Mushroom coffee in Seattle? Surprisingly drinkable

Yes, but: When Axios Seattle coauthor Christine Clarridge and I were wandering downtown Seattle last week, we saw a sign outside Plantiful's location on First Avenue advertising their blend of mushroom coffee. We decided to try it.

What to expect: Plantiful makes both iced and hot versions of its Shroom D'cafe drinks.

• We got one of each — and neither was gross. More like ... slightly earthier coffee. I actually couldn't stop sipping mine as I walked through the city.

Zoom in: Because the blend contains arabica coffee, it still has some caffeine — but it also includes four types of mushrooms: lion's mane, chaga, reishi and cordyceps.

• UCLA health experts note that one benefit of mushroom coffee may be that it delivers a lower dose of caffeine, helping reduce daytime jitters and improve nighttime sleep quality. That's in addition to possible (but unproven) effects such as reducing stress and inflammation.

• One potential downside is the cost: $7.50 for a 16-ounce drink.

If you go: The mushroom lattes come sweetened with agave, which I wasn't expecting. (I normally take my coffee without sugar.)

• The company told me its 16-ounce iced mushroom latte has about 210 calories, while a 16-ounce hot drink has about 280 calories.
• Plantiful also has locations in South Lake Union, Capitol Hill and Lynnwood.