Mushroom gummies have recently emerged as yet another innovative approach to wellness. People are popping these colorful little chews everywhere, and brands are making some bold claims about mushrooms' holistic health benefits. They’ve certainly become trendy, but what are mushroom gummies anyway? Do they offer any real benefits? Or is it all just social media hype and fun marketing?
We’re here to answer these questions and clear up any confusion about mushroom-infused gummies. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, and why you might want to try them. We also hope to address any health concerns you might have so you can decide if mushroom gummies are right for you.
Note: If you’re eager to jump right in, peek at Goomz Gummies. Bursting with active ingredients, these gummies are a great place to start exploring the many benefits of mushrooms. We know our way around mushroom gummies, so stick with us as we unravel the secrets behind these tasty little wellness companions.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What Are Mushroom Gummies?
- What Do Mushroom Gummies Do?
- What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Gummies?
- What Are the Different Types of Mushroom Gummies?
- What Are the Best Mushroom Gummies?
- What is the Right Dosage of Mushroom Gummies?
- How Long Does it Take for Mushroom Gummies to Kick In?
- How Long Do Mushroom Gummies Last?
- Are Mushroom Gummies Legal?
- Are Mushroom Gummies Safe?
- What Are the Side Effects of Mushroom Gummies?
- What Are Alternatives to Mushroom Gummies?
So, What Are Mushroom Gummies?
Mushroom gummies are tasty, chewable supplements infused with mushroom extracts. Often called “functional mushroom gummies,” these delicious treats contain medicinal mushrooms renowned for powerful health benefits beyond everyday culinary fungi's fundamental nutritional value.
Some of these functional mushrooms include chaga, lion’s mane, turkey tail, and cordyceps. Our ancestors have incorporated these mushrooms into traditional medicine for thousands of years, and today, scientific evidence supports their medicinal value.
Mushroom gummies can also contain edible mushrooms more commonly found in the kitchen, such as white button, oyster, shiitake, and maitake. These culinary delights have therapeutic properties but are often overlooked as simple cooking ingredients. Now, it’s simple to get your daily dose of beneficial mushroom — edible gummies make it easy to prioritize.
Mushroom gummy brands carefully select specific mushroom varieties to utilize their distinct therapeutic properties. Once the mushrooms are chosen, they’re processed into extracts, mixed with other beneficial ingredients, infused with natural flavors, and packed into chewable supplements for easy consumption.
Gummies are a convenient and tasty choice if you want to enjoy the robust benefits of mushrooms.
What Do Mushroom Gummies Do?
How do mushroom gummies work? Here's the short answer: Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that interact with our biological functions when consumed.
Beta-glucans are some of the most prevalent compounds in mushrooms. These molecules bind to receptors in our bodies to stimulate the immune system. Mushrooms also contain many proteins, antioxidants, and dietary fibers that benefit our bodies in various ways.
You can absorb these compounds by eating raw mushrooms, but your body will have difficulty breaking down the fibers. As a result, you won’t receive the same benefits from eating raw mushrooms as you will from consuming mushroom extracts.
The extraction process releases the active compounds in mushrooms and helps our bodies absorb them more easily. As an additional benefit, extracts are easier on the stomach than whole, fiber-rich mushrooms.
By taking mushroom gummies, you’ll receive all the same benefits you would from mushroom tinctures or powdered mushroom supplements, but in a much tastier format. Plus, gummies often contain more than one mushroom variety, providing a wide range of active compounds to maximize your health benefits.
Do Mushroom Gummies Actually Work?
With all the buzz around these gummies, you may wonder if they work. So, are mushroom gummies legit? The resounding answer is yes.
Many independent studies have verified the reported medical benefits of consuming mushroom extracts. For example, research shows that functional mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. They also protect the liver, help the immune system work more effectively, and optimize how the body uses oxygen.
Some mushrooms also have adaptogenic properties, meaning they help the body maintain homeostatic balance and reduce the harmful effects of stress. Studies show that these mushrooms may help reverse stress-related changes in the brain and reduce your susceptibility to depression.
Amazingly, adaptogenic mushrooms can also protect against physical stressors, including cold exposure and exercise-related damage to muscle cells.
There’s still more research to be done in this area, but the current consensus among researchers is that mushroom gummies do work. When you consume functional mushrooms as chewable supplements, you can rest assured that they’re working their (non-hallucinogenic) magic.
What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Gummies?
At this point, you’re probably wondering if these gummies are right for you. What are mushroom gummies good for, anyway? Below are some of the most common reasons people use mushroom gummies:
Stress Management
Many people take mushroom gummies for stress relief. Lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms are famous for their stress-relieving properties — these mushrooms often show up in gummies with a focus on stress reduction and relaxation.
Mood Support
Cordyceps and lion’s mane mushroom gummies can support brain cell growth, improve mood, and clear the mind. These therapeutic benefits are perfect for banishing brain fog and boosting mental energy. If your spirits could use a lift, look for gummies containing these mushroom varieties.
Athletic Endurance
Cordyceps mushrooms are a common ingredient in energy-enhancing gummy formulas. Studies show that cordyceps can improve respiratory function, combat fatigue, provide a jolt of energy, and enhance endurance. Pop a cordyceps mushroom gummy before a run or workout to boost your physical performance.
Brain Health
Many gummies contain mushrooms known for improving cognitive functions, including learning and memory. These focus-enhancing formulas often contain turkey tail and cordyceps mushrooms, which can boost overall mental performance. These gummies are great companions for working or studying.
Heart Health
Particular mushroom gummies can also support the health of your heart and circulatory system. For example, studies show that oyster mushrooms can significantly lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol among people with diabetes. Even if you do not have diabetes, gummies containing oyster mushrooms can help keep your cardiovascular system healthy.
Immune System Support
Nearly all mushrooms have something to offer in terms of immune support. Chaga mushroom gummies are packed with incredible anti-inflammatory compounds that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Other mushroom varieties, such as reishi mushrooms, can suppress the growth of cancer cells.
Many mushrooms contain potent antioxidants that prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of common neurological diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer's.
What Are the Different Types of Mushroom Gummies?
When you compare mushroom brands, you’ll notice variations in their ingredients. Each mushroom gummy on the market offers a unique formula designed to target particular health goals. For example, you can buy gummies to support your immune system, reduce stress, enhance focus, boost energy, or improve your athletic performance.
Many gummies include a blend of mushroom extracts and multivitamins to offer superior whole-health support. Some even feature CBD for its calming properties, while others contain stimulants like caffeine to boost energy.
The mushroom infusion process can also vary among mushroom gummy brands. Some brands use mushroom powders in their gummies — these powders are less concentrated than extracts and tend to provide milder effects.
You’ll also find that some brands exclusively use mushroom fruiting bodies (the stems and caps), while others include mushroom mycelium (the roots). The fruiting bodies generally contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds than the mycelium. As such, mushroom gummy brands that use only the fruiting bodies will provide a more potent product.
What Are the Best Mushroom Gummies?
The top mushroom gummy brands source high-quality ingredients, produce potent mushroom extracts and offer a variety of flavors to suit anyone’s taste. Check out our article on the best functional mushroom gummies to learn about some of our favorite brands and what makes them unique.
If you’re looking for gummies packed with powerful mushroom ingredients, check out Goomz. These great gummies contain a unique nootropic blend of mushroom and herbal extracts specifically formulated to enhance cognitive performance, boost mental energy, and lift mood.
Goomz Gummies contain highly concentrated extracts from chaga, lion’s mane, turkey tail, shitake, and reishi mushrooms. The formula also includes a proprietary cordyceps blend we love that packs more mental and emotional benefits into each chew. You’ll also find other botanicals in these gummies, including kava root and blue lotus.
We love Goomz Gummies because they’re vegan, gluten-free, pesticide-free, and available in four fruity flavors: Berry Blast, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon. Check out the Goomz selection of mushroom gummies to learn what makes each flavor unique.
What is the Right Dosage of Mushroom Gummies?
If you’re taking mushroom gummies, always follow the recommended dose on the product package. For an average daily dose, many functional mushroom brands recommend a serving size of around 1,000 to 2,000 mg of mushrooms.
Keep in mind that gummies vary in concentration, which will affect the recommended dosage. For example, a 2:1 extract condenses 2 grams of dried mushrooms into 1 gram of extract. Higher concentrations, such as 8:1 or 10:1, pack more benefits into the same amount of extract. As a result, you’ll need fewer gummies for the same effect.
How Long Does it Take for Mushroom Gummies to Kick In?
How long it takes to feel the effects of a mushroom gummy depends on the formulation and potency of the extracts. Some gummies provide immediate effects, though these will be mild. Gummies designed for stress reduction, focus, or energy can take effect within a few hours.
Some gummies — such as those formulated to reduce inflammation — take longer to work their (entirely legal) magic. The bioactive mushroom compounds accumulate in the body over time, so you must take them consistently to see results.
Some brands state that you need to take their gummies for a few weeks or months to notice noticeable health benefits.
How Long Do Mushroom Gummies Last?
The effects of certain mushroom gummies should last several hours. For example, cordyceps mushroom gummies will give you energy all day — without the crash and groggy feeling that follows caffeine consumption.
How long mushroom gummies last will depend on what’s in them. Your metabolism will also impact how long the mushroom compounds circulate in your system. Keep in mind that functional mushrooms tend to produce subtle effects, especially when compared to psychoactive substances.
Are Mushroom Gummies Legal?
Yes, gummies and other mushroom edibles made with functional mushrooms are completely legal in the United States. The FDA classifies these mushrooms as dietary supplements. Remember, functional mushrooms are not psychoactive, meaning they will not alter your perception or behavior.
Most gummies containing psychoactive mushrooms are illegal. These include those made with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, known as “magic mushrooms,” which contain hallucinogenic compounds.
Surprisingly, the amanita muscaria mushroom (a milder hallucinogen) is legal in most states. Still, experts question the safety of amanita mushrooms, so it’s a good idea to steer clear.
Are Mushroom Gummies Safe?
Functional mushroom gummies are generally considered safe for most people when consumed as recommended. The mushrooms in these gummies have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and their safety has been confirmed in several clinical studies. We go over this research more thoroughly in our article on the safety of mushroom gummies.
Still, there are a few known health concerns associated with mushrooms. The most common issues are allergies and interactions with drugs and other supplements.
Certain mushrooms can stimulate the immune system and affect how your body absorbs nutrients, which can be problematic if you have pre-existing health conditions. Also, there is little research on the safety of consuming mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If any of the above applies to you, consult your doctor before trying mushroom gummies.
What Are the Side Effects of Mushroom Gummies?
Although mushroom gummies rarely cause unwanted side effects, adverse reactions are possible. Studies suggest that side effects vary by mushroom. For example, reishi mushroom gummies can cause dizziness and headaches, while lion’s mane mushrooms sometimes produce allergic reactions.
Remember, these gummies may contain other plant ingredients besides mushrooms, such as ginseng or holy basil, which can produce side effects like fatigue, nausea, and allergic reactions.
After taking mushroom supplements, some people report digestive issues such as bloating and stomach discomfort. However, this is mainly due to the fiber content of fresh mushrooms and mushroom powders. Digestive issues are rarely a problem with gummies because the extraction process removes most of this fiber.
Chances are, mushroom gummies will not cause side effects. To be safe, always follow the recommended dosage on the product label — or consider starting with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts.
What Are Alternatives to Mushroom Gummies?
Besides chewing mushroom-infused gummies, there are many other ways to enjoy the benefits of functional mushrooms.
You can consume fresh, whole mushrooms by adding them to stir-fries, soups, and salads. Most beneficial mushrooms have a mild and meaty flavor, but some can be bitter and woody, so you might only sometimes want to eat them in their original form. Such is the case for reishi mushrooms, which have a tough texture.
Teas are another option since mushroom compounds are water-soluble and will infuse into hot water. You can buy pure, dried mushrooms to steep in hot water or purchase pre-made blends, which often contain other herbs and botanicals to improve their flavors.
You can also buy mushroom powders to add to smoothies and drinks or sprinkle on food. Alternatively, you can opt for mushroom supplements, which contain powders or extracts in capsules that you swallow like any other pill.
Many people prefer mushroom gummies because they’re convenient and tasty, but it all comes down to personal preference. Try a few different mushroom supplement forms to find what you like best.
Try Edible Mushroom Gummies
Whether you’re looking for an energizing pick-me-up, a calming solution to stress and anxiety, or general wellness benefits, mushroom gummies have you covered. These tasty treats can be a boon to your mental and physical health. If you want to see what all the hype is about, try a few gummies and determine how you feel.
With the sheer number of high-quality mushroom gummies out there, it can take time to figure out where to start. To make your decision a little easier, Goomz packs a highly concentrated blend of functional mushrooms into every chew, ensuring you enjoy all the mood-lifting effects you expect. Take a look at the four fun flavors and give them a try.