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Amanita muscaria vs. functional mushrooms: what Thrive carries (and what we don't)
What is Amanita muscaria?
Amanita muscaria, commonly called fly agaric, is a mushroom species in the genus Amanita. It's the red-capped, white-spotted mushroom often seen in storybook illustrations. It is a distinct species, not the same as Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) or Chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Compounds associated with it include ibotenic acid, muscarine and muscimol.
How it differs from the functional mushrooms we carry
"Functional mushrooms" is a shopping term, not a scientific one. On our shelves it means products made with species such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps and Chaga, listed by name on the label. Amanita muscaria is not one of them. The functional mushrooms we carry don't contain psilocybin or muscimol. For a closer look at each species we carry, read Functional mushrooms 101.
What the 2026 FDA warning letter said
On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to Psyched Wellness Ltd. (CMS 730137). Per the letter:
- FDA reviewed the company's website, psyched-wellness.com, in May 2026, and products named Calm, Calmer and Santa that were represented as containing Amanita muscaria.
- The product labeling declared Amanita muscaria extract as a dietary ingredient.
- FDA stated that Amanita muscaria, A. muscaria extract, ibotenic acid, muscarine and muscimol are new dietary ingredients, meaning that, to FDA's knowledge, they were not marketed as dietary ingredients in the U.S. before October 15, 1994.
- FDA determined the products were adulterated under section 402(f)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342(f)(1)(B)), because there was inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that the ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury.
Thrive Wellness was not involved in this matter. We share it because it's in the news and shoppers have asked about mushroom labels. For the full text, read the letter on FDA.gov.
How to check a mushroom label for species names
- Look for the species name: the common name and, ideally, the Latin name, such as Hericium erinaceus or Cordyceps militaris.
- Scan the full ingredient list and any "proprietary blend" for every mushroom named.
- Know the names: "Amanita muscaria," "fly agaric," "Amanita extract" or "muscimol" should not appear on any Thrive product.
- Check batch details: lab reports for our products are on our Lab reports page.
If a label doesn't name a species, ask the brand or ask our team to check. We only describe a product as containing a mushroom when that mushroom is on its label.
Shopping for mushroom products at Thrive
You'll find mushroom gummies and drink mixes in our Functional Mushrooms category. Each product page shows the ingredient list, serving size and batch details. If you take medication or have a health condition, talk with your doctor before trying any new product.
Amanita muscaria questions
Are mushroom gummies Amanita muscaria?
Not at Thrive. Our mushroom gummies and drink mixes use species such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps or Chaga, listed on the label. They do not contain Amanita muscaria, Amanita extract or muscimol. Check the ingredient list on each product.
Do Thrive Wellness mushroom products contain Amanita muscaria?
No. None of our mushroom products contain Amanita muscaria or Amanita extracts. Our mushroom products list species such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps or Chaga. Check each product's ingredient list.
Do Thrive mushroom products contain muscimol?
No. The functional mushrooms we carry don't contain muscimol.
Do Thrive mushroom products contain psilocybin?
No. The functional mushrooms we carry don't contain psilocybin.
What was the 2026 FDA warning letter about?
On September 29, 2026, FDA issued a warning letter to Psyched Wellness Ltd. about products represented as containing Amanita muscaria. FDA said Amanita muscaria and related compounds are new dietary ingredients and that the products were adulterated under the FD&C Act. Thrive Wellness was not involved.