Mushroom Science | WANDER STATE

Why Functional Mushrooms?

Humans have been turning to mushrooms for centuries. Across cultures, people noticed that certain fungi supported functional benefits including energy, endurance, focus, clarity, and stress relief.

Today, science is helping to explain why fungi have held our attention for so long. It's where ancient wisdom and modern science intersect: scientists have spent decades studying the unique chemistry of functional mushrooms—compounds like polysaccharides, terpenes, and antioxidants—and how these bioactive molecules benefit humans. At Wander State, we love functional mushrooms because they support enhancing the good things you're already doing for yourself.

Why Wander State Mushrooms

The Challenge in the Mushroom Space

The functional mushroom world is exciting—but not always transparent. Many products use only one part of the mushroom, leaving out bioactive compounds found elsewhere. Add in unclear sourcing, inconsistent extraction, and limited testing, and it can be hard to know what you're really getting.

How We Choose to Do It

Wander State uses Full Spectrum, High Potency mushrooms, using both mycelium and fruiting bodies to capture the full array of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in mushrooms. Our partner, Monterey Nutra, is the only fully vertically integrated mushroom farm in the U.S., with proprietary mushroom genealogy, blends, and extraction methods that unlock the full bioactive potential of every mushroom we use.

Every lot is independently tested for potency, and we publish the COAs so you know exactly what's in your beverage. We believe transparency is essential—and we're proud of the mushrooms we use.

Meet Your Mushrooms

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

Supports Cognitive Support

What it's known for:
Recent research suggests Lion's Mane may support cognitive function, mood, and overall brain wellness. Studies point to its potential roles in supporting memory, mental clarity, and neuroprotective activity.

Key compounds:
Rich in bioactive compounds such as hericenones, erinacines, beta-glucans, and antioxidants—compounds studied for their potential effects on brain and immune function.

Traditional use:
Long valued in traditional Chinese wellness practices for supporting clarity, focus, and overall vitality.

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

Supports Stress Relief & Calm

What it's known for:
Reishi has a rich history in traditional wellness systems for promoting calm, immune balance, and resilience to stress. Modern research supports its role in supporting antioxidant activity, immune-response modulation, and overall wellness.

Key compounds:
Contains bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids (e.g., ganoderic acids), polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), sterols, and phenolic compounds — each studied for their potential in supporting immune health, liver protection, and antioxidant function.

Traditional use:
Long celebrated in East Asian traditions as the "mushroom of immortality," valued for supporting longevity, mental clarity, and holistic vitality.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

Supports Energy & Endurance

What it's known for:
Recent human research indicates Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract helped maintain hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and supported iron-storage (serum ferritin) during a 16-week pre-season training period in long-distance runners — suggesting support for endurance, oxygen utilization, and muscle resilience.

Key compounds:
Includes bioactives such as cordycepin and adenosine, as well as beta-glucans — all components being studied for roles in cellular energy, performance, and recovery.

Traditional use:
Historically used in Tibetan and eastern wellness practices to support stamina, endurance, and physical vitality.

Guided by Nature. Grounded in Science.

Modern Biotechnology Shaping the Future of Functional Mushrooms

Monterey Nutra represents a significant advancement in the standardization, potency, and quality of functional mushroom ingredients. They combine proprietary strains with advanced cultivation and testing methods to deliver unprecedented levels of bioactive compounds.

Two powerful sources of bioactive compounds: Both the mycelium and the fruiting body contain distinct sets of naturally occurring compounds that contribute to a mushroom's functional profile. Many commercial products rely on only one component—often missing the broader range of bioactives found when both are used together.

The Monterey Nutra process: Each component is cultivated under optimized conditions to preserve its distinct chemistry. High-terpene fruiting bodies are grown on specially selected substrate to support optimal potency. The mycelium is fermented to concentrate key compounds. The two components are then combined into a single standardized ingredient through Monterey Nutra's proprietary dual-extraction process.

This approach delivers a complete range of beneficial compounds, creating what Monterey Nutra describes as "a full-spectrum extract with exceptional neurological and metabolic benefits."

Why it matters: You get the synergistic benefits of both components working together—not just isolated pieces. The complete beneficial profile verified by third-party testing.

Proprietary Dual-Extraction Process

Monterey Nutra enhances our mushroom extracts through a proprietary dual-extraction process that maximizes bioactive compound retention:

Step 1: Hot water extraction to capture beta-glucans and all water-soluble compounds.

Step 2: Fermentation extraction to capture all fat-soluble compounds like erinacines, hericenes, and hericenones.

Step 3: Controlled dehydration to maximize retention of all compounds of interest.

The result: An exceptionally broad and potent metabolite profile with total quantified content of bioactive terpenes exceeding 2,000 mcg/g—verified by third-party analytical testing.

Radical Transparency

We believe in our mushrooms and are proud to show you what's in every can.

Certificates of Analysis

Every batch of mushrooms is tested for purity, potency, and active compounds. Want to see the lab results? They're available.

View Testing Info

Certifications & Quality Standards

Monterey Nutra certifications: USDA National Organic Program certified, Kosher (KOF-K), PrimusGFS, vegan, non-GMO.

Cultivation: Master growers control humidity, oxygen, temperature, and harvest timing for peak potency. As they state: "We don't source our mushrooms; we grow them!"

Testing: Every batch tested for beta-glucans, triterpenes, erinacines, hericenones, hericenes, ergothioneine, heavy metals, and microbiological parameters.

Nature's Classics