Mushroom-Based Drinks Are A Growing Market

Mushroom-based functional beverages have been used medicinally as therapies since ancient times. Companies that make flavored mushroom coffees and teas – based on the species lion’s main, chaga, reishi and cordyceps – today are seeing significant sales growth thanks to the perceived health benefits, especially among Millennials. Lion’s mane, for example, is said to improve memory, boost creativity and foster concentration. Unfortunately, these and other purported benefits of mushrooms, have not been proven to the satisfaction of European or U.S. regulatory bodies. So companies can’t make specific health claims in advertising or packaging.