Mushroom Extracts vs Mushroom Powders

May 4, 2023

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health benefits. With the increasing popularity of medicinal mushrooms in the modern wellness industry, many people are now exploring the benefits of mushroom extracts and mushroom powders. While both products are derived from mushrooms, they differ in terms of their processing methods, potency, and efficacy. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between mushroom extracts and mushroom powders, the quality differences, and who might choose to use each.

Mushroom Extracts

A Mushroom extract is a concentrated liquid or powder made from the fruiting body, mycelium, or spores of mushrooms. It is typically obtained through a process of hot water, alcohol or dual extraction, which involves boiling or soaking the mushrooms to extract their beneficial compounds.

Mushroom extracts can be made from a variety of different mushroom species, each with its own unique properties and health benefits.

The beneficial compounds found in mushroom extracts include beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, ergosterol, and other bioactive compounds. These compounds have a variety of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and promoting overall health and wellness.

Mushroom extracts are often used in traditional medicine practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, as well as in modern natural health supplements.

Mushroom Powders

Mushroom powders are a food ingredient made from dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder. The resulting powder contains all the nutrients and active compounds found in the mushroom but in lower concentrations than mushroom extracts. The most commonly used mushrooms for this purpose are shiitake, porcini, and button mushrooms, but other varieties such as oyster and chanterelle are also be used.

Mushroom powders are often used as a flavour enhancer in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. It has a savoury, umami-rich flavour that can help to add depth and complexity to a dish.

What are the key differences between Mushroom Powders and Mushroom Extracts

Potency

One of the primary differences between mushroom extracts and mushroom powders is their potency. Mushroom extracts are more potent than mushroom powders because they are highly concentrated formulations that contain a higher concentration of the active compounds found in mushrooms. These active compounds include beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have numerous health benefits.

To understand why mushroom extracts are more potent, we need to look at the process of making them. One aspect is the volume of mushroom required. To produce mushroom extracts, a large amount of raw material is required. For example, to produce 1kg of mushroom extract, we use 15kg of raw material (mushrooms).

The extraction process typically involves several steps, including soaking, heating, and evaporating the solvent to leave behind a concentrated extract. The resulting extract is highly potent and contains a much higher concentration of the active compounds found in the original mushroom than the raw material or mushroom powder.

Solubility

Mushroom powders are typically more soluble than mushroom extracts due to their composition and manufacturing process. Mushroom powders are made by grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder, whereas mushroom extracts are produced by extracting the active compounds from the mushroom.

One of the primary factors that contribute to the solubility of mushroom powders is their particle size. Mushroom powders are ground into very fine particles, which increases their surface area and allows them to dissolve more easily in liquids.

In contrast, mushroom extracts are produced by dissolving the active compounds from the mushroom in a solvent. Although the solvent can help to extract the active compounds from the mushroom, the resulting extract may not be as soluble as mushroom powders due to the presence of other non-soluble compounds in the extract.

Price

The price difference between mushroom extracts and mushroom powders can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of mushroom, the quality of the product, and the manufacturing process.

In general, mushroom extracts are usually more expensive than mushroom powders because they are more concentrated and require more extensive processing to extract the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms. The extraction process involves soaking or boiling the mushrooms to extract the active compounds, which can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment. Additionally, the amount of raw material required to produce a small amount of extract are much higher compared to mushroom powders, which are simply dried and ground.

Another factor that can affect the price difference between mushroom extracts and powders is the quality of the product. High-quality mushroom extracts and powders that are made from organic, non-GMO mushrooms, and that are tested for purity and potency, are more expensive than lower quality products that may be less potent.

Overall, the price difference between mushroom extracts and powders can vary depending on the type of mushroom, the quality of the product, and the manufacturing process. Mushroom extracts are generally more expensive than powders, as they offer more concentrated benefits. They are a better option for those looking for a potent supplement. Mushroom powders, on the other hand, are a more cost-effective option for those looking to add mushroom nutrition and flavour to their meals.

Should I choose a powder or an extract?

Mushroom extracts are ideal for people who want a fast and potent response to their health concerns. They are also suitable for people treating health conditions as well as looking to improve their health.

Mushroom powders, on the other hand, are ideal for people who want to incorporate mushrooms into their daily routine and are looking for a more affordable option. They are also suitable for people who want to add mushroom flavour to their food or drinks.

What does Antioxi Supply?

We exclusively provide 100% pure mushroom extracts, available in both convenient powder and capsule forms.

There's no variation in potency between our powdered extracts and capsules. In fact, our capsules contain the very same powdered extract, ensuring consistent efficacy across our product range.

Find out more about how you can ensure that you choose a good quality mushroom extract.