Mushroom Adaptogen Drink Comparison: MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
Should you buy MUD\WTR or the Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend? I just started learning about adaptogens and getting behind the morning ritual of adding them to my routine, like MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend. Do they taste like mushrooms? Do they taste good? Can you feel the adaptogen benefits? I recently tried both MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend Mix, and here’s my review and comparison of both products.
First, what are adaptogens and why am I taking them? Adaptogens are herbs (often found in mushrooms as stated before) that help us react and recover from both short- and long-term physical or mental stressors. They can also boost immunity, combat fatigue, balance hormones, enhance mental performance and even ease depression and anxiety. There have even been studies, medical journals and publications on the Effects of Adaptogens on the Nervous System and Stress. According to Time Magazine “These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, but they’re having a renaissance today.” Given the state of the world in 2020 and 2021, we could all use a little help on that front. Four Sigmatic and MUD WTR both include adapotogens as the center focus of their potions.
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
Adaptogens and Acne… My personal life battle!
I stumbled across adaptogens doing one of those deep google dives where I couldn’t even remember where I started, but the purpose was to find a more organic and natural way to combat fatigue and acne, and to balance my hormones. Of course, I soon started to be bombarded by those creepy targeted ads on Instagram. I’ve been prescribed Spironolactone for acne, which has side effects of extreme potassium production and for some reason, my cortisol and testosterone have gone down to really low levels. I’ve been measuring though at home testing through Everlywell (my referral code to get 15% OFF if interested).
I’m still taking the Spironolactone as well as Retin-A at o.1%, but I would like to eventually wean off completely from the oral meds. I’ve cut my prescription down to a quarter of the amount so far. Adaptogens and mushroom-teas are helping make this possible.
So, why the drinks instead of pills? Well, I actually do take Ashwagandha independently through pill form every day too. Ashwagandha is in the nightshade family (like tomatoes) and one of many adaptogens out there. I get mine from Costco and it’s the Youtheory Ashwagandha, but Amazon has many options too.
Ashwagandha, one of the more popular and better known adaptogens, contains chemical compounds called alkaloids. This magical plant acts on the endocrine system by encouraging hormone balance. Studies even suggest a reduction in menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings. Ashwagandha also contains potent antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against free radicals and slow down the aging process by firming up skin. You can see why my research has led me to believe that adaptogens (including MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic) can help with my acne concerns. This is why I initially wrote this MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic review. To spread the knowledge based on my long journey,
Having mushroom tea is drink form that offers another delivery method for adaptogens, and the drink mixes that MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic provide have helped me get off coffee. I have acid reflux, and coffee is bad for that too. Plus, I like cream in my coffee, but tea I drink black. Both coffee and cream are bad for acne. BUT, Four Sigmatic does have coffee with adaptogens if you’re interested in checking it out. Also, if you’re ever interested in making your own mushroom tea, you must check out this blog post on doubleblindmag.com.
MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
Let’s now get to that comparison of the adaptogen drinks MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend. MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic may seem similar, but they have a couple major differences. Let’s delve in!
MUD\WTR Adaptogen Drink
DRINK TYPE: A complete coffee replacer; Mixes into water where it’s intended to be drank on its own
NUTRITION: 20 Calories per serving, .5g fat, 4g carbs, fiber 1g, sodium 10mg
CAFFEINE: 1/7 the caffeine of coffee
INGREDIENTS: Organic mushroom blend (chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps mycelial biomass cultured on organic oats), Organic cacao, Organic Spice Blend (organic cinnamon, organic turmeric, organic ginger, organic cardamom, organic black pepper, organic nutmeg, organic cloves), Organic black tea powder, Himalayan pink salt.
PURITY: 100% USDA Organic, non-gmo, gluten free, vegan, Whole30 & Kosher.
SWEETENERS: No sugar or sneaky sweeteners added whatsoever.
LOCATION: Company started in Venice, CA… Packaging in Texas and ingredients are sourced globally.
PACKAGING: The 30-serving comes in a small tin, which feels wasteful. The 90-serving comes in a thin plastic bag that’s recyclable if your facility takes thin plastics… less wasteful either way.
TASTE: Like a grittier, non-sweet chai tea, but comparing it to chai-tea may be disappointing to those that have experienced really good chai before. It’s more subtle, there’s no mushroom taste, and the cloves, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg, are the forward facing spices and flavors.
PRICE: $40 for 30 servings on auto-ship OR $100 for 90 servings on auto-ship. The regular price is $60 for 30 servings. Shipping is included with every order.
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend
DRINK TYPE: Intended to be added to your favorite hot drink, and not to replace it… Can be added to coffee or tea.
NOTEWORTHY: Four Sigmatic also sells Adaptogen Coffee, so if you want to stick with coffee, you don’t need to buy the Adaptogen Blend, or you can buy to add more.
NUTRITION: 5 Calories and 1 Carb per serving
CAFFEINE: Caffeine free so you can control your caffeine levels through your coffee or tea.
INGREDIENTS: Organic mushroom, herb and spice blend including chaga, reishi, moringa, tulsi, ashwagandha, eleuthero, amala, schisandra, cinnamon and yacon. The mushrooms are cultured in their natural habitat.
PURITY: 100% USDA Organic, vegan, Whole30 and third-party tested.
NOTEWORTHY: Four Sigmatic really cares about using real quality ingredients. In their vanilla products, they source real vanilla which not many companies do, as it’s the second most expensive spice in the world behind saffron.
SWEETENERS: No sugar or sneaky sweeteners added whatsoever.
LOCATION: The company was originally founded in Finland, but is now headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
PACKAGING: Sustainable can design that can be recycled.
TASTE: The taste is a very cinnamon forward flavor, but not overwhelming since you use such a small amount. Four Sigmatic blends very well into your coffee or tea and it’s not grainy once mixed, again, since you’re using a small amount. No mushroom taste whatsoever! If you’re looking for a MUD\WTR alternative with more flexibility, this is your go-to.
PRICE: $24 for 30 servings on auto-ship OR $30 for 30 servings as a one-time purchase. Shipping is included.
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Feel the difference or it’s free.
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Final Thoughts on Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR…
I enjoyed both MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend, but I personally like Four Sigmatic more. There are a few reasons for this:
I prefer coffee and tea and I didn’t find the MUD\WTR experience compelling enough to make the complete switch. I drink tea daily and have coffee as a treat. :)
The mild flavor of Four Sigmatic seemed more complementary to my morning drinks.
I use half a scoop, and take an additional Ashwagandha pill. This works best for my needs. I’m a huge Ashwagandha fan!
The price is better with Four Sigmatic, especially when cutting in half, which you can’t really do with MUD\WTR.
I’m really not a fan of the tin can packaging that MUD\WTR uses. Yes, it’s beautiful and good packaging sells, but it just seems so wasteful when ordering once per month.
My brain can’t get past the name MUD\WTR… Of course, it’s intended to be playful, but it reminded me of mud every time I drank it.
Because I’m such an Ashwagandha fan, I really like that Four Sigmatic includes it in their product. MUD\WTR unfortunately doesn’t.
MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic Coffee
To be fully transparent, I am a Four Sigmatic Affiliate, but I reached out to them to become an Affiliate AFTER falling in-love with their products and incorporating them in my daily routine. I also really encourage anyone that prefers the experience and taste of MUD\WTR to support their brand as well. Adaptogens are great, and I’m all about any company that’s supporting the mental health of people through natural means. The MUD\WTR links are also Affiliates, but no discounts available.
MUD\WTR also provides a nice mixer with one of their packages and they often have a sale where you can get it for free. Just noting that there may some great perks with going with MUD\WTR over another brand for your adaptogen needs.
I often post on how I incorporate Four Sigmatic Adaptogens and Four Sigmatic Protein Powder into my daily routines on my Instagram page. Feel free to check out a few of my posts and let me know what you think there. I even made a homemade vegan and plant based Yogurt with it. You can check out my comparison here between Vega Protein and Four Sigmatic.
MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic… What’s better? Well that’s up to you to decide as we’re all different. Enjoy your new adaptogen routine, whether you choose MUD\WTR, Four Sigmatic, herbal pills or another route! I hope you’ve enjoyed my review of MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic. Keep reading below for an update 2+ years later AND a discount code for Four Sigmatic below (feel free to scroll to the bottom).
MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic Coffee
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR Blog Update: 2+ Years Later
& My Experience with My Army Veteran and Nurse Brother-in-Law
I originally wrote this Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR review and blog post in early 2020, and today is June 20th, 2022 and I’ve decided to jump on and provide an update on my thoughts a whole 2+ years after starting my adaptogen journey.
So, what do I think about MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic now? I generally have the same feelings, but with a higher data-set of time passage. Let me share a little story with you…
When I first delved into this Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR journey, no one had heard of adaptogens and the only reference to “magic mushrooms” was that of psilocybin. Now, we know so much more about mushrooms and the true magical powers they have on the body when it comes to mood enhancement and adrenal stabilization.
A month ago, my bother-in-law came to visit us. He’s an Army Vet and prior Medic, and now a nurse. He never reads the news or engages in much of anything that will induce stress (likely due to PTSD). He doesn’t watch many movies or TV and can’t handle scenes with guns because of his deployment experience, so his exposure to any media is very limited. The one media he does enjoy are podcasts, and he like’s Joe Rogan (against my advisement…lol).
So, he’s at my house and asks me if I’ve ever heard of MUD\WTR. I immediately said yes, and told him I’ve even written a blog review on MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic. That naturally opened up a whole conversation. He had never heard of Four Sigmatic. I told him that’s likely because Joe Rogan endorses MUD\WTR.
He asked me which one I preferred. My quick response was Four Sigmatic. My answer now is different than a couple years ago, or at least more expanded. I’m keeping my original content in here around my MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic review. This is what I told him, in more or less words:
“I prefer Four Sigmatic because there’s a variety of ways to incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms in your life, vs the just one featured product that MUD\WTR offers. With Four Sigmatic, there’s Protein, Coffee (+instant coffee for traveling), Vegan Coffee Creamer (I used to mix with Good Mylk Co before Four Sigmatic made the creamer), Low-Sugar Cocoa (keto friendly), the little bottles / Shots, Serum, Powder Blends, and oh, so much more. It’s just so easy to find a way to get these mushrooms into your daily routine in some way, even on the go, with Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR.”
I sent him home with a slew of my Four Sigmatic favorites, including a can of the Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein Sweet Vanilla, the Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend, the Four Sigmatic Immune Support Coffee with Vitamin D and Chaga Mushrooms, and a few packets of the Mushroom Cocoa Mix with Reishi. I couldn’t spare the whole box on the cocoa. Yes, if you’re wondering, it tastes much better than it sounds and I even used to treat myself on keto with this wonderful treat with some frothed coconut milk. Yumm!
MUD\WTR vs Four Sigmatic
What about Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR for Diets like Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Keto, Paleo, or Lactose Intolerant?
When I first wrote this review a couple years ago, I was your regular run-of-the mill meat-eater. I only ate red meat 1-2 times per month, and still ate less meat than most Americans, but none-the-less, I was on a pretty standard diet for a meat-eater in California…pretty healthy, yet foodie loving. I’ve always been lactose intolerant, and would lean towards eating less dairy but some things just call for it.
How have things changed for me since then? I’ve recently become Pescatarian. I eat fish about once per week, but other than that, I eat somewhere between Vegan and Vegetarian. I first went into the Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR blog and products because I was lactose intolerant, and even dairy based proteins cause acne (a lifelong battle for me). I wanted to try and discover the best Vegan Protein powders, as well as add adaptogens for stress, anxiety and depression. My mission has now evolved to be more.
I now just love how accommodating the products are for diets. I will note, if you’re Paleo, the Four Sigmatic Vegan Protein Powder won’t work for you as it’s primary protein source is pea and legumes aren’t Paleo. The other products should work great though.
If you struggle with acne, I couldn’t recommend a pea based protein like Four Sigmatic enough. Pea protein is becoming what Soy was in the 90’s. It’s the primary vegan protein source these days. We learned later that Soy messed with hormone levels. Pea protein won’t do that.
The Four Sigmatic website is so easy to navigate to find what you’re looking for too! Below I’ve included a couple images on the options you can select while shopping to narrow down your search for the items you need. All of Four Sigmatic products are Vegan and Organic! If you’re keto or on the keto diet with Four Sigmatic, you can even add another layer to the search.
Four Sigmatic Exclusive Discount Code:
For 10% OFF and Free Shipping, visit us.FourSigmatic.com and enter the code THEBOSSYSAUCE
If you see advertisements for the 20% OFF discount for subscription purchases, you can double down on the discount and use my promo code for an additional 10% OFF. The subscription discount is always available. Sometimes it’s advertised with a bar at the top of the page. Subscription orders on Four Sigmatic can be updated or cancelled at any time. :)
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR
If you’re still reading, here are some other favorite Four Sigmatic Products:
There are over 20 different coffee and drink options that Four Sigmatic offers for you to blend your Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Mix into. These are only four of my favorites. The Four Sigmatic Instant Cocoa Chill Packets are so tasty, low in sigar and only 40 calories! Totally Keto as well. The packets are also great for people on-the-go or who travel and ned a quick fix in the hotel room. Another Four Sigmatic vs MUD\WTR difference is that Four Sigmatic offers a huge line of products!
Also, remember that you can save 10% OFF your order with the code THEBOSSYSAUCE - This code can be used in conjunction with the subscription discount to double down… and it can be used over and over so save it!
