Welcome to the Pure Fungi FAQ. Below you will find answers to the questions we hear most often about our organic mushroom extracts, our products and formats, and buying from us in the UK. If your question is not covered here, we are always happy to help — just get in touch.

About the mushrooms

What is Lion's Mane mushroom?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a distinctive white, shaggy mushroom named for its cascading, mane-like spines. It has been traditionally used in Asian cuisine and wellness practices for centuries, and is prized in cooking for its tender texture and delicate, seafood-like flavour that many compare to crab or lobster.

What is Reishi mushroom?

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody, fan-shaped mushroom with a glossy, lacquered appearance. It has a long heritage in traditional Asian wellness practices and is characteristically bitter, which is why it is typically enjoyed as an extract or brewed into a drink rather than eaten whole.

What is Chaga mushroom?

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in cold northern forests and has a dark, charcoal-like exterior. It has been traditionally used for generations, often prepared as a warming brew, and carries an earthy, mildly bitter, coffee-like taste.

What is Snow Fungus?

Snow Fungus (Tremella fuciformis) is a delicate, translucent white mushroom traditionally used in Asian cuisine, particularly in desserts and broths. It has a gentle, gelatinous texture and a very mild flavour that takes on the taste of whatever it is prepared with.

What is the difference between the fruiting body and the mycelium?

The fruiting body is the mature mushroom you would recognise above ground, while the mycelium is the fine, root-like network the fungus grows from. Our extracts are made from a dual extract combining both the fruiting body and the mycelium, so you get the full character of the whole mushroom.

What are beta-glucans and polysaccharides?

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide — a naturally occurring complex carbohydrate — found in the cell walls of mushrooms. They are one of the naturally present compounds that are the subject of ongoing research, and we measure them as a marker of the composition and quality of our extracts.

Why are your extracts described as "dual-extracted" and "10:1"?

Dual extraction uses both hot water and alcohol to draw out the full spectrum of naturally occurring compounds from the mushroom, including beta-glucans and other polysaccharides. A 10:1 ratio means roughly ten parts of raw mushroom are concentrated into one part of finished extract, giving a more concentrated powder than the raw mushroom alone.

About the products

Are your mushroom products organic?

Yes. Our mushroom extracts are certified organic, and we source carefully to keep quality consistent from batch to batch.

Are they vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free?

Yes. All of our mushroom extracts are vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free. They contain no fillers, grain, binders or artificial additives — just pure dual-extracted mushroom.

Where are your products made and are they lab tested?

Our extracts are made and lab-tested in the UK. Every batch is tested to confirm its composition and purity before it reaches you, so you can be confident in exactly what you are getting.

Do you offer powder or capsules, and which should I choose?

We offer both powder and capsules. The powder blends easily into coffee, tea, smoothies, broths and recipes, and lets you adjust the amount to taste. Capsules offer a convenient, pre-measured, taste-free option for when you are on the go. It comes down to personal preference.

How do I take it and how much should I use?

For the powder, a typical serving is around one gram (roughly a quarter to half a teaspoon), stirred into a hot or cold drink or added to food. For capsules, simply follow the serving guidance on the pack. As with any food supplement, do not exceed the stated serving, and keep it as part of a varied, balanced diet.

How should I store my mushroom extract?

Store your extract in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the pouch or lid sealed between uses. Our powders and capsules are shelf-stable and do not need refrigerating.

Buying from Pure Fungi

How long does UK delivery take and what does it cost?

We ship from within the UK, and orders are typically dispatched within one working day. Standard UK delivery usually arrives within 2–4 working days. Delivery costs are shown at checkout, and we offer free UK shipping on qualifying orders — the threshold is displayed in your basket.

Do you offer subscriptions, and can I save by subscribing?

Yes. You can subscribe to your favourite products and have them delivered automatically at a schedule that suits you, saving on every recurring order compared with a one-off purchase. You can pause, skip, change or cancel your subscription at any time from your account.

What is your returns policy and do you offer a guarantee?

We stand behind our products with a 30-day guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of receiving your order and we will arrange a replacement or refund in line with our returns policy.

How do I contact Pure Fungi?

You can reach our UK-based team through the contact page on our website, or by email. We aim to reply to every message within one working day.