MUD\WTR Review: Pros, Cons, Effectiveness, and Safety

What Is MUD\WTR?

MUD\WTR is a powdered coffee alternative made from powdered mushrooms, cacao, black tea, and several spices.

It contains some caffeine from the cacao and black tea, but much less than traditional coffee.

The suggested serving size of MUD\WTR is one tablespoon mixed into about 8-ounces of hot water. Sweetener and creamer can be added if desired. 

MUD\WTR claims it will give you natural energy and improve focus, much like a morning cup of coffee but without any unwanted side effects, like jitteriness and anxiety, from high intakes of caffeine.

MUD\WTR also claims its ingredients are antioxidant-rich and can help support memory, mood, immune function, digestion, and the body’s response to inflammation.

The company also manufactures a powdered creamer made from coconut milk and MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil.

Evaluation of Ingredients

Many of the ingredients in MUD\WTR have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The amount of each ingredient is not provided.

Although the ingredients are rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that are believed to support overall health, research on the health benefits in humans is limited.

Organic Mushroom Blend

The mushroom blend consists of chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps sourced from Om Organics, a mushroom farm located in California.

This class of mushrooms isn’t like the white button variety found at your grocery store. These are not the common type of cooking mushrooms, they are usually found in dietary supplements.

The mushrooms in MUD\WTR are considered medicinal or functional mushrooms.

Sometimes these mushrooms are referred to as adaptogens, which are plant-based ingredients that help your body adapt to the daily stressors in life.

All four varieties in MUD\WTR have a history of use in traditional and folk medicine.

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-aging qualities.

They also exhibit the ability to lower blood sugar and boost heart health.

However, most of the evidence to support these claims are test tubes or animal studies.

A systematic review of available animal studies concluded that those with impaired cognitive function may benefit from the consumption of reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps.

Both test tube and human trials indicate lion’s mane supports brain health and mood and may improve mild cognitive impairments that come with aging.

One study suggests cordyceps improves physical fitness by increasing the amount of oxygen the body uses during exercise.

More trials involving human participants are needed to understand the health benefits of these mushrooms better.

Organic Cacao

Cacao is the main ingredient in dark chocolate. It’s rich in antioxidants, flavanols, and polyphenols, which are credited with decreasing inflammation and preventing disease.

Cacao contains some caffeine and theobromine, a stimulant that is thought to behave like caffeine in the brain.

The findings on theobromine are mixed: some studies have found it has no significant effect on mood or focus.

The flavanol content of cacao is linked to improved cognitive function.

The antioxidant content of cacao prevents the breakdown of tryptophan, which may benefit mood since tryptophan is needed to produce serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter.

Organic Spice Blend

The spice blend in MUD\WTR is inspired by chai tea and contains cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves.

These spices are loaded with antioxidants, have been used in traditional medicine for many years, and regular consumption can benefit health in several ways.

Research has found cinnamon helps improve fasting blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Cloves also appear to have an anti-diabetic effect and may help promote normal blood sugar levels.

Turmeric contains curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used to improve symptoms of joint pain and support the immune system.

A systematic review of human studies concluded turmeric and curcumin supplementation doesn’t reduce levels of inflammatory markers in individuals with diagnosed chronic inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can ease digestive troubles.

Black Tea

Black tea contains caffeine, which can help energize and improve mental focus. Its caffeine content is less than coffee.

Tea also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help boost immunity and protect against aging, inflammation, and chronic illness.

Side Effects, Safety, and Dosage

There are no major safety concerns for most healthy people. The ingredients are considered generally safe with very few side effects.

However, it’s still a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider before trying this product, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying health issue.

Although this product contains less caffeine than other caffeinated drinks, like coffee and some teas, it may still be enough to avoid for individuals who are very sensitive to caffeine or experience caffeine-induced migraine headaches.

The blood sugar lowering effect is one of the reported health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and cinnamon.

If this product has the potential to lower blood sugar levels, individuals with type 2 diabetes need to be aware it may interfere with diabetes medications and lead to hypoglycemia. 

MUD/WTR is certified organic by the USDA and labeled non-GMO.

Cost and Where to Buy

MUD\WTR is available only from the brand’s website. It’s available as a 1-month or 90-day supply.

A 1-month tin of MUD\WTR is priced at $50 plus the cost of shipping.

Each serving costs roughly $1.66, which is less than grabbing a beverage from your local barista but more than making your own cup of coffee at home.

If you buy it on auto-ship, the price is discounted to $40 with free shipping—a 20% savings.

MUD\WTR is also available in a 90-serving bag for $125 or $100 on auto-ship.

There are also boxes containing 15 sachets of MUD\WTR, which may be ideal for keeping stashed in your desk at work, for $30 or $24 on auto-ship.

MUD/WTR isn’t backed by any money-back guarantee, and only unopened products can be returned for a refund.

Comparison to Alternatives

You can find mushroom supplements in powdered and tablet form in most supplement aisles.

These products often contain a blend of medicinal mushroom extracts, including chaga, reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shiitake, and turkey tail.

Mushroom powders can be added to any beverage, like coffee, tea, or smoothies.

There are also several varieties of “mushroom coffee” on the market that are blends of ground coffee beans and mushroom powders.

These products are less expensive than MUD\WTR but also contain more caffeine, fewer mushroom varieties, and lack MUD\WTR’s spice blend.

One of the more recognizable mushroom coffee brands is Four Sigmatic. It’s made from organic Arabica coffee beans and 250 mg each of lion’s mane and chaga mushroom powders.

MUD\WTR doesn’t indicate the amount of mushroom powder it contains, nor the quantity of each variety of mushroom.

The Bottom Line

A serving of MUD\WTR contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee, making it a good option for anyone who experiences negative side effects from consuming too much caffeine.

It may also be a good option for individuals who don’t like the flavor of coffee but still want to start their day with a warm drink.

Consuming functional foods like medicinal mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years for good health.

Although evidence in humans is limited, mushrooms may help improve cognitive function and provide a boost of energy.