These Adaptogenic Mushroom Chocolate And Ice Cream Pack A Ton Of Health Benefits And Are So Delish (2024)

A mainstay of Eastern healing practices for millennia, adaptogenic mushrooms are now popping up in lattes, energy bars, you name it. These products, which typically feature a mix of different types of adaptogenic mushrooms (think: lion's mane, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps), promise to boost your energy, improve your mood, and promote relaxation.

Research on these caps are still in its early stages, so do they have legit health benefits. And with so many choices out there, it's hard to know where to start. WH finds out if the potential benefits support the price tag and the best adaptogenic mushroom products currently on the market.

Meet the expert: Mary Ellen Phipps, RDN, is the owner of Milk & Honey Nutrition and author of The Easy Diabetes Desserts Cookbook.

First off, what are adaptogens and adaptogenic mushrooms?

Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and mushrooms used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. They are thought to help your body “adapt” to physical, chemical, and biological stressors (think: exercise, pollution, anxiety). And mushrooms in particular can now be found in everything from trail mix to ice cream.

“Adaptogenic mushrooms may support quality sleep, reduce feelings of fatigue, calm the nervous system, and help muscle healing after intense physical activity,” says Mary Ellen Phipps, RDN, the author of The Easy Diabetes Desserts Cookbook.

What exactly are the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms?

Each type offers a different perk: Lion’s mane may be important in achieving neurocognitive benefits, while cordyceps has antioxidant potential, per research. Other research suggests reishi promotes relaxation, chaga boasts anti-inflammatory properties, and turkey tail might even protect against the flu.

More studies are needed, but these preliminary findings—plus fungi’s long history as a natural healer—are promising. TBH, you’ll want to snack on the ’shrooms (at right) just for flavor alone.

Are adaptogenic mushrooms safe to use?

While most people can enjoy these eats no problem, Phipps recommends talking to your doc before tasting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a condition such as low blood pressure.

If your health care provider has given you the green light (or you don't need one) and you don't know where to start, here's a list of adaptogenic mushroom products WH has tried and loved. They'll make a delicious and nutritious addition to your wellness routine.