More Than Mycelium: What Goes Into Host Defense® Mushrooms™
Have you ever wondered what goes into making Host Defense Mushrooms? Our commitment to the health and wellness of people and planet goes beyond just bringing you the mushroom mycelium products you know and love.* Here at Fungi Perfecti® and Host Defense we prioritize:
- Using the highest quality ingredients in our products.
- Sustainable best-practices across the board – including packaging and logistics, mushroom mycelium grow methods, and day-to-day operations.
- The health, safety, and well-being of our employees.
- A commitment to accountability and transparency in our local and global communities.
These icons, which you might recognize from our packaging, represent a few of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to the health and wellness of both people and planet!*
Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan & Gluten Free
Ensuring that all ingredients meet the highest standards in the industry is first and foremost when it comes to product quality and safety. All Host Defense mushroom ingredients are certified by Washington State Department of Agriculture in accordance with USDA National Organics Program standards. These certifications verify that our ingredients have been grown without conventional fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. As with anything certified organic, none of our ingredients are grown using genetically modified organisms. In addition to being non-GMO, our products are also vegan and gluten-free.
110% Climate Positive
With a strong commitment to sustainability, we here at Fungi Perfecti decided that being carbon neutral was not enough to combat the rate of climate change. As of 2020, we have been designated as 110% Climate Positive by Ostrom Climate, a leading carbon management solutions provider. That means we offset 10% more than we produce from our combined scopes 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions – something few other organizations have done.
Certified B Corporation™
Because of our strong commitment to transparency, employee satisfaction, and corporate responsibility, Fungi Perfecti, LLC became a Certified B Corporation™ in 2023. This designation means we were evaluated using the rigorous B Impact Assessment™ on a wide range of criteria, from supply chain practices and sustainability efforts, to employee satisfaction and commitment to corporate responsibility. In order to qualify as a Certified B Corporation™, an organization must receive a minimum combined total score of 80, while the median score for most businesses is 50.9. We’re proud to report that we scored 83.5!
Eco-Conscious Packaging
For all Host Defense products, we use ecologically responsible packaging materials designed to minimize our carbon footprint. Most of our packaging has been recycled and can be recycled again. Our plastic bottles and canisters are made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic - that means no virgin material is used! And, we use eco-friendly amber glass for sprays and liquid extracts.
For our MycoBrew® single-use packets, we use specially-developed, cutting-edge material that is BPI Certified as Commercially Compostable. We spent more than 3 years developing this unique material with the goal of offering the convenience of single-use packets with the peace of mind that the material is commercially compostable. Taking into consideration the full life-cycle of our packaging is just another way we’ve worked to decrease our impact.
GMP Certified by NSF
We have been certified by NSF to cGMP Standards, verifying that Good Manufacturing Practices are followed in our production and warehousing facilities. NSF certification represents technical excellence in public health and safety. Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense facilities and manufacturing practices are held to the highest level of quality as dictated by FDA regulations. The cGMP certification confirms that our practices follow proper labeling and ingredient sourcing, as well as ensures suppliers, laboratories and ingredients are vetted for suitability, accuracy, and conformity.
Only Quality Ingredients: No Fillers!
Sometimes what doesn’t go in a product is just as important as what does. So, what doesn’t go in Host Defense products? Fillers! We grow our mushroom mycelium on an organic brown rice substrate. As the mycelium consumes the rice, the rice is fermented in much the same way that yogurt or tempeh are formed. In the final product, the fermented rice has been transformed into a new, health-supporting ingredient that complements the immune-supporting benefits of the mycelium – with no fillers!*
Backed by Paul Stamets
More than 40 years ago, Fungi Perfecti was founded by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets to build a bridge between mushroom mycelium and human health. Today, Paul is still at the helm, leading the dedicated teams at Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense, guiding new product development and formulation, supporting sustainability initiatives, and inspiring our teams every step of the way.*
Thank you for trusting us with your health!*
Here at Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense, we know we are part of a global community. Being committed to positive action and responsible stewardship has helped make us the trusted leaders in the mushroom mycelium supplement industry you’ve come to rely on.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.