How to Take Lion's Mane Powder: 7 Easy Ways to Use It

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with shaggy, cascading spines. Dried and finely milled, it becomes a pale beige powder with a gentle, earthy flavour that blends easily into drinks and food. If you've just bought a pouch and are wondering how to take lion's mane powder, the short answer is: stir it into something you already eat or drink every day. Here are seven easy ways to do it.

The quick answer

Mix a small amount of lion's mane powder into a hot or cold drink, a smoothie or your cooking, once a day as part of your normal routine. Start with a little and follow the serving suggestion on your pack. Because the flavour is mild, most people find it easiest in coffee, lattes, hot chocolate and smoothies.

1. Stir it into your coffee

Add the powder to your cup before pouring in the coffee, then stir well, or use a small milk frother for a completely smooth drink. Lion's mane pairs nicely with a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla. It works with filter coffee, espresso-based drinks and instant coffee alike.

2. Make a lion's mane latte

Warm a mug of your favourite milk, oat and almond both work well. Whisk in the powder with a little cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, then froth until silky. It makes a comforting warm drink any time of day.

3. Blend it into a smoothie

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to use lion's mane powder because the other ingredients carry the flavour. Try banana, a spoonful of nut butter, oats and milk, or add it to a berry and yoghurt smoothie. Add the powder with the liquid so it blends in evenly.

4. Mix it into hot chocolate or cacao

The earthy notes of lion's mane sit naturally with chocolate. Whisk it into a mug of hot chocolate, or make your own with cacao powder, warm milk and a little sweetener.

5. Stir it into soups, broths and sauces

For savoury dishes, stir lion's mane powder into soups, stews, gravies or a miso broth towards the end of cooking. Its mild, savoury flavour disappears into the dish while adding a little depth.

6. Bake it into muffins, bliss balls or granola

Mix the powder into the dry ingredients of muffins, banana bread, flapjacks or homemade granola so it's evenly spread through the mixture. No-bake bliss balls made with oats, dates and nut butter are another simple option.

7. Shake it with water or juice

If you prefer something quick, add the powder to a glass of water or juice and shake it in a lidded bottle. Orange and apple juice help round off the earthy taste.

Tips for smooth, lump-free mixing

• Make a paste first: mix the powder with a splash of liquid, then top up.
• Use a milk frother or small whisk for hot drinks.
• For smoothies, add the powder with the liquid rather than on top of the ice.
• Stir hot drinks again just before drinking, as fine powders can settle.

What does lion's mane powder taste like?

Lion's mane powder has a mild, earthy and slightly savoury flavour. On its own in water it tastes gently of mushroom, which is why most people prefer it in coffee, chocolate or smoothies where other flavours take the lead.

How to store lion's mane powder

Keep the pouch sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and use a dry spoon each time so moisture doesn't cause clumping.

Before you start

Lion's mane powder is sold as a food ingredient. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, have a health condition or have ever reacted to mushrooms, speak to a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.

Ready to try it? Shop our Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder, available in sizes from small pouches to larger bags, or browse all our mushroom powders.