If you’ve been on social media lately, chances are you’ve seen people sipping a cup of coffee that looks and tastes like regular coffee but contains mushrooms. It’s called mushroom coffee, and it’s a wellness trend that many say has health benefits such as reduced stress, a stronger immune system and better sleep. The drink is made by drying and extracting medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga, reishi, turkey tail and lion’s mane, and mixing them with ground coffee beans. Some brands also add cocoa, vanilla and other flavors to sweeten the drink.

How Is Mushroom Coffee Made? A Step-by-Step Guide

How is mushroom coffee typically has earthy and muted flavors that complement traditional coffee beans. They’re also high in antioxidants, which provide many of the same benefits as other fruits and vegetables. The mushrooms themselves contain a wide range of nutrients, including polyphenols and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

There are a number of health claims associated with mushroom coffee, but most of the scientific research that supports these claims is animal or lab-based and requires more human studies. In addition, if you have digestive issues such as IBS or Celiac disease, you should avoid this type of coffee because the mushrooms in it are often considered to be high FODMAP foods.

In general, if you want the same benefits of mushroom coffee without the caffeine, it’s best to make your own at home with whole mushrooms and black coffee. FODMAP-friendly herbs such as nettles, burdock and licorice root are great options that can also be added to the mix.