Author: Oliver Mathew, microbiologist and food science expert, founder of Ollywell · Published: 1 November 2026 · Last updated: 1 November 2026
Mushroom cacao is one of the fastest-growing trends in functional drinks. It combines the familiar taste of cacao with mushroom extracts that have been part of Asian and Nordic food cultures for centuries. In this article, we explain what mushroom cacao is, how it tastes, how much caffeine it contains and how to prepare it.
What is mushroom cacao?
Mushroom cacao is natural cacao powder blended with mushroom extracts. Ollywell Mushroom Cacao keeps the recipe simple: 60% cacao, 20% extracts from four mushrooms and 20% date sugar.
This is not a sweet supermarket hot chocolate mix. There is no white sugar, milk powder or flavourings. Just cacao, mushrooms and dates.
Which mushrooms are in mushroom cacao?
Each serving (8 g) contains 1,600 mg of mushroom extracts, including 560 mg of beta-glucans. Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Chaga are extracts from fruiting bodies, the part of the mushroom you see above ground. Cordyceps is an extract from cultivated mycelium.
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). A white mushroom that looks like a cascade of icicles, eaten in Japan and China much like seafood.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). A glossy, red-brown mushroom present in East Asian culture for centuries. It has a distinctly bitter taste that cacao balances well.
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Grows on birch trees in cold climates, including Poland. In Russia and Scandinavia it has long been brewed as a tea.
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis). A mushroom from the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, valued in China for centuries. Wild specimens are very rare, so supplements, including our cacao, use mycelium cultivated under controlled conditions.
What are beta-glucans?
Beta-glucans are natural polysaccharides found in the cell walls of mushrooms, as well as in oats and barley. Their content is a commonly used indicator of mushroom extract quality. That is why we state it on the label: 560 mg per serving.
What does mushroom cacao taste like?
Above all, like good dark cacao. The mushrooms add a light, earthy note, similar to dark chocolate. Date sugar gives a gentle, caramel-like sweetness without overdoing it. It tastes best with oat milk or dairy milk.
Mushroom cacao vs coffee: how much caffeine?
Cacao naturally contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, a related compound with a milder effect.
| Drink | Caffeine (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Filter coffee (200 ml) | approx. 90 mg |
| One serving of Mushroom Cacao (8 g) | approx. 11 mg |
The coffee figure comes from EFSA. We calculated the Mushroom Cacao figure from USDA data for natural cacao powder (230 mg of caffeine per 100 g) and the cacao content per serving (4.8 g). A serving also contains about 100 mg of theobromine. Actual content varies by batch.
That is why many people use mushroom cacao as an afternoon or evening alternative to coffee. You can also drink it in the morning if you want to cut back on caffeine without giving up a warm ritual.
How to make mushroom cacao
- Heat 150–200 ml of milk or plant-based drink (do not boil).
- Add 8 g of powder, about 2 level teaspoons.
- Mix well with a spoon, whisk or milk frother.
One pack (200 g) makes 25 servings. Do not exceed one serving per day.
Who is mushroom cacao for?
For people who enjoy cacao and want to add mushroom extracts to their daily diet. It suits anyone looking for a warm drink with less caffeine than coffee. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you take medication (especially anticoagulants), have a chronic condition or are planning surgery, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this supplement. A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Frequently asked questions
Does mushroom cacao taste like mushrooms?
No. Cacao dominates, and the mushrooms add only a subtle, earthy depth.
Can I drink mushroom cacao in the evening?
Many people do. A serving contains about 11 mg of caffeine, roughly eight times less than a cup of coffee, plus theobromine from the cacao. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with a serving in the early afternoon.
Is mushroom cacao vegan?
The powder itself is. Simply prepare it with a plant-based drink.
Can I drink it cold?
Yes. Dissolve the powder in a little warm milk first, then top up with cold milk and ice.
How is it different from regular cocoa?
It contains 1,600 mg of extracts from four mushrooms per serving and is sweetened with date sugar instead of white sugar.
Summary
Mushroom cacao is a simple way to turn your daily mug of cocoa into something more. Cacao, four mushrooms and dates, with nothing artificial. Try it as your afternoon break from coffee.
Sources
- EFSA: Caffeine – caffeine content of drinks and safe intake
- USDA FoodData Central: Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened (SR Legacy 169593)
- Ollywell Mushroom Cacao product label
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a doctor or dietitian. It was written by Ollywell, the maker of the product described.
