San Antonio hops on the mushroom beverage trend
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Mushrooms are sprouting up all over the place: in coffee, soda, chocolate and meat blends.
Why it matters: Centuries after they were considered medicinal, mushrooms are today's go-to "functional" food — with a brain-boosting, sustainable aura.
Zoom in: Mushrooms are a good source of the antioxidant ergothioneine and B vitamins, which could all support the brain.
Yes, but: The mood-lifting effects of mushroom products haven't been widely studied yet.
By the numbers: Sales of food and beverages with functional mushrooms are up over 450% in the U.S. since 2021 — and are similarly booming in San Antonio, where they're up more than 1,000%, according to NielsenIQ.
- Mushroom coffee is one driver of that growth. Sales are up 74% nationally so far this year (through mid-July) compared to the same time last year, a clear sign it's gaining momentum, according to Circana industry adviser Darren Seifer.
Reality check: Mushroom coffee makes up less than 1% of sales in the coffee market.