Part of our Mushroom Coffee guide library.
Short answer: Yes, most mushroom coffee has caffeine, because it is real coffee blended with mushroom extracts. It usually has less than a regular cup because part of each serving is mushroom powder instead of coffee: one serving of NeuroCoffee has 30 mg, while a 12-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee has about 113 to 247 mg. Only products labeled decaf or made without coffee are close to caffeine-free.
Mushroom coffee is often marketed as a gentler alternative to coffee, which leads many people to assume it is caffeine-free. Usually it isn't. Here is how much caffeine it typically contains, how that compares with other drinks, and how to read a label so you know exactly what is in your cup.
What you'll learn
- Why most mushroom coffee contains caffeine, and where it comes from
- How mushroom coffee compares with regular coffee, tea and soda
- Whether caffeine-free mushroom coffee exists
- How to check the caffeine on a label, and who should keep an eye on it
Where the caffeine comes from
The caffeine in mushroom coffee comes from the coffee in the blend, not from the mushrooms. Lion's mane, chaga, reishi and similar extracts are added for other reasons; they are not a source of caffeine. That means the caffeine per cup depends on how much coffee each serving contains, and that varies a lot from brand to brand.
How much caffeine is in mushroom coffee?
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Regular brewed coffee | 12 fl oz | About 113–247 mg (FDA) |
| Black tea | 12 fl oz | About 71 mg (FDA) |
| Caffeinated soft drink | 12 fl oz | About 23–83 mg (FDA) |
| Green tea | 12 fl oz | About 37 mg (FDA) |
| NeuroCoffee (mushroom coffee) | 2 tbsp (6 g) | 30 mg (Product Facts) |
| NeuroMatcha (mushroom matcha) | 2 tbsp (6 g) | 17.64 mg (Product Facts) |
| Decaf coffee | 8 fl oz | About 2–15 mg (FDA) |
| Other mushroom coffee blends | Varies | Check the label; amounts differ widely |
So a typical mushroom coffee sits somewhere between tea and regular coffee, depending on the brand. If a label doesn't list caffeine, ask the brand before assuming it is low.
Is there caffeine-free mushroom coffee?
Yes, two kinds come close: blends made with decaf coffee, which still contain a small amount (decaf coffee typically has about 2 to 15 mg per 8 ounces), and coffee-free "mushroom coffee alternatives" built on ingredients like cacao or chicory. Read the ingredient list: if it contains coffee and isn't labeled decaf, it has caffeine.
Will the caffeine in mushroom coffee keep you awake?
It can, depending on the amount and the time of day. Caffeine reaches its peak in your blood within about an hour, and you may feel it for 4 to 6 hours (MedlinePlus). A 2023 meta-analysis found that a typical cup of coffee (about 107 mg) should be finished at least 8.8 hours before bed to avoid losing sleep (Gardiner et al., 2023). Lower-caffeine blends make a later cup less disruptive, but not risk-free. See when to drink mushroom coffee for a timing guide.
Is a small amount of caffeine enough to notice?
For many people, yes. In one study, a drink with 40 mg of caffeine plus 97 mg of L-theanine improved accuracy on a task-switching test and self-reported alertness (Giesbrecht et al., 2010). Sensitivity varies a lot from person to person, so a 30 mg cup may feel mild to a daily espresso drinker and noticeable to someone who rarely has caffeine.
Switching from strong coffee to a low-caffeine blend? Expect a possible headache or tiredness for a few days. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms usually start 12 to 24 hours after cutting back and last 2 to 9 days (Juliano & Griffiths, 2004). Cutting down gradually helps.
How to check the caffeine on a label
- Look for "caffeine per serving" in milligrams. This is the number to compare.
- Check the serving size. Two scoops means twice the caffeine.
- Read the ingredient list. Coffee, instant coffee, matcha, green tea and guarana all contain caffeine.
- Look for "decaf" if you want the lowest amount.
Who should keep an eye on caffeine
The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects in healthy adults, about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee (FDA). Count every source, including tea, soda and energy drinks.
Check with your health care provider first if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding (FDA), or if you have a sleep disorder, anxiety, migraines, GERD or ulcers, an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure, or take medicines that interact with caffeine (MedlinePlus).
Common myths (quick reality check)
Myth: Mushroom coffee is caffeine-free. Reality: Most blends contain real coffee. Unless the label says decaf or coffee-free, it has caffeine.
Myth: The mushrooms add caffeine. Reality: They don't; the caffeine comes from the coffee in the blend.
Myth: Low caffeine means it can't affect sleep. Reality: Even moderate amounts can affect sleep if you drink them late in the day.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does mushroom coffee have caffeine?
Yes, most mushroom coffee contains caffeine because it is real coffee blended with mushroom extracts. It usually has less than a regular cup of coffee.
How much caffeine is in mushroom coffee?
It depends on the brand and how much coffee each serving contains. NeuroCoffee has 30 mg per serving, while a 12-ounce cup of regular brewed coffee has about 113 to 247 mg.
Is there caffeine-free mushroom coffee?
Blends made with decaf coffee contain only a small amount, and coffee-free mushroom drinks based on ingredients like cacao or chicory contain little or none. Check the ingredient list for coffee, matcha or guarana.
Will mushroom coffee keep me awake at night?
It can if you drink it late. Caffeine peaks within about an hour and its effects can last 4 to 6 hours; a 2023 meta-analysis suggests finishing a typical cup of coffee at least 8.8 hours before bed.
Can I drink mushroom coffee while pregnant?
The FDA recommends talking to your health care provider about caffeine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask about the mushroom ingredients too.
Related guides
- Mushroom matcha: what it is and how it compares with mushroom coffee
- When to drink mushroom coffee
- Mushroom coffee vs regular coffee
- How long does mushroom coffee take to work?
- Mushroom coffee side effects
- Is mushroom coffee good for you?
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your health care provider about caffeine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, anxiety or a sleep disorder, or take medication.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?" Content current as of August 28, 2024.
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). "Caffeine".
- Gardiner C, et al. "The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2023;69:101764. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101764
- Giesbrecht T, et al. "The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness." Nutritional Neuroscience, 2010;13(6):283-290. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840
- Juliano LM, Griffiths RR. "A critical review of caffeine withdrawal." Psychopharmacology, 2004;176(1):1-29. doi:10.1007/s00213-004-2000-x
