In a move that aligns with evolving consumer tastes, beverage brand Odyssey Mushroom Elixir is expanding its range of vegan functional mushroom beverages to 7-Eleven stores. The drinks will be available at 732 stores across Florida and all 109 Wegmans Food Markets spanning the East Coast.
This expansion marks a significant step for Odyssey Mushroom Elixir, bringing its sparkling ready-to-drink elixirs to the forefront of convenience and grocery shopping.
The elixirs will be available in a range of flavors, including Passion Orange Guava, Dragon Fruit Lemonade, Blackberry Lemon Twist, and the exclusive Orange Ginger for Wegmans shoppers.
Odyssey Mushroom Elixir
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring Odyssey Mushroom Elixir to 7-Eleven, a cornerstone convenience store, and Wegmans Food Markets, a beloved supermarket,” the brand’s founder and CEO, Scott Frohman, said in a statement.
“We’re excited to expand their offerings for individuals seeking a revitalizing and delicious drink to elevate their beverage experience.”
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Health benefits of vegan mushroom drinks
Based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Odyssey Mushroom Elixir is a functional beverage line that aims to support focus, mindful energy, and mood. It is also free from added sugar, preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and embraces vegan, non-GMO, and kosher standards.
The retail expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to meeting the demands of today’s ever-evolving consumers, who are increasingly seeking healthier, plant-based choices.
Odyssey Mushroom Elixir
The company makes three product lines: Revive (a zero caffeine option); Original (infused with 85 mg of natural green tea); and 222 (infused with a higher dose of 222 mg of natural green tea). Each of these also contain Odyssey’s signature blend of 2750 mg Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps—both functional mushrooms—alongside other adaptogenic botanicals to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
These components work in harmony to create a contemporary beverage experience that bridges the gap between energy and functionality.
What are functional mushrooms?
In recent years, mushrooms have started to soar in popularity in the United States, following research that suggests that some varieties may help to reduce fatigue, bolster the immune system, and even support gut health.
For example, according to some research, cordyceps fungi may also help to boost exercise performance, because it contains an energy-carrying molecule called adenosine triphosphate.
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Lion’s mane is another edible mushroom that is known for its shaggy hair-like appearance, and there is some research to suggest that it may help to support brain health. This is likely because it contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which, studies indicate, may help to stimulate nerve growth.
“Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells,” Professor Frederic Meunier from Australia’s Queensland Brain Institute, who studied lion’s mane, said in a statement.
Another study found that people who eat mushrooms could have a lower risk of experiencing depression, likely because they contain numerous bioactive compounds that may be associated with reduced anxiety, including B12, nerve growth factor, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.
“Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the amino acid ergothioneine—an anti-inflammatory which cannot be synthesized by humans,” lead researcher Djibril Ba, of Penn State University, said in a statement. “Having high levels of this may lower the risk of oxidative stress, which could also reduce the symptoms of depression.”
Vegan options at 7-Eleven
Once, 7-Eleven was the place to go for a Red Bull or a sugar-laden slurpee. And while these options are still at the convenience chain, the launch of Odyssey Mushroom Elixir’s beverages speaks to the growing wellness trend penetrating the retail sector.
As Odyssey Mushroom Elixir gains its footing in unexpected corners of the retail landscape, it mirrors the larger trajectory of the energy and functional beverage categories. Both 7-Eleven and Wegmans are seizing this opportunity to enhance their offerings, paving the way for a new generation of energy drinks that embrace trends and innovative ingredients.
In recent years, 7-Eleven has stepped up in enhancing its vegan offerings with products such as vegan breakfast sandwiches, vegan chicken tenders, and Oatly oat milk at its coffee stations.
For its part, Wegmans was previously known as having the most on-shelf plant-based products, with 530 product options, including twice as many plant-based meat products and four times as many plant-based cheese products as most other top retailers.
In a world where wellness and refreshment go hand in hand, Odyssey Mushroom Elixir’s foray into these retail giants signifies more than just a business expansion—it’s a pivotal moment in the way consumers approach their beverage choices, paving the way for a healthier and more invigorating future.
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Nicole Axworthy is the News Editor at VegNews and author of the cookbook DIY Vegan.
