The world has been hooked on caffeine for hundreds of years, and within the yr 2025 the scientific argument over whether or not espresso is nice or unhealthy for you stays unsettled. One would possibly consider the shortage of consensus is a Mainstream Media™ psyop to maintain individuals scrambling for marketable options to an issue that’s fully made up, however the cottage business of espresso alternate options that’s proliferated by this limitless tug of battle is an attention-grabbing final result no matter which facet you’re on. That is the place mushroom espresso makes its inevitable entrance.
Some fast googling revealed 10 recognized gamers within the recreation, all of which provide their very own riff on a typical base components of dried mushrooms–often a combo of lion’s mane, chaga, and cordyceps—boosted with buzzy add-ons like probiotics and nootropics. I spent every week with every, together with our high choose, Atlas Coffee Club’s Latte Superblend ($19), swapping out my morning espresso for every model’s really useful dose of powder and sizzling water. After day 5 I allowed myself to experiment with sweeteners and milks, which you’ll want with nearly all of those to get via the whole cup with out gagging.
{Photograph}: Pete Cottell
Some hit like a gentle cup of espresso, some have been precise espresso, and others have been uncanny concoctions no regular particular person would ever crave except they have been totally indoctrinated within the heady life-style this distinctive alt-beverage business revolves round. I laughed, I cried, I acquired the runs, and I crashed on my sofa within the early afternoon extra occasions than I may depend, all for science, and all so that you don’t have to do that by yourself.
Up to date June 2025: We have added Cuppa, Rasa, and Om Grasp Mix to the rankings, and checked hyperlinks and costs for accuracy.
Additionally make sure you try our guides to the Best Coffee Subscriptions, Best Energy Drinks, Best Coffee Makers, and Best Electric Kettles.
