We spoke to a nutritionist about the effects of mushroom coffees like Dirtea to understand how the blends of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients work
Coffee is one of the greatest discoveries ever. Even the dullest of days is somewhat manageable with a cup of hot coffee dragging us by the collar over the 5pm finish line. Then, when it’s sunny, what’s better than picking up an iced coffee? Nothing, I tell you, nothing.
But while multiple studies indicate the health benefits of cup of joe, it does come with one major downside: the caffeine crash. Normally hitting mid-afternoon, the only thing that normally gets us out of it is another coffee, which can lead to tossing and turning in bed for hours at night, creating a caffeine-induced sleep deprivation loop.
This is where mushroom coffees like Dirtea come in. Unlike regular coffee, they promise the boost without the caffeine crash – as well as a host of other benefits. Their blend is made with 100% arabica beans, with 1,000mg of Lion’s Mane and B Vitamins (B6, B12, Patothenic Acid and Folic Acid).
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Those are certainly a lot nutrients, but do they work? And if so, how? We reached out to nutritionist Clarissa Bell to explain what stands out about DIRTEA coffee.
She told The Mirror: “What sets DIRTEA’s Coffee Superblend apart is the powerful combination of organic arabica coffee with functional mushrooms, adaptogens and essential nutrients, all carefully chosen to elevate energy, focus and resilience.
DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee
DIRTEA mushroom coffee costs £38 (63p per serving) for one pouch, or shoppers can opt for a subscription between four and eight weeks for £30 (50p per serving). This bags shoppers a free mug, jar and spoon with it.
“At its core is Lion’s Mane, a functional mushroom known for its cognitive benefits. It can support mental clarity, memory and concentration, making it a powerful addition to your morning routine. Like caffeine, Lion’s Mane is classed as a nootropic, which means that it enhances cognitive function. Taking them together compounds their benefits.”
Outside of Lion’s Mane, the other ingredients also pack a punch, according to Clarissa. She continues: “The blend also includes two well-known adaptogens, ashwagandha and maca. Adaptogens help the body manage stress more effectively, and in this case, they balance out the stimulating effects of coffee.
“Ashwagandha promotes steady energy levels and can soften the post-caffeine energy crash, while Maca supports cognition, mood and stamina. On top of all this, DIRTEA coffee is enriched with organic B vitamins that support natural energy metabolism, providing your body with resources to keep you energised all day long.”
Of course, they aren’t the only adaptogenic coffee on the market. London Nootropics is another popular option, containing Hifas da Terra lion’s mane, cordyceps, and chaga mushroom extracts. They offer a five-star rated starter bundle for £40.
Otherwise, Amazon sells Javasu mushroom coffee, which contains lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps and L-Theanine. It has been rated 4.2 out of five by shoppers so far. Amazon sell a 150g box for £36.
Clarissa also elaborated on some of the other benefits DIRTEA can offer shoppers: “Many people find that switching to DIRTEA coffee delivers a noticeable shift in how they feel, starting with more sustained, balanced energy levels and sharper mental clarity. Many people report feeling more alert and productive, without the common side effects of caffeine like jitters, crashes or anxious energy.
“Beyond coffee, DIRTEA’s functional mushroom range offers targeted support for a range of health goals. Chaga is exceptionally rich in antioxidants and supports immunity, digestion and skin health.
“Reishi is known for its calming effects, helping to regulate the stress response and promote deeper sleep while strengthening immune defences. Tremella is known for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, making it a go-to for those interested in skin health from within. Cordyceps supports cellular energy, stamina and recovery, ideal for active lifestyles or anyone in need of a natural, caffeine-free energy lift.”
DIRTEA’s blend currently boasts a 4.8 from 19,848 reviews, with over 18,000 of those five star. One happy reviewer wrote: “I go to bed looking forward to my Dirtea coffee every morning. It is a real treat & I feel the benefits. I also love a Dirtea on the go!”
Another added: “I didn’t think I’d like this as much as I do. I was looking for something to help with my concentration and focus. I’m going through peri menopause and my brain feels very scattered a lot of the time. I also knew caffeine wasn’t my friend… but I LOVE COFFEE.
“So having already jumped on the DIRTEA Cacao bandwagon I thought I’d give the Coffee a go and see if a) it would help with my reduction of caffeine intake and b) would help with my focus and energy levels. Pleased to say it is doing both and I actually really look forward to my morning coffee now, it tastes great! Well done DIRTEA.”
The affects of the coffee didn’t work for everyone, with a reviewer noting: “I can’t say I noticed much difference after finishing one jar…. Maybe I need more.”
Another reviewer wrote: “Love the stuff. Started to feel positive affects after a couple of days, and only need one coffee now to get through the day.” DIRTEA offer a pouch for £38 (63p per serving) or a subscription – including a free mug, jar and spoon – for £30 (50p per serving) on their website.