Sarah Brown
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are known for their rich, savoury taste and health benefits. They are a good source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are said to support immunity, heart health, and even have anti-aging properties. With the rise in popularity of mushroom-based snacks, shiitake mushroom crisps are now available in the market as a healthier alternative to regular potato chips. But are these mushroom crisps really healthy? Let's dive into the topic to find out more about shiitake mushroom crisps and their nutritional value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carb content | Low-carb according to some customers, while others consider it high in carbs and calories |
| Nutrients | Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids |
| Health benefits | May boost heart health, improve immunity, fight cancer, improve acne and other skin conditions, and support longevity |
| Taste | Umami flavor, described as savory or meaty |
| Ingredients | Shiitake mushroom, vegetable oils, maltose, sea salt, yeast extract, spices, onion, garlic, natural flavor |
| Customer reviews | Positive reviews for taste, crunch, and health benefits; mixed opinions about texture |
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Health benefits of shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are not only prized for their rich, savoury taste, but they also offer a range of health benefits. They are low in calories and contain many vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds. Here are some of the key health benefits of shiitake mushrooms:
Heart Health
Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to have benefits for heart health. They contain compounds that help lower cholesterol, including eritadenine, which inhibits the production of cholesterol, and beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre that can lower cholesterol levels. By controlling cholesterol levels, shiitake mushrooms may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Immune Function
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, which have immune-boosting properties. A study found that consuming 5-10 shiitake mushrooms daily for four weeks improved immunity, with higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that protects against infection. Beta-glucans may also be beneficial for cancer patients, as they can stimulate the immune system and protect against certain tumours.
Cancer Prevention
Compounds found in shiitake mushrooms, such as beta-glucans and lentinan, may have cancer-fighting properties. Studies suggest that these compounds can help protect against cancer and inflammation. However, many of these studies have been conducted in animals or test tubes, and more human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Nutrition
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D also helps improve immunity, regulate blood sugar, and protect against cardiovascular disease. Shiitake mushrooms also contain amino acids similar to those found in meat, making them a good source of protein.
Circulation and Longevity
In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake mushrooms are believed to boost health and longevity and improve circulation. The bioactive compounds in shiitake mushrooms may contribute to overall health and well-being.
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Carb content
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also known to support immunity and heart health. The shiitake mushroom crisps by DJ&A are marketed as a healthy snack option, with some customers praising them as a low-carb alternative to regular chips. However, opinions vary, with some customers finding them to be high in both carbs and calories.
The nutritional value of shiitake mushroom crisps is influenced by the cooking method and the addition of other ingredients such as oils and seasonings. The DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps, for example, contain vegetable oils (palm, canola, and rice bran) and spices, in addition to the shiitake mushrooms. The product description does not provide detailed nutritional information, including the carbohydrate content.
The carb content of shiitake mushroom crisps can vary depending on the brand, the amount of mushrooms used, and the presence of other ingredients. For instance, the DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps have received mixed reviews regarding their carb content. While some customers praise them as a low-carb snack option, others find them to be high in carbs and calories. It is important to note that individual serving sizes can also impact the carb content, as a larger serving size will naturally contain more carbohydrates.
The cooking method can also affect the carb content of shiitake mushroom crisps. For example, vacuum frying, as used by the brand Mudlrk, may result in a different carbohydrate profile compared to other cooking techniques. Additionally, the use of different oils and seasonings can introduce varying amounts of carbohydrates and calories to the final product.
Overall, while shiitake mushroom crisps may be marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, it is important to consider the carb content and overall nutritional profile, especially when compared to fresh shiitake mushrooms, which are known to be low in calories and rich in nutrients.
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Calorie content
Shiitake mushrooms are known to be low in calories. A serving of 30 grams of shiitake mushroom crisps is made from around 85 grams of raw mushrooms. The calorie content of these crisps is a topic of debate among customers. Some consider them to be a low-calorie snack, while others believe they are calorie-laden.
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also used to boost immunity and improve heart health. The chips made from these mushrooms are considered a healthy snack by some customers.
The calorie content of shiitake mushroom crisps may vary depending on the brand, serving size, and preparation method. Some brands, like DJ&A, offer a 10.58-ounce package of lightly cooked and seasoned shiitake mushroom crisps. These crisps are described as crunchy and flavorful, with a slight umami taste.
The calorie count of DJ&A's shiitake mushroom crisps is not explicitly mentioned in the sources. However, customers have differing opinions on the product's calorie content. Some customers praise the crisps as a low-carb, low-calorie snack, while others criticize them for being high in both calories and carbs.
It is important to note that the calorie content of a snack is just one aspect of its nutritional profile. Shiitake mushroom crisps, for example, may offer various health benefits due to the nutrients found in shiitake mushrooms. However, it is always a good idea to check the nutrition label and ingredient list to make an informed decision about any food product.
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Taste
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, savoury taste, which can be described as meaty or umami. This flavour is even more intense in dried shiitake mushrooms than in fresh ones.
Shiitake mushroom crisps are made from whole mushrooms, including the stems and caps, and are described as "crazy crispy" and crunchy. They are available in a variety of flavours, including original, spicy buffalo, honey onion mustard, and black pepper. Some reviews describe the taste as addictive, with one customer noting that they take care of cravings.
The DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps are lightly cooked and seasoned, with ingredients including vegetable oils, maltose, sea salt, yeast extract, spices, onion, garlic, and natural flavour. These crisps have received positive reviews for their taste, with some customers noting that they are a satisfying and addictive snack.
The Snak Yard's Shiitake Mushrooms are available at select Costco locations and are described as a lower-carb alternative to potato chips. They include similar ingredients to the DJ&A crisps, such as sea salt, malt sugar, yeast extract, spices, and natural flavours. One blogger compares the taste of these crisps to a crunchier pork rind, with a flavour reminiscent of Chicken in a Biskit crackers.
Shiitake mushroom crisps can also be made at home, with recipes suggesting a cooking process similar to that of DJ&A's broccoli crisps, which are cooked using vacuum cooking at low temperatures to preserve their natural taste.
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Where to buy
Shiitake mushroom crisps are available at several online and in-store retailers.
Amazon
DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps are available on Amazon.com in a 10.58-ounce pack. The product is lightly cooked and seasoned and has received positive reviews for its taste and quality.
Costco
Costco also offers DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in a 10.58-ounce bag, with a 5-pack option available. These crisps are cooked using a vacuum cooking method, resulting in whole crispy mushrooms with their natural shape and colour.
Walmart
Walmart offers shiitake mushroom chips on their website, although specific product details are not available.
Terraland
Terraland offers Shiitake Chips in a 2.12oz bag, available in packs of 2. These chips are non-GMO and have a rich umami flavour, making them suitable for snacking or as a topping for salads and soups.
Popadelics
Popadelics offers Crunchy Mushroom Chips with a Thai Chili Shiitake flavour. These crisps are lightly cooked and seasoned, vegan, and available in packs of 6, with each pack containing 1.4 oz.
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Frequently asked questions
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are known to support immunity and heart health. They are also low in calories. However, when fried, they may be calorie-laden. Overall, shiitake mushroom crisps can be considered a healthier snack option.
Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich, savoury taste and diverse health benefits. They are a powerful source of nutrients and contain many of the same amino acids as meat. They may also help fight cancer, boost immunity, improve skin conditions, and support heart health.
Shiitake mushroom crisps have an umami flavour, which can be described as savoury or meaty. They are also seasoned with ingredients like sea salt, malt sugar, spices, and natural flavours, which enhance their taste.
Shiitake mushroom crisps are available at select Costco locations and on Amazon. They are sold under brand names like The Snak Yard and DJ&A.
