Is Mushroom Coffee Keto-Friendly? Why It's an Ideal Choice
When you’re on a diet like keto, it’s easier to track the things you can eat over the things you should avoid. At its core, though, the ketogenic diet essentially allows anything that’s low-carb and high-fat. However, it can be hard to know which foods have hidden carbs (looking at you, vanilla iced coffee).
You might be wondering whether your favorite cup of mushroom coffee fits within a keto diet. We’re more than pleased to say it does — as long as you prepare it correctly. Read on for everything you need to know about mushroom coffee and keto.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee isn’t just regular joe with a sprinkle of fungi floating on top (thankfully). Instead, it’s actually a smart blend of functional mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga. If you go with our Mushroom Coffee+, you’ll also find coffee extract, which provides that delicious coffee flavor we all know and love.
These aren’t your pizza-topping mushrooms, they’re adaptogens that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The mushrooms are typically extracted, then mixed with other health-supporting ingredients (such as collagen and L-theanine) for a brew that’s smooth, rich, and surprisingly earthy (in a good way). The end result is a cup that’s lower in caffeine, easier on the gut, and — spoiler alert — totally keto-friendly.
What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?
Why are coffee lovers choosing mushroom blends? Here are a few benefits you might want to consider:
- Less Caffeine, More Clarity: Functional mushrooms like lion’s mane support focus without the jitters, especially when combined with L-theanine.
- Gut-Friendly Support: It's easier on the stomach than your average dark roast.
- Antioxidant Boost: Mushrooms like chaga are loaded with compounds that can help fight oxidative stress.
- Adaptogenic Support: Reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane can help your body handle stress.
- Immune Support: Some varieties (like chaga and turkey tail) may support immune function thanks to beta-glucans.
Is Mushroom Coffee Keto-Friendly? 4 Reasons
Basically, mushroom coffee isn’t just keto-friendly — it’s actually something that you might want to go out of your way to drink while on keto. Read on for four reasons why mushroom coffee can actually support your ketogenic journey.
Low Carb
Let’s get one thing straight — if you want ketosis, you gotta cut the carbs. Luckily, mushroom coffee brings nearly zero grams of sugar or carbohydrates to the table. That means you get all the earthy richness and functional benefits without blowing your macros.
While some “keto-friendly” drinks claim to be low-carb but sneak in fillers or sugars, mushroom coffee typically clocks in at 0 to 1g of net carbs per serving. That makes it a delicious and clean start to your keto day.
Supports Mental Clarity
On keto and feeling foggy? You’re not alone — this side effect is pretty common during the first several weeks of being on the keto diet. This is where lion’s mane comes in.
This shaggy mushroom has been studied for its potential to support brain function and nerve health. When blended into mushroom coffee, it becomes a secret weapon against the dreaded “keto flu.”
Supports Energy Levels
Forget the rollercoaster ride of traditional coffee. Mushroom coffee with L-theanine delivers a more balanced, jitter-free buzz. In particular, our mushroom coffee is made with only 45 mg of caffeine per serving, which is where we’ve felt the best results.
Each dose also contains L-theanine, which can counteract the negative side effects of caffeine. If you’d rather have more caffeine, though, go for our Bold Coffee+.
For keto folks, getting those energy levels back up is huge, especially during the adaptation phase when your body’s shifting to fat for fuel. Combine that with MCT oil or ghee, and you’ve got a cup that not only keeps you in ketosis but helps you feel like you can take on the world.
Supports the Immune System
The first few weeks of keto can make you feel stressed, sluggish, and sniffly. Luckily, adaptogens like chaga and lion’s mane can help your immune system stay strong, which is especially helpful while your body is adjusting to its new fuel source.
Beta-glucans found in these fungi can support immune health and ease strain on the immune system. So, if you’re on keto and want to avoid that dreaded “run-down” feeling, mushroom coffee might be a great addition to your morning menu.
How Can You Make Mushroom Coffee More Keto-Friendly?
Mushroom coffee is already a great drink of choice for keto dieters, but there are ways you can make it even more keto-friendly. Try some of the following ideas to add some nutrition to your morning cuppa.
Add Butter
Adding a tablespoon of grass-fed butter or ghee to your mushroom brew can turn up the keto factor by a hundred. These fats are rich in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and may help reduce inflammation, which are all major perks when your body’s adjusting to keto life. You’lll end up with a rich, latte-like drink that keeps you full for hours, no croissant required.
Mix In MCTs
MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats that bypass your liver’s usual slowpoke digestion process and head straight to the bloodstream as ketone fuel. That means more energy, more focus, and better satiety, all without kicking you out of ketosis.
Go Easy on the Sweeteners
Let’s be real — sometimes you just want a little sweetness in your cup. However, sugar is public enemy #1 on keto. Instead, sweeten the deal with keto-approved sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. These zero-carb options won’t spike your blood sugar or cancel out your ketosis.
Add Collagen
Collagen peptides are flavorless, dissolve instantly, and can help you feel more full for longer. They're also a rich source of amino acids that can support skin elasticity, joint health, and even gut integrity, which is an underrated bonus during keto's early days when digestive changes are common. Collagen also won’t impact your carb count, so it’s a seamless addition for keto dieters.
Our mushroom coffee already has 4g of collagen per serving, but you can always add more if you feel like you need it.
The Bottom Line
So, is mushroom coffee keto-friendly? The answer is a resounding yes! It’s low in carbs, high in benefits, and the perfect canvas for fat-fueled add-ins like MCT oil, butter, or collagen.
Whether you're easing into keto or you’re a seasoned fat-burner, our Mushroom Coffee+ can help power your day without crashing your macros. To learn more about the benefits of mushroom coffee, visit the Everyday Dose blog today!
Sources:
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus | PMC
