Mushroom coffee is having a moment right now—not only do they add umami to savory foods but they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But one way they’re being touted is in mushroom coffee, an emerging beverage trend that blends traditional coffee with medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, and lion’s mane. The brew is said to offer more energy, better focus and immune-boosting benefits than regular coffee. But do the claims stack up?

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in medicine for centuries and are considered adaptogens, substances that help the body cope with stress. Proponents of mushroom coffee claim that the adaptogens in the drink reduce cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to anxiety and inflammation. They also claim that the drink helps people sleep better and improves mental clarity and focus.

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Most mushroom coffees contain both ground and extract-based ingredients, as well as herbal supplements like ashwagandha and amino acids such as L-theanine. It’s important to read labels carefully, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

For example, if you have kidney disease, look for products that avoid chaga mushrooms because they’re high in oxalates. Oxalates can stick to calcium and form kidney stones. Also, if you take medication for blood pressure or diabetes, check with your doctor before drinking mushroom coffee because some medicinal mushrooms can lower these medications. And if you’re allergic to mushrooms, the fungi may cause an unpleasant reaction such as a dry mouth, dizziness or rash.