Monterey Nutra unveils functional mushroom extract powder at SupplySide Global

US-based Monterey Nutra has launched ManeFocus, a new lion’s mane extract powder, which it will display at the upcoming SupplySide Global trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, US (October 29–30). The company says it is the only lion’s mane ingredient standardized to 1% total metabolites.

The ingredient also features an “optimal ratio” of hardwood-grown fruiting bodies and mushroom mycelium, extracted to capture all active medicinal compounds, including terpenes and beta-glucans. Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom is known to support cognition, memory, brain, and nerve health. 

As a powdered extract, the company touts ManeFocus’s improved solubility, bioavailability, and taste compared to standard powders. It can be used in coffees and other ready-to-drink beverages, stick packs, gummies, and capsules. 

“By leveraging the expertise of the biotech division at our affiliate Amycel & Spawn Mate, we can create new strains like ManeFocus and conduct DNA sequencing and strain maintenance research that other suppliers aren’t able to replicate,” says Amir Karian, director of nutraceuticals at Monterey Nutra.

SupplySide Global visitors can sample coffee containing the lion’s mane extract at booth 3074. 

Functional mushroom demand

As Monterey Nutra anticipates a growing demand for functional mushroom ingredients, the company has relocated its operations to increase capacity “tenfold.”

The new facility at the company’s farms in Watsonville, California, will support the manufacturing of ManeFocus and ensure customers can access a reliable domestic supply chain and price stability. 

“Monterey Nutra seeks to bring new energy to the functional mushroom industry,” says Molly Joo, Monterey Nutra’s vice president of business development. “The functional benefits of mushrooms are becoming more understood, but there is room for improvement, both in the science of functional mushrooms and in the sensory experience of applications featuring them. We’re now well positioned to help progress and lead the category.”

In addition, the company recently rebranded itself to better reflect its vision for the future. The new brand embodies Monterey Nutra’s history and expertise in mushroom growing and strain development to help unlock the full potential of functional mushrooms. 

“Monterey has a legacy in mushrooms, but we’re not resting on the legacy,” adds Joo. “We’re constantly moving forward, exploring new frontiers in mushroom potential.”

Previously, Nutrition Insight explored the scientific basis and research gaps for lion’s mane in cognitive impairment with a leading researcher at Northumbria University, UK.