Mushroom jerky is having a moment. New mushroom jerky brands are hitting the market each day. With new flavors and styles, there’s great innovation in the plant-based jerky space.
Mushroom jerky is a great alternative to beef jerky for those looking for a non-meat snack option for special diets. Both beef jerky and mushroom jerky are nutritious, compact, portable, and delicious!
Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse. Low in calories and fat, mushrooms are a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
One key difference between mushroom jerky and beef jerky is protein. Mushroom jerky has little to no protein when compared to beef jerky, but what it lacks in protein it makes up for in fiber.
Just like beef jerky, mushroom jerky is only as good as the ingredients. It’s important to carefully review the ingredient list and nutrition facts to make sure a snack meets your dietary and nutrition needs.
Let’s dive into the best mushroom jerky brands.
1. Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
On a trip to visit family in Malaysia, Michael Pan discovered a family recipe that featured mushrooms as a plant-based snack. In 2018, he launched Pan’s Mushroom Jerky in four different flavors.
A success story of the hit TV show Shark Tank, several different sharks fought to partner with this business. Today, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky is made in Portland, Oregon and is available in over 1,000 stores across the United States.
Featured Mushroom: Shiitake Mushrooms
Flavors: Original Mushroom Jerky, Zesty Thai Mushroom Jerky, Applewood BBQ Mushroom Jerky, Salt & Pepper Mushroom Jerky, Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky, Curry Mushroom Jerky
Size: 2.2 Ounce (62g)
Price: $9 per bag ($4.09/oz)
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Rich in Vitamin D, High in Fiber, Soy Free
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Salt & Pepper
Ingredients: Organic dried shiitake mushrooms, avocado oil, organic coconut sugar, water, organic seasoning (organic black pepper, Himalayan pink salt), organic chia seeds.
Nutrition: Calories 110, Fat 7g, Sodium 250mg, Total Carbohydrate 16g, Fiber 6g, Sugar 5g, Protein 1g
Texture: Thick and chewy in a pleasant way that is very similar to beef jerky. The larger pieces tear in a way that resembles the texture of traditional jerky. Some of the largest pieces out of all the brands.
Flavor: Pan’s Mushroom Jerky features unique and interesting flavors that explore global cuisines, but the classic Sea Salt & Pepper is our favorite. The bold pepper flavor really highlights the natural umami flavor of the shiitake mushroom.
Verdict: Overall, this is a solid option for mushroom jerky. The flavors are pleasant and complement the natural umami flavor of the mushrooms. Texturally, this is one of the best mushroom jerky options as well.
Shop: Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
2. Moku Foods
With a focus on sustainability, Matt Feldman launched Moku Foods as an alternative to beef jerky. He partnered with two culinary experts to develop a plant-based jerky made from mushrooms. Moku Foods features the King Oyster Mushroom which has one of the highest protein amounts out of any mushroom.
Featured Mushroom: King Oyster Mushroom
Flavors: Original, Hawaiian Teriyaki, Sweet & Spicy
Size: 2 Ounce (62g)
Price: $6 per bag ($3/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Sweet & Spicy
Ingredients: Mushrooms, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Aminos, Maple Syrup, Pineapple Juice, Water, Organic Chickpea Miso, Tomato Paste, Fermented Rice Extract, Freeze Dried Pineapple Powder, Yeast Extract, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Ginger Powder, Kosher Salt, Lactic Acid, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper
Nutrition: Calories 170, Fat 7g, Sodium 260mg, Total Carbohydrate 23g, Fiber 7g, Sugar 5g, Protein 4g
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Non GMO
Texture: The pieces are of substantial size and there aren’t too many crumbs in the bag. Each piece is of medium thickness with a nice bite to it. A little flatter in texture with less “chew” than some of the other options. Still a solid bite.
Flavor: All of the flavors taste pretty similar, which is a good thing because the flavor is good. Each flavor has a similar earthiness to them, most likely from the miso flavor. Each flavor also has a fleeting essence of BBQ flavor to them, which is a nice nod to traditional beef jerky.
Verdict: Moku is a solid mushroom jerky option. We like the use of the King Oyster mushrooms which helps Moku achieve one of the highest protein counts of all the mushroom jerky options. The texture and chew of Moku is also very pleasant. The flavors are consistent, if not a little repetitive. Enjoyable, nonetheless!
Shop: Moku Foods
3. Savory Wild
Giorgio Foods is a family owned business that constructed their first mushroom house in Temple, Pennsylvania in 1928. They are one of the mushroom jerky companies that owns the means of mushroom production. Savory Wild has gourmet flavors that definitely elevate the mushroom jerky game.
Featured Mushroom: Portabello Mushroom
Flavors: Sweet Balsamic & Golden Fig, Roasted Garlic & Black Pepper, Sesame, Ginger & Korean Chili, Smokehouse Bacon, Hot & Spicy Cajun Style
Size: 2 Ounce (62g)
Price: $5.99 per bag ($3/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Roasted Garlic & Black Pepper
Ingredients: Portabella Mushrooms, Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar, Alcohol, Vinegar and Lactic Acid), Light Brown Sugar, White Wine Vinegar, Dehydrated Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dehydrated Garlic, Paprika, Black Pepper, Psyllium. Contains: Soy
Nutrition: Calories 80, Fat 1.5g, Sodium 320mg, Total Carbohydrate 16g, Fiber 4g, Sugar 10g, Protein 5g
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Vegan, Non GMO
Texture: Slightly thinner than some of the other options. You can see the classic shape of the Portabello mushroom in each bag. Nice, pleasant chew.
Flavor: The flavors from Savory Wild are fantastic. Both complex and gourmet, the flavors complement the natural mushroom flavor as well.
Verdict: One of the best flavors out of all the mushroom jerky options. The options from Savory Wild do have the highest sugar amounts which is not a deal breaker, but something to consider. If you’re looking for pure flavor and don’t mind a bit of sugar, this is a great mushroom jerky option.
Shop: Giorgio Savory Wild Mushroom Jerky
4. Eat the Change
A new company from Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn, Eat the Change is founded to address environmental concerns through dietary consumption. Their first product is a mushroom jerky. The recipes are crafted by Spike Mendelshon, a nationally recognized chef and restaurateur, as well as Bravo’s Top Chef Fan Favorite.
Featured Mushroom: Crimini Mushrooms, Portobello Mushrooms
Flavors: Sea Salt + Cracked Pepper, Hickory Smokehouse, Maple Mustard, Teriyaki Ginger, and Habanero BBQ
Size: 2 Ounce (62g)
Price: $6.63 per bag ($3.31/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Sea Salt + Cracked Pepper
Ingredients: Organic Crimini and Portobello Mushrooms, Organic Agave Syrup, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Baker’s Yeast Extract, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Dried Garlic Flakes, Organic Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Organic Tara Gum, Organic Flavors, Organic Red Chili Pepper, Organic Cumin Seeds
Nutrition: Calories 70, Fat 3g, Sodium 160mg, Total Carbohydrate 14g, Fiber 1g, Sugar 8g, Protein 2g
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan, Non GMO, USDA Organic
Texture: Cut and dehydrated to fairly small pieces in the bag. The smaller pieces clump together which actually makes for a nice bite. The texture leans to the softer side. The mushroom jerky is a little stickier compared to the other jerky brands. A different and pleasant snacking comparison to the drier styles.
Flavor: The Sea Salt + Cracked Pepper was the simplest but best flavor profile. The classic seasoning really lets the inherent richness of the mushrooms shine.
Verdict: A solid mushroom jerky option that leans to the stickier side. The way that the mushroom sticks together creates a pleasant snacking experience. We preferred the simpler flavor profiles, but for those looking for gourmet flavors can try some of the more adventurous recipes.
Shop: Eat the Change Mushroom Jerky
5. Vegky
Vegky (Vegan Jerky) was founded with a desire to bring tasty vegan snack options from the East to the Western world. They are dedicated to bringing consumers quality vegan food without compromising quality or flavor.
Featured Mushroom: Shiitake Mushroom
Flavors: Mushroom Jerky Original, Mushroom Jerky Spicy, Mushroom Jerky Curry, Mushroom Jerky Pepper, Mushroom Jerky Wasabi
Size: 2.46 Ounce (70g)
Price: $9.99 per bag ($4.06/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Wasabi
Ingredients: Shiitake mushroom stems, salt, soy sauce, soybean oil, sugar, five-spice powder, wasabi powder, white pepper, and potassium sorbate
Nutrition: Calories 145, Fat 6g, Sodium 480mg, Total Carbohydrate 20g, Fiber 6g, Sugar 6g, Protein 3g
Health Benefits: Non GMO, Vegan
Texture: Straight out of the bag, Vegky most closely mimics thin beef jerky in look and texture. It is also the driest out of all the mushroom jerky options. The mushroom jerky is coated in a powdered seasoning. Definitely the most unique texture and one that might appeal to those looking for a close comp to dry, thin beef jerky.
Flavor: We’re suckers for wasabi so we leaned toward the Wasabi flavor. It delivered that punch of heat in a savory package.
Verdict: Vegky is the most unique option in terms of texture. The thin cuts, coated with a dry seasoning, came close to traditional jerky. Each of the flavors features five spice powder which gives each flavor a distinct asian flavor profile. Definitely one of the more unique options on the list.
Shop: Vegky Mushroom Jerky
6. Jewels of the Forest
Jewels of the Forest was founded by two brothers, Wyatt and Hunter Bryson, who combined their passion for mycology and culinary arts. Inspired by the tradition of mushroom jerky in Thai cuisine, they opened their commercial kitchen in 2018 to start producing mushroom jerky.
Featured Mushroom: Oyster Mushroom
Flavors: Sesame Flavor, Sweet Chili
Size: 2.5 Ounce (70g)
Price: $9.99 per bag ($4.06/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Sweet Chili
Ingredients: Organic Oyster Mushroom, Water, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol), Organic Garlic, Organic Red Pepper Flakes, Organic Black Pepper.
Nutrition: Calories 130, Fat 0g, Sodium 300mg, Total Carbohydrate 26g, Fiber 3g, Sugar 12g, Protein 7g
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Vegan, Non GMO
Texture: Jewels of the Forest is one of the drier styles of mushroom jerky. The pieces have a nice, thick chew and generally come in smaller pieces.
Flavor: Both options had fairly similar flavor profiles, highlighted by the Tamari soy sauce. We preferred the slightly spicy and sweet version, but both were solid.
Verdict: A solid mushroom jerky option from a smaller company. The sweet and spicy flavor complements the umami richness of the mushrooms. Dry and not too sticky. Jewels of the Forest also has a high protein count from the oyster mushrooms.
Shop: Jewels of the Forest
7. Holy Shiit@ke! Jerky
Holy Shiit@ke! Jerky was created to satisfy the craving for a healthy, savory snack that’s plant based. The mushroom jerky features shiitake mushrooms which are nutritional powerhouses. The flavors are a fun mix of new and modern and delicious.
Featured Mushroom: Shiitake Mushroom
Flavors: Teriyaki, Sweet Sriracha, Sea Salt & Thyme
Size: 2.25 Ounce (64g)
Price: $8.00 per bag ($3.55/oz)
Our Favorite Mushroom Jerky Flavor: Teriyaki
Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Water, Pineapple Juice, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Hemp Seed, Organic Sea Salt, Orion Powder, Organic Ginger Powder, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper
Nutrition: Calories 180, Fat 7g, Sodium 260mg, Total Carbohydrate 30g, Fiber 4g, Sugar 7g, Protein 4g
Health Benefits: Gluten Free, Vegan, Non GMO
Texture: The smallest pieces out of all the options, the texture of Holy Shiit@ke! Jerky is similar to a shredded beef jerky. It has a stringy texture in a pleasant way. The small pieces of Shiitake jerky were enjoyable to pop in your mouth and snack on.
Flavor: The flavors were classic with a nice twist. There was something unexpected with each flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Verdict: For those looking for a different style texture of mushroom jerky will love Holy Shiit@ke! Jerky. The flavor profiles are interesting and different enough for a fun snacking experience while still celebrating the mushroom flavor. The small pieces of Holy Shiit@ke! would make it easy to mix it into other dishes and recipes. The versatility was a great feature.
Shop: Holy Shiit@ke! Jerky
Bottom Line
For those looking to try new styles of jerky, mushroom jerky is a great alternative to beef jerky. It’s packed with flavor and offers the same chewy texture. You can’t go wrong with any of the previous brands, each has their own unique benefits and appeal.
We preferred the options that resembled the traditional chew of beef jerky. We also found the more traditional flavor profiles—salt and pepper—to let the inherent richness of the mushrooms really shine.
Want to make homemade mushroom jerky? Check out our mushroom jerky recipe that you can make in your very own kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools—bowl, sheet pan, and parchment paper—you can craft your own mushroom jerky.
Click here for our Mushroom Jerky Recipe.
Want to do a side-by-side comparison between beef jerky and mushroom jerky?
We’ve been handcrafting beef jerky for over 90+ years and four generations, so we know a thing or two about beef jerky. Browse our artisan jerky products and pick up some today. We guarantee you’ll love it.
