Unique Lion’s Mane variety set to be the next big trend in mushrooms

We’ve had shiitake, we’ve had oyster – now get ready for what looks set to be the next big trend in mushrooms – the Lion’s Mane variety.

The vegetable, which has a unique fluffy white look, is already hugely popular as a functional mushroom health supplement in powder form, a category which is currently seeing volume growth of more than 1300 per cent* in the last year.

Now the exotic mushroom will be sold by Tesco which believes it could be the next thing to excite the gourmet food market.

Tesco mushroom buyer Bobbie Fletcher said: 

“In the last few years demand for exotic mushrooms, like shiitake and particularly oyster, have soared so we’re really excited to be able to offer the next big trend to our customers.

“We know how popular Lion’s Mane have become recently as a functional mushroom in powder form sold in pharmacies but think the actual vegetable itself could now join shiitake and oyster as a culinary favourite.

“Lion’s Mane have been hailed for their great taste and offer a unique flavour profile, with a mildly sweeter taste than normal mushrooms and a tender texture.”

The mushroom gets its name from its flowing tendrils which resemble a lion’s shaggy mane. It has a tender but slightly firm texture making it a versatile meat alternative in plant-based recipes.

Grower, Smithy Mushrooms, of Ormskirk, Lancashire, who have supplied Tesco for more than 30 years, also have high hopes for the mushroom after seeing how popular the vegetable has become in America.

John Dorrian, the company’s managing director says that the world of mushrooms has completely opened up thanks to the plant-based revolution in recent years.

And he knows only too well as due to high demand the company opened a second growing site in 2023 to double its capacity as a result of new business from retailers and the catering trade.

This investment includes brand-new facilities for producing its own substrate and spawn, ensuring complete control over quality and consistency throughout the entire cultivation process.

The new site has allowed Smithy to increase shiitake and oyster mushroom growing capacity from 36 tonnes to 72 tonnes per month.

John said:

“The world of culinary mushrooms has exploded in the last few years, especially with the plant-based food revolution, and particularly because of oyster mushrooms. They offer plant-based food fans a wonderful tasting alternative to meat that is a centrepiece in its own right rather than a side dish.

“Now we think Lion’s Mane could replicate what the Oyster variety has achieved especially for those seeking a tender, juicy and slightly savoury taste that is grown in the UK.

“This is a very exciting time for mushroom lovers and with our new facility we’re not only enhancing our existing range but also laying the foundation to introduce a host of new varieties in the near future.”

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are available in Tesco stores across the UK, costing £3.75 for a 150g pack.

ENDS

Note

*Nielsen data - NIQ total coverage Vitamins and Dietary supplements syndicated database - Functional mushrooms data w/e 19 April 2025

*Smithy’s have their own tasty Lion’s Mane mushroom recipe:

Lion’s Mane mushrooms with cream, ginger and garlic

Heat butter in large sauté pan, over a medium heat. when the butter has melted, add chopped shallots, ginger and garlic and cook for 3 minutes.

Then add full selection of sliced or torn Lion’s Mane mushrooms and cook for a further 5 – 7 minutes, continuously stirring. finally, add the cream and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, whilst mixing, season with a good pinch of salt, pepper and thyme.

Serve immediately on its own, or with a lightly toasted bruschetta.