If there’s one thing about functional mushroom products that you have to look out for, it has to be the quality of the product itself. Tons of products out there claim to be 100% pure Lions Mane powder, for example, but in actuality it’s full of fillers and additives making it not 100% pure but rather a diluted version of the supplement you intended on buying. At Organic Mushrooms we offer pure mushroom products free from fillers and additives, ensuring that what you pay for is what you get.
1. Check the Ingredients List
The first and most important thing to consider when buying any mushroom supplement is the ingredients list. High-quality mushroom supplements will be free from unnecessary fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients. Ideally, you want a supplement that focuses on purity and uses mushrooms in their most natural form.
When looking at the ingredients, check for:
- Organic Certification: Look for products labeled as “organic.” This ensures that the mushrooms are grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals.
- Whole Mushrooms vs. Mycelium: Some lower-quality supplements use mycelium (the root-like part of the mushroom), which contains fewer beneficial compounds than the fruiting body (the mushroom itself). The fruiting body of the mushroom is where the majority of the active compounds are concentrated. A high-quality supplement will use the full fruiting body, not just the mycelium or “mycelium biomass.”
- Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, etc.: High-quality mushroom supplements will clearly identify the species of mushrooms used. Be wary of vague labeling like “mushroom complex” or “proprietary blend” without specific species names. Each type of mushroom has unique properties, and it’s important to know what you’re getting.
2. Look for Third-Party Testing
A reputable brand should always provide evidence that their products have been tested by an independent third-party lab. Third-party testing ensures the product’s quality, potency, and purity.
Look for test results that confirm:
- Potency: Ensure the supplement contains the stated amount of active compounds, such as beta-glucans, which are responsible for many of the mushrooms’ purported benefits.
- Purity: The supplement should be free from heavy metals, contaminants, or harmful chemicals. Third-party tests can also confirm that the product is free from fillers or additives.
- Authenticity: Testing can confirm that the mushrooms used are not adulterated or diluted with lower-quality ingredients.
Reputable brands will often share their testing results directly on their website, or they will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) upon request.
At Organic Mushrooms, we strive for complete transparency. That’s why we provide and regularly update COAs for our mushrooms, so everyone can see. Check out our transparency for yourself, they are all located near the bottom of the page.
3. Consider the Extraction Method
The extraction method plays a significant role in the quality and effectiveness of the mushroom supplement. Hot water extraction and alcohol extraction are the most common methods used to extract beneficial compounds from mushrooms.
- Hot Water Extraction: This method is ideal for extracting polysaccharides (like beta-glucans), which are often the most studied active compounds in mushrooms. If a supplement is made using hot water extraction, it will likely be more potent and effective, as it extracts the bioactive compounds from the mushroom’s cell walls.
- Dual Extraction: This method combines both water and alcohol extraction to extract a broader range of bioactive compounds, including both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components. This is one of the most effective methods for maximizing the benefits of functional mushrooms.
Avoid supplements that don’t clearly state their extraction method, as this could mean the product lacks potency or uses a less effective method.
4. Check for Transparency and Sourcing
A high-quality mushroom supplement brand will be transparent about where and how their mushrooms are grown. Ethical and sustainable sourcing is critical when selecting a supplement, as it directly impacts the quality of the product.
At Organic Mushrooms, we source and grow our mushrooms right here in Canada. Unlike other companies that get them overseas, our growing and sourcing methods support local businesses and ensure that you get fresh, Canadian-grown mushrooms in the products you buy from us.
5. Look for Clear, Honest Labeling
The labeling on your mushroom supplement should be clear and honest. Beware of vague claims or a lack of transparency. Here’s what a quality label should include:
- Exact Dosage: It should tell you how much of each mushroom you’re getting per serving. If the label just says “proprietary blend,” be cautious—it may mean the company isn’t being transparent about the exact amount of each ingredient.
- Certifications: Look for any organic, vegan, or non-GMO certifications, which can signal that the product is of higher quality.
Conclusion
When selecting a functional mushroom company to buy products from, it’s important to consider honest sourcing information, organic products free from fillers and additives, honest labeling, and even upfront information on mushrooms, like certificates and COAs. At Organic Mushrooms, we strive to be as upfront and transparent as possible. That’s why we provide everything mentioned previously. Check out our products page, about page, transparency page, or contact us directly to learn more about us and our products.
