Instant coffee powder may not be the first choice for those used to ground coffee, as they often feel that the flavour doesn’t match the richness of freshly ground beans brewed at home. Freshly made coffee brings that perfect aroma, flavour, and satisfying feel that instant versions sometimes fail to deliver.

For health-conscious people, mushroom coffee has become a popular choice. However, when it comes to taste, many step back. And when this mushroom coffee is available as an instant powder mix, the experience can sometimes feel disappointing — not because it actually tastes bad, but because of a few simple mistakes people make without proper knowledge, which directly affect its taste.

So, what are the most common mistakes people make while preparing instant mushroom coffee?

1. Wrong Powder-to-Water Ratio – Trying the Same Method

Many people either follow the instructions on the pack too strictly or go by what others recommend, without experimenting to find what truly suits their taste.

Using too much powder or too little water can make the coffee overly strong or weak. Instead, try a few variations to find your ideal balance. Adjusting the powder or water ratio slightly based on how light or intense you prefer your coffee can make a noticeable difference in flavour.

2. Adding Too Many Add-ons or Choosing Multiple Mushroom Variants (Reishi, Lion’s Mane)

With the idea of making their coffee tastier or healthier, people often add too many ingredients such as cinnamon or cardamom. However, this can mask the natural flavour of mushroom coffee and make it taste confusing rather than enjoyable.

Another misconception is that using a blend with multiple mushroom varieties adds extra health benefits. While each variety has its own benefits, most mushrooms share similar nutritional properties. Using several types together can often affect the taste significantly.

So, it’s best to start with a single variety and avoid multiple add-ons until you’re familiar with the coffee’s original taste.

What if you want to enjoy different varieties of mushroom coffee?

That’s absolutely fine. You can try one variety at a time, or two to three over a period — but ideally, use one product for each cup to preserve its authentic flavour.

3. Not Giving an Intense Stir

The true taste of instant coffee depends on how well the powder dissolves in water. A light stir or skipping the stir completely — as some people do out of habit from ground coffee — can leave you with a cup that tastes like hot water with a hint of coffee.

Always give the mixture a thorough, vigorous stir until the powder blends completely with the hot water. This simple step ensures that every sip carries the full flavour and aroma of the mushroom coffee.