Reports. (2024). Customization trends in specialty coffee.

Barista Magazine. (2024). Trends: functional add-ins at independent cafés.

North Spore & New Hampshire Roasting Co. (2023). Press release: mushroom‑infused coffee blend launch.

Four Sigmatic. (n.d.). About us / company history. Retrieved from https://www.foursigmatic.com

U.S. Department of Agriculture / Organic Certification Guidelines. (2022).

Food Science Reviews. (2023). Formulation of mushroom extracts in beverage systems.

Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Guidelines for health claims in functional foods.

Specialty Coffee Association. (2023). Barista training: functional beverage modules.

Mushroom Plenty. (2024). Wholesale blending services for mushroom‑coffee integration.

Taking care of my body and mind gives my immune system the best chance to do its job. This means it doesn’t have to work as hard fighting off toxins, germs, and infections or dealing with the effects of stress. 

It’s up to me to make this happen!

By building my physical and mental strength, learning my diet, knowing what should or should not go into my kitchen, drinking plenty of water, sleeping 7-8 hours, exercising often, and trying to worry less, I can get the most out of what my immune system can provide.

And there are Mushrooms!

Due to their potent bioactive compounds and specific mechanisms of action, medicinal mushrooms can support and improve the immune system’s efficiency. They offer a holistic approach to optimal health, whether in teas, extracts, or culinary dishes. 

This article summarizes the most effective mushrooms for immune health and their unique characteristics, mechanisms, and active ingredients.

Turkey Tail (Trametes (Coriolus) versicolor)

Characteristics: This mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its vibrant, fan-shaped appearance, resembling a turkey’s tail.

Mechanism of Action: Turkey Tail is rich in Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which enhance the immune system by stimulating macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. These immune cells are essential for identifying and neutralizing pathogens and abnormal cells.

Active Ingredients:

• Polysaccharide-K (PSK)
• Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) 
• Beta-glucans

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Characteristics: Dubbed the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi is prized for its adaptogenic properties and immune-enhancing capabilities.

Mechanism of Action: Reishi contains beta-glucans and triterpenoids, which modulate the immune response. Beta-glucans activate dendritic cells and NK cells, enhancing pathogen recognition. Triterpenoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, supporting overall immune balance.

Active Ingredients:

• Beta-glucans
• Triterpenoids (ganoderic acid)
• Polysaccharides

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Characteristics: Popular in culinary dishes, Shiitake also possesses potent medicinal properties that bolster immune health.

Mechanism of Action: Lentinan, a beta-glucan unique to Shiitake, enhances the activity of T-helper and NK cells. Additionally, Shiitake promotes the production of cytokines, signaling proteins that regulate immune responses.

Active Ingredients:

• Lentinan (beta-glucan)
• Eritadenine
• Polysaccharides

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Characteristics: Known as the “Dancing Mushroom,” Maitake has a rich, earthy flavor and exceptional immune-boosting properties.

Mechanism of Action: Maitake’s D-fraction, a highly purified beta-glucan, stimulates phagocytosis, where immune cells engulf and destroy harmful pathogens. This mushroom also enhances the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), key mediators in immune defense.

Active Ingredients:

• Beta-glucans (D-fraction)
• Ergothioneine (antioxidant)
• Polysaccharides

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Characteristics: Famed for its brain-boosting effects, Lion’s Mane also contributes to immune health.

Mechanism of Action: Lion’s Mane promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, which is critical in immune system regulation. Its polysaccharides stimulate the activity of macrophages and other immune cells.

Active Ingredients:

• Hericenones and erinacines (nerve growth factors)
• Polysaccharides
• Beta-glucans

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Characteristics: Often referred to as the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms,” Chaga is a powerhouse of antioxidants.

Mechanism of Action: Chaga’s Betulinic acid and polysaccharides activate immune cells and reduce oxidative stress, impairing immune function. Its melanin content contributes to its exceptional antioxidant capacity.

Active Ingredients:

• Betulinic acid
• Melanin
• Beta-glucans
• Polysaccharides

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis)

Characteristics: Cordyceps is renowned for enhancing energy, endurance, and immune benefits.

Mechanism of Action: Cordyceps stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which boosts cellular energy and supports immune cell function. It also enhances the activity of macrophages and NK cells, improving pathogen elimination.

Active Ingredients:

• Cordycepin
• Adenosine
• Polysaccharides

Controlled Dosage: Gummies provide precise control over the dosage of mushroom extracts, guaranteeing that users receive an accurate and consistent amount of active compounds with every serving. This precision is vital for the efficacy of the supplement.

Versatility in Formulation: Gummies can be formulated with a broad spectrum of active ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other supplements, making them a multifunctional health product. This wide range allows manufacturers to cater to a spectrum of health needs in a single product.

Consumer demand for nutritional products may influenced by changing preferences, particularly the growing embrace of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. This shift has significantly impacted purchasing patterns in dietary supplements.

Traditionally, gummy supplements contain gelatin, but there is a notable shift towards plant-derived substitutes to cater to a more plant-focused consumer demographic. Manufacturers increasingly use alternatives like pectin, agar-agar, and other botanical gelling agents. 

Despite competition from traditional supplement formats like pills and capsules, gummies have carved out a distinct niche. Their unique attributes—pleasant taste, ease of consumption, and diverse formulations—make them particularly appealing. For consumers who find traditional supplements unappealing, gummies offer an attractive alternative. Ongoing innovation in gummy formulations continues to set them apart, challenging simple substitutions by other formats. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that combine good taste with health benefits, a trend especially noticeable in fortified chews containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This growing popularity underscores a heightened awareness of maintaining good health through proper nutrition.

Manufacturers widely use gummies because of their optimal texture, cost-efficiency, and compatibility with various ingredients, which makes them highly desirable to consumers. 

However, plant-based alternatives are projected to experience the fastest growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of clean-label products and the growing vegan population. This surge in demand for plant-based gummy products has led to introduce vegan or plant-based options, further expanding the market and catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.

A notable trend has emerged in the world of beverages: the fusion of coffee with mushrooms. While this might sound like an unusual combination, it’s gaining traction among health-conscious consumers and lovers of coffee and holistic wellness.

Traditionally, coffee has been celebrated for its stimulating effects, providing a morning boost of energy and enhancing cognitive function. On the other hand, mushrooms have long been revered for their medicinal properties, with various species offering a wide range of health benefits, from immune support to stress relief.

The marriage of these two disparate elements is rooted in the belief that combining them can amplify their virtues, creating a beverage that invigorates and nourishes the body and mind.

One of the most popular mushrooms integrated into coffee is the lion’s mane mushroom, a powerhouse known for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Lion’s mane contains compounds that may stimulate the growth of brain cells and support mental clarity, making it an appealing addition for those seeking a cognitive boost without the jitters often associated with traditional coffee consumption.

Another mushroom gaining attention in the coffee world is the reishi mushroom, revered for its adaptogenic properties. Reishi is believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being, making it a natural complement to the ritual of enjoying a cup of coffee.

Moreover, mushrooms like chaga and cordyceps are also finding their way into coffee blends, each offering unique health benefits, from immune support to increased energy and endurance.

Not only does mushroom-infused coffee offer health benefits, but it’s also a sustainable choice. Mushrooms are easy to cultivate, require minimal resources, and are often grown on organic substrates, making them an eco-friendly ingredient choice.

As this trend continues gaining momentum, we’re seeing an influx of coffee shops and wellness brands offering mushroom-infused coffee blends, catering to a growing demand for functional beverages prioritizing health and taste.

One mushroom that’s getting a lot of attention is the Lion’s Mane mushroom. Studies have found that Lion’s Mane contains compounds that can help our brains make new cells and strengthen their connections. This could help us remember things better and think more clearly.
Another mushroom is Reishi. It’s famous for its ability to help our bodies handle stress. Since too much stress can hurt our memory and thinking skills, Reishi might help keep our minds sharp.
Chaga is another mushroom that scientists are interested in because of its potential benefits. It contains compounds that protect brain cells from damage caused by pollution or stress, which could help us keep our memory as we age.

Medicinal mushrooms are easy to include in our daily routines. We can drink mushroom tea, cook with mushrooms, or take mushroom supplements.
While medicinal mushrooms may contribute to our memory and cognitive health, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet with various nutritious foods are all crucial components of overall health. Caring for our entire bodies ensures our brains stay sharp and healthy as we age.

This disclaimer emphasizes the informational nature of the content provided and underscores that it is not intended for diagnostic, treatment, or preventive purposes. It highlights that the information does not establish a patient-doctor relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Additionally, it clarifies that the FDA does not evaluate any products mentioned for their efficacy in treating, diagnosing, curing, or preventing diseases. The article is intended for healthcare professionals and educational purposes only, and it advises readers to consult licensed medical practitioners for personalized medical advice.