ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski and Brightfield Group's Bethany Gomez take a deep dive into how they are increasingly incorporating mushrooms into their wellness regimens in the form of functional beverages, supplements, and as part of their healthy eating, based on insights gleaned from Brightfield Group's AI-powered social listening platform.

Problem-solving fungi

Mushrooms are purported to solve many of the problems that Americans need help with. From relaxation to immunity, energy to digestive health - you can find a functional mushroom to help with that! Since the COVID-19 pandemic, American consumers have been paying more attention to preventative health. They’re looking for products and services to help them stay well before they are unwell. 

Brands offering innovative solutions to improve people’s well-being have responded with a plethora of ingredient options – including functional mushrooms. Mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, and Shiitake are purported to have distinct properties, ranging from immune system support and anti-inflammatory effects to cognitive enhancement and stress reduction.

Social media conversations about functional mushrooms point to chatter about how these ingredients relate to wellness topics like relaxation and mental health. Consumer insights show functional mushrooms purchasing is rising too. Consumers are seeking natural ways to manage stress, boost mental clarity, and support overall well-being, and functional mushrooms may be the answers.

Buyers can find a lot of these functional mushroom products on RangeMe and at ECRM's Sessions!

Here are some Sessions where you'll find mushrooms:

• Beverage: July 21-23 in Las Vegas (Functional beverages)

• Baking, Spices & Breakfast Foods: July 22-23 in Las Vegas (mushroom-infused spices)

• Condiments, Sauces & Spreads: July 22-23 in Las Vegas (mushroom-infused condiments

• Coffee, Tea & Cocoa: July 22-23 in Las Vegas (Mushroom coffee) 

• Vitamin, Weight Management & Sports Nutrition: September 8-11, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Mushroom Supplements)