More Than Just a Mug – How One Mum Is Helping Teens Feel Better, One Sip at a Time
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
In a world that often tells teenagers to do better, be better, and look better, one mum is offering something far more powerful: the reminder that they are already enough. And she’s doing it with a cup of hot chocolate.
Meet Gemma Ogston, mum of teens, cookbook author (The Healing Cookbook, The Self-Care Cookbook), and mental health ambassador for YoungMinds. She’s the founder of Mama Shrooms, a wellness brand built on compassion, lived experience, and a deep belief in the healing power of food.
And now, she’s launching something truly special: Mama Shrooms Teen Energy + Focus Hot Chocolate — a first-of-its-kind functional supplement made just for teenagers.
A hug in a mug, with real benefits
This isn’t your average health drink. Mama Shrooms Teen Hot Chocolate is a delicious, creamy blend of organic cacao, coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a powerhouse combination of functional mushrooms and essential vitamins — all designed to nourish teen bodies and support mental wellbeing.
What’s inside?
Lion’s Mane for focus, memory, and gut support
Reishi to ease anxiety and calm the nervous system
Tremella, the “beauty mushroom,” for skin hydration and breakout support
Chaga to boost immunity and overall resilience
Vitamins A, C, D, B-complex, B12, folic acid, zinc, biotin — all tailored to support hormonal health, energy, skin, and mood
Free from fillers, additives, and hidden nasties, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and actually tastes amazing — rich, smooth, and chocolatey. Teens can enjoy it hot, iced, or in smoothies, making it easy to weave into daily life.
Born from real life
Gemma’s motivation isn’t marketing—it’s motherhood.
“I created this because I’ve lived it,” she shares. “My daughter struggled with her mental health, and I felt completely helpless. Trying to get her support was nearly impossible—we were told she wasn’t ‘unwell enough’ yet. That moment changed everything. I knew I had to do something. I wanted to create something practical, nurturing, and empowering to help teens take care of themselves—physically and emotionally.”
That experience laid the foundation for a product that’s as much about emotional wellbeing as it is about nutrition.
Changing the conversation around teen wellness
In a wellness world flooded with unattainable ideals and adult-centric solutions, Mama Shrooms is flipping the script.
“The industry often forgets teenagers, or worse, speaks down to them,” says Gemma. “Mama Shrooms is about helping teens feel seen, supported, and capable. It’s about small, meaningful habits that help them build confidence in looking after their own mind and body.”
Each pouch of Teen Hot Chocolate comes with a collection of supportive extras — including stickers, recipes, mushroom info, and most importantly, accessible mental health resources developed in partnership with YoungMinds, the UK’s leading youth mental health charity.
Gemma, a proud ambassador for the charity, is using her platform to promote a bigger message: wellbeing is for everyone, and it starts young.
Giving back with purpose
To further this mission, Gemma has also partnered with Brighton-based ethical jewellery brand Posh Totty Designs to launch a limited-edition mushroom charm necklace, available from June 19th. 100% of the profits will go directly to YoungMinds.
“This isn’t just about a product—it’s a movement,” Gemma says. “Food is medicine. Nutrition affects mood. And if we can help teens understand that from an early age, we give them real power going into adulthood.”
Available now
Mama Shrooms Teen Hot Chocolate is available now via
Coming very soon to Holland & Barrett
And launching across Europe shortly
If you’re a parent, carer, or educator looking for a practical way to support your teen’s wellbeing, this might just be the hug-in-a-mug they need.
