Cocoa

Cocoa with mushrooms is a dissolving powder, where the base is cocoa, alongside functional mushroom extracts. In this category, you will find two such blends: Shroomix with five mushroom extracts and BIO cocoa MYQO with lion’s mane and reishi. They differ in cocoa base, number of mushrooms, sweetening, and portion size.

Cocoa with mushrooms: two blends, two approaches

Shroomix is functional cocoa from the brand LUCY MUSHROOMS in a 240 g package. It has a base of alkalized cocoa powder with reduced fat content, five mushroom extracts, powdered maca root, and ground rhodiola. It is complemented by acacia fiber, Ceylon cinnamon, Kłodawa salt, and erythritol.

The wonderfully enveloping BIO Functional Cocoa MYQO comes in a 300 g jar and has a shorter ingredient list: 47% organic cocoa, organic inulin, two mushroom extracts, natural orange flavor, and Kłodawa salt. The raw materials are of organic quality, and there is no sugar in the composition.

Mushrooms in the composition and standardization

In Shroomix, each of the five mushrooms is included as a standardized extract: lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail. Standardization indicates what percentage of the extract constitutes a given fraction, and the manufacturer provides this for each mushroom separately:

• lion’s mane: 3% hericenones and 30% polysaccharides
• reishi: 40% polysaccharides and 20% beta-glucans
• chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail: 30% polysaccharides each

MYQO has two extracts, lion’s mane and reishi, both standardized to 30% polysaccharides. A portion contains 1000 mg of lion’s mane extract and 500 mg of reishi extract, which corresponds to 7.7% and 3.9% of the composition.

Portion, sweetening, and taste

A portion of Shroomix is 8 g of powder, and the package is enough for about 30 portions. In MYQO, a portion is 3 full teaspoons, or 13 g, poured into 220 ml of liquid, and the package provides 23 portions.

Shroomix is sweetened with erythritol, so it tastes distinctly cocoa and only slightly sweet, with a spicy note of cinnamon. MYQO does not have a sweetener in its composition, and the flavor is enhanced by orange aroma and a pinch of salt. If you like dessert cocoa, you will probably sweeten it yourself.

Preparation

Both powders are prepared like regular cocoa: measure the portion, pour it with hot water, milk, or a plant-based drink, and mix. Mix Shroomix for about two minutes until the powder dissolves. For MYQO, the manufacturer recommends a frother, which gives a smoother consistency.

How such cocoa performs in a daily cup is described in the post about functional cocoa and its taste.

What to check on the label

The two cocoa with mushrooms may look similar but differ in what is actually in the portion. Before purchasing, check:

• whether the mushroom is in the form of an extract or powdered fruiting body
• what fraction and what percentage the extract is standardized to
• how many milligrams of extract are in a portion
• the portion size in grams and the number of portions in the package
• what the product is sweetened with and whether it contains sugar
• the manufacturer’s warnings and the recommended daily portion

Both products are dietary supplements, so do not exceed the portion indicated on the package.

Who this cocoa is not for

Shroomix is intended solely for adults. The manufacturer advises against it for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not consume Shroomix cocoa with other caffeine-containing products. If you are taking medications regularly, especially anticoagulants, antidepressants, or immunosuppressants, consult your doctor beforehand.

Keep the cocoa tightly closed, in a dry and cool place, away from light and out of reach of children. Other products with mushrooms and herbs can be found in the Adaptogens category.

Frequently asked questions

How much powder is in a portion?

In Shroomix, 8 g, which gives about 30 portions from a 240 g package. In MYQO, 13 g, or 3 full teaspoons, and 23 portions from a 300 g package. Pour 220 ml of liquid over the MYQO portion, and mix Shroomix for about two minutes.

Does cocoa with mushrooms contain sugar?

Neither of the two contains sugar in the composition. Shroomix is sweetened with erythritol, and MYQO has no sweetener, so its flavor is built by cocoa, orange aroma, and Kłodawa salt. Shroomix thus tastes distinctly cocoa and only slightly sweet, with a spicy note of cinnamon. Those who like dessert cocoa will sweeten it themselves.

Which cocoa has more mushrooms?

Shroomix has five mushroom extracts, while MYQO has two: lion’s mane and reishi, both standardized to 30% polysaccharides. In Shroomix, each of the five mushrooms is also a standardized extract. MYQO, on the other hand, directly states the amount of extract per portion: 1000 mg of lion’s mane and 500 mg of reishi.

Can I prepare them with milk?

Yes. Both powders can be poured with hot water, milk, or a plant-based drink, just like regular cocoa. A MYQO portion is 3 full teaspoons, or 13 g, poured into 220 ml of liquid. Mix Shroomix for about two minutes, and for MYQO, the manufacturer recommends a frother, which gives a smoother consistency.

Is cocoa with mushrooms suitable for children?

No. Shroomix is intended solely for adults, and the manufacturer advises against it for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Both products are dietary supplements, so do not exceed the portion indicated on the package, and keep the cocoa tightly closed, in a dry and cool place, out of reach of children.