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Mushroom supplements have been all the rage over the last couple of years. And whether you're looking for the brain boosting power of lion's mane mushrooms or the energy lift of cordyceps there seems to be a different mushroom for everything.Â
The problem is, like with any trendy supplement, products vary in quality and strength. Before choosing a mushroom supplement, here’s what to look for to get the most potential health benefits from functional mushrooms.Â
What To Look For With Mushroom Supplements
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Now, you may have heard a lot about fruiting bodies, mycelium, extraction methods and beta glucans, but, this isn't even close to the whole story.Â
Beta glucans, which a lot of brands talk about, are common to most mushroom supplements, and do have some great health benefits, they're supposed to be good for immune health and have some mental health benefits, but it’s more complicated than that.Â
Each of the benefits you're being sold on come from specific compounds, for example, cordyceps mushrooms have cordycepin, lion's mane has erinacines, and so on. These are unique to the mushroom species.
You'll often hear that fruiting bodies are always best to make a mushroom extract, and in most cases this is true. However, in the case of lion's mane, the most popular mushroom supplement, its most important compound actually comes predominantly from the mycelium.Â
So, that means it’s important to look for companies that standardize these extracts. Not just a generic mushroom supplement that claims to have a 10 to 1 extract or good extraction method, because that doesn't mean much when these compounds often make up less than 1% of the mushroom.Â
And of course, you want to look for the things you'd look at in any supplement, value, good third party testing, customer reviews, and so on.
Our Top Picks For Best Mushroom Supplement
Elm & Rye - Best Mushroom Powder
Nootrum Capsules - Best Mushroom Supplement
Angel Gummies - Best Mushroom Gummy
Balance - Best Mushroom Tincture
Dirtea - Best Mushroom Tea
Elm & Rye - Best Mushroom Powder
The Elm & Rye Mushroom Complex creamer really stands out. Especially because a huge part of the market for people looking for mushroom supplements is people looking for something to add to their morning cup of coffee that’ll keep that energized feeling lasting longer without the crash.
So, if you want the benefits of lion's mane and chaga mushrooms in a way that's going to taste good in your coffee and not break the bank, then this is a really good option. They focus on the mushroom fruiting bodies, meaning you get enough of the beta glucans to get their benefits.
But, how does it taste? Reviewers generally say the taste is pretty good, and it adds a smooth texture to your drinks while claiming to deliver cognitive and immune-boosting benefits. Perfect for those looking for a delicious way to incorporate mushrooms into their daily routine.
Ingredients: Organic chaga mushrooms, lion's mane
Pros
Nice novelty, good for gifts
Decent dose of beta glucans
Nootrum - Best Mushroom Capsules
Nootrum delivers a powerful blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, including lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps. And most importantly, they've standardized for dosages of the important compounds. That means you get a full dose of cordycepin from cordyceps mushrooms for a potential energy boost, triterpenes from reishi mushrooms, which may help support the immune system, and potential anti-inflammatory effects from lion's mane mushrooms.Â
They do also have some of the other big mushroom supplements in there, turkey tail mushroom, shiitake mushrooms and so on, but the real highlights are the specialized extracts from the big three. And because Nootrum standardizes things and mushrooms contain vitamin D, these contain your daily requirements of this vitamin too.Â
They do also offer each of the medicinal mushrooms individually if you're looking for specific effects and to save a bit of money. Although Nootrum isn't particularly expensive and if you buy in bulk you can even get it down to $30 for a month's supply. Most customer reviews are incredibly positive, and there isn't really anything bad to say about Nootrum.Â
They also have a money back guarantee, which is something many other mushroom supplements don't offer.Â
Designed for overall health, these capsules claim to boost cognitive function, support immunity, and improve energy levels. With high potency extracts and standardized beta-glucans, Nootrum is the top choice for those seeking a well-rounded mushroom supplement. They do also offer a powder form supplement and coffee, and they're good too, making them one of the best brands overall.
Ingredients: Cordyceps sinensis powder, reishi mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms, chaga mushrooms, royal sun agaricus mushrooms, white button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and black fungus extract
Pros
Standardized extracts
Money back guarantee
Good price point
3rd party tested
Good customer reviews
Angel Gummies Lion's Mane - Best Mushroom Gummy
An issue with gummies is that you often can't get nearly enough of most extracts in there to actually make them work, compared to capsules. But, it seems that Angel Gummies addressed this problem by putting just one of the well-known functional mushrooms in their product meaning, there's actually enough of it. And this makes them far better than even the most expensive mushroom supplements in gummy form at the moment.
It comes in raspberry flavor, is well priced at just $25, and you can expect to get all of the brain boosting effects of lion's mane mushroom supplements. Each gummy contains 370 mg of lion's mane, so you may have to take two a day to get the benefits.Â
Ingredients: Organic lions mane
Pros
Nice tasting gummy
Good lion's mane content
Cheap PriceÂ
Balance - Best Mushroom Tincture
Balance offers the ultimate flexibility with its highly concentrated mushroom tincture, it's worth mentioning that most tinctures taste terrible, but Balance is okay. The tincture manages to get enough of proven mushroom species, including reishi, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. It’s good if you want a quick morning solution, but not gummies or pills.Â
Ingredients: Organic reishi mushroom, turkey tail, lions mane
Pros
Easy to take tincture
Price
Dirtea - Best Individual Mushroom Powders
Dirtea mushroom powder provides a versatile and high-quality option for mushroom lovers. Featuring full spectrum powders of lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps, this powder can be easily added to smoothies, soups, or coffee.Â
Ideal for those who prefer a customizable dose of mushroom with superior absorption, Dirtea stands out for its purity and effectiveness. Dirtea doesn't standardize, but with the powder form this is a little less essential as you do have more of the compound, and for reishi mushrooms in particular, this isn't going to be an issue.Â
Ingredients: Depends on product, but organic reishi mushrooms, organic cordyceps mushroom, and lion's mane available.
Pros
Good quality mushroom supplements
High testing standards
Nice packaging
Real Mushrooms - Best Cordyceps Extract
Real Mushrooms Cordyceps stands out for its purity and potency, delivering a highly concentrated form of cordyceps extract that is 100% organic and free from fillers. This product claims to boost energy, enhance athletic performance, and support respiratory health, and may be a good choice for those seeking a natural way to elevate stamina and endurance. Real Mushrooms uses hot water extraction to ensure high levels of bioactive compounds like cordycepin, making it the top choice for those looking to maximize the benefits of cordyceps.
Ingredients: Cordyceps
Pros
Highly concentrated and organic
People use it to boost stamina and energy
Claims to support respiratory and immune health
Hot water extraction ensures potency
Four Sigmatic - Best Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee is good, and it has organic chaga mushroom and organic lion's mane mushrooms. Four Sigmatic is always going to be a good pick when it comes to functional mushrooms; they're one of the brands that really kicked off the mushroom coffee trend, and deserve their spot on the list.
Made with a blend of lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms, this coffee claims to support brain function, focus, and immune health. With a smooth flavor and no overpowering mushroom taste, Four Sigmatic delivers a perfect balance of energy and wellness in every cup.
Ingredients: Chaga & Lion's Mane
Pros
Includes lion's mane and chaga
Smooth flavor with no mushroom aftertaste
Trusted brand in functional mushrooms
Mushroom Revival - Best Mushroom Cacao
Mushroom Revival’s Mushroom Cacao combines rich, velvety cacao with the potential health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, including reishi for stress relief and cordyceps for natural energy. Whether enjoyed as a hot drink on a cold day or added to smoothies, this cacao powder provides a delicious, chocolatey flavor that satisfies your sweet cravings while potentially supporting your immune system and helping you stay energized.Â
The adaptogenic mushrooms work harmoniously with cacao’s purported mood-boosting properties, making it the perfect wellness drink that may help you unwind after a long day or for a morning pick-me-up that goes beyond ordinary hot chocolate. Is it a great way to indulge some cravings and potentially get some brain health benefits from organic lion's mane mushrooms, definitely.
Ingredients: Organic maitake mushroom, lions mane, cacao, ginger, cordyceps, reishi mushrooms
Pros
Rich chocolate flavor with reishi and cordycepsÂ
Versatile for hot drinks or smoothies
People use it to support immune health and mood
Nootrum - Best Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements
Best Lion’s Mane is another Nootrum offering that contains 1000 mg of lion’s mane per serving, standardized to almost 60% erinacines and polysaccharides.Â
The high concentration of these bioactive compounds means it may be more effective in offering some of the claims, like superior brain support and enhanced cognitive function. Plus, with a multibuy option that brings the price down to just $25, it’s not only the best quality lion’s mane supplement but also the best value. Whether you're looking to improve memory, focus, or overall brain health, Nootrum’s probably the way to go.Â
Ingredients: Lion's mane
Pros
1000 mg per serving, standardized to 60% erinacines and polysaccharides
Claims to help cognitive function and brain support
Great value with multibuy options
Conclusion: Who's Mushroom Supplements Are Best?
Either Elm & Rye or Nootrum are top choices, whether you're looking for a top tier reishi extract for immune function, a solid brain booster, or even something more niche like organic turkey tail extract. That said, there's some really fun novel ways to take mushroom supplements now, and if plain capsules and powders aren't your thing, Angel Gummies are a solid option, not to mention the whole host of wonderful drinks containing mushroom supplements.Â
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Mushroom Supplements
1. What are mushroom supplements?
Mushroom supplements are dietary products derived from various types of mushrooms, known for their potential health benefits. They often include extracts from specific mushroom species, such as lion's mane, cordyceps, reishi, and chaga.
2. What health benefits do mushroom supplements offer?
Some believe that mushroom supplements provide a range of health benefits, including:
Cognitive enhancement: Some mushrooms, like lion's mane, may support brain health and memory.
Energy boost: Cordyceps are often used to enhance physical performance and stamina.
Immune support: Many mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which some take to help support the immune system.
Stress relief: People take reishi for its calming effects and to help manage stress.
3. How do I know if a mushroom supplement is high quality?
To ensure you are getting a quality product, look for:
Standardized extracts: These provide consistent doses of active compounds.
Third-party testing: This verifies the product's purity and potency.
Transparent sourcing: Brands that disclose where their mushrooms are sourced tend to be more trustworthy.
Clear labeling: Ingredients and dosage should be clearly stated.
4. What is the difference between fruiting bodies and mycelium?
Fruiting bodies are the above-ground parts of the mushroom, often considered the most beneficial for health due to their higher concentrations of bioactive compounds.
Mycelium is the underground part of the mushroom. While it contains some beneficial compounds, many active ingredients found in mushrooms (with the exception of erinacines in lion's mane) are more concentrated in the fruiting body.
5. Can mushroom supplements interact with medications?
Yes, some mushroom supplements may interact with medications, especially those affecting the immune system or blood sugar levels. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding mushroom supplements to your regimen, particularly if you are on medication or have underlying health conditions.
6. How should I take mushroom supplements?
Mushroom supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and gummies. The dosage can vary based on the product and the specific mushroom type. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended serving size, and consider consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
7. Are there any side effects of mushroom supplements?
Most people tolerate mushroom supplements well, but some may experience side effects, such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. Start with a lower dose to assess tolerance, and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.
8. How long does it take to see benefits from mushroom supplements?
The time it takes to notice benefits can vary widely among individuals and depends on the type of mushroom and the intended effects. Some users may experience immediate effects, while others may need to take supplements consistently for several weeks to observe significant benefits.
9. Are mushroom supplements safe for everyone?
While many people can safely take mushroom supplements, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, and those with certain health conditions should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before use.
10. Where can I buy high-quality mushroom supplements?
High-quality mushroom supplements are available at health food stores, online retailers, and directly from reputable brand websites. Always choose products from trusted manufacturers with transparent labeling and third-party testing.
11. Are there vegan mushroom supplement options?
Yes, many mushroom supplements are vegan, especially those that come in capsule or powder form. However, it’s essential to check the label to confirm that no animal-derived ingredients are used.
12. How should I store mushroom supplements?
Store mushroom supplements in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain potency and freshness.
