Shiitake Mushroom Crisps: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Making and Enjoying Them (2026)
, 23 min reading time
Discover the best shiitake mushroom crisps, including DJ&A and Real Naturals brands. Learn how to make them at home, where to buy them in Australia, nutrition facts, and why they're the snack you didn't know you needed.
Table of Contents
- What Are Shiitake Mushroom Crisps?
- Why Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Are Taking Over the Snack Aisle
- Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
- Best Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Brands Compared
- DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps: A Closer Look
- Real Naturals Shiitake Mushroom Chips with Sea Salt
- Shiitake Jerky vs Shiitake Mushroom Crisps: What's the Difference?
- Where to Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps (Australia and Worldwide)
- How to Make Shiitake Mushroom Crisps at Home
- Creative Ways to Use Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
- Common Mistakes When Buying or Making Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
- Expert Tips for Getting the Best Experience
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What Are Shiitake Mushroom Crisps?
Shiitake mushroom crisps are whole or sliced shiitake mushrooms that have been cooked until they reach a light, crunchy texture similar to a traditional chip or crisp. The best commercial versions use vacuum frying technology, which cooks mushrooms at lower temperatures under reduced pressure, producing a satisfying crunch while retaining the mushroom's natural shape, colour, and nutrients.
Unlike standard potato crisps, shiitake mushroom crisps start with real, whole mushrooms. A single 30g serving of DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps, for example, is made from roughly 85g of raw mushrooms. That concentration of whole-food ingredients is what makes these snacks so nutrient dense and flavour packed.
The result is a snack that delivers an intense umami hit, a satisfying crunch, and a nutritional profile that puts most conventional crisps to shame.
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
Why Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Are Taking Over the Snack Aisle
The rise of shiitake mushroom chips is not a passing trend. Several forces are driving their popularity:
Plant-based demand is surging. Consumers across Australia and globally are actively seeking plant-based snack options that taste good without compromising on texture. Shiitake mushroom crisps tick that box perfectly. They are naturally vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.
Umami flavour appeals to everyone. Shiitake mushrooms contain one of the highest natural concentrations of glutamate among all foods. This gives them a deep, savoury umami flavour that satisfies in the same way as cheese, meat, or soy sauce, without any of those ingredients. Even people who dislike the texture of raw mushrooms often love shiitake mushroom chips because the flavour transforms entirely when crisped.
Healthier snacking is mainstream. Consumers are reading labels more carefully than ever. When they see a short, recognisable ingredient list, no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, and a good dose of dietary fibre, they reach for it. Shiitake mushroom crisps meet all of these criteria. If you are exploring healthy snacks more broadly, mushroom crisps are an excellent place to start.
Vacuum frying technology has improved quality. The commercial shift toward vacuum cooking has been transformative. This method fries mushrooms inside a sealed, low-pressure chamber at temperatures between 100 and 130 degrees Celsius, compared to 160 to 180 degrees for traditional deep frying. The result is less oil absorption, better nutrient retention, more vibrant natural colour, and a lighter crunch.
Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most researched medicinal foods on the planet. While crisping them does alter some nutritional properties, many core benefits carry through to the finished snack.
Excellent source of dietary fibre. A 30g serving of DJ&A shiitake mushroom crisps contains around 8g of dietary fibre, roughly 29% of your daily recommended intake. Fibre supports digestion, gut health, and sustained energy levels.
Rich in B vitamins. Shiitake mushrooms provide meaningful amounts of riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5), all of which support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Natural source of vitamin D. Shiitake mushrooms are one of the few non-animal foods that contain vitamin D. When exposed to sunlight or UV light, they convert ergosterol into vitamin D2, supporting bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Contains lentinan. Lentinan is a beta-glucan polysaccharide found in shiitake mushrooms. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown it supports immune cell activity and has anti-inflammatory properties. For a more concentrated dose of mushroom-derived compounds, consider a dedicated mushroom superfood blend alongside your snacking.
Provides essential minerals. Shiitake mushrooms contain copper, selenium, manganese, and potassium. Copper supports iron metabolism and brain development, while selenium acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from damage.
Lower oil content than conventional crisps. Thanks to vacuum frying, commercial shiitake mushroom crisps absorb 70 to 80 per cent less oil compared to standard deep-fried snacks.
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
Best Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Brands Compared
The market for shiitake mushroom chips has expanded significantly. Here is how the leading brands stack up:
| Feature | DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps | Real Naturals (Sea Salt) | Shary Shiitake Crisps | Moku Crispy Shiitake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Australian-owned, made in Australia | UK-based (The Coconut Kitchen) | Australian | USA |
| Mushroom Content | 75% shiitake (whole mushroom) | 30% shiitake + tapioca starch | High | High |
| Cooking Method | Vacuum fried | Fried/processed | Dehydrated | Vacuum cooked |
| Texture | Airy whole-mushroom crunch | Traditional chip texture | Crispy, light | Airy crunch |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gluten Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No Artificial Additives | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (contains MSG) |
| Halal/Kosher | Both | Neither listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Sizes Available | 30g, 65g, bulk multipacks | 32g, 80g | Various | 40g |
Verdict: If you want the highest mushroom content with a whole-mushroom eating experience, DJ&A is the standout choice. If you prefer a more traditional chip-style crunch, Real Naturals shiitake mushroom chips with sea salt offer a lighter, more familiar snacking experience. Browse the full Shiitake Mushroom Crisps & Chips Collection at Wallaby Wellness.
DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps: A Closer Look
DJ&A is a proud Australian family-owned company that has positioned itself as the market leader in vegetable and mushroom crisps. Their shiitake mushroom crisps are made using a proprietary vacuum cooking process that cooks mushrooms at lower temperatures, preserving the mushroom's natural shape, colour, and nutritional value. They are available in single packs (30g and 65g) and bulk multipacks (12x30g and 9x65g) for better value.
What makes DJ&A stand out:
- Each bag contains 75% shiitake mushroom, among the highest ratios of any commercial brand
- Manufactured and packaged in Australia
- Certified Halal and Kosher
- No added MSG, no GMO ingredients, no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- An excellent source of dietary fibre (26.7g per 100g)
- Available in Original and Smoked flavours
- One 30g bag is made from approximately 85g of raw mushrooms
Nutritional snapshot per 100g:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1,780 kJ (426 kcal) |
| Protein | 5.9g |
| Fat | 20.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7g |
| Carbohydrate | 42.6g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| Fibre | 26.7g |
| Sodium | 470mg |
Ingredients: Shiitake Mushroom, Vegetable Oils (Palm, Canola, and Rice Bran), Maltose, Sea Salt, Yeast Extract, Spices, Natural Flavour.
One thing to note is the sugar content (27g per 100g), which comes largely from the maltose used in the cooking process and the natural sugars concentrated during dehydration. This is worth considering if you are monitoring sugar intake, though the high fibre content helps moderate the glycaemic impact.
DJ&A also produces an impressive range of other vegetable crisps worth exploring, including Crispy Beetroot Slices, Green Bean Crisps, Sugar Snap Pea Crisps, Yellow Sweet Potato Crisps, and their Veggie Crisps Original blend.
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
Real Naturals Shiitake Mushroom Chips with Sea Salt
Real Naturals is a UK-based brand distributed by The Coconut Kitchen. Their shiitake mushroom chips with sea salt take a different approach to the category. Rather than vacuum frying whole mushrooms, they combine shiitake mushrooms (30%) with tapioca starch to create a more conventional chip shape and texture.
Key details:
- Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Shiitake Mushrooms (30%), Rice Bran Oil, Maltodextrin, Cane Sugar, Sea Salt (0.3%)
- Gluten free, dairy free, vegan
- Lighter and more traditional crisp texture
- Sea salt harvested from the Gulf of Thailand
- Available in 32g and 80g packs
These are an excellent gateway product for people curious about mushroom snacking but who prefer a more familiar chip texture. The umami flavour is present but milder than whole-mushroom options, making them a crowd pleaser at parties and in lunchboxes. Shop all flavours in our Shiitake Mushroom Crisps & Chips Collection.
Shiitake Jerky vs Shiitake Mushroom Crisps: What's the Difference?
Both shiitake jerky and shiitake mushroom crisps are made from shiitake mushrooms, but the similarities largely end there.
| Feature | Shiitake Mushroom Crisps | Shiitake Jerky |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, crunchy, airy | Chewy, dense, meaty |
| Cooking Method | Vacuum fried or oven baked | Marinated and dehydrated |
| Flavour Profile | Earthy umami, salty | Smoky, sweet-savoury |
| Best For | Snacking, salad toppings, dipping | Meat alternative, hiking, on the go |
| Shelf Life | 6+ months | Typically 9 months |
Shiitake jerky tends to use thicker slices marinated in soy, tamari, or coconut aminos, then dehydrated slowly. The result resembles beef jerky in chewiness and is popular among hikers, vegans, and anyone seeking a portable, satisfying snack.
Shiitake mushroom crisps prioritise lightness and crunch. They work beautifully as a standalone snack, a topping, or a dipper. If you love both textures, keep crisps in the pantry for everyday snacking and jerky in your bag for hikes and road trips.
Where to Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps (Australia and Worldwide)
Finding shiitake mushroom crisps has become much easier as the category grows. Here is where to buy them depending on your location:
In Australia:
- Coles stocks DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in the snack aisle (65g bags)
- Costco Australia carries DJ&A in larger multi-packs (3 x 150g)
- ALDI offers their own brand, Oh So Natural Foods Shiitake Mushroom Crisps (100g), as a regular or Special Buys item
- Health food stores including Wholesome Hub, First Ray, Market Organics, and Pharmacy Online stock DJ&A in various sizes
- Wallaby Wellness stocks the full range of shiitake mushroom crisps and chips online, including DJ&A and Real Naturals in single packs and bulk multipacks
- DJ&A's own online store (dja-au.com) ships Australia-wide with free shipping on orders over $50
In the USA:
- Costco carries DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps (10.58oz bags) in stores and online
- Amazon stocks DJ&A, MushGarden, and other brands
- Whole Foods Market carries several mushroom crisp brands
In the UK:
- The Coconut Kitchen (thecoconutkitchen.co.uk) sells Real Naturals Shiitake Mushroom Chips online
- Specialist food retailers such as Artisan Food Club and Diverse Fine Food carry them wholesale and retail
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
How to Make Shiitake Mushroom Crisps at Home
Making shiitake mushroom crisps at home is surprisingly simple, though the texture differs from commercial vacuum-fried versions. The homemade approach uses an oven or air fryer and produces a rustic, deeply flavoured crisp that is delicious in its own right. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are ideal, but if you cannot find them locally, dried shiitake mushrooms can be rehydrated and patted thoroughly dry before baking.
What you need:
- 250g fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, sesame seeds
Step-by-step method:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 fan-forced).
- Clean the mushrooms by brushing gently with a dry paper towel. Do not wash them with water, as moisture prevents crisping.
- Trim the stems and save them for stock or soup.
- Slice the caps into pieces approximately 3 to 5mm thick. Thinner slices crisp more evenly.
- Place the sliced mushrooms in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Add another drizzle and toss again, as mushrooms absorb oil quickly.
- Season with sea salt and any additional spices.
- Spread mushrooms in a single layer on a lined baking tray, gill-side up. Do not stack or overlap them.
- Bake for 20 to 35 minutes, checking every 10 minutes and rotating the tray halfway through.
- Remove from the oven when the larger pieces are golden and crisp. Smaller pieces will crisp first.
- Allow to cool completely on the tray. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Pro tip: Place your shiitake mushrooms gill-side up on a tray outdoors in direct sunlight for 15 minutes before cooking. This boosts their vitamin D content significantly.
Air fryer method: Set your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. Arrange sliced, oiled, and seasoned mushrooms in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes. Watch closely toward the end, as air fryers can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in under a minute.
Storage: Homemade shiitake mushroom crisps are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container with a paper towel for up to one week. If they soften, pop them back in the oven at 180 degrees for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Creative Ways to Use Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
Straight from the bag is the most popular way to eat shiitake mushroom crisps, but their versatility goes well beyond standalone snacking.
As a salad topper. Crush a few crisps over a green salad for an umami crunch that replaces croutons entirely. They pair particularly well with Asian-style dressings.
In soups. Float whole crisps on top of a miso soup or broccoli soup just before serving. They add textural contrast and a depth of savoury flavour.
As a dipping snack. Pair them with hummus, guacamole, sweet chilli sauce, or a plant-based queso dip for an upgraded snack platter.
Crushed as a breadcrumb substitute. Blitz shiitake mushroom chips in a food processor and use the crumbs to coat tofu, chicken, or fish before baking.
On avocado toast. Top your avo toast with a few shiitake mushroom crisps for a satisfying savoury crunch.
In bone broth. Drop crisps into hot bone broth or stock. They rehydrate slightly while adding intense mushroom flavour. Try them in Nutra Organics Beef Bone Broth with Adaptogenic Mushrooms or Chicken Bone Broth with Adaptogenic Mushrooms for a double dose of mushroom goodness. For a fully plant-based option, the Superbroth Vegan Friendly Broth works beautifully too.
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
Common Mistakes When Buying or Making Shiitake Mushroom Crisps
Mistake 1: Confusing chip-style products with whole-mushroom crisps. Some brands use shiitake mushroom powder or a small percentage of mushroom mixed with tapioca starch. These are tasty in their own right, but they are a different product from whole-mushroom crisps. Check the ingredient list and mushroom percentage before purchasing.
Mistake 2: Washing mushrooms before oven baking. Shiitake mushrooms act like sponges. Adding water before baking prevents them from crisping properly. Brush them clean with a dry cloth instead.
Mistake 3: Overcrowding the baking tray. If slices overlap or stack, they steam rather than crisp. Always use a single layer, even if it means using two trays.
Mistake 4: Not using enough oil for homemade crisps. It sounds counterintuitive, but mushrooms need a generous coating of oil to crisp in the oven. They absorb the first coat immediately and will burn without enough fat to facilitate the crisping process.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the sugar content on packaged products. Commercial shiitake mushroom crisps can contain 20 to 27g of sugar per 100g, mostly from maltose and natural concentration during cooking. If you are monitoring sugar intake, check the nutritional panel and factor it into your daily budget.
Mistake 6: Expecting shiitake jerky and shiitake crisps to be the same thing. These are fundamentally different products. Jerky is chewy and dense; crisps are light and crunchy. Know which one suits your preference before ordering.
Expert Tips for Getting the Best Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Experience
- Store opened bags properly. Reseal the bag tightly after each use and keep it in a cool, dry place. Humidity is the enemy of crispiness.
- Try the smoked variety. DJ&A offers a smoked shiitake mushroom crisp that delivers a richer, more complex flavour. It is worth seeking out if you enjoy smoky snacks.
- Pair with umami-rich dips. The umami in shiitake intensifies when paired with complementary flavours. Miso paste mixed with mayonnaise, or a soy and sesame dressing, makes for an outstanding dip.
- Boost vitamin D at home. Sun your fresh shiitake mushrooms gill-side up for 15 minutes before cooking. Research confirms this significantly increases their vitamin D content.
- Buy in bulk to save. Shop our collection for bulk pack options (12x30g or 9x65g) at the best per-bag pricing on DJ&A shiitake mushroom crisps.
- Introduce sceptics with chip-style products. If someone in your household insists they dislike mushrooms, start them with a chip-style product like Real Naturals shiitake mushroom chips with sea salt. The tapioca-blended texture and milder mushroom flavour wins over many sceptics.
FAQs
Are shiitake mushroom crisps healthy?
Shiitake mushroom crisps are a healthier alternative to standard potato crisps. They offer high dietary fibre, B vitamins, minerals like copper and selenium, and less oil absorption thanks to vacuum frying technology. However, some commercial products contain notable amounts of sugar from maltose, so it is worth checking the nutritional panel.
What do shiitake mushroom crisps taste like?
They have a deep, earthy umami flavour with a satisfying crunch. Many people compare the taste to a savoury pretzel or cracker with an extra layer of richness. The mushroom flavour is present but not overpowering, and even people who dislike fresh mushrooms often enjoy them as crisps.
Where can I buy DJ&A shiitake mushroom crisps in Australia?
DJ&A shiitake mushroom crisps are available at Coles, Costco Australia, ALDI, and health food stores including Wholesome Hub and First Ray. You can also shop the full range in our Shiitake Mushroom Crisps & Chips Collection at Wallaby Wellness, or order directly from DJ&A's online store at dja-au.com.
How do you make shiitake mushroom crisps at home?
Slice fresh shiitake mushroom caps thinly (3 to 5mm), toss generously with olive oil and sea salt, spread in a single layer on a lined baking tray, and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 to 35 minutes, checking every 10 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the tray, as they continue to crisp during cooling.
Are shiitake mushroom crisps vegan and gluten free?
Yes. All major brands of shiitake mushroom crisps, including DJ&A, Real Naturals, and Shary, are both vegan and gluten free.
What is the difference between shiitake mushroom crisps and shiitake jerky?
Shiitake mushroom crisps are vacuum fried or oven baked for a light, crunchy texture. Shiitake jerky is marinated and dehydrated for a chewy, dense, meat-like texture. They are different snacking experiences made from the same mushroom.
How long do shiitake mushroom crisps last once opened?
Commercial shiitake mushroom crisps have a shelf life of approximately six months unopened. Once opened, reseal the bag tightly and consume within two to three weeks for the best texture. Homemade versions last up to one week stored in an airtight container.
Can you use dried or canned shiitake mushrooms to make crisps?
Fresh shiitake mushrooms produce the best results. Dried shiitake need rehydrating first, which introduces moisture and makes crisping much harder. Canned shiitake mushrooms are too waterlogged to crisp properly in a home oven without extensive pre-drying.
Final Thoughts
Shiitake mushroom crisps have earned their place as one of the most exciting snack innovations to hit supermarket shelves in years. They deliver a flavour complexity that standard crisps simply cannot match, backed by genuine nutritional value from a whole-food base.
Whether you choose to grab a bag of DJ&A shiitake mushroom crisps from your nearest Coles or Costco, order Real Naturals shiitake mushroom chips with sea salt online, or make your own batch at home using fresh shiitakes from the farmers' market, you are choosing a snack that is plant-based, naturally rich in fibre and minerals, and packed with that unmistakable umami depth.
Ready to try them? Browse our full Shiitake Mushroom Crisps & Chips Collection at Wallaby Wellness, or explore our wider range of healthy snacks.
Buy Shiitake Mushroom Crisps in Australia
View all products ›‹
›
References & Further Reading
- DJ&A Products Australia
- The Coconut Kitchen (Real Naturals)
- WebMD: Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
- CBHS Australia: Vitamin D Shiitake Mushroom Crisps Recipe
- PubMed Central: Shiitake Mushrooms and Plasma Triacylglycerol (peer-reviewed study)
- Dr. Axe: Shiitake Mushroom Benefits, Nutrition & Recipes
- Pan's Mushroom Jerky
Related Reading from Wallaby Wellness