MUD/WTR Review: A Coffee Lover’s Honest Take On This Caffeine Alternative
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What MUD/WTR Is Really Like
MUD/WTR fits right into my morning mix of drinks—especially when I’m looking for something with less caffeine to start my day. As much as I love coffee, it wreaks havoc on my gut. Loose stools, stomach aches, and sometimes even anxious jitters are the trade-off for that rich, bold cup. So at home, I stick with my tried-and-true earl grey tea and, about half the time, reach for MUD/WTR for a gentler boost and more balanced start.
MUD/WTR isn’t trying to be coffee. Instead, it’s a powdered drink made from a mix of organic ingredients: cacao, adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, masala chai spices, and black tea powder, among others. The blend leans into earthy, chocolatey, and slightly spicy flavors, not the roasted bitterness of traditional coffee. There’s something comforting about its taste—a kind of hot chocolate meets chai latte experience.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a look at what actually goes into a scoop of MUD/WTR:
What It Really Tastes Like
To me, MUD/WTR tastes like unsweetened hot chocolate blended with chai. It’s not bitter like a black cup of coffee, and there’s no heavy sweetness unless you add a sweetener (I prefer maple syrup). The texture is definitely different from coffee or tea—because it’s a powder, some grains settle at the bottom if I don’t froth or stir it well. At first, the graininess caught me off guard, but adding a bit of maple syrup and using a frother made a big difference. Sometimes I experiment with coconut milk, almond milk, or a few scoops of my favorite MCT Oil Powder for a creamier sip.
Flavor summary:
Chocolatey with a spicy, cinnamon-forward twist
Slightly earthy and a touch nutty from the mushroom blend
Mellow and not overpowering
Sweetness and creaminess can be adjusted with your choice of milk, non-dairy creamers, or sweeteners (coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
Caffeine and Energy Levels
Coffee can lead to energy crashes for me, followed by a quick return of fatigue and sometimes withdrawal headaches. MUD/WTR is different—it contains about 30 mg of caffeine per serving (mostly from the black tea and cacao), which is roughly a third of what typical coffee contains.
The energy boost I get is more gradual and lasts longer without the abrupt high and low. There’s no sharp spike or crash, so I don’t get jittery or anxious the way coffee sometimes makes me feel. Since it’s gentler on my system, I can focus better and avoid those urgent runs to the bathroom that happen after a big cup of coffee.
Functional Mushrooms and Adaptogens
The highlight of MUD/WTR is definitely its adaptogenic mushroom blend. The combination of lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi is designed to help support various aspects of wellness, like improving mental clarity, boosting immune function, and reducing inflammation. Here’s what each one is known for:
Lion’s Mane: May promote cognitive function and a calm sense of focus.
Chaga: Loaded with antioxidants, supports immune health, and may help fight inflammation.
Reishi: Recognized for stress relief and supporting restful sleep.
Cordyceps: Used for an energy lift and potentially benefiting exercise performance.
I like knowing my morning beverage is contributing to more than just waking me up—it actually gives me some long-term wellness support.
Making and Drinking MUD/WTR
Preparing MUD/WTR doesn’t need fancy tools or long brew times. I usually place a tablespoon of the powder into a cup, add a small amount of hot water, and whisk it thoroughly (a USB frother helps avoid clumps and gritty bits). Then I top off with more hot water. You can make a latte version by adding steamed almond or coconut milk.
Random Tip: Don’t let it sit too long; if it cools, the powder settles, and the last sip can feel sandy. I often give it a quick stir halfway through, especially if I’ve added sweetener or creamer.
Preparation methods I like:
Hot “mud” latte with mct oil powder, coconut milk or almond milk and a bit of maple syrup
Iced “mud” with mct oil powder or coconut milk and a touch of coconut sugar
Blended with a little grass-fed butter for a thicker, more satisfying drink
Nutrition & Dietary Features
MUD/WTR is designed to fit a variety of lifestyles and dietary needs:
Completely plant-based and vegan
Non-GMO
USDA-certified organic
Gluten-free and kosher
Whole30-approved
No artificial ingredients or preservatives
Every ingredient feels thoughtfully chosen for wellness and sustainability. The packaging is also a nice touch—mostly recyclable or compostable.
Adjusting to the Ritual
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Changing my morning routine was harder than I thought. Coffee is such a ritual for me, especially while traveling, but when I’m at home, the switch made a difference in how I felt throughout the day. In the first couple of days, I missed coffee’s boldness and couldn’t help but wish I had a cup for simply the flavor. By the middle of the week, though, I noticed my stomach felt a lot calmer and my energy was more even.
Over time, that craving for coffee faded, and I started enjoying the process of making my “mud.” There’s something meditative about whisking it up in the morning, knowing I’m doing my body a favor. And if I do miss the ritual of coffee, it’s easy to add a little chai or adjust the mix to match whatever mood I’m in, (Every now and then I’ll also add a scoop to my coffee as a treat).
Cost and Subscription
On paper, MUD/WTR seems a little pricey compared to regular coffee (about $50 for a 30-serving tin, less with a subscription). But since one cup of MUD/WTR is usually enough to get me through the day, I spend about the same as I would making several cups of specialty coffee. With options like a 90-serving bulk purchase (at a discounted rate), it becomes manageable, especially if there’s more than one mud-drinker in the house.
Customer Experience & Convenience
I’ve found ordering straightforward, and the starter kit comes with everything you need (even a little USB-charged frother). Delivery has been quick. It’s nice not dealing with messy coffee grounds or single-use coffee pods.
Customer reviews point out some of the same things I noticed: the taste and texture are unique, it’s not for everyone, and sweetness preferences vary widely. Some people love the slightly gritty, spiced chai vibe, while others are more sensitive to the powdery finish. Many reviews mention the benefits for focus, smoother energy, and digestive comfort when swapping from coffee, which certainly matches my own experience.
MUD/WTR for Specific Needs
Because it’s a blend of functional mushrooms, tea, and spices, MUD/WTR works for all kinds of dietary goals and health preferences. It’s caffeine-light which helps avoid the anxiety and energy crashes coffee can bring, especially for those sensitive to stimulants. The adaptogens may help manage stress and support immune health, while the turmeric and cinnamon offer anti-inflammatory properties.
Here’s a quick list of what it does (and doesn’t) offer:
Boosts energy gently—without the jitters
Offers cognitive and immune support
Contains antioxidants and adaptogenic herbs
Free from gluten, dairy, and animal products
No added sugar by default (sweeten to your taste)
Not a 1:1 taste swap for coffee but stands on its own
I also like being able to shake up my routine—sometimes going for a hot mud latte, sometimes an iced version, and sometimes blending with other teas like rooibos or matcha for a new flavor twist.
Ritual & Lifestyle Changes
The ritual of drinking MUD/WTR is calming. Rather than racing to the kitchen for hit after hit of coffee, I slow down, make my cup, and drink it with intention. That sense of routine helps lock in my focus for the day. And, honestly, not having the acidic aftereffects (or the mad dash to the restroom) is a big win for my body.
When I travel, I still let myself enjoy coffee for the ritual and the connection to place, but my home routine feels much healthier when it’s centered on MUD/WTR and earl grey. My mornings are steadier, my stomach feels better, and I can face the day knowing I started it off right.
MUD/WTR has found its place in my life as a morning coffee alternative that supports my goals. It’s not a miracle drink, but for me, it means steady energy, less stomach chaos, and a much easier start to each day. And that’s worth a spot in my kitchen.