Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like Mushrooms? Honest Answer + How to Make It Smoother
If you’ve been eyeing functional mushroom coffee but can’t get past the mental image of sipping something that tastes like soup… you’re not alone.
At Dodjivi in-store demos and trade shows, this is the question we hear the most:
“Okay, but does mushroom coffee taste like mushrooms?”
Let’s give you the honest answer, then walk through exactly how to make it taste even better, whether you like your coffee black, iced, or turned into a cosy latte.
So… Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like Mushrooms?
The Honest Answer
A well-made mushroom coffee should taste like coffee first. Most people describe it as smooth, slightly earthy, and more rounded than a sharp, acidic cup, not like sautéed mushrooms.
That said, there can be a mild earthy note depending on:
- the type of mushroom used (some are naturally more bitter),
- the quality of the extract,
- the ratio of mushroom to coffee,
- and how you prepare it (water temp + add-ins matter more than most people think).
Food writers and reviewers often note that a properly formulated blend doesn’t taste “mushroomy,” and they also flag that evidence for big health promises is still limited, so it’s smart to treat it as a taste-forward coffee alternative with wellness support, not a miracle drink
Why Some Mushroom Coffees Taste “Mushroomy” (And How to Avoid That)
Not all mushroom coffees are created the same. If someone tried one that tasted off, here are the usual reasons:
1. Bitter Mushrooms (Hello, Reishi)
Some functional mushrooms, especially reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), can taste noticeably bitter. That bitterness is often associated with triterpenoids, naturally bitter compounds found in reishi and other medicinal mushrooms.
What This Means For Taste
If a blend leans heavily on bitter mushrooms and doesn’t balance the flavour, you’ll notice it.
2. Low-Quality Coffee Base
If the coffee itself is thin, burnt, or harsh, the mushroom notes won’t be “hidden”—they’ll stick out.
3. Too Much Extract (Or The Wrong Format)
Some products overload the mix or use extracts that don’t dissolve smoothly, leaving an aftertaste or gritty texture.
4. Preparation Choices That Amplify Earthy Notes
Very hot water, over-steeping, or under-mixing can make flavours taste sharper and more “woody.”
What Mushroom Coffee Usually Tastes Like (Flavour Notes You Can Expect)
Most people experience mushroom coffee like this:
- Coffee-forward
- Smooth/mellow
- Less “bright” acidity
- Light earthy or nutty undertone (think cacao or toasted grain, not mushroom soup)
Acidity perception in coffee is influenced by bean type, roast level, and extraction method. Brewing method can noticeably change acidity and flavour balance.
Quick Fixes: How to Make Mushroom Coffee Taste Smoother (Fast)
Here are the easiest upgrades, no fancy gear required.
1. Add A Splash Of Oat Milk (The “Flavour Softener”)
Oat milk adds natural sweetness and thickness, which quickly smooths earthy notes. If you’re trying mushroom coffee with oat milk for the first time, this is the most foolproof move.
2. Use A Pinch Of Salt (Yes, Really)
A tiny pinch can reduce perceived bitterness and make chocolatey notes pop. Start small, you shouldn’t taste “salty.”
3. Sweeten Smarter: Maple, Vanilla, Or Cinnamon
If you want to sweeten mushroom coffee without making it taste like dessert:
- 1 tsp maple syrup (classic Canadian move)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- cinnamon or cacao for a mocha vibe
4. Whisk Or Froth It
Mushroom coffee often tastes better when properly mixed. A quick frother makes it creamier and more café-like.
5. Try It Iced
Cold drinks mute bitterness and bring out smooth, roasty notes. If you’ve ever wondered how to make mushroom coffee iced, this is your sign.
The “Make It Smoother” Cheat Sheet (Table)
If Your Mushroom Coffee Tastes Like… | Likely Cause | Make It Smoother By… |
Bitter/sharp | Bitter mushrooms (e.g., reishi) or over-hot water | Add oat milk, pinch of salt, lower water temp slightly |
Too earthy / “forest-y.” | High extract ratio or under-balanced blend | Add vanilla + cinnamon, make it iced, mix better |
Thin/flat | Weak coffee base or too much water | Use less water, add milk, try latte-style |
Gritty | Poor dissolving or not mixed enough | Froth/whisk, dissolve in a little warm water first |
Acidic/harsh | Brew method or roast profile | Try iced, add milk, reduce brew strength |
Recipe: Iced Mushroom Coffee Oat Latte (Creamy + Not Mushroomy)
This one converts sceptics fast, and it hits the keywords you’re probably searching for: iced mushroom coffee latte, mushroom latte recipe, and mushroom coffee with oat milk.
Ingredients (1 glass)
- 1 serving of Dodjivi mushroom coffee
- 60–90 ml hot water (just enough to dissolve)
- A tall glass of ice
- 200–250 ml oat milk
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Steps
- Dissolve first: Mix mushroom coffee with hot water until smooth.
- Ice it: Fill a glass with ice.
- Add oat milk: Pour oat milk over ice.
- Combine: Add coffee concentrate. Stir or froth briefly.
- Finish: Maple + cinnamon if you want it extra smooth.
Taste Tip
If you’re sensitive to bitterness, add a tiny pinch of salt before stirring.
Recipe: Warm Vanilla-Cinnamon Mushroom Latte (Cosy + Premium)
Ingredients
- 1 serving Dodjivi mushroom coffee
- 200 ml hot water or half water/half milk
- 100 ml frothed oat milk (or your favourite)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon on top
Steps
- Make mushroom coffee as normal.
- Add vanilla.
- Top with frothed milk.
- Dust cinnamon.
Does Mushroom Coffee Have Less Caffeine (And Fewer Jitters)?
Many mushroom coffee blends are formulated with less caffeine than regular coffee, depending on the blend’s coffee-to-mushroom ratio. Some writers cite ranges of 40–60 mg, compared to ~95 mg in a typical cup of coffee, but this varies by product.
Translation
If you’re looking for mushroom coffee without jitters, choosing a blend with a gentler caffeine profile (and pairing it with food) can help without any promises of drama.
What About “Focus” and “Energy” Mushrooms?
You’ll often see mushrooms like:
- Lion’s mane (commonly associated with focus)
- Chaga (often used in coffee-style blends)
- Reishi (more bitter; often used for balance/“wind down” vibes)
- Turkey tail (popular in functional blends)
The research picture is still evolving. Reviews and trials on lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) show mixed results. Some studies suggest potential benefits in certain cognitive measures, while others show limited or no significant effects depending on dose, duration, and population.
The Practical Takeaway
Enjoy it as a tasty daily ritual that may support your routine, keep expectations realistic, and flavour-first.
FAQs: Mushroom Coffee Taste, Safety, and Preparing
Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like Mushrooms If You Drink It Black?
Usually, no, if it’s a balanced blend. You may notice a light, earthy undertone, similar to cacao or toasted notes, especially if the blend includes naturally bitter mushrooms like reishi.
How Do I Make Mushroom Coffee Taste Less Earthy?
Start here:
- oat milk
- vanilla + cinnamon
- iced format
- whisk/froth
- tiny pinch of salt
Is Mushroom Coffee Low-Acid?
“Low acid” depends more on the coffee beans and brewing method than on the mushrooms. Roast level and extraction method can influence perceived acidity.
If acidity is a concern, try:
- iced/over-ice
- adding milk
- avoiding over-hot water or over-extraction
Can I Drink Mushroom Coffee Every Day?
Many people do, but tolerance varies from person to person and from ingredient to ingredient. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a condition, or taking medications, it’s smart to check with a healthcare professional. Some sources caution that certain mushrooms (like chaga/reishi) may interact with medications (e.g., blood thinners).
What’s The Best Way To Make It Taste Like A Café Drink?
Make it concentrated first, then add milk:
- dissolve with a small amount of hot water
- Add frothed oat milk
- Finish with cinnamon or cacao
Make Your Coffee Ritual Flavour-First (With Function Built In)
If you’ve been avoiding mushroom coffee because you’re worried it’ll taste like mushrooms, now you know the truth: a good blend tastes like coffee, smooth, comforting, and easy to customise.
And if you want a Canadian mushroom coffee that’s built around flavour first + functional mushrooms (not bitterness, not gimmicks), explore Dodjivi at www.dodjivi.com and try the iced oat latte recipe above for your first cup.
Sources:
Ganoderma (Reishi/Lingzhi) and bitterness from triterpenes (NIH / NCBI Bookshelf).
Scientific paper noting triterpenic acids as a cause of bitter taste in Ganoderma (ScienceDirect).
Study on the bitterness/structure relationship of Ganoderma triterpenoids (Taylor & Francis).
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) trial mixed findings; small sample; interpret cautiously (PubMed).
Full paper version of the same Lion’s Mane trial (Nutrients / MDPI).
2024 review: Intervention studies on mushrooms (including Lion’s Mane) show mixed results (ScienceDirect).
Coffee caffeine content: ~95 mg per 8-oz cup (USDA/ARS article referencing National Nutrient Database).
FDA consumer guidance on caffeine intake levels for most adults (FDA).
Coffee brewing fundamentals: water temperature and technique affecting bitterness/sourness (EatingWell, with expert inputs).
Coffee acids and perceived acidity are complex; roasting changes acid composition (Food Chemistry: X, ScienceDirect).
