Mushroom coffee has exploded in popularity, with Ryze leading the charge in this unconventional beverage category. But does adding medicinal mushrooms to your morning coffee actually deliver on the promised benefits—better focus, sustained energy without jitters, and immune support—or is it just another wellness trend destined to fade?
I spent 30 days testing Ryze Mushroom Coffee to separate marketing hype from reality. This comprehensive review covers everything from taste and preparation to the science behind the six medicinal mushrooms in Ryze’s blend, plus honest assessments of whether the premium price justifies the benefits.
What Is Ryze Mushroom Coffee?
Ryze Mushroom Coffee is a powdered beverage blend combining organic Arabica coffee with six species of medicinal mushrooms. Unlike regular coffee, which relies solely on caffeine for energy, Ryze claims to provide “calm energy” through the synergistic effects of coffee and functional mushrooms.
The Six Medicinal Mushrooms in Ryze
Cordyceps – Known as the “energy mushroom,” Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It’s believed to improve oxygen utilization and ATP (cellular energy) production. Athletes have used cordyceps for stamina and endurance.
Lion’s Mane – Perhaps the most research-backed mushroom in the blend, Lion’s Mane contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Studies suggest potential benefits for cognitive function, focus, and neuroprotection.
Reishi – Called the “mushroom of immortality” in traditional medicine, Reishi is an adaptogen known for stress reduction and immune system support. It contains triterpenes and polysaccharides with potential anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Shiitake – Beyond its culinary uses, Shiitake contains lentinan, a beta-glucan that may support immune function. It’s rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, and minerals including copper and selenium.
Turkey Tail – Named for its colorful, fan-shaped appearance, Turkey Tail is packed with PSK and PSP, polysaccharopeptides being studied for immune system benefits. It’s one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms globally.
King Trumpet – The least known of the six, King Trumpet (also called King Oyster) contains ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant. It provides additional B vitamins and minerals to the blend.
Caffeine Content and Composition
Ryze contains approximately 48mg of caffeine per serving—about half the caffeine of a standard 8oz cup of coffee (95-165mg). This reduced caffeine is intentional, allowing the mushroom adaptogens to provide sustained energy without the typical coffee crash.
The formula is organic, vegan, non-GMO, and contains no fillers or additives. Each 6-gram serving includes coffee and mushroom extract powder plus MCT oil powder for sustained energy and enhanced absorption of fat-soluble compounds.
My 30-Day Test Protocol
To provide an honest assessment, I established a consistent testing methodology:
Morning routine replacement: I replaced my regular morning coffee (which I typically drink black) with Ryze for 30 consecutive days. Same time each morning (7:00 AM), same preparation method.
Preparation method: One tablespoon (6g) mixed with 8-10oz hot water, frothed with a milk frother for better dissolution. I tested both black and with oat milk.
Tracking metrics:
- Energy levels (rated 1-10) at 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 4 hours post-consumption
- Focus and productivity during morning work hours (9 AM – 12 PM)
- Jitters or anxiety (yes/no and severity)
- Afternoon crash or energy dip
- Sleep quality (tracked via wearable)
- Digestive effects
- Overall mood and wellbeing
Baseline comparison: Before starting, I tracked the same metrics for 7 days while drinking my regular coffee to establish a baseline.
Taste Test: The Make-or-Break Factor
Let’s address the elephant in the room—mushroom coffee sounds questionable. The good news: Ryze doesn’t taste like mushrooms.
Taste Profile
Ryze has a mild, earthy coffee flavor that’s noticeably less acidic than traditional coffee. The taste is smooth with slightly sweet, nutty undertones. There’s a subtle earthiness that hints at the mushroom content, but it’s not unpleasant or overpowering.
Compared to regular coffee, it’s:
- Milder – Less bitter, less acidic, more forgiving if you over-brew
- Smoother – The mouthfeel is creamy, especially when frothed
- Less complex – Coffee enthusiasts may find it lacks the nuanced flavor notes of specialty coffee
Preparation Matters
The powder doesn’t dissolve as easily as instant coffee. Simply stirring leaves clumps. I found the best results using:
- A milk frother (handheld or electric) for 20-30 seconds
- A blender (30 seconds creates a latte-like froth)
- A shaker bottle with hot (not boiling) water
With milk or milk alternatives (I preferred oat milk), Ryze transforms into something resembling a creamy latte. The mushroom earthiness becomes even less noticeable, and the natural sweetness of the milk complements the coffee.
Taste Verdict
Score: 7/10. It’s not going to replace artisan pour-over for coffee purists, but it’s genuinely pleasant and easy to drink daily. By week two, I actually preferred the milder taste for my morning routine.
Energy and Focus: The Real Test
Week 1: Adjustment Period
Days 1-3: Honestly, I was underwhelmed. Coming from 2-3 cups of regular coffee (300-400mg caffeine total), the 48mg in Ryze felt insufficient. I experienced mild caffeine withdrawal headaches on day 2.
Days 4-7: The headaches subsided. I started noticing the energy was different—not the immediate jolt of regular coffee, but a gentler, steadier alertness that appeared 20-30 minutes after drinking and lasted longer.
Week 2-4: The Sweet Spot
By week two, something shifted. My energy levels became remarkably consistent:
Baseline (regular coffee) average energy levels:
- 30 minutes: 8/10 (high alert, sometimes jittery)
- 2 hours: 7/10
- 4 hours: 4/10 (crash, needed more coffee)
Ryze average energy levels:
- 30 minutes: 6/10 (gentle increase, no jitters)
- 2 hours: 7/10 (peak sustained energy)
- 4 hours: 6/10 (still going, gradual decline)
The difference became clear: Ryze provided less peak energy but significantly better sustained energy. I worked productively through the morning without the anxiety or jitters I sometimes experienced with regular coffee.
Focus and Cognitive Performance
This is where Ryze surprised me. While energy levels were steady rather than dramatic, my focus and mental clarity felt enhanced, particularly for deep work tasks. I’m a writer, and during the test period, I noticed:
- Easier entry into flow state during morning writing sessions
- Less mental fatigue during long research tasks
- Fewer “brain fog” moments in the late morning
- Better task-switching without feeling scattered
Is this placebo? Possibly. But the consistency across 30 days suggests something genuine. Lion’s Mane has the most research supporting cognitive benefits, and studies show effects accumulate over weeks rather than immediately.
The Afternoon Test: Crash or Sustained Energy?
One of Ryze’s biggest claims is no afternoon crash. This proved largely accurate.
With regular coffee, I typically experienced:
- 2:00-3:00 PM energy crash requiring additional caffeine
- 3-5 PM period of reduced productivity
- Need for another coffee or energy boost
With Ryze:
- More gradual energy decline throughout the day
- No dramatic 2-3 PM crash
- Maintained baseline energy without additional caffeine
The difference was substantial enough that by week three, I stopped needing my typical 2 PM coffee. This alone represents significant cost savings if sustained long-term.
Sleep Quality: The Hidden Benefit
An unexpected finding: my sleep tracking data showed measurable improvements:
- Average time to fall asleep decreased from 18 minutes to 12 minutes
- Deep sleep increased by approximately 8% on average
- Fewer nighttime wake-ups
- More consistent sleep schedule
This makes sense—less caffeine intake overall (48mg vs 300-400mg daily) combined with Reishi’s calming adaptogenic properties likely contributed to better sleep. Good sleep further enhanced daytime energy and focus, creating a positive cycle.
Health Benefits: Science vs Marketing
Let’s examine Ryze’s health claims with scientific scrutiny:
Claim: “Calm Energy Without Jitters”
Verdict: TRUE. The lower caffeine content (48mg) combined with adaptogens does create noticeably smoother energy compared to traditional coffee. I experienced zero jitters or anxiety during the 30-day test, whereas regular coffee occasionally made me feel “wired and tired” simultaneously.
Claim: “Improved Focus and Cognitive Function”
Verdict: LIKELY TRUE. Research on Lion’s Mane specifically supports cognitive benefits, though most studies show effects after 4+ weeks of consistent use. My subjective experience of improved focus aligns with this research, though more extended use would be needed to confirm lasting effects.
Claim: “Immune Support”
Verdict: POSSIBLY TRUE. Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Shiitake all contain beta-glucans and polysaccharides with demonstrated immune-modulating properties in studies. However, proving immune benefits requires long-term use and is difficult to measure subjectively. I didn’t get sick during my test month, but that’s anecdotal.
Claim: “Gut Health Benefits”
Verdict: MIXED. Mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria. However, I experienced mild digestive adjustment during the first 3-4 days (slight bloating), which then normalized. Some users report ongoing digestive issues, while others report improvements. Individual variation is high.
Cost Analysis: Is Ryze Worth the Price?
Ryze costs approximately $36 per bag (30 servings), which breaks down to $1.20 per serving.
Price comparison:
- Regular home-brewed coffee: $0.25-0.50 per cup
- Coffee shop coffee: $3-5 per cup
- Premium specialty coffee: $1-2 per cup
- Other mushroom coffee brands: $1-1.50 per serving
Value assessment: If Ryze replaces both your morning coffee AND your afternoon pick-me-up, you’re comparing $1.20 per day vs $0.50-1.00 for two cups of home-brewed coffee or $6-10 for two coffee shop visits.
For the benefits I experienced—particularly sustained energy and better sleep—the premium seems justified if your budget allows. However, it’s not a budget-friendly option compared to regular coffee.
Who Should Try Ryze Mushroom Coffee?
Ryze is ideal for:
- People who get jittery or anxious from regular coffee
- Anyone experiencing afternoon crashes and energy dips
- Those seeking cognitive support for focus-intensive work
- Individuals interested in functional foods and adaptogens
- People looking to reduce overall caffeine intake gradually
- Anyone with acid reflux or coffee-related digestive issues
Ryze might not be for:
- Coffee purists who love bold, complex coffee flavors
- People who need high-caffeine jolts for their routine
- Those on extremely tight budgets
- Individuals with mushroom allergies or sensitivities
- Anyone taking immunosuppressant medications (consult your doctor—medicinal mushrooms can affect immune function)
Comparing Ryze to Alternatives
Ryze vs Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic is Ryze’s main competitor. Key differences:
- Mushroom content: Four Sigmatic typically uses 1-2 mushroom species per product; Ryze includes 6 in one blend
- Caffeine: Four Sigmatic’s “Think” coffee has 50mg caffeine (similar to Ryze)
- Price: Four Sigmatic averages $1.20-1.50 per serving (slightly more expensive)
- Taste: Four Sigmatic has a more pronounced earthy/mushroom taste; Ryze is milder
- Availability: Four Sigmatic is more widely available in retail stores
Ryze vs MudWtr
MudWtr is caffeine-free (only 1/7 the caffeine of coffee) and uses chai spices with mushrooms. It’s fundamentally different—more of a coffee alternative than coffee replacement. Choose MudWtr if you want to eliminate caffeine entirely; choose Ryze if you want “coffee with benefits.”
Ryze vs Regular Coffee + Supplements
You could theoretically buy Lion’s Mane and other mushroom supplements separately and take them with regular coffee. This might be cheaper per serving, but:
- Less convenient (multiple products, pills to remember)
- Requires research to find quality mushroom supplements
- Dosing is less straightforward
- Won’t provide the lower-caffeine “calm energy” effect
Common Questions and Concerns
Does it really taste like mushrooms?
No. There’s a subtle earthiness, but it tastes primarily like mild coffee. The “mushroom” flavor is barely noticeable, especially with milk or sweetener.
How long before I feel effects?
Energy effects are noticeable within 20-30 minutes. Cognitive and immune benefits likely require 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use to accumulate.
Can I drink it in the afternoon?
Yes. With only 48mg caffeine, it’s much less likely to interfere with sleep than regular coffee. I successfully drank it as late as 2 PM without sleep disruption.
Does it break a fast?
Technically yes—it contains approximately 15 calories per serving from MCT oil. However, some intermittent fasting practitioners consider MCT oil “fasting-friendly” because it doesn’t spike insulin. This depends on your fasting protocol.
Can I make it stronger?
Yes. Use less water for a more concentrated flavor, or add an extra half tablespoon. However, this increases cost per serving and caffeine intake.
Recommended Products to Enhance Your Experience
Based on my testing, these products significantly improve the Ryze experience:
A handheld milk frother is essential for proper dissolution. The PowerLix frother works perfectly for mixing Ryze smoothly and creating café-style froth.
Oat milk pairs exceptionally well with Ryze’s earthy flavors. The natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar, and the creamy texture enhances the latte-like experience.
For cold brew enthusiasts, Vietnamese coffee phins work surprisingly well for making concentrated mushroom coffee that you can pour over ice with condensed milk for a completely different experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Ryze?
After 30 days of thorough testing, I’m genuinely impressed. Ryze delivers on its core promises: sustained calm energy, improved focus, and no jitters or crashes. While some health claims require more time to evaluate properly, the immediate effects were compelling enough that I’ve continued using it beyond the test period.
Pros:
- Genuinely smooth, sustained energy without jitters
- Pleasant taste that’s easy to drink daily
- Noticeable cognitive focus improvements
- No afternoon crash
- Better sleep quality from reduced caffeine
- Convenient single-product solution
- Organic, clean ingredients
Cons:
- Premium price ($1.20 per serving)
- Doesn’t dissolve as easily as regular instant coffee
- Less bold flavor than specialty coffee
- Lower caffeine won’t satisfy high-caffeine users
- Requires 2-4 weeks for full benefits
- Minor digestive adjustment period for some users
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Ryze Mushroom Coffee successfully bridges functional wellness and daily coffee ritual. It’s not trying to be artisan specialty coffee—it’s redefining what morning coffee can do for your body and mind. If you’re curious about functional mushrooms and want a convenient, pleasant way to incorporate them while reducing caffeine dependence, Ryze is absolutely worth trying.
The 30-day supply makes for a perfect trial run. I recommend committing to the full month before judging—benefits accumulate with consistent use. If you’re comparing it to $5 daily coffee shop runs, it’s actually economical. If you’re comparing it to home-brewed Folgers, it’s a premium upgrade.
For me, the combination of sustained energy, better focus, and improved sleep quality justified the cost. I’m continuing use while cycling in regular coffee occasionally—the best of both worlds.
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