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As someone who is not an avid mushroom fan, I was apprehensive to try mushroom coffee. Who would have thought mushrooms and coffee can mix? But I couldn’t escape this new beverage trend. It seems like every cafe is starting to promote it, not only for its health benefits, but also for its unique flavour profile. I decided it was finally worth a try— and don’t worry, I won’t spare any details.Â
For those of you who are not fungi enthusiasts and are wondering what mushroom coffee is, allow me to explain. Mushroom coffee isn’t made from those lining the supermarket shelves; they are medicinal mushrooms, for example, lion’s mane. The mushrooms are then dried, processed, and added to coffee.Â
What’s the point in adding mushrooms? Mushrooms offer numerous health benefits, including enhanced immunity, improved metabolism, and improved cognitive function. These benefits sound enticing, but there has yet to be substantial supporting evidence. To draw solid conclusions, it would require more human trials and research focused on mushroom coffee, rather than just mushrooms. That being said, there’s certainly no harm in drinking it, and if you enjoy the taste, it may be worth trying to trial these rewards.
Now on to the fun stuff: my review. St Andrews is very limited when it comes to a supply of mushroom coffee, but fortunately, Black Sheep Coffee has some. They market it as the Lion’s Mane Latte using the “Brain Blend” from the wellness company Bloomin. They cite their unique formula, which utilizes lion’s mane mushroom extract, to benefit focus and alleviate brain fatigue.Â
What did I think of it? After waiting for ten minutes in the self-service black hole that is the St Andrews Black Sheep, and with a small pep talk to myself, I finally tried it. It was a relief at first sip! Thankfully, the latte did not taste like those supermarket mushrooms. Instead, it had a subtle aftertaste with the main notes being nutty and earthy. If I had blind-tasted it, I don’t think I would’ve guessed that it was mushroom, which, for me and other fungi-foes, is a positive. For me, it was reminiscent of an almond milk latte.Â
However, after a few more sips, the flavour intensified. While it was still nutty, it began to taste more savoury, almost akin to soup. It was definitely an interesting mix with the coffee’s smooth and sweet notes. I have to admit, in the beginning, I was enthusiastic about mushroom coffee and would order it again, but in the end, it wasn’t my favourite and I wouldn’t choose it over other coffee options.Â
On a positive note, I noticed that I had more energy after drinking it, and without the jitters that sometimes accompany other caffeinated drinks. This is another benefit thought to occur with the addition of mushrooms to coffee. If you typically experience issues when drinking regular caffeinated coffee, this may be an alternative for you. As for the cognitive benefits, it’s hard to say if there was a noticeable difference. While I was in a good mood after drinking the coffee and felt mentally clear, I couldn’t confidently confirm that it was due to the latte. However, it may be worth trying over a more extended period of time. Or if you’re caught in revision and just looking for anything to help, maybe give this a try!Â
Overall, it’s always fun to try something new. I would recommend it to adventurous coffee drinkers with an affinity for the more savoury flavours. While we are still waiting for additional research to testify if this is the next superfood and saviour of wellness, give it a try the next time you find yourself in a Black Sheep Coffee.Â