RAWDOSE vs MUD/WTR: Coffee vs Chai – Which Adaptogenic Drink Fits Your Lifestyle?

Introduction

Mushroom coffee isn’t the only player in the adaptogenic beverage arena. RAWDOSE® performance coffee delivers a traditional coffee fortified with functional fungi, while MUD/WTR offers a coffee-free, chai-inspired drink that combines mushrooms, cacao and spices. If you’re undecided between these two, this comparison will help you evaluate caffeine content, ingredients, health claims, flavor profiles and lifestyle fit.

What Is MUD/WTR?

MUD/WTR describes itself as a “coffee alternative” made from organic cacao, masala chai spices and functional mushrooms. The Original flavor contains 2.24 g of mushrooms and 35 mg of caffeine, according to
ingredient and nutrition analysis of MUD/WTR.

Its mushroom blend includes chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps, supported by
MUD/WTR formulation reviews.

Additional ingredients—cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, black tea powder and Himalayan salt—create a chai-like profile, as outlined in
breakdowns of MUD/WTR spice blends.

MUD/WTR’s Matcha variant increases mushroom content and caffeine, while the Turmeric and Rest varieties are caffeine-free and add botanicals such as rooibos, valerian and ashwagandha, according to
MUD/WTR product comparisons.

Unlike many mushroom coffee brands, MUD/WTR uses full-spectrum mushrooms, meaning its products include mycelium and fruiting bodies. The company states that full-spectrum mushrooms offer synergistic benefits similar to an “entourage effect,” supported by
full-spectrum mushroom sourcing explanations.

Health Claims and Evidence

MUD/WTR markets its beverages for energy, focus, immune support, stress relief and sleep quality, based on
third-party evaluations of MUD/WTR health claims.

Energy and Stamina

Cordyceps and chaga are associated with performance support. Animal studies show that chaga can prolong time to exhaustion and increase glycogen storage, as reviewed in
research on chaga and endurance performance.

Human trials on cordyceps show improved aerobic capacity and metabolic thresholds. After twelve weeks of Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 supplementation, participants experienced increased metabolic and ventilatory thresholds, according to
clinical studies on cordyceps and aerobic performance.

Another trial found that Cordyceps militaris supplementation improved VO₂ max, ventilatory threshold and time to exhaustion, supported by
controlled trials on cordyceps and exercise tolerance.

These findings suggest cordyceps may enhance oxygen utilization and delay fatigue.

Cognitive Support

Lion’s mane stimulates NGF and BDNF production, promoting nerve health and cognitive function, as outlined in
research on lion’s mane and neurogenesis.

Reishi’s triterpenoids modulate the stress axis and may influence hormone regulation, supported by
studies on reishi and stress adaptation.

Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon contribute additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Stress Reduction

MUD/WTR includes ashwagandha in its caffeine-free Rest blend. Ashwagandha is used to lower cortisol and improve sleep quality. Reishi’s adaptogenic compounds help regulate the HPA axis and support sleep, according to
research on adaptogens and stress regulation.

Cordycepin in cordyceps also contributes to oxidative stress reduction, supported by
biochemical studies on cordycepin.

Immune Support

Mushroom beta-glucans modulate immunity by activating pattern-recognition receptors, as shown in
immunology research on beta-glucans.

Polysaccharopeptides from turkey tail and reishi have been shown to support immune recovery after cancer therapies, according to
UCLA Health’s overview of medicinal mushrooms
and
clinical reviews on mushroom immunomodulation.

MUD/WTR’s Original and Matcha varieties include chaga, reishi and cordyceps, contributing to immune support, based on
MUD/WTR ingredient analyses.

RAWDOSE®: Performance-Focused Coffee

RAWDOSE® mushroom coffee offers a coffee-based adaptogenic beverage with approximately 90–95 mg of caffeine per serving. The blend includes lion’s mane, turkey tail and king trumpet mushrooms.

Lion’s mane enhances neurogenesis and cognitive performance, according to
scientific research on lion’s mane and brain health.

Turkey tail’s polysaccharopeptides nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support immune resilience, supported by
clinical research on turkey tail and immune function.

King trumpet contains antioxidant polysaccharides that help reduce oxidative stress and support cellular longevity, as reviewed in
analyses of king trumpet mushroom compounds.

RAWDOSE® targets athletes, entrepreneurs and creatives who want strong, sustained focus without abandoning their coffee ritual.

Comparing Ingredients and Formulations

RAWDOSE® uses an Arabica coffee base, while MUD/WTR relies on a masala chai blend with cacao and black tea powder, according to
ingredient comparisons of adaptogenic beverages.

Caffeine content differs significantly. MUD/WTR Original provides 35 mg, Matcha provides 55 mg and Turmeric and Rest varieties are caffeine-free, while RAWDOSE coffee delivers full-strength caffeine comparable to traditional coffee.

RAWDOSE® includes lion’s mane, turkey tail and king trumpet, whereas MUD/WTR uses chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps. MUD/WTR incorporates a wider range of spices and botanicals, while RAWDOSE® maintains a simpler formulation focused on coffee and mushrooms.

Taste and User Experience

RAWDOSE® performance coffee tastes like robust Arabica coffee with subtle earthy notes from the mushrooms. Its higher caffeine delivers a familiar coffee jolt, and the absence of spices allows easy customization with milk or sweeteners.

MUD/WTR tastes like a blend of chai and hot cocoa. Cocoa and spices mask mushroom flavors, making it appealing to non-coffee drinkers. However, the powder may require whisking or frothing for best texture. MUD/WTR emphasizes that its products are non-GMO, vegan, kosher, gluten-free and USDA organic, supported by
MUD/WTR quality and certification reviews.

Lifestyle Fit

Choosing between these beverages depends on personal preferences:

• Caffeine tolerance: MUD/WTR offers gentle or caffeine-free options; RAWDOSE® delivers full coffee strength.

• Flavor preference: Coffee enthusiasts often prefer RAWDOSE®, while chai and cocoa fans gravitate toward MUD/WTR.

• Performance vs balance: RAWDOSE® prioritizes focus and productivity; MUD/WTR emphasizes balance, stress relief and sleep quality, based on
  MUD/WTR lifestyle positioning analyses.

Safety and Considerations

MUD/WTR’s broad botanical profile increases the potential for interactions. Reviews warn that ingredients like turmeric, ashwagandha and cardamom may affect pregnancy or interact with medications, according to
safety evaluations of adaptogenic beverages.

MUD/WTR conducts DNA verification and contaminant testing. RAWDOSE® uses fewer botanicals, reducing interaction risk, but its higher caffeine may not suit everyone. Individuals with medical conditions should consult healthcare professionals before use.

Conclusion

MUD/WTR is well-suited for those seeking a caffeine-light or caffeine-free chai-style drink with a broad adaptogen profile. Its use of full-spectrum mushrooms, cacao and spices delivers diverse bioactive compounds, supported by
comparative reviews of MUD/WTR formulations.

For coffee lovers who want a full-strength brew paired with functional mushrooms for focus and immune support, RAWDOSE® offers a simpler, performance-driven alternative. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer coffee or chai, your caffeine tolerance and whether you value comprehensive botanicals or a streamlined formulation.