Magic or myth? A mycologist’s guide and review of the best mushroom supplements

Has once-forgotten fungi become the wellness world’s new favorite ingredient?

Well, maybe. The mushroom market is growing at a remarkable pace, and it’s not just stemming from culinary needs. In ancient civilizations, different species of mushrooms played a key role in supporting spirituality, wellness, and human health.

Native American civilizations used Puffball Mushrooms for cauterizing wounds. East Asian cultures regularly treated diarrhea and other gastroenteric dysfunctions with Phellinus fungi. Indigenous communities harbored the powers of Tiger Milk mushrooms as a traditional cure for asthma.

The West is just beginning to catch up. Now in the 21st century, celebrities have begun hunting down shrooms of all forms to add to their health regimens, and experts are finally expanding clinical research on mushrooms used for medicinal purposes — like aiding in the treatment of various cancers and diseases, including COVID-19.

Simultaneously, the mysticism around mushrooms has trickled into the multi-billion-dollar dietary supplement market. In the last few years, hundreds of mushroom brands have risen as key players in the health and wellness arena, attracting the interest of many health-focused individuals who prefer a more natural remedy.

Companies like Om, Everyday Dose, RYZE, and Plant People have rolled out mushroom supplements in every form — powders, gummies, extracts, capsules, and even mushroom coffee — all with distinct promises to do everything from improve memory to boost stamina and clear up brain fog. With so many lofty claims about mushroom supplement benefits, many consumers don’t know what to believe or where to start.

For guidance on all things mushrooms, the Post spoke with Paul Stamets, a world-renowned mycologist and entrepreneur, widely known as the guide on the ‘Fantastic Fungi’ documentary. Stamets is also the author of several books on mycology and the winner of the National Mycologist Award from the North American Mycological Association.

About ten years ago, Stamets launched Host Defense Mushrooms, one of the longest-standing mushroom supplement companies in the United States. His company specializes in mushroom mycelium-based supplements to support natural immunity and whole-body wellness.

“Since launching Host Defense Mushrooms, many new companies have followed us into the category,” Stamets explained. “As information on the research of the benefits of mushroom mycelium has reached the mainstream, there have been millions of people interested in including mushroom supplements to support their daily health and longevity.”

Do mushroom supplements actually work?

According to Stamets and other experts in the field, mushroom supplements can offer effective health benefits, but not for every ailment. There are various species of mushrooms that cover a range of system-specific needs.

“One thing they all have in common is that beneficial mushrooms have been extensively researched and shown to support an engaged and balanced immune response,” said Stamets. “Over the past several decades, mushroom mycelium-based products have been used in many successful clinical studies.”

Stamets explained that there are a few species that have been particularly focused on in scientific research — Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, and Agarikon mushrooms: “Placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical studies have shown positive benefits of mycelium-based products,” shared Stamets.

When it comes to selecting high-quality mushroom supplements, Stamets has some specific guidelines. He’s offered his advice on what to look for, as well as answers to more frequently answered questions in the Buyer’s Guide.

Popular mushroom supplements

Below, find a range of popular mushroom supplements available — some of which we’ve tested and vetted firsthand, others that have been recommended by experts, and more that rank atop the best mushroom supplement categories at popular retailers.

Best Organic Mushroom Supplement: Host Defense Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Brain Health Support Supplement

Recommended by Stamet, Host Defense’s Lion’s Mane Brain Health Support Supplement is among the most popular mushroom supplements available. Host Defense uses fermented rice biomass and organic Lion’s Mane mycelium grown on a farm in the Pacific Northwest.

Lion’s Mane — dubbed the “Smart Mushroom” — has been shown to support memory, mood, cognition, gut health, and nervous system health. Customers also have indicated that consistent use of this formula has eased brain fog, neuropathy, and memory loss due to aging — and even amplified their work performance and decision-making abilities.

“Before taking Lion’s Mane, my average typing speed was around 80 wpm, and I had only hit 100 wpm on rare occasions,” one impressed reviewer shared. “After just a few days of taking this supplement, alongside flushing niacin as recommended by Paul Stamets, my typing speed soared to over 120 wpm — a new high score.”

Benefits: Memory, mood, cognition, gut health, and nervous system health

Directions: Recommended dosage is 2 capsules per day, which can be taken with or without food, or as advised by a healthcare professional.

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Best Mushroom Powder Drink: OM Mushroom Superfood Hot Chocolate Blend Mushroom Powder

OM, which stands for Organic Mushrooms, was founded by Mycologist Steve Farrar and Wellness Expert, Sandra Carter, who holds a PhD in preventative medicine. The signature power blend combines rich organic Dutch chocolate with Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Turkey Tail mushrooms.

While natural flavors are added for taste, the power of this formula lies in the synthesis of different powerful mushroom strands, as well as added Aswahaganda — which is said to support immunity and concentration and help balance mental and physical stress.

New York Post Review: “I was enchanted with all the glowing customer reviews I read about Om, and wanted to give it a shot myself. I make myself a Superfood Mushroom Blend after dinner if I am craving something sweet, and it always curbs my cravings. The flavor is decadent — mildly sweet and not ‘mushroomy’ at all. My quality of sleep is always better when I take my daily dose, and it generally leaves me feeling more clear-minded and relaxed.”

Benefits: Memory, mood, cognition, gut health, and nervous system health

Directions: Add approximately 1 tablespoon to 8 ounces of your favorite milk, blend well with a hand frother, and enjoy hot or cold. One serving per day.

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Best Mushroom Powder for Coffee: RYZE Mushroom Coffee

The RYZE Mushroom Coffee is a #1 Best-seller on Amazon, and the extraordinary sales in the last month alone are proof. Over 40,000 customers purchased a pouch in January and counting.

Based in California, all the mushrooms used in this blend are sourced locally and considered ‘full-spectrum’ meaning that you get the highest value from each mushroom. A higher potency blend, means more health benefits, faster.

The signature organic blend features six adaptogenic superfood mushrooms — Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and King Trumpet. Healthy fat from MCT oil and Organic Arabica Coffee are added for their own benefits — but there are no sneaky sweeteners or unwanted fillers.

“I have had coffee every morning of my life for 30 years,” one customer admitted. “I am now seven days without coffee because of Ryze. It wakes me up and I already have improvements. I have no afternoon caffeine crash, already feel a difference with feeling bloated, and definitely able to think clearly. It tastes way better than I was expecting, too.”

Benefits: Gut health, immunity, focus, energy

Directions: Add 1 tablespoon of RYZE Mushroom Coffee to 8–10 ounces of hot or cold water. Stir well and add your desired creamer or sweetener.

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Best Mushroom Matcha: Everyday Dose Mushroom Matcha+

Everyday Dose is a quick and easy functional mushroom formula. Ready in just 30 seconds, the formula is designed to provide lasting focus and steady energy by unlocking your daily dose (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins).

The blend features Lion’s Mane for sharper focus, Chaga for immune support, collagen for skin and hair health, and L-Theanine for steady energy without the crash. While there are some mixed opinions on the value for the price, many shoppers agree that this blend helps promote energy, without a crash and tastes good, especially with a sweetener.

New York Post Review: “If you enjoy regular matcha, you’re going to love Matcha+. I was hesitant to try something that blended mushrooms with matcha, as they’re both known to be strong, bitter, and pretty earthy flavors, but EveryDay Dose Mushroom Matcha+ is surprisingly smooth, sweet, and just has a slight vegetal afternote. I think that the added collagen is a huge draw, as you’re already getting all the internal cognitive benefits with the mushrooms, plus the external (skin and hair) benefits with the collagen.”

Benefits: Cognition, memory, focus, immunity, gut health, lowers stress, helps promote healthy skin, hair growth, joint support

Directions: Add 1 Tablespoon of Matcha+ to 3-7 ounces of water. Stir or froth for fifteen seconds or until fully dissolved. Customize to your liking with milk or sweetener.

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Best Mushroom Supplement for Women: MegaFood Superfood Mushroom Stress Relief

Meet the first and only mushroom supplement clinically shown to reduce stress. MefaFood’s Doctor-formulated Superfood Mushroom blend is made with 100% Reishi mushroom fruiting bodies, as well as KSM-66 Ashwagandha to help the body adapt to stressors.

MegaFood has taken a slightly different approach to its supplement formula by focusing on Beta Glucans. Beta Glucans are a type of soluble fiber and are one of the beneficial, functional, and bioactive compounds in mushrooms.

MegaFood has found that using the 100% fruiting body, with no mycelium or grain fillers, provided superior beta-glucan concentration. The blend was tested in a six-week clinical study and was shown to reduce levels of perceived stress.

New York Post Review: “I don’t like adding another pill to my morning stack, and I’m always skeptical about the supplements that promise to cure stress, but MegaGood’s Superfood Mushroom formula was one that I was willing to try. The results of the clinical testing were pretty astounding, and I appreciate the fact that it’s formulated by Doctors. It took me a few weeks to notice the results, but there were some great improvements. I felt far less tension — both in my shoulders and in my mind — and I also found that my overall mood was brighter. I think it’s fairly priced, considering the benefits. “

Benefits: Stress, mood

Directions: Adults take two capsules any time of day with food and a beverage.

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Best Mushroom Extract: Turkey Tail Extract

While there is much focus on the cognitive benefits of mushroom supplements, somewhat less attention is given to the strains which have been shown to improve gut health and improve overall immunity.

Stamets has recommended a Turkey Tail formula for anyone looking to support their microbiome and gastrointestinal tract. Turkey Tail supports beneficial microflora in the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal tract, setting the foundation for a healthy immune response.

The strain also invigorates immune cells while simultaneously ensuring the immune response doesn’t overreact. In a clinical study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Host Defense Turkey Tail capsules were shown to be immunologically active.

Benefits: Immunity, digestive and gastrointestinal health

Directions: Take 1 full dropper bulb squeeze twice per day. Can be taken with food or on an empty stomach or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

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Best Mushroom Gummies: Plant People WonderFocus Mushroom Gummies

Enter Plant People, a brand co-founded by two entrepreneurs who experienced traumatic spinal surgeries when hiking. Rather than taking pharmaceuticals, both used mushrooms, herbs, and cannabis in their recovery from surgeries. A few years later, they launched Plant People to bring alternative medicine to the mainstream.

The brand’s popular WonderFocus gummies are all about the mind. The lion’s mane helps in the growth and maintenance of brain cells, while cordyceps promotes prolonged focus and alertness. These gummies are marketed for students taking exams, or anyone seeking an extra sharpness or mental edge.

New York Post Review: “Everyone wants to be sharper, smarter, and faster. When all these benefits are packed into one solution, and that solution is a tasty gummy, it’s even better. Besides the high-potency mushrooms, there’s a diverse combination of ingredients and vitamins in these. The B vitamins, Alpha GPC, and green tea offer powerful nootropic effects, and you can feel them quickly. It’s a similar feeling to a few shots of espresso, which seems like a fair trade, considering this is a much healthier alternative.”

Benefits: Focus, energy, cognition, ideation

Directions: Enjoy 2 gummies daily when in need of focus or as a delicious midday treat.

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Best Mushroom Protein Powder: Ka’Chava All-In-One Nutrition Shake Blend

Those looking to hit protein goals while also enjoying the benefits of superfoods and functional mushrooms may opt for something like Ka’Chava. This all-in-one nutritional shake has reimagined the typical protein shake by blending vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, adaptogens, superfruits and berries, omegas, MCTs, and of course, mushrooms.

While mushrooms are not the only functional superfood in this powder — the combination of different species, including Mitake, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Maitake — could bring a wider range of benefits than some competitors that rely on one form.

Made with real cacao, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of coconut nectar for subtle sweetness, this plant-powered drink has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and consistently ranks atop the best-sellers list.

New York Post Review: “I’ve tried a lot of protein powders in my life — many with that seriously unpleasant artificial aftertaste. Ka’Chava is something else. These nutritional shakes have the consistency and flavor of a super-rich milkshake, and the variety of flavors from chocolate to chai makes it difficult to get bored. While it’s an expensive shake, and the mushroom extract ratio may be lower than some of the other dedicated mushroom supplements on the list, this drink has such a wide range of superfoods that it makes up for it in my book. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the world of mushrooms.”

Benefits: Cognition, memory, focus, immunity, gut health, lowers stress, helps promote healthy skin, hair growth, joint support

Directions: Add 1 Tablespoon of Matcha+ to 3-7 ounces of water. Stir or froth for fifteen seconds or until fully dissolved. Customize to your liking with milk or sweetener.

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Buyers Guide

Which mushroom has the most benefits?

According to Stamets, different mushrooms provide unique benefits. Here is a simple breakdown of some of the most popular species, and their benefits:

• Lion’s Mane: May improve cognition, memory, focus, and help with brain fog.
• Reishi: Supports the immune system and could help reduce inflammation.
• Agarikon: Known for antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial support.
• Chaga: Offers antioxidants that could help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Turkey Tail: Acts as a prebiotic for gut and immune system support.

Do combination mushroom supplements (blends) provide more benefits than single-species ones?

“Mushrooms are synergistic!” Stamets exclaimed. “There is a compounding effect of taking more than one mushroom species. Beneficial mushrooms have been shown to accomplish more together than when taken alone, so a multi-species blend is a great option.”

Which is better, lion’s mane or reishi mushroom?

Different experts have unique preferences for mushroom species, but Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms are often compared due to their global popularity. While these species have some similar properties, they’re use-cases are often different.

Reishi mushrooms were nicknamed the “Mushroom of Immortality” in traditional Chinese medicine for their superior immune-system-enhancing powers. Today, Reishi supplements are still utilized for their anti-inflammatory compounds and ability to improve immune functioning.

Lion’s Mane mushroom supplement, named after their shaggy white manes, tend to be advertised for their potential cognitive benefits. Known as the “Smart Mushroom,” they’re taken to support memory, focus, and nerve regeneration by stimulating the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

What should consumers look for when selecting a high-quality mushroom supplement?

Stamets has offered a few guidelines for those interested in starting a best mushroom supplement for health.

“Always look for a company that uses third-party testing to confirm safety, quality, purity, and identity. It is important to look for certified organic ingredients and the country of origin,” he suggested.

To ensure high quality and purity, Stamets also has urged consumers to understand the importance of researching the mushroom farms and farmers behind these supplements.

“We’re seeing a great deal of products on the market with imported commodity mushrooms and you don’t necessarily know where that was grown or what kind of quality you are getting,” he warned.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with taking mushroom supplements?

Stamets explained that many popular mushroom species have been used safely and effectively worldwide for centuries. However, there are some contraindications with certain pharmaceutical medications, and people should be sure to check with their physician before use.

“If someone has a true mushroom allergy, they should avoid mushroom supplements. Side effects are very rare, but not unheard of,” said Stamets. “We always encourage our customers to share their supplement routine with their healthcare professionals and discuss any questions or concerns with them.” 

Are mushroom supplements safe for children, pregnant women, or people with specific conditions?

Since there is a lack of human clinical trials demonstrating safety with these specific populations, Stamets has advised anyone with a medical condition, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone taking medication to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using mushroom supplements.

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