Products: Chaga | Cordyceps | Lion’s Mane | Reishi | Turkey Tail
Real Mushrooms stands out from many medicinal mushroom brands we’ve researched. We will go into an in-depth review of the company in this article.
The brand was founded as a solution to combat against the hundreds of low potency mushroom products sold on the US market and eventually became the industry standard. It is currently the largest medicinal mushroom supplier in the USA and continues to grow.
Let’s explore what Real Mushrooms offers its customers, being an internationally renowned company with loyal customers worldwide.
Quick summary
Pros – what we like
- The founder is Skye Chilton, who is the son of Jeff Chilton. Jeff Chilton is the founder of Nammex, the first medicinal mushroom company and the pioneer of medicinal mushrooms in North America. The father-son duo have over 40 years of experience and are the most reputable medicinal mushroom company in the Western world
- The powders are made from 100% mushroom fruiting bodies and do not contain any grain, mycelium, additives, or fillers of any kind
- Experienced team of mycologists, scientists, health professionals and veterinarians
- Over 1519 medical practitioners are prescribing Real Mushrooms
- Made from 100% certified organic mushrooms
- Beta glucan amounts are specified on the label
- Thousands of positive customer reviews
- Certificate of analysis available on request
- Free shipping on all orders over $50
Cons – how they could improve
- Does not ship internationally. Countries outside of the United States and Canada need to access Real Mushroom products via iherb or Amazon. We hope to see direct access soon!
- Certificate of analysis available on request only. It would be great to see this on the website publicly, however it is worth noting that many medicinal mushroom companies don’t provide this publicly. Oriveda is the only company we have found that does.
40 Years of Experience
Real Mushrooms is the result of years of commitment and education about mushroom medicine within the Chilton family. Skye Chilton, the founder, had been learning about herbal medicine from his father, Jeff Chilton, for decades.
Jeff is the founder and owner of Nammex. This has been the biggest distributor of certified mushroom extracts in Canada and the United States for 40 years. He is one of the first individuals to introduce North America to this herbal medicine.
Through Skye’s time with his father, he learnt that the medicinal mushroom market is largely saturated with non-mushroom fruiting body products. In fact, the company’s website purports that most products from big companies are simply mycelium grains rather than actual mushrooms (or fruiting bodies, as it is now commonly labeled).
Thus, he decided to start an organization that provided consumers with only genuine mushroom fruiting body products and spread education about this conventional medication and the science that backs it.
Real Mushrooms Extract Powder Reviews
Real Mushrooms offers clients a wide range of potent mushroom extracts, such as mushroom powders, capsules, blends, and a pet range.
Capsules vs Powders
Real Mushrooms offers medicinal mushrooms in two forms: capsules and powder extracts. Customers can consume their preferred mushrooms in a convenient way due to the variety available. The capsules can be taken with a quick sip of water, making them a handy travel companion. If you want to spice up your herbal intake, you can add crushed powder to your smoothie or drink.
Real Mushrooms Chaga Extract Review
Also available in capsule form, powder form and pet range
Our findings
- Ingredients: 100% Siberian Chaga
- Extraction Method & Extraction Ratio: Hot water extraction
- Mycelium or Filler: No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
- Beta Glucans: >8%
- Other ingredients mentioned: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule), silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, may contain stearic acid
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Number of servings: 60 servings; 150 serving
What we like
- High amount of 8% beta-glucans mentioned on the label
- Made from 100% organic Siberian Chaga mushrooms
- Health benefits: immune system support, cardiovascular support, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory, metabolic function.
- Browse our list of best Chaga supplement producers in the US and Canada
Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Extract Review
Also available in powder form and pet range
Our findings
- Ingredients: 100% Cordyceps militaris mushrooms
- Extraction Method: Hot water extraction
- Mycelium or Filler: No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
- Beta Glucans: >25%
- Other ingredients mentioned: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule), silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, may contain stearic acid
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Number of servings: 45 servings; 100 serving
- Serving suggestion or serving size: 2 capsules a day
What we like
- Improves cognitive function, mental clarity and focus
- Also available in powder form
- Made from 100% fruiting bodies and has 25% beta glucans
- Health benefits: immune system support, endurance and athletic performance, energy support
- Browse our list of best Cordyceps supplement producers in the US and Canada
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Extract Review
Also available in powder form and pet range
Our findings
- Ingredients: 100% Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Extraction Method & Extraction Ratio: Hot water extraction
- Mycelium or Filler: No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
- Beta Glucans: >25%
- Other ingredients mentioned: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule), silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, may contain stearic acid
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Serving suggestion or serving size: 2 capsules a day
What we like
- High amount of 25% beta-glucans mentioned on the label
- Made from 100% organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Improves cognitive function, mental clarity and focus
- Browse our list of best Lion’s Mane supplement producers in the US and Canada
Real Mushrooms Reishi Extract Review
Also available in powder form and pet range
Our findings
- Ingredients: 100% Organic Reishi Mushrooms
- Extraction Method: Dual Extraction
- Mycelium or Filler: No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
- Beta Glucans: >25%
- Triterpenes: >4%
- Other ingredients mentioned: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule), silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, may contain stearic acid
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Number of servings: 45 servings; 100 serving
- Serving suggestion or serving size: 2 capsules a day
What we like
- 25% beta-glucans mentioned on the label
- Highest amount of Triterpenes of >4% we have seen in the Reishi supplement market
- Made from 100% organic Reishi mushrooms with no grain filler of any kind
- Dual-extracted for increased bioavailability
- Improves cognitive function, mental clarity and focus
- Also available in powder form
- Health benefits: immune system support, cardiovascular support, stress relief, sleep support
- Browse our list of best Reishi supplement producers in the US and Canada
Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail Extract Review
Also available in powder form and pet range
Our findings
- Ingredients: 100% Organic Turkey Tail mushrooms
- Extraction Method: Hot water extraction
- Mycelium or Filler: No added starch, mycelium, or grain of any kind
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
- Beta Glucans: 30%
- Other ingredients mentioned: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule), silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, may contain stearic acid
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Serving suggestion or serving size: 2 capsules a day
What we like
- Hot water extracted for increase bioavailability
- High amount of 30% beta glucans on the lavel
- Health benefits: supports immune function, anti-inflammation, liver health, gut health, bone health, thymus function, blood cholesterol and blood pressure regulation
- Browse our list of best Turkey Tail supplement producers in the US and Canada
Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders Extract Review
Also available in powder form and pet range
Our Findings
- Ingredients: A blend of Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga
- Beta Glucans: >20%
- Non GMO: Yes
- Organic: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Country + Location Grown: China
- Contains Mycelium or Grain? No
- Contains Fruiting Bodies? Yes
What we like
This supplement is a powerful mushroom multivitamin. 5 Defenders is highly potent, combining their 5 medicinal mushrooms into multi-faceted supplement. This is an all-in-one product that contains all the mushrooms that have been carefully measured so that they work harmoniously. A key benefit of this mix is that it enhances the health of several body organs while simultaneously boosting your immune system.
Pet-Friendly Range
Real Mushrooms is the pioneer of medicinal mushrooms for pets. Their high quality pet-friendly range of medicinal mushrooms comes in various forms, such as capsules, powder, and soft chews. You can choose what form to purchase the product in, acknowledging your animal’s preferences.
As discussed above, these medicines are effective both therapeutically and health-wise for animals. However, you must take caution when determining the recommended dose for your pet. Alternatively, you can consult with Real Mushroom’s support team or discuss it with your local veterinarian.
Sourcing: From Within The Family
It would be impossible to discuss Real Mushrooms without mentioning its parent company, Nammex. Since Nammex is the largest mushroom extract supplier in North America, it is evident where the ingredients for Real Mushrooms are sourced. The premier source of mushrooms is within the depths of China. The brand partners with farms to produce plants without any synthetic ingredients. These organic mushrooms are grown in the best possible environment, so they are as natural as possible.
After a meticulous growing season, their harvesting is done by hand, and they are then tested for contamination. Nammex takes the testing of its supplies very seriously. Therefore, the extracts are examined twice: once before export from China and once in the United States, prior to distribution.
You can be assured that all mushrooms you consume are Certified Organic and meet heavy metal analysis requirements. All of these factors support Nammex’s claim that its mushrooms are among the finest available.
Evaluating Real Mushrooms
The fact that this brand is the benchmark for medicinal mushroom supplements on the US market is well known. However, it is vital to understand why. Even though word of mouth is convincing, facts and figures are more reliable and trustworthy. After reading this, you can decide for yourself!
Pros: What we like about Real Mushrooms
Real Mushrooms is leading the medicinal mushroom sector and the company offers a wide range of products. Chilton has taken a lot of measures to ensure the legitimacy of his products. He validates his products with scientific evidence, such as specific beta glucan amounts, as well as testing them with medical professionals and third party labs.
Also, the company’s reliability can be attributed to the 40 years of research and development behind its mushroom extract distributor.
1. Advocacy and use of mushroom fruiting bodies
The medicinal mushroom industry relies heavily on myceliated grains for a lot of its products. There are many studies done on the benefits of pure mycelium, but many products on the market are made of mycelium fused with grain filler, such as brown rice. This often results in a far less potent product compared to that made of the fruiting body.
Why do companies use mycelium grain rather than mushroom fruiting bodies?
This is because it is far more cost-effective to produce supplements from mycelium, than of the fruiting body. Due to the similarity in appearance in the powders, low quality mycelium supplements and authentic mushroom supplements are sold together on the market.
Fortunately, Real Mushrooms actively sheds light on this industry-wide practice and reassures its clients about the authenticity of its goods. Hence, the team at Real Mushrooms goes above and beyond to ensure that the customers get exactly what they pay for and receive the full medicinal benefits of their products.
The company focuses on studying the herb in-depth, verifying the benefits and advantages of the mushrooms, as stated in ancient Chinese medicine, Di Dao
2. Certifications
Whenever you are using non-governmental medicinal products, it is always best to seek third-party certifications and test reports to ensure the efficacy of your consumption. Fortunately, Real Mushrooms acknowledges this concern and responds accordingly. On request, the company provides a Certificate Of Analysis to customers at any time. This certification provides information on the beneficial compounds such as beta glucans, polyphenols, and triterpenes. It also guarantees that all ingredients meet the standard requirements of testing for heavy metals and harmful pesticides.
This document is a composite of the third-party test reports. Labs like SGS and OMIC perform third-party tests.
3. Transparency of beta glucans
One of the things that make Real Mushrooms stand out is their transparency about the contents of their products. Unlike other companies, this brand clearly labels the amount of beta-glucans in every product. This can be easily found under the item’s profile on the website and on the product packaging label.
The benefits of beta-glucans are diverse but usually tied to improved immune function, digestive health, improved well-being, and anti-cancer properties.
4. The science team
Real Mushrooms is one of the few companies that has a team dedicated to making sure their products meet the standards set by modern medicine. The company’s Science Team tests the products and makes sure that the herbal medicine products are not simply based on myths, and rather based on actual benefits and advantages for mental and physical health. Dr. Mason Bresett is the brand’s medical advisor, actively involved in the group of 1527 healthcare professionals overseeing the product testing. Moreover, two veterinarians monitor the effectiveness of the Real Mushrooms pet range.
Additionally, over 1519 medical practitioners are prescribing Real Mushrooms products.
5. The first pet-friendly range of medicinal mushrooms
The Real Mushrooms brand is pioneering the use of medicinal mushrooms for pets. For almost every mushroom product available to humans, there is a variant specifically designed to help cats, dogs, etc. The mushroom supplements provide a variety of benefits to the animals, such as calming their nerves, stimulating their immune systems, reducing stress, etc. These therapeutic medicines were invented to help your pets both physically and mentally, without adding harmful additive or side-effects.
6. Largest online library for medicinal mushroom information
Jeff Chilton was passionate about medicinal mushrooms and demonstrated this throughout his career. Nammex, his company, does the most research on fungi supplements globally and has publicly disclosed the results on its website. This wealth of information has been incorporated into Real Mushrooms. Moreover, this father-son duo is eager to dispel any myths surrounding herbal products and disseminate factual information about traditional medicine. There are many articles and podcasts to be found on both Nammex and Real Mushrooms websites, as well as information on other factors related to this herbal practice. The company focuses on studying the herb in-depth, verifying the benefits and advantages of the mushrooms, as stated in ancient Chinese medicine, Di Dao
Cons: How Real Mushrooms could improve?
Despite the company’s many benefits and attractive qualities, we had to find some room for improvement.
1. Certificate of analysis publicly displayed on the website
Despite the fact that Real Mushrooms actively promotes its Certificate Of Analysis, it is only available upon request. It would be great to see this publicly on the website, without a request. Third-party test reports are often the companies’ golden seal. This is proof that even external labs are supportive of the production of medicinal mushrooms and that the product meets the standard requirements in every aspect.
2. Beta glucan content
As the top tier medicinal mushroom product in the market, their beta-glucan content isn’t the highest on the market. FreshCap seems to be beating them, taking the lead for the highest amount of beta-glucan in their medicinal mushroom supplement market.
Final Thoughts
To call Real Mushrooms a respected brand is an understatement. The Chilton’s have built their companies’ reputation over 40 years and has maintained its high standards until now. It is, without a doubt, the leading supplier of medicinal mushrooms on the market. With their vast knowledge of herbal medicine and a solid commitment to selling only top quality medicinal mushrooms, this company distributes the most reliable mushroom supplements. In addition, the staff’s creative ability to manufacture different types of products impresses customers around the world.
I highly recommend trying Real Mushrooms medicinal mushroom supplements to enjoy the healing benefits of mushrooms from science-backed products.
Update: We recently got in touch with Skye Chilton and he was happy to answer some questions! Check out our interview with Skye.
