Shroom boom: Lifeway Foods introduces adaptogenic functional mushroom beverages

07 Feb 2022 --- Lifeway Foods – a US supplier of microbiome-enhancing kefir and fermented probiotic products – has unveiled a new line of adaptogenic beverages that taps into the burgeoning consumer trends for gut health and functional mushroom ingredients.

The Lifeway MSHRM Oat line is the latest addition to Lifeway's portfolio of cultured oat beverages. The drinks offer ten live and active probiotic cultures in addition to heart-healthy beta-glucans.

“The release of our Lifeway MSHRM Oat comes at a time when consumers are seeking out innovative, functional beverages that taste great and include ingredients at the forefront of health research,” remarks Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods.

“With so much focus on the mental health crisis and the promising research around functional mushroom ingredients, I'm proud to offer these wellness options.”

The new product line features a variety of functional mushrooms and adaptogens, and will be offered in three flavor combinations.Mushrooms for calmness, immune support and focus
The new product line features a variety of functional mushrooms and adaptogens, and will be offered in three flavor combinations.

“Reishi and Vanilla Flavor” was developed to decrease stress and anxiety while boosting moods through its nutrient-rich adaptogenic reishi mushroom.

“Mushroom Immune Blend with Aronia” is a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and aronia berry for powerful immune support.

“Lion’s Mane Golden Milk with L-Theanine from Green Tea” helps consumers chill with its stress-reducing adaptogenic Lion’s Mane mushroom, and L-Theanine, turmeric and ginger to help raise moods.

The company’s other latest offerings include Lifeway Organic Oat, the brand’s new, nationally distributed probiotic oat milk.

A boom for mushrooms
The use of mushrooms for immunity across F&B and nutritional offerings has seen a growing demand over the past 30 years in North America, Kääpä Biotech CEO Eric Puro previously told NutritionInsight.

Functional mushrooms are also being used for mushroom coffee blends, including those by NeonMind Biosciences and Nexe Innovations. Their growing popularity has been linked to immune support and energy-boosting qualities.

In the nutri-foods arena, US-based VidaCap launched its Myco Immune Gummies, aimed at boosting immunity and improving focus. The functional treats are made from VidaCap’s Mycomatrix blend, containing extracts from Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane and Maitake mushrooms. 

Meanwhile, Unibar launched Maitake Pt78, an immunomodulating mushroom extract, available as a chew, gummy, drop, capsule, tablet, effervescent and ready-to-drink format. 

By Benjamin Ferrer