FreshCap rolls out cola-flavored, mushroom-infused functional gummies

14 Apr 2022 --- Tapping into the snackification trend in nutrition, Canada-based FreshCap has launched functional cola-flavored Mushroom Gummies, containing beta-glucan. The product targets mental clarity, immunity, energy and cellular health.

“People are always looking for new and innovative delivery methods for experiencing the benefits of mushrooms,” Tony Shields, FreshCap co-founder and CEO, tells NutritionInsight.

“Mushroom gummies have been a highly requested product in the functional mushroom industry with trending searches, but because of the taste profile of concentrated mushroom extracts, it was hard to include an efficacious amount into a gummy that had good flavor and texture.”

Boosting benefits
The cola-flavored mushroom gummies have notes of sweet caramel, vanilla and spice. Packed with 500 mg of fully extracted organic mushroom fruiting body and 145 mg of fungal beta-glucan per serving, the items are touted as being a “full dose extract.”

Each gummy contains a blend of chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi and maitake to support mental clarity, immune support, energy and cellular health.

“Functional mushrooms have traditionally been used for immunity, energy, brain health and overall wellness. These gummies have a high dose of six powerful mushrooms and are unlike any other gummy on the market,” Shields adds.

“For people who are tired of taking capsules, these cola flavored gummies are a fun and tasty way to get the benefits of functional mushrooms into your daily routine.”

Gummy formats are becoming increasingly popular.Bioavailability on the radar
According to FreshCap, the gummies have been a year in the making.

The gummies won the New Hope Gummy Taste-Off at Natural Products Expo West in March 2022. All products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, paleo and contain no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

FreshCap’s cultivation partners grow mushrooms naturally and in an environmentally sustainable manner using certified organic farming methods, the company notes. 

In addition, all FreshCap products undergo a thorough extraction process to ensure the beneficial compounds are bioavailable, so consumers feel the difference in what they’re taking.  

 “Unlike most mushroom products on the market, FreshCap never uses grain fillers in their products. They ensure quality, purity and safety in all their products through a rigorous third-party testing protocol.”

In addition to their new gummies, FreshCap offers a wide range of products, including powders, capsules, and ready-to-mix stick packs in both individual mushrooms and unique blends for all mushroom lovers. 

The new launch aligns with the industry trend of innovating with adaptogenic mushrooms as a key superfood. Last year, US-based VidaCap launched its Myco Immune Gummies, aimed at boosting immunity and improving focus, as medicinal mushrooms are seen to offer “tremendous promise” in the future.

By Andria Kades with additional reporting from Nicole Kerr