Mud WTR Review

Mud WTR is the most popular coffee alternative on the market, and it promises energy without the crash, but is MUD WTR just a placebo? Well, unfortunately that may be a possibility, it’s not that mushroom coffees can’t work to boost energy, just the dosing in Mud WTR does mean that it’s most likely well below the threshold for compounds like cordycepin to (the energy booster in cordyceps) to actually do their thing.

It’s a shame, because the idea is really good, the execution is just mediocre. And of course, they have a great marketing team and lovely design, which is part of the appeal. But, Mud WTR also fails in terms of taste, managing to taste like you’re drinking as it is named dirt. The thing is it, doesn’t have to be this way as plenty of it’s competitors have shown. Generally we recommend Nootrum Powder, it standardizes the ingredients that boost energy so you do actually get enough, although it does contain some matcha, so it’s not 100% caffeine free, but then again, neither is Mud WTR.

What is Mud WTR?

Mud WTR is made from a mix of lion's mane and cordyceps, adaptogens such as ashwagandha, turmeric, cacao, and chai spices. The idea is to give you sustained energy and focus without the jitters or crash associated with caffeine. While it does contain a small amount of caffeine from chai tea, it’s significantly less than a regular coffee, allowing for a milder energy boost. And if you’re hoping that cacao will cover over the turmeric, you’d be mistaken.

Mud WTR Ingredients & Dosing Concerns

Here’s a closer look at some of the key ingredients in Mud WTR—and where it falls short.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s great for joint health and overall wellness. However, effective doses of curcumin, an extract which only makes up 8% of turmeric typically needs to be in the range 500 mg to 2,000 mg per day to do anything. Mud WTR does has 420mg of turmeric in each serving, but this is not curcumin, so this is way too low. Also it’s generally better with an absorption aid, and Mud WTR not only doesn’t provide an effective dose, but has nothing to aid in absorption.

2. Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's mane is one of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms, known for promoting cognitive function and nerve regeneration. But there’s a catch: the active compounds responsible for its cognitive benefits, erinacines, are not standardized in Mud WTR. Without a standardized amount of erinacines, you need grams and grams of lion’s mane for it’s unique benefits. It will likely have the beta glucans that will improve immunity, but the lion’s mane specific benefits, such as the ones that boost cognitive performance aren’t likely to happen with Mud WTR. And even then at 560mg, it would be a bit low if beta glucans weren't common across the other mushrooms.

3. Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps is renowned for its potential to improve energy and endurance, making it a logical addition to a morning beverage. However, like lion’s mane, cordyceps is only effective when it contains the right active compounds, primarily cordycepin. And again we have the exact same issue as we have with Lion’s Mane.

4. Cacao and Chai Spices

The cacao and chai spices add flavor and offer some antioxidant benefits, but they don’t contribute much in terms of energy or focus. Cacao provides a small boost in mood, but without higher doses, it’s unlikely to make a noticeable impact. As for the chai spices, they’re mainly for taste, but even then there isn’t enough for that.

5. Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is often included for its antioxidant properties and potential immune support. It’s rich in polysaccharides and other compounds that may help the body combat oxidative stress. However, like the other mushrooms in Mud WTR, chaga isn't standardized for its active compounds. Without a standardized extract, it's hard to gauge if you're getting a therapeutic dose, as effective amounts are usually higher than what's typically included in drink mixes like this.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon adds a pleasant warmth and spiciness to Mud WTR, enhancing its flavor profile. While cinnamon does contain antioxidants and has some blood sugar-regulating properties, the amount present in Mud WTR is likely a little on the low side metabolic benefits. It’s also worth noting that cinnamon doesn’t really do anything for none diabetics according to the studies. Instead, it functions mainly as a flavoring agent here, rather than a functional ingredient. Also you'd need twice as much as is in Mud WTR.

7. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi is known as a calming adaptogen and it’s typically used to support relaxation and stress management. It contains triterpenoids and beta-glucans that may help boost the immune system. However, similar to the other mushrooms in Mud WTR, and you’ll probably get enough of the beta glucans, but not the unique combination.

Customer Reviews of Mud/WTR

Most of these are actually pretty good, and I did used to like MUD/WTR myself so I can see why, there's just better options on the market now. 

What Does Mud WTR Taste Like?

Mud WTR has a distinct earthy taste, you do get used to it, but I wouldn’t describe it as good. Their matcha is a lot better, but that’s not what this review is about. Most of the flavor is largely due to the mushrooms and turmeric, with a bit of spice from chai. You’d have hoped for more cacao, but unfortunately no.

While some claim they find the flavor satisfying, it’s somewhat questionable how honest they’ll be.

Realistically you’ll need a sweetener or milk alternative to improve the taste. It’s not a direct coffee flavor replacement, so expect an adjustment period if you’re switching from a standard cup of coffee.

Pros and Cons of Mud WTR

Pros:

• Lower caffeine content (ideal for those sensitive to caffeine).
• Contains several adaptogens and mushrooms known for health benefits.
• May provide a mild energy boost without jitters.

Cons:

• Lack of transparency around ingredient doses.
• Non-standardized extracts mean uncertain efficacy, especially for lion’s mane and cordyceps.
• Turmeric dosage likely too low to deliver anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Expensive for the quantity and potency of ingredients provided.

Mud/WTR Review Conclusion

Overall, Mud WTR has an appealing concept and includes some beneficial ingredients, but the lack of transparency and low dosing of critical components make it difficult to fully endorse as an effective coffee replacement or as a mushroom supplement. For those sensitive to caffeine or looking to try adaptogens, it might offer some mild benefits. However, if you’re serious about reaping the benefits of lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turmeric, you may be better off opting for supplements that provide standardized extracts with proven dosages.

In conclusion, Mud WTR can be a decent starting point, but those looking for maximum efficacy might find it falls short of its claims, we'd recommend getting a standarized alternative like Nootrum.