As January's long, dark mornings test our resolve, many Brits reach for caffeine-laden beverages to kickstart their day. However, a growing number are exploring alternatives to standard coffee, often encountering products filled with fillers and marketing hype rather than genuine benefits.
The Search for a Clean Caffeine Alternative
Enter MOGU, a self-care brand offering organic drink blends and capsules designed to replace traditional morning coffee. The company claims to use only the highest quality organic superfoods, including Matcha, cacao, and functional mushrooms, to support focus, provide steady energy, and promote calmness for those with hectic lifestyles.
MOGU's products feature minimalist ingredients lists, aiming to help busy individuals reclaim their daily rhythm. Whether users need morning focus or evening relaxation, these blends are formulated to support them throughout the day.
Rave Reviews for Mushroom-Based Blends
The brand's drinks have garnered enthusiastic reviews online, with the popular Mushroom Matcha particularly impressing shoppers. Currently holding a perfect five-star rating, this product retails for £45 (usually £60) and contains ingredients designed to provide sustained energy, metabolic support, and antioxidant defence without the subsequent crash associated with caffeine.
One woman in her 50s shared her experience with the Mushroom Matcha: "I love the natural energy and skin boost this gives me. I pair it with collagen and coconut milk. It's delicious and full of benefits."
Beyond Matcha: Coffee and Cacao Options
For those who aren't Matcha enthusiasts, MOGU offers Mushroom Coffee, retailing for £60 but currently discounted to £45. This low-acid coffee and functional mushroom formula aims to provide continuous focus while containing antioxidants to support the body's defences.
One satisfied customer praised this option: "One of the best tasting mushroom coffees I've tried. Gentle on the stomach and I'm sleeping better as well. I tried probably three brands so far - most taste like cardboard with barely any mushrooms in them. This is really high quality and I feel energised for the day."
Cacao lovers haven't been forgotten either. MOGU's Mushroom Cacao, available for £45 using a discount code (was £60), contains ingredients thought to promote relaxation while replenishing hydration and supporting the body's natural healing cycle.
One enthusiastic purchaser described the cacao blend: "Wow wow wow...this is my second order. Beautiful ingredients, packaging, and really premium quality. I felt instantly relaxed after drinking it and have been sleeping so well on the nights I have it in the evening."
The Wider Market for Functional Mushroom Products
Beyond MOGU's range, other high street options include DIRTEA's Mushroom Coffee at £23, containing Lion's Mane mushroom thought to support focus and energy. For those preferring capsules to beverages, Unfabled's Mushroom Superblend Capsules (120s) retail for £24.99 at Boots.
MOGU's complete range includes additional products like Lion's Mane Capsules (£32, was £40) that eliminate drink preparation fuss, and Collagen Creamer (£26, was £30) formulated to support skin health, described as "perfection" by one reviewer.
Considerations for Potential Buyers
While these functional mushroom drinks offer promising benefits, it's worth noting that not all products will suit every palate. Additionally, MOGU's range sits at a relatively high price point compared to traditional instant coffee.
For those seeking to move away from conventional caffeine sources while prioritising clean ingredients and potential health benefits, mushroom-based alternatives present an increasingly popular option. As consumer interest in functional foods continues to grow, these products represent the intersection of wellness and daily ritual for health-conscious Brits.
