Chagaccino: How to Make the Mushroom Latte Recipe

For many of us, self-care means taking time to savor your morning coffee. Want to take that a little further? Make room in your mug for the "chagaccino," where the hustle of your morning coffee meets the earthy, organic palette of nature's apothecary in one delicious drink.

From biohackers and botanists to your local barista, people are talking about this new take on the classic latte, which adds wellness to your morning ritual thanks to the addition of powdered chaga mushrooms. As an adaptogen with antioxidant activity, this functional fungus has been touted for its health-promoting properties, including supporting immune health, making mushrooms the perfect addition to your coffee cup.

We get it: coffee and mushrooms might not be your first choice for breakfast. If anything were to change your mind about that, though, it's this recipe.

This isn't a "close your eyes, pinch your nose, and chug a mouthful" type of wellness drink. Although you may not typically think of the two as sweethearts, mushrooms and coffee make a lovely pair.

The inherent bitter notes of coffee are smoothed by the earthy depth of mushrooms. This creates a rounded, more complex taste with a comforting mouth feel. Both the roasted coffee beans and the dried mushrooms have toasty and caramel-like undertones. Add some warm spices, and you've got a new favorite way to get your caffeine fix.

What is a chagaccino?

A chagaccino is simply a coffee latte that includes chaga mushroom powder. Imagine your average morning coffee ventured off, backpacked in the Smoky Mountains, and came back all the wiser. That's how I'd introduce the chagaccino.

Luckily, no nature retreat is required. You can make this latte from the comfort of your kitchen in just a few simple steps. (With one sip, though, you may find yourself daydreaming of your next adventure!)

Chagaccino Recipe

Wellness meets indulgence with this easy-to-make latte recipe. In less than 5 minutes, you can upgrade your morning routine.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or Rainforest Blend Coffee)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp unsweetened cacao powder
• 1 tsp chaga mushroom powder
• ¾ cup skim milk (or milk substitute)

Preparation

1. Brew the espresso. You can easily substitute 3 oz. of your favorite coffee.
2. Heat the milk. Warm ¾ cup of your preferred milk in a small saucepan or machine frother. (Do not bring to a boil.)
3. Mix the powders. In your mug, combine ground cinnamon, unsweetened cacao powder and chaga powder.
4. Create a paste. Splash 1-2 tbsp of heated milk into the mug with your dry ingredients. Stir to form a smooth paste.
5. Add the espresso and remaining milk. Pour in the espresso shot (or coffee) and the heated milk. Stir thoroughly.
6. Garnish and sweeten to taste. Lastly, add your optional sweeteners or a sprinkle of cacao or cinnamon. Make it your own and enjoy!

Nutritional Values

Serving size: 1 cup

• Calories: 86
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13.5 g
• Fiber: 2.3 g
• Sugar: 9 g

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes.

What kind of mushrooms are best for your chagaccino?

The chagaccino uses chaga mushrooms, a type of fungus grown on birch trees in cold climates. This antioxidant-rich fungus is included in dietary supplements that support immune health and promote a robust immune response.

Chaga is often used in supplements and powders with other mushroom varieties, such as reishi, shiitake and maitake, for added health benefits.

How do you make a chagaccino taste good?

This latte has a neutral flavor profile with low sweetness, which makes it naturally customizable. Don't hesitate to make it your own.

• Open your spice cabinet. The warm, comforting profile of the chagaccino can be complemented by nutmeg, cardamom, clove, or even a pinch of salt.
• Sweeten to taste. If you like a sweeter coffee, add honey, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit. If you are feeling fancy, top with whipped cream or a cinnamon stick.
• Choose a high-quality chaga powder. Look for mushroom powders that include reishi or lion's mane to get additional immune health and cognitive health support.
• Explore milk options. Feel free to swap skim milk with your preferred milk substitute. Pistachio or almond milk can play into chaga's nutty undertones, while coconut or whole milk create a creamier texture.
• Add a touch of mocha. Consider adding extra cacao powder or dark chocolate syrup to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Use an antioxidant-rich coffee. Select a roast that preserves coffee's healthy antioxidant polyphenols and retains the compounds that are easy on the stomach.

Can I make an iced chagaccino?

Fortunately, making an iced chagaccino only requires two extra steps. Allow your hot chagaccino to cool for 5-10 minutes, then pour the latte over a fresh glass of ice. You can also shake the latte with ice in a mason jar or shaker to flash chill.

Does a chagaccino get you enough chaga mushrooms?

Adding mushroom powder to your coffee is a delicious way to start your morning off strong, but a daily supplement may be a better option for immune health. Supplements deliver standardized doses of clinically studied ingredients and are easy to take any time of day, without the caffeine kick of a chagaccino.

The best mushroom supplements will include a blend of whole dried mushrooms to effectively support a balanced immune response. Certain mushrooms have also been studied to promote cognitive health and mood.

Does a chagaccino have caffeine?

Yes. One serving includes an espresso shot, which generally has about 63 milligrams of caffeine. For those looking to avoid the coffee buzz, mud water is a caffeine-free alternative that also provides your antioxidants and adaptogens all in one cup.

References

• Ahmad R, et al. "Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) an edible mushroom; a comprehensive and critical review of its nutritional, cosmeceutical, mycochemical, pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological properties." Phytother Res. November 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34411377/
• Cha S, et al. "A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan." Neurosci Biobehav Rev. March 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38246232/
• Fordjour E, et al. "Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential." Front Pharmacol. December 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38116085/
• "Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®)–Patient Version." National Cancer Institute. July 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/mushrooms-pdq
• "Reishi Mushroom: Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More." Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom