Why Flavors with Function Matter: Choosing the Right Sēkwl for Your Dry January Rituals

By Matthew Eaton
Founder & Chief Beverage Officer

I love everything about meeting customers and getting to introduce them to Sēkwl. Whether they know functional mushrooms or not, virtually all customers ask the same question: “Which flavor should I sample first?” It’s a simple question that has nothing to do with trends or even the functional benefits they’ll receive - it’s about the flavor, because if it doesn’t taste good, nothing else matters.

Why Flavor Is Part of the Function
Let’s be honest. If something doesn’t taste good, you aren’t going to go back for another bite and definitely not for seconds.

Flavor is paramount at Sēkwl for a couple of reasons. We like to enjoy what we consume just as much as anyone, and the benefits of functional mushrooms compound over time. We hope you love us so much that you hydrate with them daily.

Flavor isn’t an afterthought, and crafting our flavors is where the ritual begins. We drew a hard line in the sand for our R&D processes, which we will always prioritize a clean label without the BS, so that our beverages provide functional benefits without any hidden ingredients.

Functional ingredients often come with unloved tastes, and using highly concentrated flavorings and sweeteners is a common way to mask that flavor. We choose a different path. Our flavor development process is different because we work with botanicals that work with the functional mushrooms, not against them. When it comes to the flavor, botanicals are the heroes here.

Here at Sēkwl Beverage House, every flavor we’ve crafted was made to match a moment in your day:

• Crisp and citrusy for movement, productivity, or an afternoon pick-me-up
• Bright floral or herbal notes for focus and intentional pauses
• Bold, rich flavors for evenings when you’d normally reach for a glass of wine

The Wider Trend Toward Flavor-Forward Functional Drinks
The editorial staff at Beverage Industry has been closely watching the shift in non-alc drink trends. And, from what they’re seeing, customer behavior shifts go well beyond calorie counts and clean labels.

In 2025, Rachel Arthur at Beverage Industry highlighted that functionality and flavor diversity in beverages are among the biggest drivers of consumer interest in non-alcoholic and functional drinks.

Here at Sēkwl, this absolutely makes sense. If you’re opting for a sparkling seltzer for your nightcap ritual, the sensory experience matters. That comforting flavor is part of what makes that evening ritual so meaningful. It’s not just the ingredients on the can that you pay attention to, but how much you enjoy the taste and the flavor.

How to Choose Your Ritual Flavor
The next time you’re thirsty, try asking a few questions:

• What time of day is it, and what kind of flavors am I craving? Do I want something refreshing or comforting?
• And before you reach for your go-to second (or third, fourth, fifth…) cup of coffee or glass of wine, ask, why do I want this? 

It’s almost certain that your body either wants hydration or ritual… with Sēkwl, you get both. It’s at these moments that you become more conscious of your thirst and are able to make a decision that helps you find more balance.

I know what you’re thinking… and yes, of course I want you to give Sēkwl a try, but it's truly because I have found how beneficial to my body intentional hydration can be, and our flavor with function has you covered. 

Dry January works best when you’re not forcing change. You’re redirecting habits. The right flavor makes that feel natural, not restrictive.

- Matthew 🍄❤️