Mushroom coffee is the latest gbmushrooms.net trend with an odd name—but it’s not as strange as it sounds. The drink combines medicinal mushrooms with regular ground coffee to create an elixir that can be added to your morning cup of joe. It’s often touted for improving energy, focus and mental clarity. The benefits come from water soluble molecules known as beta-d glucans, which are usually locked up in the mushroom cell wall. To make the beverage, medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi are dried and extracted to create a powder, which is then combined with regular coffee grounds. The result is a brew that tastes similar to regular coffee, with a slightly nutty flavor. Mushroom coffee is sold in premade latte mixes and instant packets, as well as in ground form for at-home brewing.

The companies behind mushroom coffee claim their products help boost immune system function, reduce inflammation, improve sleep and reduce stress. However, research on these claims is limited. In addition, mushroom coffee is expensive compared to traditional options and may cause digestive issues for some people. If you’re considering incorporating it into your diet, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about it first.

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The elixir is a popular addition to morning rituals, with brands like Four Sigmatic and VivoLife selling it in the US. It’s also popular in the UK, where start-ups such as Spacegoods are attracting attention with their high-profile branding and technicolor packaging. But at PS40 a packet, the elixir doesn’t come cheap.