Mushroom gummies: how to tell functional blends from risky products
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Quick answer"Mushroom gummies" covers two very different products. Functional mushroom gummies blend extracts such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps and chaga, sometimes with ashwagandha or magnesium; evidence for each mushroom is limited and the amount per gummy is often small. Separately, some gummies sold in smoke and vape shops as "microdosing" products made people seriously ill: the FDA and CDC linked Diamond Shruumz gummies, chocolates and cones to 180 illnesses, 73 hospitalizations and 3 potentially associated deaths in 2024. Choose clearly labeled functional supplements, check each mushroom's cautions, and avoid products marketed for mind-altering effects.
Our picks at a glance
- Lion's mane gummies. Best for: Adults who want one mushroom in a chewable. See options on Amazon
- Multi-mushroom gummies with listed amounts. Best for: People who want a blend and are not on blood thinners. See options on Amazon
- Sugar-free mushroom gummies. Best for: People limiting sugar. See options on Amazon
Two kinds of mushroom gummies
| Type | What it is | Key concern |
|---|---|---|
| Functional mushroom gummies | Dietary supplements with lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga or similar | Limited evidence; small or unlisted amounts |
| Products marketed for microdosing or psychoactive effects | Gummies, chocolates and cones sold in smoke, vape and hemp shops | Serious illnesses reported; FDA recall of one brand |
This guide covers functional mushroom gummies and explains why the second kind deserves caution.
What the evidence says for each mushroom
- Lion's mane. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) says limited clinical data suggest it may help memory and mood in some groups, but most research is preclinical. See our lion's mane guide.
- Reishi. NIH LiverTox says none of its purported benefits has been shown in adequately sized, controlled trials, and MSK notes it may raise bleeding risk. See our reishi guide.
- Cordyceps. MSK reports mixed exercise results and possible blood sugar lowering and bleeding effects. See our cordyceps guide.
- Chaga. MSK says its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in clinical studies, and high oxalate has been linked to kidney injury with long-term powder use. See our chaga guide.
Gummies combine these mushrooms, often in small amounts per piece, and the blends themselves are rarely studied. Expect modest or uncertain effects.
The Diamond Shruumz recall: a warning about psychoactive gummies
In 2024 the FDA investigated illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones and gummies marketed for microdosing. People reported seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, agitation, abnormal heart rates, blood pressure changes, nausea and vomiting.
- CDC counted 180 illnesses in 34 states as of October 31, 2024, with 73 hospitalizations and 3 potentially associated deaths.
- Of those illnesses, 118 were in people who ate a Diamond Shruumz product, 36 in people who ate a mushroom chocolate bar of an unspecified brand, and 26 in people who ate a mushroom chocolate bar of another brand, so the concern goes beyond one label.
- All flavors were recalled, but the FDA warns they have a long shelf life and may still be sold in some smoke, vape and hemp shops.
- The FDA says these products may appeal to children and teenagers.
If someone becomes ill after eating such a product, contact a health care provider or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Safety for functional mushroom gummies
- Blood thinners. MSK says reishi, chaga and cordyceps may increase bleeding risk.
- Diabetes medicines. Cordyceps and chaga may add to blood sugar lowering in lab studies.
- Kidney disease. Avoid blends with chaga unless your doctor approves.
- Immune-suppressing drugs. MSK says reishi may not be safe with immunosuppressants.
- Known side effects. MSK lists stomach discomfort, nausea and rash for lion's mane, and nausea and insomnia among reported reishi effects.
- Added ingredients. Sleep and stress gummies often add ashwagandha, magnesium or other herbs with their own cautions.
- Children. Keep all supplement gummies out of children's reach.
How to choose functional mushroom gummies
- Each mushroom named with an amount. Avoid labels that list a blend weight only.
- Species and part. Look for Latin names such as Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), and whether fruiting body or mycelium is used.
- No mind-altering claims. Skip products marketed for microdosing, trips or psychoactive effects.
- Sugar and extras. Check sugar per gummy and any added herbs or sleep aids.
- Third-party testing. Prefer brands that state independent testing.
- Single mushroom if you have a goal. A lion's mane gummy is easier to judge than a 10-in-1 blend.
What to look for when you buy
Lion's mane gummies
Best for: Adults who want one mushroom in a chewable
Single-mushroom gummies make it clear what you are taking; MSK notes limited data on lion's mane for memory and mood.
Watch out: Evidence is early. Check sugar per gummy and stop for stomach upset or rash.
See options on AmazonMulti-mushroom gummies with listed amounts
Best for: People who want a blend and are not on blood thinners
Blends combine several mushrooms; choose one that lists each mushroom's amount.
Watch out: Reishi, chaga and cordyceps may raise bleeding risk; chaga is high in oxalate. Ask your doctor if you take medicines.
See options on AmazonSugar-free mushroom gummies
Best for: People limiting sugar
Sugar-free versions avoid added sugar in a daily chewable.
Watch out: Check sweeteners and added herbs. Same mushroom cautions.
See options on AmazonWhen to talk to a doctor: Do not use products marketed for microdosing or psychoactive effects. Talk with your doctor before taking mushroom gummies if you take blood thinners, diabetes or immune-suppressing medicines, have kidney disease, or are pregnant or nursing. For illness after eating a mushroom product, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Questions people ask
- What are mushroom gummies?
- Usually chewable supplements with functional mushrooms like lion's mane or reishi. Some products marketed for microdosing are a different, riskier category.
- Do mushroom gummies work?
- Evidence for each mushroom is limited, and blends in gummy form are rarely studied. Expect modest or uncertain effects.
- Are mushroom gummies safe?
- Some mushrooms in functional gummies interact with blood thinners and other drugs, so check each one. Diamond Shruumz products were recalled after serious illnesses.
- What happened with Diamond Shruumz gummies?
- The FDA and CDC linked them to 180 illnesses, 73 hospitalizations and 3 potentially associated deaths in 2024, and all flavors were recalled.
- Can kids take mushroom gummies?
- Ask a pediatrician first, and keep all gummies out of children's reach.
Sources
- Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies (June 2024) (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Lion's Mane Mushroom: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Reishi Mushroom: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Chaga Mushroom: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Cordyceps: About Herbs (mskcc.org), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Lingzhi, Reishi - LiverTox (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases