For three consecutive years, Real Mushrooms has been distinguished as the "Best Mushroom Supplement Company" by ConsumerLab, a testament to its leadership and commitment to the dietary supplements market. This recognition is not merely a title but a reflection of the rigorous scientific processes and consumer satisfaction that define the brand.

In addition to this industry recognition based on consumer feedback, ConsumerLab has also independently tested Real Mushrooms’ products against its competitors.

By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll understand the scientifically validated way that ConsumerLab tests for mushroom supplement quality and why Real Mushrooms emerged as the leader among the most well-known brands.

ConsumerLab Award: The Selection Process

The “Best Mushroom Supplement Company” award granted to Real Mushrooms was based on the results of a survey involving over 10,000 consumer respondents in November/December 2023. The top brand in each supplement category was the one to receive the highest rating on overall consumer satisfaction. 186 brands were included in the survey and the respondents were habitual supplement users.

Real Mushrooms' dedication to transparency, product purity, and adherence to high standards has set them apart in the supplement industry. Real Mushrooms has earned the respect and trust of consumers. The “Best Mushroom Supplement Company” consumer award reflects this trust and quality. It’s why Real Mushrooms has won this designation for 3 years running.

What Sets Real Mushrooms Apart?

1. Transparency and Purity: Real Mushrooms' commitment to transparency and purity is unmatched. Unlike many competitors, Real Mushrooms ensures that its supplements are derived exclusively from the fruiting body of mushrooms, eschewing the use of mycelium grown on grain, which can dilute the potency of the final product. This commitment ensures a higher concentration of beta-glucans and a more effective supplement overall.
2. Scientifically Backed: Real Mushrooms doesn't just claim superiority; it proves it. The brand invests in scientific research and third-party testing to validate the beta-glucan content and efficacy of its products. ConsumerLab's findings underscored this, consistently showing Real Mushrooms' supplements to have high beta-glucan content and low to non-existent levels of contaminants, setting the gold standard for quality in the industry.
3. Customer Education: Real Mushrooms excels not only in product quality but also in consumer education, ensuring customers understand what makes an effective mushroom supplement. By focusing on the importance of beta-glucans and advocating for transparency in supplement sourcing and production, Real Mushrooms empowers its audience with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.

Evaluating Competing Mushroom Products

In addition to its consumer award, ConsumerLab evaluated the reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga products of top brands of mushroom supplements. Using lab tests and other criteria, ConsumerLab identified that Real Mushrooms had the best Lion’s Mane and Reishi products among the brands tested.

ConsumerLab used the following criteria for measuring quality:

• ConsumerLab-tested levels of active ingredients
• Transparency of ingredients
• Absence of additives or contaminants in the brand’s products
• Adherence to high-quality standards
• Value for price

ConsumerLab's meticulous evaluation was anchored in measuring each product’s beta-glucans concentration (the key active component in mushrooms for therapeutic benefits). They also considered the accuracy of the product label.

Why Measuring Beta-Glucans Matters

Beta-glucans, a group of polysaccharides found in the cell walls of mushrooms, are the star compounds responsible for the health benefits attributed to mushroom supplements. These include immune system modulation and inflammation-balancing effects. The efficacy of a mushroom supplement largely hinges on its beta-glucan content, making it a critical factor in ConsumerLab's evaluation.

Due to the cost of using mushrooms to create concentrated, filler-free supplements, some brands use mycelium-on-grain instead. ConsumerLab cautions consumers to read supplement labels carefully to know whether they are getting a true mushroom product or one made from “myceliated biomass.”

Lion’s Mane Evaluation

Methods

ConsumerLab's assessment of various lion’s mane supplements specifically zeroed in on the elevated beta-glucan levels in Real Mushrooms’ product. They also considered the accuracy of the product label.

Result

Real Mushrooms lion's mane extract had a markedly higher concentration of beta-glucans than the other brands tested, indicating its superior quality. Real Mushrooms’ lion’s mane product tests showed a beta-glucan concentration 30 times that of alpha-glucan (found in starches). This result showcases the product's high level of beneficial polysaccharides.

Regarding product label accuracy, ConsumerLab noted that one common brand’s product label positioned itself as a mushroom product when, in fact, it was mostly made of mycelium-on-grain. ConsumerLab underscored that the label of that competitor's product was therefore misleading to the consumer.

Reishi Evaluation

Methods

ConsumerLab tested beta-glucans levels in its various samples of reishi supplements. It also measured other key compounds in the reishi mushroom (fruiting body) such as ganoderic and ganoderenic acids. Finally, ConsumerLab considered the cost per 100 mg of beta-glucan content.

Result

Real Mushrooms Reishi Extract was distinguished for its significant beta-glucan amount of 264.5 mg per serving. Combined with the reasonable cost per dose, Real Mushrooms’ reishi supplement exceeded the quality of its competitors.

ConsumerLab selected Real Mushrooms as the best Reishi supplement among those tested largely due to its superior beta-glucan content and purity.

Why Real Mushrooms Came Out on Top

The key factors that propelled Real Mushrooms to the forefront of the mushroom supplement industry include:

• Superior Quality: The exclusive use of mushrooms (fruiting bodies) rather than mycelium grown on grain in Real Mushrooms' products ensures a richer concentration of beneficial compounds, particularly beta-glucans. These compounds are essential for the immune system benefits of functional mushrooms.
• Rigorous Testing: Real Mushrooms' commitment to rigorous third-party testing guarantees the purity and potency of its supplements. It instills confidence in consumers that they have a safe and effective product backed by science.
• Consumer Trust: Through consistent quality, transparency, and educational efforts, Real Mushrooms has built a strong foundation of consumer trust. The designation by ConsumerLab as the “Best Mushroom Supplement Company” for three consecutive years further highlights Real Mushrooms' unwavering dedication to delivering the highest standard of wellness products.

Real Mushrooms doesn't just lead in quality; it also pioneers in educating consumers about the nuances of mushroom supplements. By demystifying the science behind beta-glucans and mushroom supplementation, Real Mushrooms ensures its customers are well-informed and able to make choices that best support their health and wellness goals.

The designation of “Best Mushroom Supplement Company” awarded to Real Mushrooms by ConsumerLab for three consecutive years is more than just an accolade; it reflects the brand's commitment to science, excellence, transparency, and the well-being of its customers.

References

This blog post has been informed by data and insights from ConsumerLab's independent testing and analysis of mushroom supplements. For those interested in exploring the world of mushroom supplementation further, we encourage diving into the scientific literature and resources available on beta-glucans and their health benefits.

*Disclaimer: The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.