RYZE Coffee vs. Four Sigmatic: Which Coffee Alternative Tastes Best?

Find out which mushroom coffee adds convenience, flavor, and health benefits to your morning routine in this RYZE Coffee Vs. Four Sigmatic review.

The coffee game is always evolving and innovating, and new brands are constantly emerging. RYZE and Four Sigmatic are some of the latest buzzworthy brands in the coffee world.

RYZE is a Boston, MA-based coffee roaster that specializes in small-batch, artisanal mushroom coffee. Two Harvard coffee lovers (turned haters), Andree and Rashad, started RYZE after they realized drinking cup after cup of coffee was taking a toll on their health. They were looking for an alternative that would give them the benefits of coffee without the side effects, and they found it in the form of mushroom coffee.

Mushroom coffee is made by mixing arabica coffee beans with mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and king trumpet among others. In addition to the health benefits of consuming mushrooms, they also add a depth of flavor to the coffee. The company prides itself on offering medicinal mushroom blend coffee, which is purported to have intense health benefits.

The company’s coffee is organic, ethically sourced, and GMO-free. For more, read our guide explaining why mushroom coffee

Four Sigmatic is a Finnish company selling mushroom-based coffee and hot chocolate mixes. Tero, a farmer whose family dates 13 generations, founded the company. The company started out of a desire to share the benefits of mushrooms with as many people as possible.

While Four Sigmatic’s products are based on ancient Eastern medicine, the company has a modern marketing and distribution approach. Its products are sourced from everywhere around the world. Its blends only include lion’s mane and chaga in addition to organic, 100% Arabica coffee. 

The company is also committed to sustainability and uses mushrooms as a way to help the environment. Its products are organic, ethically sourced, and fair-trade certified.

If you are wondering what all the fuss is about, read our article on Why Mushroom Coffee?

What RYZE and Four Sigmatic Have In Common

Of course, the significant similarity between these two brands is that they both sell coffee with mushrooms. But there are some other similarities worth mentioning.

Various Mushrooms Used In Products

While RYZE focuses on medicinal mushrooms, Four Sigmatic also includes other varieties like chaga and lion’s mane. Lion’s mane, found in both RYZE and Four Sigmatic, is known for its cognitive benefits. RYZE, on the other hand, uses a variety of mushrooms, including Cordyceps for stamina, Reiishi for stress reduction, and Turkey Tail for gut health, among other mushrooms.

However, they do not use Chaga in its blends, a mushroom thought to be good for anti-inflammatory purposes. Although they use different mushroom blends, for those who want added health benefits, both brands have you covered.

Commitment To Sustainability

They source coffee beans from organic and fair-trade certified farms. This commitment to sustainability is part of what has made these brands so popular among conscious consumers. Its 100% Arabica beans are sustainably sourced and also known for their superior flavor, and both of these brands take advantage of that.

The end result is a cup of coffee that’s not only good for you but also tastes great.

Minimal Caffeine

In addition, both offer minimal caffeine, with RYZE containing 48 mg of caffeine and Four Sigmatic containing around 50mg of caffeine. Four Sigmatic has a higher caffeine content because it uses a higher base level of Arabica coffee. This is good for those who want to wean off coffee yet still want a strong flavor and aroma.

Four Sigmatic also comes as regular ground coffeeso you can use it in a variety of brew methods. On the other hand, RYZE comes prepackaged and can only be used as a mushroom powder combined with water.

RYZE Coffee Vs. Four Sigmatic: The Differences

Now that we’ve covered what these brands have in common, let’s examine the differences.

Mushroom Content

Four Sigmatic offers a whopping 250mg of lion’s mane and chaga (each), while RYZE offers 250mg of eight different mushrooms. So, if you’re looking for a higher mushroom content, RYZE might be the way to go. RYZE offers 2,000mg total of mushrooms, which is much higher than that of Four Sigmatic.

Health Benefits

While both brands offer health benefits, RYZE claims to be the more medicinal of the two. They use various mushrooms known for their adaptogenic properties, meaning they can help prepare your body against specific stressors. For instance, its Reishi mushroom content is said to help protect against anxiety and physical stress.

RYZE will probably be your best bet if you’re looking for coffee that’s more focused on health benefits.

Flavor

When it comes to flavor, it’s a matter of preference. Four Sigmatic’s coffee has a more pronounced coffee aroma and flavor, and can be used with various brewing methods. RYZE’s coffee has a more earthy flavor, and is best brewed using a French press.

RYZE is also more musty and is more bitter than other mushroom coffee alternative blends (probably because of its highly varied mushroom blend).

Price

When it comes to price, Four Sigmatic is the cheaper option. A bag of coffee costs $16 per month, while a bag of RYZE coffee costs $30. While both offer a discount for buying through its subscription service, Four Sigmatic is still the more affordable option.

What’s Better About RYZE?

Most people who like RYZE enjoy its higher mushroom blend content. That’s because they offer eight mushrooms while Four Sigmatic only offers 2. In addition, RYZE’s coffee is more focused on medicinal benefits.

RYZE also contains no additives, is vegan, keto-friendly, and contains MCT oil, making it creamy when mixed into hot or cold water.

If you’re looking for a coffee that will offer more health benefits, RYZE is probably the better option. In addition, they contain slightly less caffeine than Four Sigmatic. So, if you’re looking for a coffee with less caffeine, RYZE will be the better choice (although not by much).

What’s Better About Four Sigmatic?

Most people who enjoy Four Sigmatic coffee do so because they prefer its flavor. According to reviews and the company’s website itself, it tastes exactly like coffee with a bit of an Earthy and musty undertone.

Additionally, it’s more affordable than RYZE at just $16 for a 30-serving pack. You can also use it just like regular ground coffee for drip, French press, and K-cups, among other brewing methods. For those looking for a cheaper, still healthy, and hip coffee option, Four Sigmatic is probably the better brand.

Who Should Get Product RYZE (And Why)? 

RYZE is better suited to those who don’t mind spending extra time preparing its coffee. The process is simple enough, but it does require a frother (which some people might not have) or extensive stirring.

In addition, RYZE is better for those who are focused on the health benefits of mushrooms. It’s more medicinal than Four Sigmaticand contains a higher mushroom blend content. Will the flavor be like coffee? No.

Is it a healthy way to consume less coffee? Absolutely!

Who Should Get Product Four Sigmatic (And Why)? 

Four Sigmatic is better for those who want a more straightforward preparation process. Just add water and enjoy. It’s also more affordable than RYZE, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget.

Additionally, the flavor of Four Sigmatic coffee is more likely to help you stick to the routine. In addition, Four Sigmatic is more widely available, while RYZE is only found online. Overall, Four Sigmatic is an easy switch for those who want to reduce their coffee intake without giving up the flavor or convenience they love.

The Final Word On RYZE Coffee vs. Four Sigmatic

If you’re looking for a higher mushroom content, RYZE will win by a long shot! However, Four Sigmatic will provide an easy solution for those who want a convenient, healthy, and easy-to-prepare coffee. RYZE is also a good option for those who want a musty and Earthy taste. At the same time, Four Sigmatic will satisfy regular coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the same great taste of traditional coffee and traditional brewing methods.

For more, read our RYZE vs MUD/WTR coffee review.