The mushroom coffee trend has been a bit of a boom market in recent years with people looking to cut back on caffeine but still get the energy boost. Enter mushroom coffees like Ryze and MUD WTR, following on from the success of Four Sigmatic, these brands are trying to prove that the original isn’t always best.
And that does seem to be true, we don’t actually even rank Ryze of MUD WTR as the best mushroom coffee, we give that honor to Nootrum, but they are still both very good options.
There is also the fact that mushroom coffee can fall into two camps, one that actually contains coffee and one that doesn’t but, we’ll get onto this later.
RYZE is currently one of, if not the biggest musrhoom coffee brand on the market, the powder contains cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, and king trumpet mushrooms.
Cordyceps and lion’s mane are the big ones here when it comes to energy boosting, although they do hide the dosages behind a proprietary blend which is a downside. Especially when there isn’t actually enough room in the blend for most of the ingredients to be effective unless they’re in a very high yield extract on par with what we’d expect from Nootrum.
Aside from mushrooms RYZE's coffee blend includes organic MCT oil. MCT oil is a type of fat that is easily digested and quickly converted into energy by the body, making it an ideal addition to a keto diet.
RYZE's mushroom coffee has received positive reviews for its taste. But, generally in the office we prefer MUD WTR.
MUD WTR is one of the lowest caffeine options when it comes to mushroom coffee. It’s a blend of mushrooms, cacao, a spice blend reminiscent of chai tea, black tea powder, and Himalayan salt.
Is it going to boost your energy as well as a normal coffee, no, but it is a solid pick me up, it is also one of the better tasting options on the market.
The ingredients are pretty solid in terms of ingredients, although it is a little low on the energy boosting if that’s what you’re looking for.
Chaga Mushroom - Known for its immune-boosting properties, chaga mushroom is rich in antioxidants and can help combat inflammation while supporting overall well-being.
Lion's Mane Mushroom - Lion's mane is believed to support mental clarity, focus, and memory, making it the perfect addition to your morning routine.
Cordyceps Mushroom - Cordyceps mushroom, perhaps the key component of Mud WTR, is renowned for its energy-boosting properties. It can enhance physical performance, improve oxygen utilization, and promote overall vitality, making it an ideal choice for those looking to start their day on the right foot.
Reishi Mushroom - Rounding out the mushroom quartet, we have reishi mushroom, often referred to as the "queen of mushrooms." Reishi is known for its calming effects, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Including reishi in Mud WTR helps create a well-rounded blend that supports both mental and physical well-being.
Turmeric - Adding a vibrant touch to the mix, turmeric brings its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to Mud WTR. The dose here is a little bit too low though for it to be particularly effective.
Cacao - For all the chocolate lovers out there, cacao is a delightful addition to Mud WTR. Packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, cacao not only adds a rich taste but also provides a natural mood boost and promotes cardiovascular health.
Cinnamon - Known for its warming and aromatic qualities, cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness to Mud WTR. It’s way too low of a dose to get any of the spices benefits.
MCT Oil – We covered this in the RYZE section, it is rapidly digested, but it’s not doing anything particularly special for most users.
Shiitake – Yes, the mushroom has benefits for immunity, but it’s not particularly good for energy, so depends what you’re looking for.
Turkey Tail – Again another immune boosting ingredient, good, but the dosing in Ryze is too low.
MUD WTR's coffee alternative has a lower caffeine content compared to Ryze, making it a suitable choice for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake. It also contains less than half the caffeine content of a regular cup of coffee. This lower caffeine content helps to avoid the jitters and crashes that can occur with excessive coffee consumption.
In terms of taste, MUD WTR has a unique flavor profile MUD WTR wins out, the earthiness of mushrooms mixes well with the spiciness of chai tea and the richness of cacao. While it may take some time to adjust to the taste if you're used to regular coffee, many users appreciate the unique flavor and energizing effects of MUD WTR.
Mushroom coffee has gained popularity as a potentially healthier alternative to traditional coffee, combining the familiar taste of coffee with the numerous health benefits of mushrooms. RYZE and MUD WTR are two of the most popular brands and there is a bit of difference between the two
We’d generally say MUD WTR is slightly better if we’re going to pick one out, the herbs like ashwagandha have a host of health benefits, especially if you’re looking to avoid caffeine all together.
Whether you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake, enhance your cognitive function, or simply enjoy a flavorful and health-conscious beverage, mushroom coffee is a great option to consider.