For a while now, matcha has been the trending "healthy option" for people looking for their daily cup of calm. It shows up in morning routines, our feeds, and café menus as the cleaner, calmer alternative to coffee. For people trying to cut back on jitters, avoid the typical caffeine crash, or make their daily habits more intentional, it's easy to see why matcha gets all the attention.
But… matcha isn't the only option. For many drinkers, it may not even be the best one.
If you still want the comfort and familiarity of coffee but want an experience that feels smoother, more balanced, and easier on you, mushroom coffee belongs in the comparison, too.
This guide breaks down the differences between matcha, mushroom coffee, and regular coffee, and which makes the most sense depending on what you want from your daily cup.
What You'll Learn
In this guide, you'll learn:
- What matcha and mushroom coffee are and why they're gaining attention
- How coffee, matcha, and mushroom coffee differ in energy throughout the day
- What each option tastes like
- How each drink fits into a daily routine
- The trade-offs between switching away from coffee or upgrading it
- Which option makes the most sense based on your preferences and lifestyle
By the end, you'll have a clear sense of which direction to go and why it works for you.
Let's start by unpacking the basics about each of our options.
What is matcha, and why is it so popular?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular tea, where leaves are steeped and removed, matcha is consumed whole when mixed with water or milk.
Its popularity comes from two main factors.
First, it contains caffeine along with L-theanine, a compound often associated with a more gradual and steady energy experience. This is one reason many people describe matcha as feeling calmer compared to coffee. 1
Second, matcha has become closely associated with wellness culture. It is often perceived as a more intentional choice, something you prepare rather than grab on the go.
That said, matcha also comes with tradeoffs. The flavour is distinctly earthy and grassy, and the preparation requires more time and attention than a typical cup of coffee. For many people, that becomes a barrier to making it a daily habit.
What is mushroom coffee, and why are people switching to it?
Mushroom coffee is real coffee blended with functional mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, lion's mane, and turkey tail. The idea behind the drink is simple; instead of replacing coffee, it builds on it.
You still get the familiar experience of drinking coffee, but with a different overall feel. Mushroom coffee is typically lower in caffeine than your regular cup and includes functional ingredients and superfoods that have been used in traditional practices for generations.
Learn more about functional ingredients and their benefits: "Why Mushrooms?"
Mushrooms are widely recognized as functional foods and contain prebiotics, polysaccharides, and other compounds like beta-glucans that are being studied for their role in supporting overall wellness and fighting many diseases. 2
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-green-tea
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/9/1934
For many people, the appeal isn't about switching to something completely new, but keeping their routine and improving how it feels.
Why compare coffee, matcha, and mushroom coffee?
Most people aren't just curious about what beverages are out there – they're looking to solve a specific problem.
Coffee is an effective way to get energy and start your day, but it's not perfect. Some people experience jitters, energy swings, and anxiety when they drink it, and often describe that it's too intense, especially after drinking multiple cups.
Matcha enters the conversation as a softer alternative. It promises a different kind of energy and a more wellness-based identity – it's pretty, it's calmer, and it admittedly looks beautiful.
Mushroom coffee is there for a different reason. For those who enjoy their cup of coffee but don't like the effects, it's the one to turn to. It offers a way to tweak the traditional cup of coffee and fill it with benefits, rather than replace it with another drink.
The real comparison between the three isn't just about caffeine or ingredients. It's about what you want your daily routine to look like, and how much you're willing to change.
How does the energy experience compare between the drinks?
The most important difference between these drinks is how the energy feels over time.
Coffee is fast and noticeable. It delivers a strong effect quickly, which is why it has remained the default for so long. At the same time, that intensity can feel inconsistent or lead to caffeine crashes.
Matcha is more gradual. Because it contains both caffeine and L-theanine, the energy is often described as steadier and less abrupt. 3 This makes it appealing to people who want focus without a sharp spike.
Mushroom coffee takes a middle position. With lower caffeine levels (around 59 to 64 mg per serving for Dodjivi Mushroom Coffee, for example), it's blended to create a smoother and more balanced experience, while offering additional wellness. It doesn't remove caffeine entirely, but instead changes how that energy shows up in your day the same way that matcha does.
How does each drink taste?
While we may not say it out loud, taste is often the deciding factor when it comes to choosing our daily beverage.
Coffee is typical – bold and familiar. Each blend offers a unique flavour, but it consistently offers a dark, rich taste.
Matcha is completely different. Matcha offers an earthy, grassy flavour profile unique to its green tea roots. It can be quite enjoyable for many, but its stark difference to coffee's flavour is often the main reason others struggle to stick with it long term.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-green-tea
Mushroom coffee is a misunderstood option. Despite the name, a well-crafted mushroom coffee blend doesn't taste like mushrooms. A good cup of mushroom coffee tastes like coffee, with a smoother and sometimes less sharp edge. Each blend will provide a unique flavour profile, the same as coffee.
Learn how to drink mushroom coffee: "How to Drink Mushroom Coffee: A Beginner's Daily Guide"
Our Vitality blend, for example, is described by our customers as "if coffee and tea had a baby in the wild", thanks to its many superfood ingredients. Our 4 Protection blend, others say, tastes exactly like their favourite cup of coffee.
Mushroom coffee has a practical advantage when it comes to flavour – it doesn't demand that you learn to enjoy a new flavour. Instead, it builds on the one you already enjoy every day.
Which drink is the easiest for my daily routine?
This is where the comparison is more practical.
Coffee is easy – it doesn't require any change if you already enjoy it, is accessible to purchase, and requires very little effort. That simplicity is why it's remained a daily habit for so many people.
Matcha is more intentional. It involves preparation, specific tools, and a shift in routine. Matcha is becoming more and more accessible for purchase, as well. For some, changing their routine completely is an enjoyable and grounding experience. For others, however, that friction makes it hard to stick to a new routine.
Mushroom coffee fits into the same familiar pattern as coffee. There are options available in brewed format, which can be made in a coffee machine, the same as your regular cup, and there are even instant options, which only require adding hot water. From there, everything is the same – simply add your preferred milk or milk alternative, sweetener, and enjoy. That similarity makes it easier to add to your routine – there are no major changes.
Which option is best for me?
We've highlighted the different options for you in a chart for easy comparison:
| Feature | Coffee | Matcha | Mushroom Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | High (varies widely from ~95-200 mg per serving) | Moderate | Lower (~59-64 mg per serving) |
| Energy Experience | Fast, strong | Gradual, steady | Smooth, balanced |
| Taste | Bold, familiar | Earthy, grassy | Smooth, coffee-first |
| Routine Fit | Familiar, automatic | Intentional, slower | Same as coffee, easy swap |
| Preparation | Brewed or instant coffee options | Requires a matcha whisk for proper preparation | Same as coffee |
| Functional Ingredients | None | Green tea compounds | Functional mushrooms and superfoods |
| Accessibility | Easily available in stores everywhere | More accessible in stores and online | Available in health food stores and online |
To truly decide which is the best option for you, you have to decide how you want your day to feel and how much you want to adjust your routine.
Coffee is the easy choice if you want a strong, immediate boost and value familiarity over everything else. It's great if you're not sensitive to caffeine.
Matcha is a better fit if you're open to a different flavour and a more intentional preparation process, in exchange for a steadier energy experience.
Mushroom coffee tends to make the most sense for those who still enjoy coffee but want it to feel different. It keeps the familiar ritual with balanced energy and wellness ingredients that help you feel more balanced.
Overall, the choice is personal; no one can tell you which is the right fit except for you. We say that the best drink is the one that you will actually drink consistently, and feel good when you enjoy every day.
At Dodjivi Mushroom Wellness, we've designed our mushroom coffee blends to be a familiar option; a small, daily choice that builds the foundation for your health. Explore our mushroom coffee blends and other wellness products online, or visit our in-store locator to find them in person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Coffee
What is mushroom coffee and how is it different from regular coffee?
Mushroom coffee is coffee blended with functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lion's mane, and turkey tail. It keeps the familiar coffee base but typically contains less caffeine and includes additional ingredients that have been used in traditional wellness practices.
The result is a coffee experience that is designed to feel smoother while fitting into the same daily routine.
Does mushroom coffee have health benefits?
Mushroom coffee contains functional mushrooms that have been used in traditional practices and are being studied for their potential role in overall wellness. While it is not a replacement for a balanced diet or lifestyle, it can be part of a daily routine that supports consistency and mindful choices. It is best understood as an incremental upgrade to something you already consume regularly.
What does mushroom coffee taste like?
Mushroom coffee tastes very similar to regular coffee, not mushrooms. In a well-crafted blend, the coffee flavour is dominant, with little to no earthy or bitter mushroom notes. Many people find it slightly smoother or less sharp than traditional coffee, which can make it easier to drink consistently.
Is mushroom coffee lower in caffeine than regular coffee?
Most mushroom coffee blends contain less caffeine than regular coffee. This lower caffeine level can change how the energy feels, often making it less intense and more gradual. It is not caffeine-free, but it is designed to offer a more balanced experience.
Is matcha better than coffee?
Matcha and coffee offer different experiences rather than one being objectively better. Matcha contains both caffeine and L-theanine, which is often associated with a more gradual and steady energy release.
Coffee provides a stronger, faster effect, so the better choice depends on how you want your energy to feel.
Is mushroom coffee better than matcha?
Mushroom coffee and matcha serve different preferences rather than one being universally better. Matcha is a tea-based drink with a distinct flavour and a more gradual energy profile, while mushroom coffee keeps the familiar coffee taste and routine with a smoother overall feel.
For people who still enjoy coffee but want it to feel more balanced, mushroom coffee is often the more practical choice.
Is mushroom coffee worth trying?
Mushroom coffee is worth trying if you are curious about improving how your daily coffee feels without changing your routine. It offers a way to keep your familiar habit while exploring a different energy experience. The best way to evaluate it is by replacing one cup of your usual coffee and noticing how it fits into your day.
Can I replace my regular coffee with mushroom coffee?
Absolutely, mushroom coffee can be used as a direct replacement for regular coffee. It is prepared in the same way and fits into the same routine, which makes the transition simple. Many people choose it as a way to keep their daily habit while incorporating beneficial ingredients to change how they feel day to day.
Why are people switching to mushroom coffee?
People are increasingly looking for ways to adjust their daily habits without completely changing them. Mushroom coffee appeals to those who want to keep drinking coffee but are looking for a smoother or more balanced experience. It offers a practical middle ground between sticking with traditional coffee and switching to something entirely different, like matcha.
