MUD/WTR vs. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee: Which Coffee Alternative is Better?

Are you struggling to choose between MUD/WTR vs. Four Sigmatic to replace coffee? We’ve detailed what you need to know about mushroom coffee to decide. 

MUD/WTR vs. Four Sigmatic
Image source: Mud\WTR & Four Sigmatic

Like most Americans, I love drinking coffee. The caffeine jolts my brain with electric energy, bringing focus and drive. But it also brings adverse side effects like jitters, anxiety, and a crash.

The majority of coffee drinkers average three cups per day. According to the Washington Post, caffeine addiction has reached an all-time high, with over a thousand people a year getting hospitalized from withdrawal.

More and more caffeine-addicted people are seeking coffee alternatives. Mushrooms offer a cleaner way to get locked in and be productive; the most popular options are MUD/WTR and Four Sigmatic. This MUD/WTR vs. Four Sigmatic guide will help you determine which is right for you.

What Are MUD/WTR And Four Sigmatic?

MUD/WTR contains organic ingredients with a blend of mushroom powders and spices. It has an earthy texture that needs a lot of stirring. They sell a little electric-powered frother on their website to aid in stirring.

MUD\WTR starts at $40

Also, you can buy their starter kit, which comes with the USB rechargeable frother, a guidebook, a sample of their creamer, a sample of their sweetener, and some stickers.

MUD/WTR offers only two products—one with caffeine and one without. The caffeine version, labeled Rise, contains masala Chai, Chaga, lion’s mane, cacao, reishi, cordyceps, turmeric, cinnamon, and sea salt. They have a caffeine-free version, Rest, which contains rooibos, chai, turmeric, cinnamon, and functional adaptogens and herbs to promote relaxation and calm.

Four Sigmatic has several different products; their coffee contains lion’s mane mushrooms (for focus) and Chaga mushrooms (for immune system support). They have instant coffee and bean coffee options depending on preference and price limit, and they also sell organic protein powder mixed with functional mushrooms.

Check out our MUD/WTR vs. Ka’Chava guide.

Four sigmatic mushroom coffee review
Four Sigmatic

They call it Four Sigmatic because each sigma represents one standard deviation away from average on a graph. In other words, they are saying that their mushroom coffee drinks are four levels above average products.

What Do MUD/WTR And Four Sigmatic Have In Common?

MUD/WTR and Four Sigmatic are both coffee alternatives containing spices and mushrooms, particularly Chaga mushrooms and lion’s mane. They both contain less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. 

Chaga mushroom cut in pieces and used as a coffee ingredient
Chaga mushroom

You might also be interested in our fermented tea explainer. 

MUD/WTR vs. Four Sigmatic: The Differences 

MUD/WTR Four Sigmatic
Contains masala chai, cocoa, reishi, cordyceps, cinnamon, turmeric, and salt. Contains Rhodiola.
Does not contain real coffee. Contains real coffee.
Less caffeine – 35 mg More caffeine – 50 mg.
Does not taste like coffee. It tastes like coffee.
Has a gritty texture. Has a smoother texture.

What’s Better About MUD/WTR? 

MUD/WTR contains an additional mushroom ingredient and spices that are supposed to aid in overall wellness. It is more of a true coffee replacement because of its reduced caffeine content.

MUD/WTR has a unique taste and can be made almost instantly. You need to heat some water, which only takes a minute or two, in the microwave. 

What’s Better About Four Sigmatic? 

Four Sigmatic is a little cheaper, and it has more caffeine. They provide a wider variety of products that cater to your every wellness need. Four Sigmatic tastes identical to real coffee, while MUD/WTR is an acquired flavor.

Who Should Get MUD/WTR (And Why)?

MUD/WTR is better for those who prefer tea over coffee. 

If you need caffeine to be productive but suffer from the adverse side effects of caffeine, this option is better for giving you the natural energy boost you need. MUD/WTR has 35 mg of caffeine, while a standard cup of coffee contains 90 mg of caffeine. The caffeine comes from Masala Chai—an organic black tea.

The morning cup gave me a slight natural energy boost at 9 a.m. without any heart pounding or jitters. My increased focus lasted into the afternoon. My taste buds aren’t picky, so I liked the taste, but it’s not for everyone. 

You might find our comprehensive MUD/WTR review helpful.

Who Should Get Four Sigmatic (And Why)?

If you have specific objectives with your diet, this option is for you. Also, if you love coffee and can’t ever let it go, then Four Sigmatic is the best option to get your fix without so much caffeine. Its long-lasting energy should reduce your need for additional cups of coffee.

The additional health benefits of lion’s mane and Chaga mushrooms are indisputable.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.