A fad called mushroomcoffee has been spreading like wildfire across social media, and it’s claimed to deliver a range of health benefits. The drink combines roasted coffee beans with medicinal mushrooms (such as lion’s mane, chaga and turkey tail). While these mushrooms are rich in healthy components that have traditionally been used in Eastern medicine, it’s not clear whether the nutrients are still intact after they’re dried, extracted and mixed into a cup of coffee.

In fact, it’s not even clear that the fungi will benefit you at all, as many of the claims made about them have not been tested in well-designed clinical trials. Some research suggests that the adaptogens in mushrooms, which are thought to help your body cope with stress, may reduce the amount of cortisol you produce when under pressure. Other potential benefits include reduced inflammation and stronger immune systems.

MushroomCoffee: A Revolution in Healthy Drinks

There are plenty of mushroom-infused products on the market, including mushroom powder, instant coffee and latte blends. You can find them at health stores such as Holland & Barrett and Amazon. A popular brand called RYZE is available in a range of sizes and is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan. Another thriving start-up is Spacegoods, which offers a fortified blend that includes four different mushrooms (lion’s mane, chaga, maitake and shiitake), collagen and MCT oil and promises zero jitters or crashes.

While mushroom coffee may sound unappetizing, qualified nutritionists say that it can be a healthy alternative to regular coffee, particularly if you’re sensitive to caffeine or you want to reduce your intake. Just make sure the product you choose doesn’t contain psilocybin, which is the type of magic mushroom that contains hallucinogenic properties.