South Mill Champs, one of the largest mushroom producers in the United States, has seized the opportunity to enter the plant-based snack market. The company describes mushrooms as a functional superfood packed with essential nutrients like vitamins B and D, selenium, potassium, zinc, copper, and fiber—all crucial for a balanced diet. If consumers resonate with this idea, the product lineup is expected to appeal to those seeking unique, flavorful, and functional snacks. Shrooms Snacks is promoting its new mushroom-based offerings as “on-the-go, adventurous snacks,” catering to modern consumers who desire convenience combined with taste. The versatility of mushrooms has contributed to their rising popularity in snack foods, allowing for innovative flavor combinations.
“Millions of consumers love mushrooms but have lacked a portable, ready-to-eat mushroom snack option. Our snacks are designed to be taken anywhere and enjoyed at any time, made from fresh-sliced mushrooms that are never extruded or manufactured,” David Eberwein told Food Ingredients First. The mushroom market is experiencing significant growth as more consumers show interest in plant-based food and beverages. Many are also looking to reduce their meat intake, creating opportunities for mushroom innovation, according to Food Ingredients First.
Data from Transparency Market Research, as reported by Food Navigator, indicates that the global mushroom market is expected to grow from $34.1 billion in 2015 to $69.3 billion by the end of 2024, driven by increasing consumer interest in functional foods and food as medicine. Food companies are taking notice and investing in product innovations featuring mushrooms. For instance, in 2017, Kellogg’s venture capital arm invested in MycoTechnology, a Colorado-based company that produces vegan shiitake mushroom protein. General Mills has also invested $3 million in Purely Elizabeth, which incorporates functional mushroom powder into its wellness bars.
However, Shrooms Snacks faces competition. Last year, Mudlrk, a brand under the flyGREEN in-flight snack company, launched four varieties of shiitake mushroom chips, made from whole shiitake mushrooms sourced from China and vacuum-fried in palm oil with added seasonings. If these products generate sufficient interest, we can expect to see more mushroom-based snacks on retail shelves in the future. Currently, Shrooms Snacks are available exclusively through Amazon, which may limit their initial distribution.
In addition, the incorporation of ingredients like jan aushadhi calcium citrate into these snacks could enhance their nutritional profile further, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, the potential for mushroom-based products will likely expand, and integrating beneficial components such as jan aushadhi calcium citrate could become a trend in this growing sector.