Mushrooms are having a moment right now. The formidable fungus has frequently topped food trend lists in the past few years and was recently crowned the 2022 鈥淚ngredient of the Year鈥 by The New York Times. And for good reason: earthy, savory, and cute-as-a-button, mushrooms are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And they’re the epitome of umami, with a meaty texture that makes them great plant-based substitutes for vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks. From mushroom jerky to mushroom chips, here are six of our favorite mushroom-centric products to pack for your next outdoor adventure.
Popadelics Crunchy Mushroom Chips ($30 for three bags)
These vegan, vacuumed-fried shiitake mushroom caps are surprisingly filling and have a satisfying crunch. Popadelics come in three flavors鈥斺渢rippin鈥 truffle parm,鈥 鈥渢wisted thai chili,鈥 and 鈥渞ad rosemary + salt鈥濃攖hat complement the subtle mushroom essence. Each packet of mushrooms contains eight grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber. As a bonus, a portion of the company鈥檚 profits supports health and wellness organizations.
Beehive Cheese Queen Bee Porcini ($35 for two 12-ounce wedges)
This organic, porcini-dusted cheddar from Utah鈥檚 Beehive Cheese Company beat out thousands of worldwide entries to receive the top prize at the 2021鈥22 World Cheese Awards. The cow鈥檚 milk cheese is smooth with a hint of mushroom umami flavor and pairs well with herb-flecked rustic bread or salty nuts.
Confetti Snacks Mushroom Chips ($6 per pack)
Confetti Snacks bakes whole shiitake mushrooms at low heat to retain their essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. In an effort to reduce food waste, the Singapore-based company sources 鈥渋mperfect鈥 produce to create their mushroom and veggie chips. Flavors include Green Curry and Black Truffle, and there are plans to launch Tandoori BBQ and Sea Salt in the future.
Somos Smoky Chipotle Mushrooms ($11 for two pouches)
Elevate your camping meals by packing a couple of pouches of Somos鈥 Smoky Chipotle Mushrooms. This white button mushroom dish is simmered with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and traditional chipotle adobo sauce. Heat up the mushrooms in a cast-iron pan over a campfire and serve with rice鈥攐r stuff them in burritos for a hearty meal.
Country Archer Plant-Based Jerky ($7 per bag)
For their plant-based line, Country Archer swaps out signature dehydrated grass-fed beef for king oyster mushrooms, a meaty substitute that delivers the same smokiness and savory taste. The king oyster mushroom鈥檚 texture is more tender than regular jerky鈥攁nd just as satisfying. It鈥檚 available in three gluten-free flavors: BBQ, Teriyaki, and Spiced Bacon.
Laird Superfood Hot Chocolate with Functional Mushroom ($25 per bag)
Co-founded by Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece, recently launched a line of mushroom-centric coffee, creamer, and blends. Their hot chocolate combines organic maitake, chaga, and reishi mushroom extracts with organic Peruvian cacao powder and coconut milk powder. have found that adaptogens found in these mushrooms may help your body fight stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Stir three and a half tablespoons of hot chocolate powder with eight ounces of hot water or milk for a soothing beverage.