Gen Z Ditches Alcohol For Mushrooms At Festivals
Think back to your last festival weekend. You packed your tent, your raincoat (just in case), and a stash of energy bars - but did you think about how you’d stay sharp, energized, and even healthy while bouncing from stage to stage?
These days, young people care more about their well‑being than ever before - nearly three in ten Gen Zers skip alcohol altogether - but they still want to make the most of every moment. As festival season kicks off, a surprising new trend is taking over campsites and VIP tents alike: functional mushrooms.
We’re not talking about the psychedelic kind. Over the past year, Lion’s Mane and its mushroom friends have quietly slipped into our morning routines - in coffees, supplements, even snacks - thanks to their real‑world perks. The market for these “wellness mushrooms” was already worth over $15 billion in 2022, and analysts expect it to top $23 billion by 2030. Clearly, we’re in the middle of a mushroom moment.
So could mushrooms help you power through those all‑day music marathons? Industry insiders say yes. When you’re hauling heavy gear, walking miles between tents, and trying to stay alert for surprise DJ sets, you need a fuel that won’t let you down or leave you feeling wrecked the following day.
Matthew Kelly says mushroom coffee gives a smoother, crash-free energy boost, perfect for all-day festival dancing.
Matthew Kelly, founder of Spacegoods (one of the mushroom wellness pioneers), explains why mushroom coffee is becoming a festival staple.
“Regular coffee gives you a quick lift, but it can leave you jittery and crash‑and‑burn when you need steady stamina,” he says. “Mushroom coffee, on the other hand, delivers a smoother, longer‑lasting boost. You won’t get that sudden caffeine crash, so you can dance from sunrise sets to late‑night headliners without missing a beat.”He’s not exaggerating. With less caffeine than your usual brew, mushroom blends rely on adaptogens, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga, to keep energy levels even and stress responses in check. That means fewer peaks and valleys in your alertness, so you stay focused even when the bass drops.
GettyBut energy isn’t the only challenge at festivals. Between muddy fields, crowded stages, and iffy hand‑washing options, your immune system takes a beating. “Spending a weekend at a festival means long hours, changing weather, and close quarters with thousands of people,”
Matthew points out. “Chaga and Cordyceps are famous for their immune‑supporting properties. Chaga’s antioxidants help fight off oxidative stress, while Cordyceps boosts stamina and resilience, perfect for avoiding that post‑festival flu.”
Adaptogenic mushroom blends beat festival junk food and acidic coffee by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and easing stress.
Let’s face it: festival food rarely makes our nutritionist proud. If your main meal is a soggy sandwich or an overpriced burger, you’re not exactly fueling up for peak performance. That’s where mushroom blends step in.
“Regular coffee is acidic and can upset your stomach, especially if you drink it on an empty belly,” Matthew says. “Mushroom mixes often include gut‑friendly ingredients like maca, ashwagandha, and rhodiola. They ease digestion, reduce inflammation, and help your body handle stress—so you can skip the tummy troubles.”
GettyAnd then there’s the mental game. Long lines, blistering sun, and the sheer sensory overload of a multi‑day event can be overwhelming.
Adaptogens shine here, too. “Lion’s Mane supports focus and clarity, so you don’t get mentally foggy after hours of dancing,” Matthew explains. “Cordyceps keeps your endurance up, and Chaga’s antioxidants help your body manage stress. Together, they create a calm but energized state—exactly what you need to enjoy every set without feeling frazzled.”
If you’ve ever stumbled back to your tent, completely spent, you’ll appreciate a little extra support. Mushroom coffee and supplements won’t replace good sleep or a balanced meal, but they can be the edge you need to make the most of festival life and wake up ready for day two.
So before you grab that lukewarm lager, consider swapping in a shroom‑powered pick‑me‑up. Your future self and your dancing shoes will thank you.
