Mud Water (or MUDWTR) is a daily coffee alternative that sells as a slightly sweet mud latte.
It can be mixed with hot water to replace your morning cup of coffee without the caffeine-induced crashes. They’ve taken over the functional mushroom coffee space with powerful influencer marketing.
How does it compare to other coffee alternatives?
Pros
- It will not cause the crashes associated with caffeine.
- It contains several ingredients proven to support your health.
Cons
- MUDWTR is an acquired taste of an earthy flavor.
- Proprietary blends mask exactly what is in each cup of MUDWTR.
- Most MUDWTR ingredients are visibly present in doses that are too low to produce the full effects.
Quick Verdict
MUDWTR makes a decent coffee alternative. However, its proprietary blend of active ingredients and acquired “earthy” taste may make you want to find an alternative.
I recommend Nootrum’s Coffee Fusion. It’s ranked my best mushroom coffee product because of its potent dose of functional mushrooms and bold flavor. If you’re looking for a coffee alternative, Nootrum has Mushroom Powder for a strong dose added to any drink you please.
MUDWTR Ingredients
MUDWTR comes in four different varieties, including Rise Matcha, Balance Turmeric, and Rest Rooibos. However, in this article, we will focus on the Original Blend, also known as Rise Cacao.
Organic Mushroom Blend
The MUDWTR Mushroom Blend consists of four organic medicinal mushrooms: Chaga, cordyceps, Lion’s mane, and reishi. It includes both the whole mushrooms and their mycelium, which is cultured on organic oats and organic sorghum [1][2][3][4].
These mushrooms can support the heart, brain, and immune system, as well as better blood flow, nerve growth, mood, sleep quality, weight loss, testicle function, and lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and lipid levels.
The problem is that all four mushrooms are lumped into a single blend, so we cannot know how much of each is present.
Further, the mushrooms are grown on gluten-free oats, and the mushroom blend may also include ground oats, which dilute the mushrooms within the blend.
Organic Cacao
Unsurprisingly, cacao extract is a core ingredient in MUDWTR Rise Cacao. Known for its bitter chocolate taste, cacao extract contains caffeine, theobromine, procyanidins, and antioxidant properties that can offer numerous benefits.
These benefits include supporting better blood flow, heart rate, insulin sensitivity, brain and heart functions, natural energy levels, workout performance, and weight loss. Unfortunately, to see these benefits, you must consume at least 500 mg of cacao extract per day [5].
While a total MUDWTR serving size of 6 grams means it is possible for this amount to be present, the lack of any stated dosages makes it impossible to know.
Organic Spice Blend
The MUDWTR Rise Cacao Organic Spice Blend contains seven organic spices: cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves.
Some of these spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and cardamom, can offer several benefits.
This includes promoting lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, weight loss, and glucose metabolism, more sustained energy levels, anxiety, depression, and joint pain, and the ability to combat poor sleep [6][7][8][9][10].
The problem is without knowing how much of each is present in MUDWTR, it is impossible to tell if they will support these benefits.
While some evidence suggests nutmeg and clove offer health benefits like supporting libido, blood flow, and nervous and digestive system health, none of these have been proven in clinical trials [11][12].
Given that we know the spice blend weighs less than 2,240 mg and spices like cinnamon and ginger need to be used in dosages of at least 1,000 mg to produce effects, it is doubtful that they will benefit you when consumed in MUDWTR.
Organic Black Tea Powder
Black tea powder is made from black tea leaves. It is a good source of caffeine and various antioxidants. It can support energy and blood levels and promote focus.
However, for black tea to produce these benefits, you need to consume at least 2.5 grams of powdered black tea leaves per day [13].
While we do not know how much black tea is present in MUDWTR, we do know it is less than 2.24 grams due to the weight of the mushroom blend and the position of black tea in the formula compared to that.
This means there is not enough present in MUDWTR to provide an effect.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan pink salt is known for its distinctive taste and pink color. It may support circulation and digestion, keep you hydrated, promote reduced stress, and support your mood and bone health.
However, with roughly 1.5 grams required to promote these benefits, the 10 mg present in each one-cup serving of MUDWTR may not be enough other than to alter the drink’s taste [14].
MUDWTR Price
MUDWTR currently retails for $60 for a 30-cup tin if you buy a single tin at a time or $40 if you sign up for a 6-tin subscription. This comes to between $1.33 and $2.00 per serving.
| Mushroom Coffee | Subscription | One Time Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| MUDWTR | $40 ($1.33 per serving) | $60 ($2.00 per serving) |
MUDWTR Benefits
Sustained Focus and Alertness
One of the primary benefits of MUD\WTR is its ability to support sustained focus and alertness throughout the day.
Thanks to the inclusion of Lion’s Mane mushroom, known for its nootropic properties, MUD\WTR can help enhance cognitive function and mental clarity without the crash often associated with caffeine-based beverages.
Natural Energy Boost
MUD\WTR provides a natural energy boost from its blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, particularly Cordyceps.
Unlike the sudden spike and subsequent crash caused by high caffeine intake, the adaptogens in MUD\WTR work to support sustained energy levels, helping you feel energized without the jitters.
Immune System Support
The blend of Chaga and Reishi mushrooms in MUD\WTR is renowned for its potential to support a healthy immune system. These adaptogenic mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and may help bolster the body’s natural defenses against various stressors and pathogens.
Antioxidant Power
In addition to the beneficial mushrooms, MUD\WTR also contains turmeric and cinnamon, two potent sources of antioxidants. These spices may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially contributing to overall well-being and vitality.
Improved Sleep Quality
Despite its energizing properties, MUD\WTR is designed to support quality sleep. With its low caffeine content (35mg per serving), MUD\WTR provides a gentle boost without disrupting your ability to fall asleep at night, ensuring you can wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
Who Is MUDWTR For?
For the Coffee Lover Seeking Balance
MUD\WTR was created for those looking to reduce their dependence on coffee and find a more balanced approach to boosting focus and energy.
While coffee can lead to energy crashes and jitters, MUD\WTR provides a gentler, sustained boost without adverse effects.
For the Health-Conscious Individual
With its 100% organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, Whole30, and kosher ingredients, MUD\WTR caters to individuals with diverse dietary preferences and lifestyles.
Whether you’re conscious about your health, following a specific diet, or simply seeking nourishing, clean ingredients, MUD\WTR is an ideal choice.
For the Wellness Enthusiast
MUD\WTR is designed for those interested in holistic wellness and seeking functional beverages supporting mental and physical well-being.
With its unique blend of adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps, as well as antioxidant-rich turmeric and cinnamon, MUD\WTR offers a wide range of potential benefits.
For the Busy Professional
If you’re a busy professional seeking sustained focus and energy without the crashes or disruptions to your sleep cycle, MUD\WTR could be the perfect solution.
Its low caffeine content (35mg per serving) provides a gentle boost, allowing you to stay alert and productive throughout the day while still being able to wind down at night.
My Experience With MUDWTR
I decided to try MUDWTR for the first time in place of my typical caffeine-infused coffee or energy drink. To put it lightly, the flavor is an acquired taste. Even mixing it with other ingredients like almond butter, honey, maple syrup, or milk did little to change the experience.
Eventually, I found that using half a tablespoon of MUDWTR and plenty of milk made it somewhat palatable.
Using this combination and having one cup in the morning and one in the afternoon, I managed to get through the tin.
I found no extra energy, no kickstart in the morning, and no noticeable health benefits. It could be because I usually have more caffeine to kickstart my day, and there isn’t enough in MUDWTR to give me the kick I need.
MUDWTR Customer Reviews
When looking at MUDWTR reviews on Trustpilot, the product currently holds a poor 2.5 out of 5 stars rating.
The positive reviews of MUDWTR generally agreed that it helps people focus better without causing the crashes that caffeine does. However, even these positive reviews say it tastes strange at best or unpleasant at worst.
When looking at the negative reviews, things don’t look good.
Most reviews say it did absolutely nothing, and many mention things like it being called MUDWTR because it has the flavor of dirty water and leaves a thick layer of sludge that looks like mud in people’s cups, even if it is mixed with milk.
How Much Caffeine Is In MUDWTR?
Here’s a table to illustrate caffeine dose by blend:
| MUDWTR Cacao (Original) | MUDWTR Matcha | MUDWTR Turmeric | MUDWTR Rooibos |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 mg | 55 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
MUDWTR Alternatives
Nootrum Coffee Fusion
Nootrum Coffee Fusion is a mushroom coffee that combines Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms with similar herbal extracts like ginger and includes these and its mushrooms in their correct dosages. Cordyceps is the important one here as it’s the actual energy booster.
This enables it to produce all the benefits that you would expect from these species while also delivering the benefits and taste that your usual brand of coffee would provide, such as improved energy levels, without the caffeine crashes.
This makes it an alternative that is truly superior to normal coffee for most people. It can be used both hot and cold. They also have a true coffee infused with mushrooms that is worth a look if you need the caffeine hit.
Elm & Rye Mushroom Complex Coffee Creamer
Elm & Rye Mushroom Complex is not a coffee, so it is not a true alternative to Nootrum Coffee Fusion. However, it is a mushroom supplement available in three forms, one of which is a coffee creamer that has a taste and texture similar to coconut milk.
This makes it an excellent option for people who aren’t looking to replace their normal mug of Morning Joe and simply want a creamer they can add to it to benefit their body in more ways and make it taste better.
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic Think Instant Coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional coffee, blending coffee with functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Chaga.
Despite being organic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, it has half the caffeine content of regular coffee. However, its efficacy and value are questioned, with some users finding it less effective than other mushroom coffees.
The product, priced between $0.90 to $1.25 per cup, offers various health benefits but may not contain adequate dosages of its key ingredients.
You can read more in my Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee review.
Summary
The company behind MUDWTR claims it’s a great coffee alternative without causing crashes. Unfortunately, I can’t say I’ll replace my regular morning coffee after trying it myself.
If you want coffee with the additional benefits of functional mushrooms, I recommend Nootrum Coffee Fusion instead.
Best Mushroom Coffee
Nootrum Coffee Fusion
Properly dosed mushroom coffee to give you the health benefits of mushrooms with your morning caffeine.
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References
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- Tuli, H. S., Sandhu, S. S., & Sharma, A. K. (2014). Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin. 3 Biotech, 4(1), 1-12.
- Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., … & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6).
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- Anh, N. H., Kim, S. J., Long, N. P., Min, J. E., Yoon, Y. C., Lee, E. G., … & Kwon, S. W. (2020). Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 12(1), 157.
- Singletary, K. (2022). Cardamom: Potential health benefits. Nutrition Today, 57(1), 38-49.
- Dhaslin, Y. F., Issac, R., & Prabha, M. L. (2019). Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and health benefits of nutmeg. Drug Invention Today, 12(1).
- Singletary, K. (2014). Clove: overview of potential health benefits. Nutrition Today, 49(4), 207-224.
- Rasheed, Z. (2019). Molecular evidences of health benefits of drinking black tea. International journal of health sciences, 13(3), 1.
- Fayet-Moore, F., Wibisono, C., Carr, P., Duve, E., Petocz, P., Lancaster, G., … & Blumfield, M. (2020). An analysis of the mineral composition of Pink Salt available in Australia. Foods, 9(10), 1490.
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