They’re Selling Mushroom Coffee 

They’re Selling Mushroom Coffee  A New England-based functional mushroom brand now offers coffee packed with wellness benefits. “North Spore was launched in 2014 by a mycologist, an organic farmer and a photojournalist—three college friends brought together through their shared love of the mycological world,” says Brenna Heaps, North Spore Customer Service Manager. “What began as simple love for mushroom foraging and cultivation quickly developed into an obsession with all things fungi. From there, an urban mushroom farm was born.” North Spore’s products are based on science. The company grew tired of the “snake-oil” hype surrounding the mushroom industry and aimed to highlight the real, evidence-based benefits that functional mushrooms can offer. “We’ve developed into a one-stop shop for mushroom enthusiasts,” Heaps says. “Our expertise in the field has made our wellness line a trusted source for medicinal mushroom products, and mushroom coffee is an awesome way to seamlessly integrate medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine without changing your normal habits. It’s a win-win.” The company kept mushroom coffee in their staff room, but couldn’t find a brand that offered great taste without questionable additives. “Our Head of Functional Mushroom Products, Tanya Donatelli, worked with a local roasting company to find the perfect bean, roast and mushroom combination for this coffee,” Heaps says. “There were several taste tests and versions before we agreed upon this final formula. We wanted it to be versatile enough for all coffee drinkers, so we settled on a medium-roast bean from Nicaragua combined with our signature mushroom blend to provide a smooth, bright, umami flavor and tons of benefits.” The coffee is described as “smooth and grounding,” with an energy lift that doesn’t spike and crash. Each serving provides 500 mcg of fruiting body extracts from the company’s Functional 5 Mushroom Blend. This includes five distinct mushrooms: Lion’s Mane (enhances focus and cognitive clarity), Cordyceps (supports endurance and stamina), Reishi (maintains emotional balance), Chaga (rich in antioxidants) and Turkey Tail (provides a prebiotic super-fuel for a healthy gut microbiome). The company uses only 100% fruiting body extracts, never grain-grown mycelium. “Our mushroom coffee is locally roasted, fair trade, single origin and made with organic beans,” Heaps says. “We use third-party tested organic mushroom extracts and provide a supplement facts panel, so people know exactly what they’re getting. There are no fillers or mycelial-based products—just organic coffee beans and organic extracts.”  While some mushroom coffees taste bitter, North Spore’s coffee offers a smooth, full-bodied flavor. Customer reviews say that the coffee tastes great and makes them feel energized, even after being skeptical from trying different brands. Others mentioned they love the “well-balanced and smooth taste” along with the sustained energy it provides. They appreciated the ability to drink multiple cups in a day without feeling jittery. The organic ground coffee works with any brewing method. For the best flavor, the company recommends using 1.5 to 2 Tbsp. per 6 oz. of filtered water. “We have a variety of products that all work really well together,” Heaps says. Earth Nectar is a new product featuring mushroom-infused wildflower honey with functional mushrooms. “It pairs really well with our coffee and offers a fun way to get your daily dose of shrooms.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, North Spore, 921 Riverside St., Portland, Maine 04103 (info@northspore.com; www.northspore.com).

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