Does Mushroom Coffee Help with Weight Loss? Here’s What We Know So Far

Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of hype surrounding functional mushrooms and their supposed benefits for weight loss. As mushroom coffee continues to grow in popularity, more people are wondering if swapping out their morning brew might support their health goals. But, does mushroom coffee help with weight loss? The short answer: maybe...but not in the way some headlines suggest.

Here’s what current research actually shows about mushrooms, metabolism, and the potential role of functional mushroom drinks in a sustainable wellness routine.

What We Mean by “Mushroom Coffee”

Unlike some coffee substitutes on the market, Madre Mushroom’s mushroom coffee (Motherbrew) combines regular coffee beans with functional mushroom extracts. These medicinal fungi have been used for centuries around the world (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, etc.) and are now gaining more attention from the scientific community, especially for how they can support a multitude of health functions.

Beverages with functional mushrooms aren’t a magic bullet, but depending on the blend and concentration, these fungi can support key areas related to metabolic health, energy, and stress regulation. And when we incorporate these mushrooms into our daily routine, they can become a helpful asset in supporting weight loss and other wellness goals.

The Research: Adaptogenic Mushrooms and Weight Loss

Cordyceps: Exercise = Results

Cordyceps is one of the most studied functional mushrooms within the context of physical performance and weight loss. Animal and small-scale human studies have found that Cordyceps can indeed improve exercise endurance and oxygen utilization, which may in turn support fat metabolism during physical activity.

For example, a study published in 2020 found that a daily cordyceps supplement helped increase oxygen levels in older adults, which in turn increased their aerobic capacity. While this doesn’t mean cordyceps causes weight loss directly, better endurance can make it easier for people to stick to an effective workout routine. When combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, cordyceps can be a valuable ally in your weight loss journey.

Lion’s Mane: Mood and Mindful Eating

Lion’s Mane isn’t directly tied to weight loss, but it does show promise for supporting cognitive function and mood regulation. One recent study found that Lion’s Mane extract significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety after just four weeks. Another study found Lion’s Mane to support improvements in memory and focus among older adults. When it comes to fungi and weight loss, this matters a lot because stress and low mood often lead to patterns like overeating or avoiding exercise. Because Lion’s Mane supports mental clarity and motivation, it may help reduce certain barriers, making it easier to stay consistent with healthy eating and exercise habits.

Maitake: Blood Sugar and Cravings

Recent research suggests Maitake mushrooms may support metabolic health by helping regulate blood sugar. This matters because more stable blood sugar levels are often associated with reduced cravings and steadier energy, which can help people stay consistent with dietary changes. Still, most human studies on Maitake and weight loss are limited in scope, and none suggest it’s a standalone solution.

So, What’s the Verdict? Do Mushrooms Help With Weight Loss?

Drinking mushroom coffee for weight loss won’t burn fat on its own, but studies increasingly suggest that certain fungi can definitely support people on that journey, much in the same way other natural supplements can.

By boosting energy, improving focus and mood, and helping regulate blood sugar, functional mushrooms can support the physiological systems that make long-term change possible. For many, that makes them a useful tool, especially when combined with a balanced diet, regular movement, solid sleep, and a stress-free state of mind.

If you’re looking for the best mushroom coffee for weight loss, prioritize blends with Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane for daily energy and cognitive support. But remember: mushrooms aren’t magic. They’re functional. They’re meant to work with your body, not override it.

References:

Cao, Chuqing, Shuting Yang, and Zhiguang Zhou. 2020. “The Potential Application of Cordyceps in Metabolic-Related Disorders.” Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6536

Cha, Sara, Lynne Bell, Barbara Shukitt-Hale, and Claire M. Williams. 2024. “A Review of the Effects of Mushrooms on Mood and Neurocognitive Health Across the Lifespan.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105548

Kumar, Rajesh et al. 2011. “Cordyceps sinensis Promotes Exercise Endurance Capacity of Rats by Activating Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Regulators.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 136(1): 260–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.040

Manohar, V. et al. 2002. “Effects of a Water-Soluble Extract of Maitake Mushroom on Circulating Glucose/Insulin Concentrations in KK Mice.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism 4(1): 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1463-1326.2002.00180.x

Mori, Koichiro et al. 2009. “Improving Effects of the Mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634

Nagano, Mayumi et al. 2010. “Reduction of Depression and Anxiety by 4 Weeks Hericium erinaceus Intake.” Biomedical Research 31(4): 231–237. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231

Németh, Zsuzsanna et al. 2025. “The Importance of Edible Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Potential Use as Therapeutic Agents Against Insulin Resistance.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26(2): 827. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020827

Venturella, Giuseppe et al. 2021. “Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(2): 634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634

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Photo by Syuhei Inoue, via Unsplash. Licensed under the Unsplash License.