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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Abha Shah

Best Mogu mushroom drinks, tried and tested

From matcha to cacao, these drinks are packed with adaptogenic properties - (MOGU)

Mushroom drinks continue to see a surge in popularity within the wellness world. From providing an energy boost to having calming properties, mushroom coffee, matcha, and other drinks are thought to provide a wealth of functional health benefits.

The mushrooms in question aren’t the fungi you’d add to food dishes or those that could make you hallucinate. Instead, the popular medicinal or functional mushrooms found in these drinks include lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi.

Inspired by Chinese medicine, Mogu is a brand focused on the benefits of mushroom drinks. Packed with adaptogenic properties, ingredients are free from fillers and sourced from organic farms. In fact, Mogu’s nutrient-rich blends have gained viral status for their functional potential and delicious taste.

How we tested

We put a selection of Mogu products to the test, including a mushroom coffee, matcha and cacao drink. Our tester looked at taste and ingredients, as well as whether these drinks would make a worthy addition to our daily routine. Keep reading to find out more.

Mogu mushroom coffee

(Mogu)

We went into this taste test feeling sceptical. Mushroom coffee can seem a bit gimmicky, but this drink offered a pleasant surprise. With a flavour profile that is smooth, mellow and slightly nutty, there’s no noticeable taste of mushrooms at all (although it contains a good dose of lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga). And, while this drink may not be quite the same as a freshly-ground or proper barista coffee, it’s well rounded and easy to sip for an instant blend. The mushroom coffee is particularly enjoyable when paired with oat milk, which gives it a creamy, latte-like taste.

The main, noticeable benefit for us was a gentler caffeine effect, with energy feeling more sustained and less frantic than normal coffee. We also saw improved focus without the usual jitteriness or crash, making it a good option for people looking to reduce their standard coffee intake or avoid caffeine spikes. With antioxidants to support the immune system, the drink also contains essential polyphenols and chlorogenic acids, for gut health and metabolism.

Buy now, £45, MOGU

Mogu mushroom matcha

(Mogu)

Single-origin matcha, ground by stone in Uji, this matcha drink delivers whole-leaf nutrients, and is rich in catechins, l-theanine, and chlorophyll. With its vibrant green colour and smooth, fresh taste, the blend feels premium – it even whisks well, with minimal clumping.

Although it may not convert non-matcha lovers, and is slightly earthier than sweeter mainstream cafe matcha lattes, it mellows with the addition of some milk or sweetener. The best part of all, though, is the gradual and sustained energy release that you get. This feels a lot less immediate than coffee, and makes the drink a lighter pick-me-up for an afternoon boost.

Buy now, £50, Mogu

Mogu mushroom cacao

(Mogu)

Easily our favourite of the three blends we tasted, this cacao drink was a standout for us. With a great depth of cacao flavour, each rich and velvety sip feels indulgent. It’s slightly less sweet and more bitter than a standard hot chocolate, which makes it feel like a premium drink. Three mushrooms are included – reishi, tremella and poria – along with a cacao that's rich in magnesium and theobromine to help support muscle recovery and relaxation.

While the functional benefits are more subtle here than with the other picks, it’s enjoyable enough as a luxurious drink. The calming effect is not hugely dramatic, but enough to feel comforting and cosy in the evening. We particularly enjoyed it when stirred into warm milk before bed.

Buy now, £45, Mogu

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