The Best Mushroom Hot Cocoa, According to a Dietitian

Best Overall

La Republica Mushroom Hot Chocolate

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$21.99 at Amazon

La Republica describes its mushroom hot cocoa as a ‘health-conscious indulgence’—and I couldn’t agree more. Packed with seven mushrooms from high-extracted, full fruiting bodies grown outdoors, this hot cocoa delivers both flavor and function.

La Republica features quality, USDA organic ingredients and a variety of mushrooms in all their mushroom products. The brand’s unique extraction process results in mushroom extracts that are anywhere from 6 to 16 times stronger than standard extracts. This leads to better absorption for increased effectiveness.

For enhanced relaxation, ashwagandha—a natural adaptogen—has also been added to streamline your nighttime routine. While this might seem like a contradiction to the ‘energy and focus’ touted on the front of the package, I’m happy to report the calming effects took over. (I prefer to get my fungi fuel from my morning mushroom coffee, anyway.)

Function aside, this mushroom hot cocoa also passed the flavor test. In fact, I preferred the taste of this product over all the others on this list, even when mixed with water. (This was one of the few hot cocoas that recommend mixing with your preferred milk of choice.) That being said, if you prefer a ready-to-go option that is extra creamy when made with water, this might not be the best pick for you.

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Four Sigmatic Calm Organic Dark Hot Cocoa

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If you could bottle up the subtle complexity of a dark cacao chocolate bar into liquid form, this would be it. As someone who steers clear of overly sweet drinks and desserts, the rich, light flavor—which was naturally sweetened with organic monk fruit and coconut sugar—was a pleasant surprise. And apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so. With over 5,900 ratings, Four Sigmatic’s Calm Dark Chocolate is one of the top-selling mushroom hot cocoas on Amazon.

This hot cocoa features just one mushroom, but with all the magic. Dubbed ‘the mushroom of immortality’, reishi delivers both stress-relief and immune support—perfect for bedtime sipping. And with 500 milligrams of organic, fruiting body extract per serving, one mushroom is all you need.

While the jury’s still out on its touted immune support (which would be a bonus come flu season), I did notice a sense of calm as I wound down with this cocoa. Whether this was the result of me forcing a new relaxation ritual or the reishi doing its job, I’ll take it.

Four Sigmatic’s dark hot cocoa is best enjoyed by combining a heaping tablespoon with 8 fluid ounces of water. But if you’re in the mood for something creamier, you could swap the water for milk, or grab a bag of Four Sigmatic’s Calm Organic Mylk Hot Cocoa, instead.

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Laird Superfood Hot Chocolate + Functional Mushrooms

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If you’re familiar with Laird’s wide variety of mushroom products—from coffee to creamers—you already know: They. Are. Deliciously. Creamy. This mushroom hot cocoa is no exception.

When I took my first sip of Laird’s Hot Chocolate + Functional Mushrooms, I was convinced this was the winner based on flavor alone. But I had to remind myself I was testing the best mushroom hot cocoa, so naturally, it should resemble the classic treat we’ve all come to know and love. The coconut—which may add a unique richness and smoothness—is very forward and might be overpowering for some. So, while it earns top marks for an indulgent treat, it’s not necessarily the ‘best’ mushroom hot cocoa for every palate.

To be fair, Laird calls for four times the typical amount of hot chocolate mix to be combined with water, so yeah—the deliciousness checks out. But on the flip side, at just seven servings per package, that generous scoop also equates to a higher cost. It also makes this mushroom hot cocoa more calorically dense than the others on this list (roughly three to four times the number of calories). Though it’s still comparable to a typical cup mixed with milk, which isn’t needed here.

Laird’s hot chocolate contains four functional mushrooms: lion’s mane, chaga, maitake and cordyceps. This blend offers antioxidant power, mood and cognitive support, immune function and a boost of energy in every cup. It’s worth noting that Laird’s hot cocoa uses full-spectrum mushrooms, meaning it contains the whole mushroom, mycelium roots and all (which some other brands refer to as ‘filler’). This may make it less concentrated than fruiting bodies alone, but the extracts still provide functional benefits. Although I’m still forming my own verdict of the long-term benefits, I can say that it did provide a noticeable boost of energy. Online reviewers agree it’s perfect for any time of day, with one user keeping a stash at the office for a cozy, mid-day boost.

Best for Sleep

Ryze Mushroom Hot Cocoa

$44.99 at Amazon

Ryze delivers the comfort of a hot cocoa you can feel. Though it’s pricier than others on this list, this mushroom hot cocoa bundles several common sleep aids in one cup, streamlining your nighttime routine.

Ryze’s unique sleep blend features L-theanine (to promote relaxation and reduce stress), melatonin (for help falling asleep) and glycine (for deeper, more restorative sleep). And rounding out the blend is 300 milligrams of organic reishi extract—a calming adaptogenic mushroom boost to support calm and balance. As someone who already takes L-theanine, I appreciated the fact that I could now enjoy it in the convenience of a cup, alongside additional sleep support aids. It helped me unwind and have a good night’s rest, without feeling groggy the next morning.

But where it excels at sleep support, it snoozes on flavor. The taste is the most earthy and bland of the bunch, and could easily pass for a mushroom coffee (if it weren’t meant to help you sleep, that is). But on the upside, it’s the most customizable option, allowing you to add your favorite creamer, milk or sweetener to suit your taste. Think of it as a blank, cozy canvas, with endless possibilities. Need inspiration? Here are things to add to your hot cocoa.

What To Look for When Buying Mushroom Hot Cocoa

Who knew there was so much to consider when purchasing mushroom hot cocoa? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the options:

• Mushroom Type and Form: Decide what you want from your brew—relaxation (reishi), energy (cordyceps), focus (lion’s mane) or everyday immune support (chaga), just to name a few. Then, look for brands whose mushroom extracts come from full-fruiting bodies versus mycelium-based extracts (i.e. roots), for higher potency.
• Flavor: After sipping my way through multiple mushroom hot cocoas, I can confirm that the first ingredient listed on the package often dictates the flavor profile. For a more chocolaty flavor, look for cacao or cocoa powder as the first ingredient; for a creamier texture (which tends to pair well with water), look for coconut milk powder listed first; and for a sweeter taste, look for coconut sugar listed first.
• Additional Functional Ingredients: Depending on what you’re hoping to get out of your mushroom hot cocoa, some brands formulate their mixes with added benefits. Adaptogens—such as ashwagandha or L-theanine—promote stress relief, melatonin serves as a sleep aid, and other wellness boosters (zinc, glycine or chicory root) offer immune and digestion support. That being said, when it comes to ingredients, sometimes less is more! Steer clear of fillers, which can take the form of vague terms (like ‘natural flavors’) or as gum stabilizers (like xanthan gum). These fillers may dilute the functional benefits of these mixes, or indicate less ‘clean’ ingredients
• Preparation Method: While most mushroom hot cocoas call for mixing with water, some suggest milk; keep this in mind if you prefer to take your hot cocoa mix on the go.
• Price vs. Serving Size: Some brands call for larger serving sizes, which will increase the cost per cup.
• Certifications: Look for the USDA Organic seal or the Non-GMO Project Verified certifications, which indicate higher-quality sourcing.

How We Found the Best Mushroom Hot Cocoa

As a dietitian, I often get asked about the reported health benefits of mushrooms—which can range from immune-boosting properties to improved cognitive function. Some mushrooms (lion’s mane, turkey tail, shiitake and maitake) provide nutritional benefits and support immunity and brain health. Other mushrooms (reishi, chaga and cordyceps) serve as adaptogens, helping the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. While functional mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, scientific research on their intended effects—especially when consumed in beverages—is still developing. But many loyal consumers tout mushroom products as having an immediate impact on focus and energy, while others report noticeable effects after consistent consumption.

I’ll admit I thought testing mushroom hot cocoa might be tricky. Not because sipping chocolate all day is hard work, but because I wasn’t sure how I could possibly compare so many similar-tasting products. Turns out, it was easier than expected; each of the five mushroom hot cocoa brands had their own unique personality, making side-by-side testing the best way to spot—er, sip—their differences.

To level the playing field, I prepared each mix with just water (even if the package suggested milk). That way, each mushroom hot cocoa was judged on its own merits—flavor, creaminess, ability to dissolve—without outside ingredients tipping the scale.

I focused first on how well each brand delivered on the hot chocolate experience. Did it taste chocolatey and indulgent? Did it mask the mushroom flavor or lean into it? Would it appeal more to someone craving classic hot cocoa, or to a more adventurous sipper?

I also considered value and versatility: everything from ingredient quality (organic, whole mushrooms vs. fillers), preparation method (amount of mix required and whether it combines best with milk or water), how well each cocoa mix dissolved and packaging (is it easy to re-seal or take on the go?).

To compare flavor, creaminess and dissolvability, I prepared and sampled all five mushroom hot cocoas at once. And then on the following consecutive nights, I tested each one separately to test their intended effects.

Others We Tried

OM Superfood Mushroom Blend Hot Chocolate: I might have had too high of expectations for this one’s taste based on how good it smelled. While the flavor wasn’t bad, it didn’t live up to the aroma. But where it lost points for me was in the mixing—this was the only mushroom hot cocoa mix I tested that wouldn’t fully dissolve, even with a frother and a spoon.

FAQ

Does mushroom hot cocoa have caffeine?

While it depends on the brand and how it’s made, mushroom hot cocoa—unlike mushroom coffee—is typically intended to serve as a comforting beverage enjoyed as part of a nighttime wind-down. In fact, many of the brands tested for this piece contain adaptogens to promote calm and relaxation, and some go a step further and contain natural sleep-enhancing ingredients, such as L-theanine and melatonin.

That being said, most mushroom hot cocoa mixes generally combine either cocoa powder or cacao powder with functional mushrooms. Both cocoa and cacao naturally contain a small amount of caffeine (roughly 8-10 milligrams per serving), which is considerably less than that of a regular cup of coffee (which contains, on average, anywhere from 80-120 milligrams of caffeine).

How do you make mushroom hot cocoa?

Each product differs in both the amount of mix used and preparation method (whether combining with milk or water), so it’s important to follow the instructions for the mix you purchased.

Typically, most hot cocoa mixes call for combining one tablespoon of powder mix with 6-8 fluid ounces of hot water or your milk of choice, and then using a spoon or handheld frother to blend thoroughly. Water will provide a lighter flavor and texture, while milk will provide a creamier, thicker result. (Hack: Do half water and half milk for a balanced beverage that is both light and creamy). You can also experiment with adding less or more mix to your cup to suit your mood; less for a lighter cup, more for a decadent treat.

Is mushroom hot cocoa good for you?

Mushroom hot cocoa can be a cozy, antioxidant-rich beverage that provides mild functional benefits. Similar to mushroom coffee, research on the benefits of each type of mushroom used in mushroom hot cocoa is still developing. Below are the reported health benefits of each type:

• Lion’s mane: A popular adaptogenic mushroom, lion’s mane supports cognitive function, including focus, memory and mood.
• Chaga: Packed with antioxidants, chaga supports immune health and overall well-being.
• Reishi: Touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reishi promotes general health and wellness.
• Cordyceps: This adaptogen helps combat stress and fatigue. It has also been reported to boost energy and endurance.
• Turkey tail: Named after its distinctive fan-like shape, turkey tail is believed to support immune function and overall health.
• Shiitake: Packed with B vitamins, minerals and fiber, shiitake mushrooms offer immune-boosting benefits.
• Maitake: Rich in beta-glucans, maitake helps support healthy cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

As with any beverage, it’s always important to check the ingredients list. Be on the lookout for added sugars, preservatives, fillers and artificial flavors or colorings. Avoid excessive sugar (if your goal is a functional treat over an indulgence) and aim for natural sweeteners—such as coconut sugar or stevia—over refined sugar.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a culinary dietitian, I have nearly a decade of experience working with restaurants and food manufacturers to provide nutrient analysis and label consulting for thousands of menu items and retail goods. As a result, I am no stranger to scrutinizing an ingredient statement or nutrition facts label. My goal is to ensure our recommendations are quality products from reputable brands. In comparing the top mushroom hot cocoa products side by side, I’m able to discern the best flavor profiles while also evaluating each brand’s reported benefits.