Mushroom coffee could be the new morning constant you need to be in the best shape of your life. Mud WTR and RYZE are currently two of the most popular mushroom coffee brands on the market, using high-quality ingredients that help you get charged with high energy without the caffeine crash. 

This RYZE vs MUD WTR article will break both products down, discuss their benefits, ingredient blends, and pros and cons, then we’ll help you decide which of these will suit your lifestyle best.

Comparison Table

	Ryze	MUD WTR
Caffeine Content	About half the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee (48mg)	About one-seventh the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee (35mg)
Source of Caffeine	Arabica coffee	Black tea powder (or rooibos tea powder in the caffeine-free version)
Texture	Creamy	Grainy; includes a rechargeable frother in the starter kit
Mushroom Blend	Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, King Trumpet, Shiitake	Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga
Additional Ingredients	Powdered MCT oil	Cacao, a chai spice blend, salt
Lifestyle Compatibility	Organic, Keto, Paleo, Vegan	Organic, Keto, Paleo, Vegan
Recommended For	People looking for a healthier cup of coffee with a coffee flavor and creamy texture, and those on a keto or paleo diet	People looking to significantly reduce their caffeine intake or do a caffeine detox, and tea lovers.
Preparation	Add hot water and stir	Add hot water and stir
Health Benefits	Supports concentration, immune system, neural health, physical stamina, liver and heart health, reduces fatigue and stress	Supports concentration, immune system, neural health, physical stamina, liver and heart health, reduces fatigue and stress
Subscription?	Subscription only	Single purchase & subscription options
Mixability	Good when using the frother	Not great, sediment at the bottom of every cup

Why Is Mushroom Coffee The Next Best Thing

Many of us start off the day with the tantalizing aroma and irresistible taste of the morning cup of joe. Its benefits like increased mental focus, boosted natural energy, and weight loss properties help people get through their grind. 

But it doesn’t always work well for all; some people end up being too dependent on coffee, resulting in addiction and many other health problems. Others experience insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and breathing problems.

The energy spikes and crashes that come with drinking coffee can take a toll on one’s health and wear out your body. If you experience this regularly, you might be prone to a variety of health issues. Similarly, drinking too much coffee could still lead to blood pressure issues. If you’re dealing with high blood pressure problems, this can lead to things like stroke or heart attack. So, there are a whole host of benefits of quitting caffeine.

Thankfully, there are coffee alternatives available. Mushroom coffee, for instance, brings the classic aroma, flavor, and efficiency as a regular cup of coffee would, but with a lesser content of caffeine and without the usual coffee jitters and energy crashes. People create this drink by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial ingredients, and adding them to coffee.

→ Does mushroom coffee break a fast?

The most popular types of mushrooms used for this are:

• Chaga – A type of mushroom often used across northern Europe as a natural remedy for various ailments and served as an herbal tea. It’s rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which mainly help boost the immune system, reduce bodily inflammations, lower blood sugar levels, and improve insulin resistance.
• Cordyceps –  A fungus used in ancient Chinese and Tibetan herbal medicines to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps treat conditions like respiratory problems, liver disorders, arrhythmias, high cholesterol, and even sexual problems among men.
• Lion’s mane – Lion’s mane is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It facilitates good digestion, prevents cognitive decline (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia et al.), relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression, promotes faster recovery from nervous system injuries, and lowers the risk for heart disease.
• Reishi – This mushroom boosts the immune system, reduces stress, improves sleep, controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lessens fatigue, and is extremely beneficial to the production of estrogen and progesterone.

RYZE Mushroom Coffee

RYZE Mushroom Coffee is a powdered mix containing six functional adaptogenic mushrooms, organic Arabica coffee, and organic MCT oil. While it does contain coffee, it’s considerably lower in caffeine content and packs many more nutrients. It also provides sharper focus, increased energy, and immune support for a balanced body and clear mind. 

However, unlike regular coffee, you won’t experience any energy crashes after drinking it or even hours later. It gives you a steady flow of energy that will gradually go down at the day’s end, just in time for bedtime. 

The 2000 mg-strong adaptogenic mushroom blend contains cordyceps, reishi, king trumpet, shiitake, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. All of the mushrooms are harvested in California, with other ingredients being sourced from suppliers in the U.S. The organic arabica coffee beans are shade-grown in Mexico. Once roasted and brewed, the coffee beans are spray-dried into a pure instant powder before being added to the formula. Overall, a cup of RYZE contains just 48mg of caffeine.

Contrary to what you might think when you hear “mushroom,” it tastes nothing of the sort. It has a very smooth, creamy, and natural coffee flavor with a distinct earthy flavor. Drinking a cup every morning provides you with consistent energy that lasts the entire day, but without the energy crashes and jitters you normally get later.

Taste Test

I’ve been trying out RYZE Mushroom Coffee for a while now. I was a bit hesitant at first, given that I’m not usually a fan of mushrooms, but the taste was not what I expected. It doesn’t have a strong mushroom flavor, it’s more akin to regular coffee.

I usually add a bit of half and half, which seems to work well with it. It’s different from my usual morning coffee, but not in a bad way.

What’s interesting about this coffee is the effects I’ve noticed. After drinking it, I’ve found that my alertness and focus seem to improve. It’s a noticeable change, but without the jittery feeling that I sometimes get from regular coffee.

I’ve also observed some potential improvements in my digestion since I started drinking RYZE. It’s hard to say for sure if it’s directly related, but it’s a positive change nonetheless.

Overall, RYZE Mushroom Coffee is a unique product that’s worth trying if you’re looking for a change from your regular coffee routine. It’s not just about the taste, but also the potential benefits it offers.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the things we’ve noted about this particular product. These might help you decide:

Pros

• Uses purely organic ingredients
• 100% gluten-free
• 100% vegan
• No sweeteners or additives
• Less acidic than standard coffee.
• Instant powder mix makes it easier to stir.
• 1% of sales go to teaching mindfulness in schools.
• Provides free shipping.

Cons

• Earthy flavor might not be pleasing to some people.
• May take continuous intake to see visible results.
• Not a total coffee replacement – it still contains 48mg of caffeine from the arabica coffee beans.
• Only ships to the US and Canada.

MUD/WTR

MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative whose ingredients mostly consist of a variety of organic spices and powdered mushrooms to bring out the same benefits of coffee but with only less than a fraction of the amount of caffeine you’d get in an ordinary cup of coffee. The low caffeine level is ideal for those sensitive to larger amounts or those who want to avoid being too dependent on coffee.

MUD/WTR uses mushrooms like Chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi. Its overall taste is a bit “earthy” compared to regular coffee. Also included are organic ingredients like cacao, masala and rooibos chai, turmeric, cinnamon, and sea salt, each replete with numerous health benefits. 

This product could also work as a base for different drinks that you can make, like iced coffee or even a coffee-flavored smoothie.

There are two variants of MUD/WTR coffee. First, there’s: 

:rise

MUD/WTR :rise serves as the morning cup of coffee. All of the ingredients included in the blend work to keep your health at its prime by providing energy boosts, improving cognitive functions, and protecting the cells from free radical damage.

:rest

The opposite of :rise, :rest is a caffeine-free drink that helps promote a calmed and relaxed state to help you rest well. Ideally, this beverage should be taken before you go to bed to induce greater relaxation and calm.

Thanks to a precise blend of functional mushrooms, MUD/WTR’s ingredient blend makes it possible to reduce the instances of energy crashes and jitters. Instead, you get consistent and healthy energy and an immunity boost during the day. The adaptogens and herbs in the nighttime formula help you slip away into a full night’s rest, making mornings more pleasant and energized.

Suppose you’ve been advised to skip your daily cup of coffee because of health problems like high blood pressure, palpitations, or anxiety; MUD/WTR makes for a greater and healthier alternative, so you won’t have to deprive yourself of a warm beverage from your morning routine to kickstart the day.

Read our full MUD/WTR review.

Taste Test

The MUD/WTR taste experience is closer to a robust chai tea with a thicker consistency, rather than a traditional coffee. This is largely due to the key ingredients of masala chai, cacao powder, and a mushroom blend, which give it a unique mouthfeel.

This flavor profile is distinct and may take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to the taste of coffee.

A crucial tip for enhancing the MUD/WTR taste is to use the battery-powered frother to thoroughly blend the ingredients. My initial attempt at stirring it with a spoon resulted in a grainy, clumpy beverage. However, using the frother transforms the drink entirely. It becomes smoother, and thicker, and develops a frothy head reminiscent of a latte.

Despite these positive attributes, the MUD/WTR taste experience is somewhat marred by the grainy sediment that settles at the bottom of the cup. This sediment, which is present regardless of how the drink is prepared, makes the final sips less enjoyable and impacts the overall perception of the product.

The accompanying photos illustrate the typical amount of sediment found at the bottom of each cup. Despite starting with clean cups, a significant amount of grainy residue remains after consuming the beverage.

In terms of the overall MUD/WTR taste, it took several days for my palate to adjust. Initially, I was somewhat disappointed as I had expected a taste profile closer to coffee. However, with time, I found myself developing a preference for the unique taste of MUD/WTR.

Pros and Cons

We’ve laid out some of our observations about this product to help you have an idea of what to expect: 

Pros

• Contains all-natural ingredients
• Low in calories
• Lower caffeine content
• No jitters or energy crash
• Organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
• Suits all diet types; Kosher, vegan and keto-friendly.
• Packaged in recyclable or compostable materials.
• Free shipping
• 30-day return policy

Cons 

• It just doesn’t mix all that well, no matter what you do.
• Considerably pricier than similar products.
• Could trigger stomach issues for some people.

Ryze & MUD/WTR Comparison

When you compare Ryze vs MUD/WTR there are some distinct differences that set these two mushroom coffee brands apart. MUD/WTR has been formulated to be a complete coffee alternative, it contains no coffee at all. Whereas Ryze mushroom coffee adds the functional mushroom blend to coffee.

The table below compares the ingredients of both MUD/WTR and Ryze and then we’ll give you recommendations as to which drink suits which person.

Caffeine Content 

MUD/WTR’s blend contains about 1/7th of the caffeine as a cup of coffee without having coffee. This comes from the black tea leaves found in the masala chai, while :rest is totally caffeine-free.

On the other hand, a cup of RYZE mushroom coffee contains about 48mg of caffeine, less than half the amount that’s in a regular cup of coffee.

Ingredients

Both products contain similar mushroom blends like cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi mushrooms. RYZE uses additional mushrooms like turkey tail, king trumpet, and shiitake.

MUD/WTR’s daytime and nighttime formulas contain various other ingredients in their product, apt for their function, including cacao, cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, chamomile, and masala/rooibos chai. 

Pricing

Both MUD/WTR’s daytime and nighttime formulas cost about $40 and above. The kit contains 30 servings, a rechargeable frother, a guidebook, a sample of creamer, and a free sticker.

Once you run out, you can purchase replacement MUD/WTR, creamer, sweetener, and other complementary products.

RYZE’s starting price is $30, comparatively cheaper than MUD/WTR. You get a handmade spoon as a freebie for stirring and access to the RYZE mindfulness app, which will help you feel healthier from a body and mind perspective.

Final Verdict

Both RYZE and MUD/WTR are promising mushroom coffee brands, but they have distinct features.  MUD/WTR is the alternative that doesn’t contain any amount of coffee, sourcing its caffeine content from other ingredients, while RYZE contains a reduced amount of it. 

MUD/WTR has both a daytime and nighttime formula, each with its own unique ingredient blend to facilitate its intended use. Also, MUD/WTR contains a slightly higher dose in their product in terms of mushroom content than RYZE. 

The choice of the best product ultimately depends on your liking. If you’re looking to completely swap your coffee out for something that is much healthier, or if you’re caffeine-sensitive, MUD/WTR would be the ideal option for you. But if you still prefer to take coffee with added benefits, RYZE will suit your tastes best. 

Buy Ryze if…

• You want the benefits of functional mushrooms mixed with actual coffee
• You want the cheaper option
• You want the higher caffeine content
• You want the benefits of Turkey Tail, King Trumpet, and Shiitake mushrooms (these are not present in MUD/WTR)
• You want the slightly lower calorie option

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Buy MUD/WTR if…

• You want a full coffee alternative that contains zero coffee
• You want the benefits of Chaga mushrooms (these are not present in Ryze)
• You want the higher mushroom content per serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Takeaway

Mushroom coffee of any kind is a great addition to your daily beverage options. It’s an excellent substitute for those who want to avoid high amounts of caffeine and the energy crashes that come with it. With its promising health benefits and richer taste considered, mushroom coffee can be a good addition to your diet to achieve an optimal state of health. 

Reducing your caffeine intake can also work wonders for your health too. It helps you sleep better at night, feel calmer, and lower your anxiety levels. It also 

While drinking mushroom coffee offers multiple health benefits, remember that they only contain mushroom extract. Experts believe that adding whole adaptogenic mushrooms to your daily diet is still the best way to enjoy the full extent of its health benefits. 

When in doubt, always ask your doctor or dietitian on adding adaptogenic mushrooms to your diet to discuss more about its benefits and potential risks.

→ See our full list of Mud Wtr alternatives