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.

With its deep roots in traditional Asian medicine and growing scientific validation, Maitake is redefining how we prioritize vitality, longevity, and holistic health for women.

Let’s explore why Maitake deserves a prominent place in every woman’s wellness toolkit!

Nutritional Profile

• Vitamins: B-complex for energy and Vitamin D for bone strength.
• Minerals: Potassium (supporting heart health), selenium (for antioxidant defense), and copper (essential for collagen support).
• Fiber: Promotes gut health and enhances feelings of fullness.
• Bioactives: Packed with beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine—an exceptional antioxidant.

Health Benefits

• Immune Boost:
  Beta-glucans activate natural killer cells and macrophages.
• Anti-Aging Antioxidants:
  Ergothioneine combats free radicals, reducing oxidative stress linked to aging and chronic diseases.
• Blood Sugar Balance:
  Enhances insulin sensitivity, an important factor for women navigating hormonal shifts (such as PCOS and perimenopause).

• Hormonal Harmony:
  Early research suggests potential benefits in easing PCOS symptoms and supporting estrogen balance during perimenopause.
• Bone Strength:
  Rich in Vitamin D and compounds that may help slow bone density loss.

Exploring Bioactive Properties

Maitake is a basidiomycete fungus with significant mycochemical richness, revered in traditional medicine and increasingly by modern science.  Bioactive compounds and potential health benefits:

• Polysaccharides (Beta-Glucans):

• D-Fraction: This water-soluble proteoglycan complex is primarily responsible for immune activation.
• Grifolan: A branched β-glucan that stimulates macrophage responses.

• Antioxidants:

• Ergothioneine: Known for its exceptional free radical-scavenging capacity, protecting cellular structures.
• Phenolic Compounds, Including gallic acid and flavonoids, contribute to maintaining redox balance.

• Triterpenoids and Sterols: Lanostane-type triterpenes (grifolic acids) and ergosterol exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

Biological Activities and Mechanisms

• Immune Modulation:
  Maitake β-glucans bind to dectin-1 receptors on immune cells, triggering significant immune responses.
• Antioxidant Effects:
  Ergothioneine selectively accumulates in mitochondria, protecting against oxidative DNA damage, while phenolic compounds inhibit lipid peroxidation, showcasing potent antioxidant activity.
• Metabolic Regulation:
  Maitake polysaccharides slow carbohydrate digestion, aiding glycemic control of LDL cholesterol levels.

Maitake’s diverse mycochemical composition, particularly its β-glucans, and ergothioneine, positions it as a multifaceted adaptogen for women’s health.

References:

1. Vingelmann, S., et al. (2021). “Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa): Medicinal properties and bioactive components.” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 23(5): 365-380.

2. Konno, S., Tortorelis, D., Fullerton, S., Samadi, A., Hettiarachchi, J., & Tazaki, H. (2001). A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetic Medicine, 18(12), 1010. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1464-5491.2001.00532.x.
3. 13. Rossi, P., Difrancia, R., Quagliariello, V., Savino, E., Tralongo, P., Randazzo, C. L., & Berretta, M. (2018). B-glucans from Grifola frondosa and Ganoderma lucidum in breast cancer: An example of complementary and integrative medicine. Oncotarget, 9(37), 24837–24856. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.24984.

1. Weng, Y. M., et al. (2020). “Health Benefits of Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) and Its Derivatives.” Nutrients 12(6): 1432.
2. Liu, Y., et al. (2019). “Anticancer effects of Grifola frondosa in the treatment of various cancers.” Food & Function 10(7): 4500-4513

6. Tominaga, K., Tsuchida, M., Hayashi, M., Asahi, A., & Inui, H. (2011). Ovulatory effects of an extract from Maitake mushroom in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Reproduction Engineering, 14, 7–12.

Disclaimer:

The information discussed in this article is intended solely as informational resources and should not be used or relied upon for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing diseases. This content does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. It is designed exclusively for healthcare professionals. The claims made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace the medical advice provided by licensed healthcare providers.

Please consult your physician or healthcare practitioner for any medical concerns.

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.

As a lipid structure found in the blood, cholesterol is very sensitive to oxidation damage that causes it to sediment in the walls of blood vessel, thus narrowing the blood vessels diameter which impairs normal blood flow up to full blockage and may even create blood clots 90% percent of our body cholesterol is produced by our own body and only 10% comes from dietary sources. Many factors affect the cholesterol production in the liver. The cholesterol is carried in the blood by special proteins that are produced in the liver. The first is LDL that is also known as “ bad cholesterol” which carry the cholesterol from the liver through the blood vessels to the various body parts, while the second, HDL, “good cholesterol” leaves the liver cholesterol free, and collect the excess cholesterol and transfer it back to the liver for metabolizing or secretion from the body. It turns out that the proper levels HDL are very important if the cholesterol level is mildly higher than normal. However high HDL levels (in relations to other blood parameters) reduces the risks involved, especially the risk of Atherosclerosis in the blood vessel walls.

Many people think that high cholesterol levels are directly related to the amount of fat (especially saturated fats) that they consume in their diet. This is partially true because the main “activator” of cholesterol synthesis is the hormone insulin. When we consume carbohydrate rich foods especially empty and refined carbohydrates from white sugar, white bread, potatoes and sweetening syrups sources (corn syrup), the insulin is secreted and the sugar is transformed into fat in the liver.

Modern drugs for reducing cholesterol levels decrease the total cholesterol and the LDL levels, but also the reduce levels of the good cholesterol (HDL). One of the side effects of these drugs is related to impairing the synthesis of the Q10 enzyme which is necessary for the body energy production. The deficiency in Q10 can cause muscle ache, especially leg muscle, and gum sensitivity and bleeding.

The “statins” family of drugs is composed from active ingredients that were originally isolated from medicinal mushrooms, and today they are synthesized chemically. Populations that historically consumed medicinal mushrooms regularly, hardly suffered from heart and blood vessel diseases that are the result of high blood lipid levels. Along the history, many healers gave medicinal mushrooms to people who suffered from high levels of cholesterol and lipids in their blood. Today, when the natural substances is tested in clinical laboratories, the mushroom ability to reduce blood lipids, especially cholesterol, and elevating the good cholesterol levels (HDL) was proven.

The mushroom contains various ingredients that contribute to balancing the levels of the blood lipids by the following routes:

1. Inhibiting cholesterol absorption from the intestine into the blood
2. Increasing cholesterol secretion from the liver into the digestive system, and from there discharging it from the body while inhibiting its re-absorption.
3. Suppressing the LDL cholesterol synthesis mechanism, without damaging the Q10 enzyme synthesis.
4. Reduces the carbohydrate absorption from the intestine into the blood stream and by that reduces the insulin secretion that causes cholesterol synthesis.

The mushrooms that were scientifically proven to have cholesterol reducing effects are:

Pleurotus ostreatus, a recent study published in 2010 in “Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism” tested the effect of Pleorotus on balancing the sugar and lipid levels in the blood of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

A double blind random study.

The study included 120 patients that were divided into 3 groups. Each group received conventional drug treatment for treating diabetes, an appropriate diet and physical activity. The patients filled questionnaires throughout the study. During the first months the patients did not receive any mushrooms for testing the effects of the regular treatment on the patients. Starting from the second month and during the following 3 months the groups indices were recorded weekly. Parameters checked were levels of glycated hemoglobin (HBa1c), blood sugar while fasting, lipid profile, blood pressure and life quality parameters.

After 3 months the mean results were:

Effect of oyster mushroom on glycemia, lipid profile and quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients: Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 2010 22(2)

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

In- vivo animal study examined the effect of the Maitake on the blood lipid profile. The Shiitake does not affect cholesterol synthesis in the

liver, but rather its absorption from the food in the intestine and its increased discharge from the body. Mice fed by Maitake received a cholesterol rich diet.

One group received the diet only and the other received a Maitake enriched diet.

The lipid blood level in mice that received a Maitake enriched diet was similar to this that received cholesterol rich diet with Maitake supplement. The mushroom caused increased discharge of the fat in the mice feces.

Anti-hyperliposis effect of Maitake fruit body (Grifola frondosa) BiolPharm Bull. 1997 Jul20 (7):781-5.

Cordyceps sinensis

By summarizing research results, the Cordyceps was found to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels, to increase HDL and to reduce LDL levels.

Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis. Part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998; 4(4):429–457.