Mushroom Supplements in the UK: Health Trends & Regulation by Damien Bové, BSc MSc
The mushroom supplement market in the UK has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, moving from a niche to a mainstream market, driven by increasing interest in natural health and wellness products, functional foods and plant-based trends. The sector was valued at US$1,271.5 million in 2023 and is projected to double by 2030.[1]
Mushrooms have been used for centuries for their adaptogenic properties. But what sets today’s mushroom trend apart is the fusion of traditional knowledge with modern scientific study, with the Isolation of bioactive compounds such as beta glucans, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, responsible for many of the reported health benefits, and exploring the effects of these compounds in clinical studies.[2]
Potential health benefits Of mushrooms
Popular UK mushroom varieties such as shiitake, maitake, reishi, lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail have the strongest evidence when it comes to health benefits, although more research is needed. These potentially include helping to support immunity, exercise performance, cognitive function, sleep, energy levels, heart health, bone health, reducing stress, and having a positive effect on type 2 diabetes.
However, while small-scale human studies suggest promising, beneficial health effects, larger, rigorous clinical trials are needed to substantiate many of these health supporting claims.
UK regulatory framework
Following Brexit, the UK established its own regulatory pathway for supplements, distinct from the EU, though much of the framework remains harmonised. In the UK, the majority of mushroom supplements are classified as food supplements. They must comply with:
General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (as retained in UK law)[3]
Food labelling laws
The Food Supplements (England) Regulations[4] and equivalent regulations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Nutrition and Health Claims - these must be registered in the UK under the Great Britain (GB) Nutrition and Health Claims (NHC) Register[5].
The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland are responsible for food safety and novel foods regulation, and Trading Standards enforces labelling and consumer protection regulations at the local authority level.
In addition, Food (supplement) business operators are responsible for ensuring that mushroom supplements are safe for consumption. This involves:
Conducting hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) assessments
Performing microbiological testing for contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, pathogenic bacteria)
Ensuring traceability and accurate documentation at every stage of production
For medical and pharmaceutical grade, following good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Mushroom supplements imported into the UK must comply with all relevant UK legislation, regardless of their country of origin.
Enforcement and penalties
Enforcement action may be taken by Trading Standards, the FSA, or the MHRA, depending on the nature of the issue:
Product recalls and market withdrawals for unsafe or non-compliant products
Fines or prosecution for serious breaches, such as misrepresentation or sale of unauthorised novel foods or medicines
Closure of non-compliant businesses or online listings.
Consumer complaints can also trigger investigations, and there are established channels for whistleblowing or reporting unsafe products.
Industry challenges
Key challenges facing the industry include:
Education and misinformation: Unsubstantiated health claims threaten consumer trust.
Product quality: Variability in potency, purity and sourcing can affect efficacy and consumer trust.
Adulteration: Significant issue where products are mislabelled or contain undisclosed ingredients, potentially compromising quality and efficacy.
Lack of standardisation: Dosage can vary widely between brands, and the concentration is not always indicated
Sustainability and supply chains: Consumers are increasingly concerned about how and where their supplements are produced and sourced
Changes in compliance: Brands must remain vigilant to changes in compliance and labelling requirements
Outlook
Mushrooms are increasingly being explored for their potential in medicinal development, particularly due to the bioactive compounds they contain, such as psilocybin and other alkaloids. For example, Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, is already approved in Australia for treatment-resistant depression and is under investigation for other mental health conditions in various countries.[6]
With growing scientific interest, evolving regulation, and strong consumer demand, the UK mushroom supplement market is poised for continued expansion – but the regulatory landscape is challenging, and brands must remain vigilant to changes in compliance and labelling requirements.
ADACT Medical Analytical testing: Mushrooms
ADACT Medical is one of Europe’s largest regulatory compliance specialists, offering a broad and often bespoke range of regulatory and analytical services that fulfil the demands of innovative, scientific compliance for health businesses worldwide. One of our areas of expertise is isolating the active compounds or chemical constituents in foods and drinks, such as beta-glucans or ergosterol in mushrooms.
We test, analyse and quantify them to ensure the desired quality, potency and purity levels. We can also do botanical and herbal fingerprinting, as well as testing for pesticides and heavy metals. We offer analytical testing from our testing laboratory in Yorkshire, England.
To speak with our friendly team, call +44 (0) 1302 986088 or email hello@adactmedical.com.
Read Damien’s full article in the current International Pharmaceutical Industry Journal issue here:
https://issuu.com/senglobal1/docs/ipi_-_autumn_2025_-_volume_17_issue_3_
A version is also live at IPI Journal’s website under current features:
https://international-pharma.com/category/current-features/
[1] UK Mushroom Market Size and Outlook 2023-2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/mushroom-market/uk
[2] Łysakowska P, Sobota A, Wirkijowska A.Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review.Molecules. 2023 Jul 14;28(14):5393.
[3] Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2002/178/contents
[4] Food Supplements Regulation (England)2003 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1387/contents
[5] Great British Nutrition and Health Claims (NHC)Register https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/great-britain-nutrition-andhealth-claims-nhc-register.
[6] Australia Legalizes Psychedelics for Use in Depression, PTSD Therapy. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi. pn.2023.09.9.20