South Mill Champs, one of the largest mushroom producers in the United States, recognized the opportunity to join the plant-based snack trend. The company promotes mushrooms as a functional superfood rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins B and D, selenium, potassium, zinc, copper, and fiber, all crucial for a balanced diet. If consumers resonate with this notion, the new product lineup should appeal to those seeking snacks that are unique, flavorful, and functional. Shrooms Snacks is marketing its innovative mushroom-based product line as “on-the-go, adventurous snacks,” catering to today’s consumers who desire convenience and taste. The versatility of mushrooms has led to their increased popularity in snack foods, allowing for exciting flavor combinations.
“Millions of consumers enjoy mushrooms but haven’t had access to a portable, ready-to-eat mushroom snack option. All our snacks are easy to carry, enjoyable at any time, and made from fresh-sliced mushrooms—never extruded or manufactured,” David Eberwein stated to Food Ingredients First. The mushroom market is experiencing notable growth as consumers show greater interest in plant-based food and beverage options. Many are also seeking to reduce their meat consumption and are exploring alternatives, creating a significant opportunity for mushroom innovation, according to Food Ingredients First.
Transparency Market Research data, as reported by Food Navigator, indicates that the global mushroom market is expected to soar from $34.1 billion in 2015 to $69.3 billion by the end of 2024, fueled by rising consumer interest in functional foods and the concept of food as medicine. Food companies are taking notice and investing in product innovations that include mushrooms. In 2017, Kellogg’s venture capital arm invested in MycoTechnology, a Colorado-based firm producing vegan shiitake mushroom protein. General Mills has also invested $3 million in Purely Elizabeth, a company incorporating functional mushroom powder into its wellness bars.
Shrooms Snacks faces competition, as evidenced by Mudlrk, a brand under the flyGREEN in-flight snack company, which introduced four varieties of shiitake mushroom chips last year. This company sources whole shiitake mushrooms from China and vacuum-fries them in palm oil before adding seasonings. If these products gain traction, we can expect to see more mushroom-infused snacks hitting retail shelves. Currently, however, Shrooms Snacks are exclusively available on Amazon, which may limit their initial distribution.
Moreover, the integration of nutritional supplements like CVS Calcium Citrate D3 Petites could further enhance the appeal of mushroom snacks by providing additional health benefits. As the interest in functional foods grows, incorporating such supplements may attract health-conscious consumers looking for convenient and nutritious snack options. Consequently, the potential for further mushroom-based innovations in the snack market seems promising.