Adaptogens and mood-boosting functional ingredients are now essential in food, beverage, and supplement innovation. Demand continues to soar, with the adaptogens market alone expected to surpass $21 billion by 2034, driven by a consumer shift toward natural, clean-label ingredients supporting mental clarity, stress reduction, and emotional balance.​

1. Ashwagandha

A mainstay adaptogen, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) remains at the top for mood support thanks to its extensive research-backed ability to lower cortisol and promote a sense of calm and focus. It’s featured in beverages, protein bars, gummies, chocolates, and powders at major retailers and is projected to maintain the highest market share among adaptogens through the next decade.​

2. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is gaining global momentum for its ability to enhance stress resistance, mental endurance, and emotional stability, particularly under high-pressure situations. It is commonly incorporated into supplement blends and functional drinks, appealing to active professionals and wellness consumers alike.​

3. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), revered as the “Queen of Mushrooms,” supports immune health while reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation due to its triterpene content. The broader functional mushroom category has grown significantly, with reishi finding its way into everything from ready-to-drink lattes to snack bars.​

4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is celebrated for supporting cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. Scientific studies highlight its potential to promote nerve growth and boost memory, which makes it ideal for consumers seeking sharper focus and better mood. Expect its inclusion in nootropic stacks, coffee alternatives, and “brain food” snacks to rise sharply.​

5. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil, known as “Tulsi,” helps fight fatigue and manage daily stress. It’s a staple in herbal teas, functional beverages, and culinary dishes in both Western and Eastern markets. Notably, the tulsi segment is forecasted to have the fastest growth rate among adaptogens through 2034 due to its appeal across demographics.​

6. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a gentle yet effective calming herb gaining traction for its proven role in reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and supporting restful sleep. Its inclusion in teas, tinctures, and relaxation blends is rising as consumers seek natural tools for daily stress management.​

7. L-Theanine

Though not an herb or mushroom, L-theanine—a naturally occurring amino acid in green tea—deserves its place among the top mood-supporting ingredients. It’s valued for producing a calm yet alert state (often called “relaxed focus”) and appears in numerous supplements and functional beverages aimed at improving creativity and productivity without sedation.​

Market Trends and Product Insights

• The functional ingredient space for mood and brain health now includes a growing array of nootropics (like Bacopa Monnieri, 5-HTP, and B Vitamins) and ties directly into the trending “gut-brain axis,” with pre- and probiotics also being leveraged for mental wellness.​
• Leading brands combine adaptogens in creative ways—stacking mushrooms with botanicals and amino acids—to deliver comprehensive mood, energy, and cognitive benefits.​

For brands formulating with these top mood-boosting ingredients, leveraging advanced data and sourcing intelligence is critical. Journey Foods offers real-time ingredient trend analysis, sustainability metrics, and regulatory data, making it seamless for product development teams to design, prototype, and launch innovative mood-supporting foods and drinks that meet today’s consumer demand.

Want to accelerate your next breakthrough? Journey Foods is your technology partner for functional food success—empowering companies with science-backed, market-driven ingredient solutions.

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