Functional Mushroom Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The functional mushroom market size reached USD 12.09 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 18.90 billion by 2030, advancing at a 9.35% CAGR. This growth trajectory reflects the convergence of consumer wellness priorities with scientific validation of bioactive compounds, particularly as regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate novel food applications. Furthermore, strong consumer interest in preventive health, combined with mounting scientific evidence on beta-glucans, ergothioneine, and other bioactives, underpins steady demand for functional mushrooms. Moreover, the European Food Safety Authority's updated novel food guidance, effective February 2025, provides clearer pathways for mushroom-based ingredients seeking market entry. Technology upgrades, notably supercritical CO₂ extraction and precision fermentation, are improving yield, purity, and sustainability. Additionally, vertical integration in Asia-Pacific and stricter European quality standards reshape competitive dynamics in the functional mushroom market.
Key Report Takeaways
• By type, reishi led with 35.52% of functional mushroom market share in 2024, while cordyceps is projected to expand at a 12.02% CAGR through 2030.
• By nature, conventional products held 56.15% of the functional mushroom market in 2024; certified organic offerings are forecast to grow at 11.66% CAGR through 2030.
• By form, powder formats commanded 75.62% share of the functional mushroom market size in 2024; liquid products are poised to advance at a 12.96% CAGR.
• By application, dietary supplements accounted for 38.21% of the functional mushroom market size in 2024, whereas personal care is the fastest mover at 13.15% CAGR.
• By geography, Asia-Pacific captured 51.12% revenue share in 2024, while Europe is on track for the quickest regional CAGR at 14.57% to 2030.
Global Functional Mushroom Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (≈) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Immune-boosting mushroom supplements | +2.1% | Global; strongest in North America and Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Mushrooms in plant-based diets | +1.8% | North America and Europe core, expanding to Aisa-Pacific urban centers | Long term (≥4 years) |
Mushroom-based skincare products | +1.4% | Europe and North America, early adoption in Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Cognitive-enhancing mushroom supplements | +1.9% | Global with premium markets leading | Short term (≤2 years) |
Mushrooms in sports performance nutrition | +1.2% | North America and Europe, spreading to Australia | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Convenient mushroom-infused beverages | +1.6% | Global, driven by beverage innovation hubs | Short term (≤2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Demand for immune-boosting mushroom supplements
Consumers are increasingly seeking natural immunity aids- functional mushrooms, popular for their polysaccharides and beta-glucans, are rising in demand. Mushrooms also support immunity, stress resiliency, energy, and cognitive clarity, appealing to wellness-minded consumers. This growth combines increased health awareness following the pandemic with scientific validation of polysaccharide mechanisms, specifically the immunomodulatory effects of beta-glucans. The FDA's (Food and Drug Administration) evaluation of lentinan nasal drops for COVID-19 variants in clinical trials indicates expanding regulatory acceptance of mushrooms' therapeutic applications beyond supplements, as reported by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information - NCBI). The rising demand for such supplements is a result of a powerful convergence of health consciousness, and increasing scientific validation. Functional mushrooms for immune-boosting are well-positioned as a lasting trend in the wellness and nutraceuticals markets. This creates market opportunities for manufacturers focusing on health-focused demographics driving sustained interest in immune support and holistic well-being.
Growth of mushroom-based skincare products
Cosmetic applications leverage mushrooms' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with research demonstrating significant increases in skin proteins like CYGB (Cytoglobin) that support vascularization and aging prevention. The personal care segment's growth reflects growing consumer preference for natural ingredients with scientifically validated benefits over synthetic alternatives. Phellinus linteus and other medicinal mushrooms show particular promise in periorbital treatments, addressing specific aging concerns through targeted protein modulation mechanisms. However, formulation challenges around stability and bioavailability require sophisticated delivery systems, creating barriers for smaller players while favoring companies with advanced research and development capabilities. The premium positioning of mushroom-based skincare products enables higher margins compared to traditional cosmetic ingredients, attracting investment in extraction and processing technologies.
Adoption of mushrooms in plant-based diets
Plant-based food sales with mushroom-based alternatives are capturing disproportionate growth as texture and umami characteristics address key consumer acceptance barriers. Mycoprotein innovation accelerates beyond traditional meat substitutes, with companies developing dairy alternatives and hybrid formulations that combine plant and fungal ingredients for enhanced nutritional profiles. Sustainability credentials strengthen mushrooms' positioning, as cultivation requires significantly less water and land compared to animal protein production, aligning with environmental consciousness trends. However, cost competitiveness remains challenging, with mushroom proteins currently commanding premium pricing versus conventional alternatives. The integration of agricultural waste substrates presents pathways for cost reduction while enhancing circular economy credentials.
Rise of mushrooms in sports performance nutrition
The sports nutrition beverage segment increasingly incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi for stress management and recovery enhancement, despite formulation challenges around earthy flavor profiles. Cordyceps militaris is particularly favored in sports supplements due to its ability of ATP production, and oxygen uptake, thereby boosting aerobic capacity and stamina. Lion's Mane mushroom promotes neurogenesis and supports mental clarity, focus, and reaction time- attributes crucial for athletes, especially in sports requiring quick decision-making. Their demand is thus driven by science-backed benefits for endurance, recovery, immunity, and cognitive function.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Raw material supply volatility | -1.8% | Global; acute where wild harvesting dominates | Short term (≤2 years) |
Higher production costs | -1.2% | Global; heightened in price-sensitive economies | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Storage and shelf-life limitations | -0.9% | Global; amplified in humid climates | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Competition from alternative products | -1.1% | North America and Europe where synthetics are prevalent | Long term (≥4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Growing competition from alternative products
The availability of synthetic ergothioneine and laboratory-produced beta-glucans creates cost-effective alternatives for functional mushroom products. These synthetic options appeal to price-sensitive consumers in developed markets, reducing the premium pricing potential of natural mushroom ingredients. The synthetic compounds often match the molecular structure of natural mushroom compounds at a fraction of the cost, making them attractive to manufacturers looking to optimize production costs. In response, mushroom product manufacturers emphasize the benefits of whole-mushroom compounds and their natural cultivation processes, supported by comprehensive traceability systems. Additionally, companies highlight their sustainable farming practices, organic certifications, and rigorous quality control measures to justify premium pricing and maintain market share against synthetic competition.
Higher production costs compared to conventional supplements
Specialized extraction processes like supercritical CO2 and enzyme-assisted ultrasound extraction command premium costs while delivering superior bioactive compound yields, creating cost-quality trade-offs that challenge mass market penetration. The transition from wild harvesting to controlled cultivation requires substantial infrastructure investment, with companies like Applied Food Sciences and KÄÄPÄ Biotech building state-of-the-art facilities to ensure consistent quality and supply. Quality control requirements for dietary supplements under 21 CFR 111 add compliance costs that disproportionately impact smaller producers, potentially driving market consolidation according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration[1].U.S Food and Drug Administration, "21 CFR Part 111", www.ecfr.gov However, premium positioning in functional foods and nutraceuticals enables higher margins that can offset production costs, particularly for companies establishing strong brand differentiation and clinical validation.
Segment Analysis
By Type: Reishi Leadership Faces Cordyceps Challenge
Reishi maintains its dominant position with 35.52% market share in 2024, leveraging extensive clinical validation and established supply chains that provide competitive advantages in quality consistency and regulatory compliance. R beta-glucans and triterpenes in eishi boost immune cell activity and enhance immune regulation. With its antioxidant richness and anti-inflammatory properties, eishi appeals to individuals dealing with chronic inflammation, joint problems, or skin ailments.
Cordyceps emerges as the fastest-growing segment with 12.02% CAGR through 2030, driven by sports nutrition applications and clinical evidence of performance benefits, including demonstrated effects on stem cell recruitment and muscle recovery. Lion's Mane captures significant momentum in cognitive health applications, while Turkey Tail benefits from cancer support research and immune system applications. Shiitake leverages its dual positioning in culinary and functional markets, providing volume stability amid premium segment volatility. Chaga faces supply chain challenges from wild harvesting dependencies, creating opportunities for cultivation technology developers.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments will be available upon report purchase
By Nature: Organic Acceleration Challenges Conventional Dominance
Conventional mushroom products held a dominant 56.15% revenue share in 2024, supported by established supply chains and competitive pricing. Conventional mushrooms pack a nutritional punch, boasting essential vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and protein, all while being low in calories. Their umami flavor and meaty texture have made them a favored substitute for meat, often blended into burgers, sausages, and meatloafs.
The organic segment is projected to expand at an 11.66% CAGR, driven by increasing consumer willingness to pay premium prices for pesticide-free and regeneratively grown mushrooms. The USDA's proposed regulations requiring organic spawn and enhanced composting protocols will increase operational costs but may strengthen consumer trust. With organic certification held by fewer than 15% of US producers, significant opportunities exist for existing growers to transition and new players to enter the market.
By Form: Liquid Innovation Disrupts Powder Dominance
Powder formats maintain a 75.62% share of the functional mushroom market due to their extended shelf life and flexible dosing capabilities. The extraction process using supercritical CO₂ produces stable oil-soluble components for emulsified beverages, though it requires substantial capital investment. While cold-chain requirements limit distribution in developing markets, powder formats remain viable in ambient conditions. The industry faces challenges in masking flavors for high-dose liquid products, leading to increased research in microencapsulated bitter blockers. Market success increasingly depends on companies' ability to deliver both palatable and stable functional mushroom products.
The liquid concentrate segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.96% through 2030, driven by increasing demand for ready-to-drink coffees, teas, and shots in cafes and convenience stores. The market also includes fermented sparkling tonics that improve nutrient absorption, while gummies and capsules serve specific consumer needs for precise dosing and convenience.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments will be available upon report purchase
By Application: Personal Care Emerges as Growth Engine
The dietary supplements segment maintains a 38.21% share of the functional mushroom market. Food and beverage applications benefit from mainstream acceptance and format innovation, while pharmaceutical applications advance through clinical trials and regulatory pathways that could unlock prescription drug markets. Attributed to their adaptogenic, immune-modulating, and cognitive-supporting properties, dietary supplements widely incorporate functional mushrooms.
Personal care applications accelerate at 13.15% CAGR through 2030, as cosmetic formulations leverage mushrooms' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for premium skincare products. The personal care segment's premium positioning enables higher margins that justify sophisticated extraction and formulation technologies, with research demonstrating measurable effects on skin proteins associated with aging and vascularization. Other applications, including textiles and construction materials, remain nascent but demonstrate mushrooms' versatility beyond traditional health and nutrition uses.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific dominates with 51.12% market share in 2024, leveraging traditional medicine heritage and established cultivation infrastructure that provides cost advantages and quality consistency across major mushroom species. China's Ministry of Science and Technology launched 7 synthetic biology projects focused on mushroom cultivation and alternative protein production in 2024, signaling state-level commitment to innovation and market leadership according to Frontiers in Microbiology[2]Frontiers in Microbiology, "Synthetic biology enables mushrooms to meet emerging sustainable challenges", www.frontiersin.org.
Europe emerges as the fastest-growing region with 14.57% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory harmonization through EFSA's updated novel food guidance and rising consumer health consciousness that prioritizes natural ingredients over synthetic alternatives. The region's stringent quality standards create barriers for lower-quality imports while favoring local producers and established international suppliers with robust compliance capabilities. The European Food Safety Authority's approval of vitamin D2 mushroom powder as a novel food in 2024 establishes precedents for broader mushroom ingredient acceptance according to European Food Safety Authority[3].European Food Safety Authority, "Safety of vitamin D2 mushroom powder", www.efsa.europa.eu
North America maintains strong market positioning through innovation leadership and premium consumer segments, as younger demographics drive adoption across supplements and functional foods. South America and Middle East & Africa represent emerging opportunities with growing health consciousness and expanding distribution infrastructure, though regulatory frameworks remain less developed compared to established markets.

Competitive Landscape
The functional mushroom market remains fragmented and is gaining momentum as guaranteed maximum price (GMP) costs and raw-material volatility reward scale. The major players include Nammex, M2 Ingredients, CNC Exotic Mushrooms, Layn Natural Ingredients and Hirano Mushroom LLC. Applied Food Sciences and KÄÄPÄ Biotech’s 2024 facility upgrade signals a race to elevate functional mushroom supply reliability through climate-controlled cultivation and automated harvesting.
Technology adoption emerges as a primary differentiator, with companies investing in supercritical CO2 extraction, synthetic biology platforms, and controlled environment agriculture to enhance bioavailability and production reliability. The industry's vertical integration trend accelerates as companies seek control over quality and supply chain reliability, with partnerships like Applied Food Sciences and KÄÄPÄ Biotech's cultivation facility expansion exemplifying strategic responses to supply volatility.
Emerging disruptors leverage synthetic biology and precision fermentation to produce mushroom compounds without traditional cultivation constraints, potentially disrupting established supply chains while addressing sustainability and consistency challenges. However, consumer acceptance of synthetic alternatives remains uncertain, creating strategic risks for companies abandoning natural positioning in favor of technological efficiency.
Functional Mushroom Industry Leaders
-
Nammex
-
CNC Exotic Mushrooms
-
Hirano Mushroom LLC
-
M2 Ingredients
-
Layn Natural Ingredients
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: KÄÄPÄ Biotech, a Finnish developer specializing in functional mushroom nutraceuticals, secured a €900,000 investment from global fund manager PeakBridge. The funds will bolster KÄÄPÄ's efforts to expand its business, particularly in cultivation and regional research and development.
- March 2025: Fungi specialist M2 Ingredients has launched Myco-Suspend, a groundbreaking beverage solution. This innovation allows whole mushroom powders to stay suspended in drinks for longer durations. The introduction of Myco-Suspend comes as a direct answer to the surging demand in the booming functional mushrooms market. The solution guarantees the prolonged efficacy of full-spectrum whole mushroom powders, whether in hot or cold ready-to-mix beverages.
- February 2024: To cater to the rising demand for its premium organic functional mushroom products, M2 Ingredients, a top provider in the industry, has opened a state-of-the-art facility spanning 155,000 square feet. Equipped with advanced technology, this new facility boosts M2 Ingredients' capacity, enabling the company to promise the industry's shortest lead times for all ten of its premium mushroom species, such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail.
Global Functional Mushroom Market Report Scope
All mushrooms serve a function, whether as food or part of the ecosystem. However, functional mushroom refers to varieties with health benefits beyond providing nutrition.
The global functional mushroom market is segmented into product type, application, and geography. Based on product type, the market is segmented into Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Chaga, and other product types. Based on application, the market is segmented into food and beverage, dietary supplements, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Based on geography, the market is segmented by North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, the Middle East and Africa. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (in USD million).
By Type | Reishi | ||
Cordyceps | |||
Lions Mane | |||
Turkey Tail | |||
Shiitake | |||
Chaga | |||
Other Product Types | |||
By Nature | Conventional | ||
Organic | |||
By Form | Powder | ||
Liquid | |||
Others | |||
By Application | Dietary Supplements | ||
Food and Beverage | |||
Personal Care | |||
Pharmaceutical | |||
Other Applications | |||
By Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Rest of North America | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
Italy | |||
France | |||
Spain | |||
Netherlands | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
India | |||
Japan | |||
Australia | |||
South Korea | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Middle East and Africa | South Africa | ||
Saudi Arabia | |||
United Arab Emirates | |||
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Reishi |
Cordyceps |
Lions Mane |
Turkey Tail |
Shiitake |
Chaga |
Other Product Types |
Conventional |
Organic |
Powder |
Liquid |
Others |
Dietary Supplements |
Food and Beverage |
Personal Care |
Pharmaceutical |
Other Applications |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
Rest of North America | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
Italy | |
France | |
Spain | |
Netherlands | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
India | |
Japan | |
Australia | |
South Korea | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America | |
Middle East and Africa | South Africa |
Saudi Arabia | |
United Arab Emirates | |
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current functional mushroom market size and growth outlook?
The functional mushroom market size stood at USD 12.09 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 18.90 billion by 2030, representing a 9.35% CAGR.
Which region leads the functional mushroom market?
Asia-Pacific leads with 51.12% revenue share, helped by mature cultivation networks and strong traditional-medicine usage.
Which mushroom type has the largest share?
Reishi maintained 35.52% of the functional mushroom market share in 2024 thanks to deep clinical validation and robust supply chains.
What application segment is growing the fastest?
Personal care products are the fastest-growing application, forecast to expand at 13.15% CAGR through 2030 as skincare formulators adopt mushroom antioxidants.