Does Mushroom Coffee Have Caffeine? How Much and How It Compares
2 min read By Mataye
In brief
Yes: mushroom coffee contains caffeine from the coffee in the blend, while the mushrooms contain none. How much is in a cup, how it compares and safe daily limits.
Yes. Mushroom coffee contains caffeine because it contains coffee. The mushrooms in it (lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and others) have no caffeine of their own. The only mushroom drinks without caffeine are the ones made without coffee, usually sold as "mushroom cacao" or "coffee alternative" blends.
How much caffeine is in mushroom coffee?
It depends on how much coffee is in each serving. A blend that replaces part of the coffee with mushroom powder will have less caffeine than a normal mug; a blend with a full dose of coffee plus mushrooms will have about the same. The type of coffee matters too: robusta has roughly twice the caffeine of arabica (see arabica vs robusta).
Mataye Mushroom Coffee uses an arabica and robusta instant coffee base. One 6 g serving contains 45 mg of caffeine, a little under half the NHS estimate for a mug of instant coffee (about 100 mg). The mushroom powders take up part of each serving, so there is less coffee per cup.
How it compares
| Drink | Typical caffeine |
|---|---|
| Mug of instant coffee | about 100 mg |
| Mug of filter coffee | more than instant, especially from coffee shops |
| Mug of tea | about 75 mg |
| 250 ml energy drink | about 80 mg |
| Can of cola | about 40 mg |
| Mataye Mushroom Coffee (6 g serving) | 45 mg |
| Mushroom coffee | depends on how much coffee is in the blend; with no figure on the pack, count it as a mug of instant |
| Caffeine-free mushroom drink (no coffee) | 0 mg |
Figures for coffee, tea, energy drinks and cola are NHS estimates.
How much caffeine is safe?
- Healthy adults: up to 400 mg a day, and up to 200 mg in one go, according to the European Food Safety Authority.
- Pregnancy: no more than 200 mg a day (NHS). That is about two mugs of instant coffee, or four servings of Mataye, all sources included.
- Children: mushroom coffee is not suitable for children.
If caffeine makes you jittery or keeps you awake, have your cup earlier in the day, or switch one coffee for a caffeine-free drink.
Does mushroom coffee have less caffeine?
Often, but not always. Many brands market "less caffeine" because part of each scoop is mushroom rather than coffee. Check the label for a caffeine figure. If there is none, assume it is close to a regular mug. Mataye prints its figure: 45 mg per serving.
Is there decaf mushroom coffee?
Yes, some brands use decaffeinated coffee. Decaf still contains a little caffeine, typically a few milligrams a cup. Mataye Mushroom Coffee is not decaf.
Want to know more?
Looking to cut caffeine? See coffee alternatives sorted by caffeine. Read what is mushroom coffee for ingredients and taste, or see Mataye Mushroom Coffee: 30 servings for £25.99 with free UK delivery.
Keep reading: yerba mate caffeine compared and mushroom coffee benefits.
Fasting? Read coffee and caffeine during Ramadan.
More on safety: caffeine side effects.
Read next: choosing a mushroom coffee.
Sources
- NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy: caffeine
- European Food Safety Authority, Caffeine
