Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
FACT CHECKED
We adhere to a strict methodology when reviewing products. We strive to deliver you an unbiased opinion on products and services so that you're able to make an informed decision. Learn More
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
The constant quest to improve health and wellness through nutrition has resulted in a rather unlikely pairing – mushrooms and coffee. Adding the benefits of fungi to the world's most popular beverage has proven to be a winner, with a market niche quickly developing.
One of the leading mushroom coffee brands in this health-conscious movement is 4 Sigmatic, which sells a unique mix of coffee enhanced with the advantages of several mushroom extracts. In this Four Sigmatic Coffee review, we closely examine the 4 Sigmatic range so you can decide whether it deserves to be part of your daily ritual.
Table Of Contents:
- What Is Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee?
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Review: Pass or Fail?
- Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee
- Side Effects Of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
- How To Make Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
- What Kinds Of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Are There?
- Other Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee FAQs
This delicious coffee gives you a boost of energy while also increasing focus and overall well-being. Using 100% fruiting bodies instead of mycelium, the mushrooms used can give...
What Is Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee?
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee blends regular coffee with powdered mushroom extracts. The emphasis is on adaptogens and functional mushrooms, which are thought to have several possible health advantages. Four Sigmatic sells various coffee mushroom blends, including many mushroom types, each with special qualities. Chaga, Lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail are among the most popular blends.
Four Sigmatic provides a selection of instant coffee packets, ground coffee blends, and coffee pods made with mushrooms. They offer dietary supplements and other beverages with mushrooms in them. Four Sigmatic strongly emphasizes the quality of its ingredients and sourcing procedures.
Four Sigmatic was founded by a Finnish businessman and novelist named Tero Isokauppila. Tero established Four Sigmatic with the intention of increasing public accessibility to functional mushrooms by putting them into commonplace foods and beverages like coffee. The company was founded in 2012 and moved into the American market in 2015,
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Review: Pass or Fail?
Four Sigmatic is the first company to combine mushrooms and coffee in a way that preserves the flavor and integrity of the beverage. Some people might find the flavor of some of the blends slightly bitter, but it is certainly not off-putting. The company offers a vast range of products, so you're bound to find a blend that suits your palate while meeting your health needs.
The official website is packed with practical information, helping you choose the best mushroom blend for you. The organic coffees are grouped under three benefit categories - enhanced mental focus, a boost of energy, and long-term positive mood - and each blend's information includes notes on what you can expect regarding taste.
Even though the website states that you can see results in as little as seven days, it usually takes a couple of weeks for the health benefits of lion's mane and other mushroom extracts to take effect. So, you shouldn't expect to see instant results with these blends.
The most popular product in the Four Sigmatic coffee mushroom range is their Think Ground Coffee Bag, which includes Lion's mane and chaga mushrooms. It's got a dark, nutty flavor that I really enjoyed, and it did have a cumulative energy-enhancing effect that was noticeable after a couple of weeks (I took it half an hour before my morning workout).
Four Sigmatic's range is a little pricey. I recommend spending some time on the official website to get your head around the cost-benefit ratio. When you do that, you'll probably agree with me that Four Sigamatic represents a good investment for those who drink coffee and want to supercharge the health benefits of their daily Cuppa Joe.
Overall Verdict: PASS
Pros
- Huge range of blends
- Nutrient-dense
- Organic, vegan and gluten-free
- Locally sourced
Cons
- Quite expensive
- The taste may be slightly bitter
Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee
While the science behind mushroom coffee is still being investigated and is not fully established, there is some evidence that it can do the following:
1) Works Synergistically With Caffeine To Avoid Crashes
Some types of medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps and lion's mane, are thought to have adaptogenic qualities.
Adaptogens are compounds that may aid the body in balancing itself and adjusting to stress. These adaptogens may aid in reducing the stimulating effects of drinking coffee, which can occasionally cause energy dumps and jitters. This might lead to prolonged energy instead of the jarring crashes or jitteriness sometimes associated with normal coffee.
2) May Help With Immune Support
Several types of mushrooms, including maitake and reishi, can boost immunity. That's because they include bioactive compounds that help fight against pathogens. These mushrooms may support stronger immunity when added to coffee with mushrooms.
3) Anti-inflammatory
Some mushrooms, such as chaga and turkey tail, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds may aid in reducing bodily inflammation, which is linked to several chronic disorders. By lowering inflammation, drinking mushroom coffee with these mushrooms may improve general health.
4) Might Help With Anxiety
Lion's mane mushroom has been investigated for its potential to improve mood and cognition. According to some preliminary research, Lion's mane may boost cognitive performance and may lessen anxiety and depressive symptoms. It might provide a cognitive boost when paired with caffeine in mushroom coffee while lowering anxiety levels.
5) Other Benefits From Mushrooms
There are a variety of potential health advantages for various types of mushrooms. Lion's mane, for instance, may promote cognitive function and brain health, while chaga might have antioxidant characteristics. Reishi is frequently linked to reduced stress and better sleep. Here are some of the general benefits that come from adding mushrooms to your diet:
- Nutrient Density: Mushrooms are packed with nutrients, including the b vitamins, fiber, and minerals. They're also a non-animal source of Vitamin D, making them great for vegans looking to get more Vitamin D.
- Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain plenty of oxidative stress-reducing antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione(1).
- Immune Booster: Maitake and shitake mushrooms are a rich source of beta-glucans, which may boost the immune system by strengthening our natural defenses (2).
- Anti-Inflammatory: Mushrooms provide a good source of bioactive chemicals that help reduce inflammation, contributing to many ailments.
- Weight Management: Mushrooms are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and high in dietary fiber, making them a great choice for people looking to lose weight.
- Cognitive Benefits: Lion's mane stands out as a mushroom with potential cognitive benefits. It contains compounds that may help produce new brain tissue while also improving focus and memory (3).
- Cancer Prevention: Reishi and turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. This is due to the polysaccharides that they contain, which might be able to slow the spread of cancerous cells (4).
- Skin and Hair Benefits: Mushrooms contain selenium, which promotes healthy hair and skin.
Side Effects Of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
When taken in moderation, 4 Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is generally considered safe for most people. However, the following adverse reactions may be experienced by some people:
- Allergic Reactions: Certain types of mushrooms or other components used in Four Sigmatic products may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Allergic reactions can vary in severity, from minor symptoms like itching or digestive pain to more severe reactions like breathing difficulties.
- Digestive Problems: Some people may have mild gastrointestinal problems or digestive discomfort when taking Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. This can change based on tolerance levels and the particular substances utilized in the product.
- Drug Interactions: It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider before incorporating Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee into your routine if you take any drugs, especially those that interact with caffeine or particular mushroom chemicals.
Consider the following to reduce any adverse effects and assure your safety:
- If you've never tried mushroom coffee or a particular type of mushroom before, start with a modest amount to determine your tolerance.
- To learn more about the individual mushrooms and components used in the blend, carefully read the product labels.
- Before adding Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee to your diet, speak with a medical practitioner if you have any underlying health issues, allergies, or other concerns.
- Keep an eye on how your body reacts, and stop using if you see any adverse effects.
Real Customer Reviews Of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee has a lot of reviews online. Amazon alone has more than 15000 verified user reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. A common theme is the benefits of the adaptogenic boost from mushrooms, its ability to prevent a caffeine crash and the fact that it doesn't actually taste like mushrooms. Here is a typical Amazon review:
(source)
There are also several threads discussing Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee on Reddit. Once again, most users have commented positively on their experience with Four Sigmatic products. The following comment is typical:
(source)
How To Make Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Making Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is quite simple, being similar to preparing a regular cup of coffee. Here's a basic method for making a cup of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee:
Ingredients:
- One packet of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee (or your preferred Four Sigmatic coffee product)
- Hot water
- Optional: Sweetener, milk, or creamer of your choice
Instructions:
- Start by boiling the amount of water you'll need for your coffee. The exact amount of water will depend on your preference for coffee strength, but typically, one packet of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is designed to be mixed with about 8-10 ounces (240-300 ml) of hot water.
- Open the Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee packet and pour its contents into your coffee cup or mug.
- Pour the hot water into the coffee cup and stir thoroughly.
- Add a sweetener if you wish.
- Enjoy.
What Kinds Of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Are There?
Four Sigmatic sells a range of mushroom coffee blends, creamers, and latte mix options. Their signature product is Focus Organic Coffee, which combines organic instant coffee with chaga and Lion's mane mushroom extract as well as ashwagandha.
There are 19 products in the coffee and creamers range, including:
- Balance Organic Half-Ground Coffee
- Think Organic Ground Cold Brew Coffee
- Think Organic Whole Bean Coffee
- Happy Gut, Organic Ground Coffee
- Balance Organic Instant Coffee
- Think Organic Coffee Pods
Blends that contain Cordyceps mushrooms are known for their ability to support endurance and energy. This is a great option for people who want an energy boost without the jitters. Coffee made with Lion's Mane mushrooms is said to enhance mental clarity and cognitive performance, while chaga mushrooms are well known for their potential immune-boosting abilities.
Four Sigmatic offers a variety of starter packs that include various mushroom coffee blends, so you can sample them all if you're having trouble deciding which one to try. Most packs are sold in 30-serving size quantities.
Four Sigmatic also provides the following in addition to their mushroom coffee blends:
- Elixirs made from powdered mushroom mixtures are available and can be mixed with hot water or other beverages. They come in a variety of flavors and are frequently used as an alternative to coffee.
- Coffee creamers with mushroom extract. These can be an easy way to give your morning coffee a practical boost.
- Latte mixes are similar to their coffee mixes but don't contain any coffee. They are frequently used as a caffeine-free drink substitute and come in a variety of flavors, including Cacao, Chai, and Golden Latte.
Other Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee FAQs
Mushroom coffee is quite a new concept, so plenty of unanswered questions are out there. Here are our answers to some of the most common queries we've come across:
Is Four Sigmatic actually healthy?
Yes, Four Sigmatic products are considered healthy. Many contain functional mushrooms like Chaga, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi. These mushrooms have been studied for various potential health benefits, including immune support, cognitive function, and stress reduction.
Some Four Sigmatic products also include adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and tulsi. Adaptogens are believed to help the body adapt to stress.
Most Four Sigmatic products are formulated with minimal added sugars and artificial ingredients, which can be healthier than heavily processed, sugary beverages.
If you're using Four Sigmatic's mushroom coffee blends as an alternative to regular coffee, you might find benefits in terms of potentially lower caffeine content and the inclusion of functional mushrooms.
Is mushroom coffee really worth it?
Whether or not mushroom coffee is worth it depends on your taste preferences, how much you value the benefits of mushroom extracts and your budget. Mushroom coffee blends are usually more expensive than standard blends. It is claimed that mushroom coffee can provide cognitive, immune-boosting, and energy-enhancing benefits. Most mushroom blends provide a bitter, earthy taste, which may impact the enjoyment of your coffee experience. We recommend trying a sample pack to see whether mushroom coffee is right for you.
What are the disadvantages of mushroom coffee?
It may take some getting used to the flavor of mushroom coffee for some people. Depending on the type and amount of mushrooms used, it may taste different from ordinary coffee and have an earthy or moderately bitter flavor.
High-quality medicinal mushroom products can be more expensive than regular coffee. Although some studies have suggested that extracts from mushrooms may have health benefits, the body of evidence is still growing and is not as substantial as that for regular coffee or other dietary supplements.
There are fewer regulations governing the mushroom coffee industry than there are for regular coffee, which could lead to variations in the final product's quality and the purity of its ingredients. Buy mushroom coffee exclusively from trustworthy suppliers to ensure the product's quality.
Is Four Sigmatic coffee real coffee?
Yes, many Four Sigmatic Coffee products are real coffee. They often start with real coffee, either ground or instant, that has functional mushroom extracts added. The ratios of coffee to mushroom extract can vary depending on the specific product.
The result is a coffee product that provides coffee's flavor and energy boost while incorporating the potential health benefits of the included mushroom extracts.
Final Thoughts On Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
My personal experience with Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee has been nothing but positive, though I have only tried the 'Think' blend with Lion's mane and chaga mushroom.
The company has done a great job in terms of product labeling and transparency. They source their coffee beans from a small Honduran-run family co-op, ensuring you get the purest organic product. I'm personally looking forward to trying out other blends in the range and encourage all coffee lovers who want to boost their health-giving nutrient intake to check these guys out.
For more on mushroom supplements, read our article: 8 Best Mushroom Supplements To Boost Your Health.
This delicious coffee gives you a boost of energy while also increasing focus and overall well-being. Using 100% fruiting bodies instead of mycelium, the mushrooms used can give...
References
-
Sánchez C. Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant properties from mushrooms. Synth Syst Biotechnol. 2016 Dec 24;2(1):13-22. doi: 10.1016/j.synbio.2016.12.001. PMID: 29062957; PMCID: PMC5625788.
-
Motta, F., Gershwin, M. E., & Selmi, C. (2021). Mushrooms and immunity. Journal of Autoimmunity, 117, 102576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102576
-
MediLexicon International. (n.d.-a). Lion’s mane mushrooms may help improve memory, boost brain cell growth. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/improving-memory-lions-mane-mushrooms-may-double-neuron-growth
-
Park HJ. Current Uses of Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment and Their Anticancer Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Sep 10;23(18):10502. doi: 10.3390/ijms231810502. PMID: 36142412; PMCID: PMC9504980.
Steve Theunissen
Author