Functional Mushrooms 101 – What They Do, What They Don’t, and Why They’re Your Dry January BFF
Jan 16, 2026
By Matthew Eaton
Founder & Chief Beverage Officer
The new year is a time when curiosity kicks in, and this year, one key question stood out to me: What would it feel like if I just gave myself permission to release the societal pressure to indulge and the judgment I have of my own actions? Dry January has become a buzzword, and like almost everything these days, it’s become a marketing message that is almost insufferable (trust me… we’re riding that train too!).
But the underlying pieces are what really matter to me, and it's a significant part of why I started Sēkwl. Only I am accountable for what I consume, and trust me, I’m not perfect. But I do try every day to live the values that I think matter most for my health… do what is right for me, pay close attention to how my body feels, and stay open to exploring new things like functional mushrooms! For me, that curiosity was life-changing. If that’s you, welcome! Let’s talk a little about the power of functional mushrooms.
What Functional Mushrooms Do
Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries to support everyday wellness. In our beverages, they’re most commonly used to support things like:
- Focus and mental clarity (hello, Lion’s Mane)
- Energy and stamina without jitters (Cordyceps fans, this one’s for you)
- Calm and stress support (Reishi is the go-to here)
- Immune balance and gut support (Turkey Tail has entered the chat)
What makes functional mushrooms so appealing during Dry January is that they’re non-habit-forming, so no stress there, but they are going to support the optimal you! They’re not trying to replace caffeine or alcohol — they simply support how your body already works.
What They Don’t Do
Let’s also talk about expectations. Functional mushrooms:
- Are not a quick fix
- Won’t “get you buzzed”
- Don’t override sleep, stress, or poor habits
- Aren’t meant to be dramatic
- And no, they aren’t going to send you on a trip to the moon.
Think of them like daily vitamins. They’re subtle but supportive.
Why Dry January Is a Great Time to Try Them
Interest in functional mushroom products has definitely spiked over the past year, alongside broader wellness trends. Last year, Nutrition Outlook released a study that identified functional mushrooms among the top ten fast-growing functional ingredients, reporting significant year-over-year increases in cognitive health and immune categories.
At Sēkwl, this is exactly what we’re seeing. People are turning toward natural, multi-benefit ingredients that support daily life, not just acute effects. They aren’t a fad, but a growing category gaining real traction.
A “Functional Mushroom Beginner Tip
If you’re new to functional mushrooms, one of the biggest tips we can share is that consistency matters more than quantity.
One can of Sēkwl a day, enjoyed intentionally, beats sporadic use every time. Pair one of our drinks with a ritual of yours – something grounding, like a walk, journaling, or a non-alc wind-down moment. Let the benefits build naturally.
Whatever your reason for doing Dry January, we hope you’re finding more focus, calm, and immune support!
- Matthew 🍄❤️
