MUDWTR Original Review 2026

What Is MUD\WTR Original?

MUD\WTR :rise Original is the flagship product from MUD\WTR (pronounced "mud water"), a Los Angeles-based company that set out to create a healthier alternative to coffee. Launched in 2018, the brand has grown from a garage startup to one of the most recognized names in the functional beverage space, and :rise Original is the product that started it all.

At its core, MUD\WTR Original is a blend of organic cacao, masala chai spices, and four functional mushrooms — Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps. With only 35mg of caffeine per serving (compared to 90-100mg in a typical cup of coffee), it is designed to give you sustained energy and mental clarity without the jitters, anxiety, or afternoon crash that many coffee drinkers experience.

The idea is simple but compelling: what if your morning drink could do more than just wake you up? What if it could actually support your brain, your immune system, and your energy levels throughout the entire day? That is the promise of MUD\WTR Original, and after extensive testing, we believe it largely delivers.

Ingredients Breakdown

One of the things that sets MUD\WTR apart from competitors is the transparency and quality of its ingredient list. Everything in the tin is USDA Organic certified, and the formula is both vegan and Whole30 Approved. Here is what you are getting in each tablespoon:

The Mushroom Blend (2,240mg per serving)

The functional mushroom blend is the star of the show, delivering a combined 2,240mg of four well-researched mushroom species:

• Lion's Mane: Often called the "smart mushroom," Lion's Mane has been the subject of multiple studies examining its potential to support nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which plays a role in cognitive function, memory, and focus. Many MUD\WTR users report improved mental clarity after consistent use.
• Chaga: Known as the "king of mushrooms," Chaga grows on birch trees in cold climates and is exceptionally rich in antioxidants. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support immune function and overall vitality.
• Reishi: Called the "mushroom of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is an adaptogen that may help the body manage stress. It is also studied for its potential immune-modulating properties and its ability to support restful sleep.
• Cordyceps: Traditionally prized for supporting energy and physical endurance, Cordyceps is popular among athletes and active individuals. Research suggests it may help improve oxygen utilization and ATP production at the cellular level.

Cacao and Chai Spices

Beyond the mushrooms, MUD\WTR Original gets its distinctive flavor from organic cacao and a masala chai spice blend that includes cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves. The cacao provides a rich chocolate base, while the chai spices add warmth and complexity. Turmeric and black pepper work synergistically — piperine in black pepper enhances curcumin absorption from turmeric by up to 2,000%.

Black Tea Powder and Himalayan Pink Salt

The modest caffeine content (35mg) comes from organic black tea powder, which also provides L-theanine — an amino acid that promotes calm alertness. A pinch of Himalayan pink salt rounds out the flavor and provides trace minerals.

Taste and Preparation

Let us be upfront: MUD\WTR does not taste like coffee. If you go in expecting your usual cup of joe, you will be surprised. What it does taste like is a rich, earthy, slightly spicy chocolate drink with warm chai undertones. Think of it as a cross between hot chocolate and chai tea, with a subtle earthiness from the mushrooms.

Preparation is straightforward. Add one tablespoon of the powder to 8-12 ounces of hot water, then stir or — and this is important — use a frother. A handheld milk frother transforms MUD\WTR from a gritty, somewhat flat drink into a smooth, creamy, almost latte-like experience. We strongly recommend investing in a frother if you do not already own one. MUD\WTR sells their own, but any handheld frother will work.

Most people add some form of creamer or milk. Oat milk is the most popular choice and creates a genuinely delicious morning drink. A small amount of honey or maple syrup can complement the spices if you prefer a sweeter profile. After a few days of adjusting expectations away from coffee, most testers on our team found themselves genuinely looking forward to their morning MUD\WTR.

How MUD\WTR Compares to Coffee

The most important comparison for most people is caffeine. A standard cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 90-100mg of caffeine, while MUD\WTR Original contains just 35mg. That is roughly one-third the caffeine, which is enough to provide gentle alertness without triggering the jitters, racing heart, or anxiety that higher caffeine doses can cause.

But here is the more meaningful difference: how you feel throughout the day. Coffee typically delivers a sharp spike in energy followed by a noticeable crash 3-4 hours later, leading many people to reach for a second or third cup. MUD\WTR provides a gentler, more sustained energy curve. You will not feel the same dramatic "kick" that coffee gives, but you also will not experience the mid-afternoon slump that sends you crawling back to the coffee maker.

Over the course of our testing period, the team members who switched from coffee to MUD\WTR reported more consistent energy levels, better sleep quality (especially those who had been drinking coffee past noon), and reduced anxiety. The trade-off is real, though: if you rely on coffee for an intense burst of alertness first thing in the morning, MUD\WTR will feel milder. It is a different kind of energy — more of a steady hum than a sharp spike.

Who Is MUD\WTR Original For?

MUD\WTR Original is an excellent fit for several types of people:

• Coffee quitters: If you want to reduce or eliminate your coffee intake but do not want to go cold turkey, MUD\WTR provides a satisfying ritual with much less caffeine.
• Caffeine-sensitive individuals: At 35mg of caffeine, MUD\WTR is gentle enough for people who find regular coffee too stimulating but still want some morning alertness.
• Health-conscious drinkers: If you want more from your morning drink than just caffeine — functional mushrooms, organic ingredients, anti-inflammatory spices — MUD\WTR delivers genuine nutritional value.
• People with coffee-related side effects: Acid reflux, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and jitters are common coffee complaints. MUD\WTR avoids all of these for most people.
• Curious experimenters: If you are interested in functional mushrooms and adaptogenic foods, MUD\WTR is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to add them to your daily routine.

MUD\WTR Original is probably not the best fit if you need a strong caffeine hit to function in the morning, if you are firmly attached to the taste of coffee and unwilling to try something different, or if you are looking for the most budget-friendly option (although when compared to daily specialty coffee shop visits, MUD\WTR often comes out ahead).

Our Verdict

After testing MUD\WTR :rise Original extensively, we are confident in giving it a 4.7 out of 5 rating. It is not trying to be coffee, and that is exactly its strength. Instead, it offers a genuinely new kind of morning ritual — one that supports your body and mind with functional mushrooms, organic spices, and just enough caffeine to get you going without any of the downsides.

The flavor is excellent once you set aside coffee expectations. The ingredient quality is top-tier. The 2,240mg mushroom dose is clinically meaningful. And the overall experience — from the warm, spiced aroma to the steady, crash-free energy — is something we genuinely look forward to each morning.

If you are curious about mushroom coffee and want to start with the best product on the market, MUD\WTR Original is where we recommend you begin.

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