How to Read Mushroom Supplement Labels

Five checkpoints to quickly spot quality (and avoid fluff).

1) What part of the mushroom?

• Fruiting bodies preferred for richer beta-glucans and triterpenes
• Mycelium on grain can inflate “polysaccharides” with starch

2) Active compounds listed

• Look for beta-glucans % (e.g., “>25% beta-glucans”)
• Reishi/Chaga often note triterpenes or extraction method

3) Extraction & dose

• Hot water (polysaccharides) and/or dual extract (adds alcohol for triterpenes)
• Clear mg per serving on the Supplement Facts

4) Proof of purity

• USDA Organic, 3rd-party testing, ConsumerLab/NASC mentions

5) Red flags

• Only “polysaccharides” listed (no beta-glucans)
• Vague proprietary blends without amounts
• Lots of flavors/sugars that shrink dose

Want examples? Compare Real Mushrooms’ clear beta-glucan specs with typical market labels.

Browse Real Mushrooms

Educational use only. Not medical advice.