Mud Wtr vs Ryze: A Fungi Review on the World's Leading Mushroom Products

Ryze vs Mud WTR: Which Mushroom Coffee Alternative Is Actually Better?

Trying to quit traditional coffee but still need energy and focus? Two of the most talked-about options in the functional beverage space are Ryze and Mud WTR.

They both promise better mornings, more focus, and fewer crashes, but which one actually delivers?

Here’s the truth: I tried both Ryze and Mud WTR for several weeks, and in this review, I’ll break down the real differences, from ingredients and taste to energy, pricing, and quality, so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle.

Quick Verdict: Ryze vs Mud WTR

1. Ingredients Breakdown

Ryze:

• 6 Functional Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Turkey Tail

• Organic Coffee

• MCT Oil Powder

👉 Tastes like real coffee with added functional mushroom support. Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps help with focus and energy. Reishi adds calming properties.

Mud WTR:

• 4 Functional Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga

• Masala Chai Blend: Black tea, cinnamon, turmeric, cacao, ginger

• No Coffee (Uses black tea and spices for mild caffeine)

👉 More of a chai-inspired wellness blend than a coffee substitute.

2. Taste Test: What They Actually Taste Like

Ryze:

• Earthy, slightly bitter coffee vibe

• Some mushroom flavor but balanced well with MCT

• Can drink black or with milk (improves texture)

Mud WTR:

• Tastes like spiced tea with cacao and turmeric

• Zero mushroom flavor

• Definitely not coffee, tastes more like a healthy latte base

🧠 My take: Ryze wins if you still crave the flavor of coffee. Mud WTR is better for people who already like golden milk or tea-based blends.

3. Energy & Focus Effects

Ryze:

• Moderate caffeine (~48mg from organic coffee)

• Smooth energy boost without jitters

• Lion’s Mane + Cordyceps provide noticeable focus

• Better as a morning productivity drink

Mud WTR:

• Light caffeine (~35mg from chai/black tea)

• Feels more calming than energizing

• Good for people sensitive to coffee

• Works better for evening or afternoon sipping

⚡ If you want a true coffee alternative that still gives you a lift go with Ryze. If you're ditching caffeine or want to wind down, Mud WTR is your friend.

4. Price & Value

💡 Both are priced fairly for what they offer. Ryze is cheaper and simpler. Mud WTR includes more adaptogens and spices.

5. Quality of Ingredients: Who’s More Transparent?

When it comes to functional mushrooms, not all ingredients are created equal. The quality of the product depends on the where the mushrooms were grown, how they were grown, which part they used and how the company processed it.

Here's how Mud Wtr and Ryze compare:

Ryze:

• Lists all 6 mushrooms

• Does not clearly state if fruiting body or mycelium (likely a blend)

• Doesn’t show beta-glucan content

• No third-party lab reports visible on site

• Prioritizes simplicity and convenience

Mud WTR:

• Mostly organic ingredients

• Includes spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cacao

• Uses black tea instead of coffee for lighter caffeine

• Also lacks lab test transparency, no posted lab reports

• More wellness-focused blend than mushroom-focused

➡️ Neither brand is 100% transparent with sourcing or testing, but Mud WTR leans more into wellness herbs, while Ryze is more coffee-forward with a functional mushroom kick.

6. Who Should Pick Which?

Pick Ryze if:

• You still want the feel and taste of coffee

• You want functional mushrooms for focus and energy

• You’re looking for a smoother transition from traditional coffee

• You like earthy, dark flavors

Pick Mud WTR if:

• You’re cutting caffeine or quitting coffee entirely

• You prefer tea, golden milk, or masala chai

• You’re more focused on anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic herbs

• You want a calmer, more wellness-centered routine

Ryze vs Mud WTR: Final Take

Both Ryze and Mud WTR are popular for a reason, but they serve very different purposes.

If you’re trying to kick your coffee habit but still crave the ritual and taste of a warm cup with real caffeine and mushrooms, Ryze is your best bet.

If you’re looking for a more gentle drink that supports gut health, stress reduction, and low-stimulation wellness, Mud WTR is a great option, just know it doesn’t taste like coffee.

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🛒 Try Them for Yourself

Looking to test the waters with functional coffee? These two are some of the best options for the price.

🧠 Want Deeper Benefits from Mushrooms?

While Ryze and Mud WTR are solid everyday options, they’re not the most clinically potent or transparently sourced mushroom products out there. They’re great for taste, routine, and mild functional support, but they’re not built for maximum extraction or therapeutic benefits, they're built to be great,healthy coffee alternatives.

If you’re looking for the real power of mushrooms, things like sharper focus, stronger immunity, or long-term cognitive health, it’s worth doing a little more digging.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Fruiting body extracts vs. cheap mycelium-on-grain

• Beta-glucan content (the active part that drives real results)

• Lab-tested COAs to prove what’s inside the jar

• Brands that disclose extraction ratios and sourcing

👉 Start here: Fungi Purity and Potency Guide

This guide breaks down how to spot high-quality mushroom products that actually deliver results — so you don’t waste your money on fancy branding with weak formulas.

Thanks for reading! If there’s a mushroom coffee or supplement you want us to compare next, just let us know.