Functional mushrooms made several trend predictions lists this year (including ours) after showing up in coffee, smoothies, teas, and cocoa. These mushrooms are suggested to be adaptogenic, or aiding with stress relief, as well as having a laundry list of other benefits. Beverages may seem like an unlikely place for mushrooms but use of chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps in foodservice and RTDs has exploded over the last couple of years. Occurrences of #mushroomtea on instagram have increased more than 22% between June and December 2018. Although an emerging trend in the U.S., consuming functional mushrooms for their suggested benefits has been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common functional mushrooms and their benefits:

Chaga is said to have many benefits including helping the body adapt to stress, anti-inflammatory properties, improved immunity, lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and potentially help prevent certain cancers. Try it in Moon Juice, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Mocha Mix, or Buddha Chocolate Chaga Cherry chocolate bar.

Reishi is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is the rising star of the functional mushroom trend. Its benefits are like those of chaga and include blood sugar control, aiding with heart health, anti-cancer properties, and improved energy and mood. Try it in the Shroom Shake at Life Tonics + Elixirs in Los Angeles, Rebbl Elixirs Reishi Cold Brew, Health Ade Kombucha Reishi Chocolate, and OHi Double Chocolate Superfood Bar.

Lion’s Mane is suggested to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers, control blood sugar, and act as a strong anti-inflammatory. Try it in a latte at La Republica Coffee in Los Angeles or in Kettle & Fire Mushroom Chicken Bone Broth and Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee.

Considering functional mushrooms for your next beverage product? We’re here to help you innovate! Email thedrinktank@imbibeinc.com.