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The Only Drink That Boosts My Focus & Energy Levels Without Causing A Major Crash
As much as I prioritize sleep and recovery, I still have days when I need an extra boost of energy. Typically I reach for a second cup of coffee to help power me through the afternoon slump, but I end up crashing a few hours later.
I figured exhausted evenings were the price I had to pay for productive mornings—but then I got the chance to test out Odyssey's Mushroom Elixir. The functional beverage harnesses the power of adaptogenic mushrooms to promote energy and concentration without the hard comedown.
After one month I integrated the sparkling beverage into my routine; here's my honest review of Odyssey's caffeinated drink lineup, including a full taste test.
What is Odyssey Elixir?
Scott Frohman founded Odyssey Elixir after discovering the power of functional mushrooms. Per the brand, he started every morning mixing a blend of chaga, reishi, and lion's mane into his coffee.
The blend had a positive impact on Frohman's energy levels and cognitive function—and the idea for Odyssey Elixirs was born.
Today the brand offers three product lines: Original Core, 222, and Revive.
All three beverages pack 2,750 mg of mushroom extracts, but their purpose varies. The 222 and Core lines boost focus and energy with caffeine, while the Revive line supports hydration and mood sans caffeine.
How do Odyssey Elixirs work?
Functional mushrooms have adaptogenic properties or are organic compounds that support our nervous system's response1 to stress. Although all mushrooms' cell walls contain beta-glucans—which research links to heart health, immune function, and gut health2—their exact benefits vary by type.
Odyssey Elixirs channel the power of two types of mushrooms: Lion's mane and cordyceps. The former supports cognitive function and mental sharpness3, while the latter is best known for promoting physical energy.
Every sparkling beverage from Odyssey contains 2,750 mg of mushrooms per serving, along with 100 mg of panax ginseng extract and 85 mg of L-theanine. This combo promotes relaxation and less stress with more energy.
Additionally, the caffeinated 222 and Core lines have green tea extract, which research shows promotes a healthy weight4, supports heart health5, and enhances skin health6. On the other hand, the relaxation-focused Revive line boasts magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C.
How do Odyssey Elixirs taste?
First things first, I should clarify these functional mushroom beverages do not taste like mushrooms.
Sweetened with monk fruit extract—one of the healthier artificial sweeteners—the carbonated drinks taste like tropical vacations with natural flavors that closely resemble their namesake fruits.
Odyssey 222
The Odyssey 222 line has 222 mg of caffeine per drink. For reference, a typical cup of coffee has 95 mg. Due to the high caffeine content, I only drank this elixir on days when I skipped my morning coffee and tea.
Along with drinking these beverages sporadically throughout the month, I also did a taste test where I tried each flavor consecutively to help find my favorite one.
Below, my final ranking:
- Odyssey 222 Sparkling Cherry Lime: This refreshing flavor reminds me of sipping on limeade from Sonic in my childhood. It's the perfect tang of lime with a sweet hint of cherry—and easily one of my favorite flavors.
- Odyssey 222 Sparkling Strawberry Watermelon: Watermelon is my favorite fruit, but I find it hard for companies to mimic the flavor without going artificial. This drink hits the mark, and it's tied for my favorite.
- Odyssey 222 Sparkling Blue Raspberry: I would describe this as a subtler take on a Jolly Rancher cany. You can taste the sweetener in this one more, which gives it the candy effect.
- Odyssey 222 Sparkling Pineapple Mango: This was my least favorite flavor; it tastes strongly of pineapple juice (which just isn't my jam).
If you're not sure of the best flavor for your taste buds, you can purchase a variety pack with three of each flavor. And yes, they're available with Amazon's Subscribe & Save.
Odyssey Original Core
The Original Core line only has 85 mg of caffeine per serving—less than coffee—and comes in four flavors. I typically drank these energy drinks on days when I'd had my morning brew but still felt the need to energize.
Similar to the 222 line, I tested each flavor once in my regular routine before completing a side-by-side taste test.
My final ranking:
- Odyssey Mushroom Elixir Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava: I spent part of my childhood in Hawaii, and this POG-inspired flavor is spot-on. It's perfectly citrusy!
- Odyssey Mushroom Elixir Blackberry Lemon Twist: The initial note of this beverage is berry, but it tames down to a bright lemon twist that's faintly minty. I can only describe this as refreshing (and tasty).
- Odyssey Mushroom Elixir Orange Ginger: The potent ginger flavor overpowers the orange in this elixir—and it tastes just like actual ginger juice.
- Odyssey Mushroom Dragon Fruit Lemonade: I don't think actual dragon fruit has a strong flavor, and I'd argue this elixir is similar. It's juicy and light, which is perfect for early mornings.
Personally, I'm a bigger fan of the original Elixir flavors; I find the monk fruit extract is less noticeable, and the fruit-inspired flavors better align with my palate. That being said, I do think the Odyssey 222 line is a great option for days when you need an extra punch of energy.
Are Odyssey Elixirs good for you?
These functional elixirs are technically energy drinks—but I'd be remiss not to mention these drinks have an ingredient list that you can read. Erthyritol was the only ingredient that really gave me pause on the ingredient label.
The sugar alcohol occasionally gives me digestive issues, even though it's naturally found in small quantities of grapes, pears, and mushrooms. However, I didn't notice any adverse side effects from drinking these elixirs (even the highly caffeinated Odyssey 222 line).
The final takeaway
If you need an extra boost of energy without the crash, then you can't go wrong with the Odyssey Elixirs. The functional energy drinks harness the powers of adaptogens to promote more energy and focus—and I found they were the perfect way to power through a long day.
My recommendation? Stock up on the brand's Original Passion Fruit Orange & Guava flavor when you make your first purchase with our promo code MBG30 directly on the brand's website.
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