Tesco backs Lion’s Mane mushroom as the next big thing in plant-based cooking

Tesco has become the first major UK retailer to offer fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms in-store, tipping the fluffy, white variety to become the next big trend in gourmet cooking and plant-based cuisine.

Long popular in powdered form as a functional mushroom supplement, Lion’s Mane is now making its debut as a fresh ingredient on Tesco shelves. The move reflects a surge in demand for exotic mushrooms, which has accelerated alongside the broader plant-based movement.

“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,” commented Bobbie Fletcher, Tesco’s mushroom buyer.

“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.”

Fletcher added that Lion’s Mane offers a distinctive sensory experience, both in appearance and flavor. “They’ve been hailed for their great taste and offer a unique flavor profile, with a mildly sweeter taste than normal mushrooms and a tender texture.”

The mushroom gets its name from its shaggy, cascading tendrils, which resemble a lion’s mane. With a slightly firm but tender bite, it’s well suited as a meat alternative in plant-based dishes, offering a juicy, satisfying texture.

The launch is being supported by long-standing Tesco supplier Smithy Mushrooms, based in Ormskirk, Lancashire. The family-owned company has been supplying the retailer for more than 30 years and sees huge potential in Lion’s Mane, particularly after witnessing its popularity in the USA.

John Dorrian, Managing Director of Smithy Mushrooms, said interest in exotic varieties has grown dramatically over the past few years, driven by rising consumer interest in plant-based eating and the emergence of mushrooms as a flavorful meat-free centerplate option.

“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,” said Dorrian. “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.”

Smithy Mushrooms has significantly expanded its production capacity to meet the growing demand. In 2023, the company opened a second growing site, doubling its output from 36 to 72 tons of shiitake and oyster mushrooms per month. The new facility includes its own substrate and spawn production, allowing the grower to maintain complete control over quality and consistency.

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

With the new infrastructure in place, Smithy Mushrooms is also looking ahead to further diversification of its range. “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,” said Dorrian.

For Tesco, the move aligns with a wider push to expand its plant-based offering and cater to growing consumer interest in sustainable and flavour-forward alternatives. With Lion’s Mane mushrooms now available in stores, the retailer is betting that this once-niche variety could become the next staple of modern meat-free meals.