Introduction
Gourmet mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular in UK kitchens. Varieties such as oyster, shiitake, Lion’s Mane and king oyster mushrooms offer different flavours, textures and cooking possibilities compared with traditional button mushrooms.
The good news is that you do not always need to pay premium prices. Several UK online stores now sell fresh gourmet mushrooms directly to consumers, while supermarkets and specialist food retailers also offer affordable options.
In this guide, we review some of the UK options worth considering when looking for affordable gourmet mushrooms online.
Note: Prices mentioned in this article are examples based on listings available when researched and may change. Always check the retailer’s website for current prices, delivery charges and availability.
What Are Gourmet Mushrooms?
Gourmet mushrooms are edible mushroom varieties valued for their distinctive flavours, textures and culinary uses.
Popular varieties include:
- Oyster mushrooms
- King oyster mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Lion’s Mane mushrooms
- Maitake mushrooms
- Shimeji mushrooms
- Mixed exotic mushrooms
They can be fried, roasted, grilled, sautéed or added to soups, noodles, pasta and stir-fries.
1. Merit Mushrooms
Merit Mushrooms is one of the strongest options for shoppers looking for a wide selection of fresh UK-grown gourmet mushrooms.
Its current listings include Blue Oyster Mushrooms from around £3.99, Lion’s Mane from around £5.04, King Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms around £4.79, and several mixed mushroom options. The company also offers growing kits, dried mushrooms and other mushroom products.
Why consider Merit Mushrooms?
- Large selection of gourmet varieties
- UK-grown mushrooms
- Fresh mushrooms available online
- Mixed mushroom options
- Mushroom-growing products also available
- Free UK delivery is advertised on qualifying orders
For shoppers who want variety in one place, Merit Mushrooms is a particularly useful option.
2. Riverford
Riverford Organic Farmers is another option for people interested in ordering mushrooms online alongside other fresh food.
Its current mushroom range includes Shiitake, mixed mushrooms, King Oyster, Lion’s Mane and Hen of the Woods. Example prices include £4.95 for 150g of Shiitake, £5.25 for 150g of mixed mushrooms, £6.95 for 200g of King Oyster and £7.50 for 200g of Lion’s Mane.
Best for
Riverford can be attractive if you want to combine gourmet mushrooms with a broader grocery or vegetable order.
3. Crate to Plate
Crate to Plate offers a selection of specialty mushrooms grown in controlled indoor environments.
Its current listings include Blue Oyster, King Oyster, Shiitake and Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Individual 150g packs are listed at approximately £4, £5, £5 and £6 respectively.
The company also offers a Shroom Box containing Blue Oyster, King Oyster, Shiitake and Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Why it stands out
The mixed box can be useful for customers who want to try several varieties without purchasing a large quantity of each mushroom separately.
4. Tŷ Cynan
Tŷ Cynan is a Welsh grower specialising in gourmet mushrooms.
Its range includes fresh Wood Oyster, Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms. Current listed prices are approximately £8.50 per 500g for Wood Oyster and Shiitake and £10 per 500g for Lion’s Mane.
Best for
Tŷ Cynan may appeal to shoppers who prefer buying directly from a smaller UK mushroom grower.
5. Sporadic Fungi
Sporadic Fungi is based around the Suffolk and Essex area and offers both fresh and dried gourmet mushroom products.
Current examples include Fresh Lion’s Mane at £4.50 for 150g and Fresh Mixed Oyster Mushrooms at £6.25 for 200g. The business also sells dried mushrooms, mushroom-growing kits and other mushroom-based products.
Best for
Sporadic Fungi is worth considering if you want a combination of fresh mushrooms, dried products and grow-your-own options.
6. Wild Spore Co.
Wild Spore Co. offers fresh mixed gourmet mushrooms containing at least three varieties per 200g pack.
Depending on availability, the mix may include Blue Oyster, Pink Oyster, Black Pearl Oyster, Lion’s Mane and Shiitake. Its listed price is £5 for 200g, although delivery is limited to specified local postcode areas.
Best for
This is a good option for customers in the company’s delivery area who want to experiment with different mushroom varieties.
Supermarkets Can Also Be Affordable
You do not necessarily need to use a specialist mushroom farm to find gourmet mushrooms.
For example, Tesco currently lists products such as Oyster Mushroom Cluster, Exotic Mixed Mushrooms and Shiitake Mushrooms. Current examples include £2.35 for 150g of Oyster Mushroom Cluster, £2.15 for 150g of Exotic Mixed Mushrooms and £2 for 125g of Shiitake.
Ocado also lists speciality mushroom products, including oyster, shiitake, mixed exotic and Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
For occasional purchases, supermarket options may therefore provide good value because you can add mushrooms to an existing grocery delivery.
How to Choose Affordable Gourmet Mushrooms
The cheapest price is not always the best deal. Consider these factors before ordering.
1. Compare the price per 100g
A £5 pack may appear cheaper than a £7 pack, but the second product could contain considerably more mushrooms.
Always compare the price per 100g or per kilogram where possible.
2. Check delivery charges
A low product price can become less attractive once delivery is added.
Look for:
- Free delivery thresholds
- Local delivery options
- Collection services
- Subscription discounts
- Multi-pack offers
3. Consider mixed mushroom boxes
Mixed boxes are an easy way to sample several varieties.
They can also reduce the need to purchase separate packs of each mushroom.
4. Buy according to how you cook
If you regularly make stir-fries, oyster mushrooms can be an excellent choice.
For rich savoury dishes, Shiitake can work particularly well.
King Oyster mushrooms are popular for their firm texture, while Lion’s Mane has a distinctive texture that many cooks enjoy experimenting with.
5. Check freshness
Fresh gourmet mushrooms are perishable. Look at the retailer’s harvesting, packaging and delivery information before ordering.
Some smaller growers operate locally so they can deliver mushrooms soon after harvesting.
Affordable Gourmet Mushrooms: Quick Comparison
| UK Store | Examples | Example Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Mushrooms | Oyster, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, mixed | From about £3.99 | Variety |
| Riverford | Shiitake, King Oyster, Lion’s Mane | From about £4.95 | Organic-focused shopping |
| Crate to Plate | Oyster, King Oyster, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane | From about £4 | Mixed fresh produce |
| Tŷ Cynan | Wood Oyster, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane | From about £8.50/500g | Welsh-grown mushrooms |
| Sporadic Fungi | Lion’s Mane, Oyster, dried mushrooms | From about £4.50 | Local and specialty products |
| Wild Spore Co. | Mixed gourmet mushrooms | About £5/200g | Mushroom variety |
Prices and availability are examples from current online listings and can change.
Which UK Online Store Offers the Best Value?
There is no single best store for everyone.
For the widest selection: Merit Mushrooms is a strong choice because it offers numerous fresh gourmet varieties alongside growing products.
For mixed fresh mushrooms: Crate to Plate offers a convenient Shroom Box containing several popular varieties.
For organic-focused shoppers: Riverford offers a range of organic mushrooms alongside its wider fresh-food selection.
For locally grown mushrooms: Smaller specialist growers such as Tŷ Cynan, Sporadic Fungi and Wild Spore Co. can be worth exploring, depending on your location and delivery area.
Tips for Saving Money When Buying Gourmet Mushrooms
You can reduce the cost of gourmet mushrooms by shopping strategically.
Buy larger packs when practical
Larger packs can sometimes offer a lower price per 100g.
Look for mixed boxes
A mixed box can provide several varieties without requiring separate purchases.
Compare specialist growers with supermarkets
Specialist growers may offer greater variety, while supermarkets can sometimes have lower prices on smaller packs.
Watch for promotions
Online stores frequently change their offers. Check promotions before placing an order.
Consider growing your own
Some UK mushroom companies sell grow kits. For regular mushroom enthusiasts, growing at home can be an interesting alternative to repeatedly buying fresh packs.
How to Store Fresh Gourmet Mushrooms
After delivery, check the retailer’s storage instructions.
In general, fresh mushrooms should be kept appropriately refrigerated and used while they are fresh. Avoid leaving perishable mushrooms at room temperature for extended periods.
Do not wash mushrooms unnecessarily far ahead of cooking. Excess moisture can affect their texture and shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Finding affordable gourmet mushrooms in the UK is easier than it used to be. Specialist growers, online food retailers and supermarkets now provide access to varieties such as Oyster, Shiitake, King Oyster and Lion’s Mane.
When comparing stores, look beyond the headline price. Consider the pack size, price per 100g, delivery cost, freshness, growing practices and variety available.
For shoppers seeking a broad selection, Merit Mushrooms is worth exploring. Riverford is useful for organic-focused shopping, while Crate to Plate provides convenient specialty mushroom options. Smaller growers such as Tŷ Cynan, Sporadic Fungi and Wild Spore Co. can also be attractive depending on where you live.
The best option ultimately depends on your budget, location, preferred mushroom variety and how frequently you cook with gourmet mushrooms.
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