White Button Mushrooms
Versatile mushroom rich in copper and selenium, with natural umami
What is this ingredient?
Mushrooms are 90% water but are nutritional powerhouses. They contain unique antioxidants like ergothioneine and glutathione, which protect our cells from aging. Their cell walls contain beta-glucans, fibers that train the immune system to recognize infections faster. Although they often seem 'white' and simple, they are an essential meat substitute due to their meaty texture and umami profile.
How does it taste?
Mildly earthy and slightly nutty with subtle umami. Sauteed, they become intense and meaty.
Pairs well with:
Pairs well with thymegarlicbuttershallot and parsley.
Did you know...?
- Mushrooms are not plants but fungi, and share more DNA with animals than with plants.
- The ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms were the plant of immortality.
- Mushrooms are one of the few food sources that produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Nutritional Value & Energy
Per 100g
White Button Mushrooms is low in calories thanks to natural nutrients .
Per 100g
Minerals
Vitamins
Omega-3 fatty acids
More nutrients
B-Vitamins
Trace Minerals
What's in a serving?
1 serving
White Button Mushrooms naturally contains potassium (318 mg per 100 g).
White Button Mushrooms naturally contains selenium (9.3 mcg per 100 g).
White Button Mushrooms naturally contains copper (0.3 mg per 100 g).
% of daily reference intake (DRI)
EU-approved nutrition claims
This ingredient contains nutrients for which EFSA-authorized health claims exist (at nutrient level, not ingredient-specific).
Approved health claims (EU)
Potassium EU 432/2012
Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure
Contains 318mg/100g (threshold: ≥300mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Copper EU 432/2012
Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Contains 0.3mg/100g (threshold: ≥0.15mg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Selenium EU 432/2012
Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Contains 9.3mcg/100g (threshold: ≥8.25mcg/100g)
Potassium EU 432/2012
Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Contains 318mg/100g (threshold: ≥300mg/100g)
Potassium EU 432/2012
Potassium contributes to normal muscle function
Contains 318mg/100g (threshold: ≥300mg/100g)
What's being researched?
Beta-glucans and immune response
Beta-glucans in mushrooms are being studied for potential immune-stimulating effects. Clinical studies suggest modulation of immune response, but more research on optimal dosages is needed.
Supported by: [2] Vetvicka (2014)
Vitamin D formation through UV exposure
The ability of mushrooms to form vitamin D2 after UV exposure is being studied. Studies confirm significant increase, but bioavailability compared to D3 is still being investigated.
Supported by: [3] Urbain (2011)
Good Combinations (Synergy)
Combine white button mushrooms smartly to enhance the effect:
White Button Mushrooms 
Garlic Beta-glucans + allicin activate complementary immune pathways
Technical: Mushrooms contain beta-glucans (polysaccharides) that activate macrophages and NK cells via Dectin-1 receptors — the innate immune system. Garlic's allicin stimulates T-cell proliferation and activates the Th1 response — the adaptive immune system. Together they activate two complementary branches of the immune system.
What does this mean for you? Sauté mushrooms with garlic — a combination that engages two different branches of the immune system. Cut garlic and wait 10 minutes before heating so allicin fully forms.
White Button Mushrooms 
Olive Oil Increased absorption of ergothioneine and vitamin D
Technical: Mushrooms contain ergothioneine (0.4mg/100g, unique amino acid antioxidant) and vitamin D2 (7 IU/100g, up to 1110 IU after UV exposure). Ergothioneine is absorbed via the specific OCTN1 transporter. Vitamin D is fat-soluble — olive oil increases absorption up to 3x through micelle formation.
What does this mean for you? Sauté mushrooms in olive oil for optimal vitamin D absorption. Tip: place mushrooms in sunlight for 30 minutes first to increase vitamin D content up to 150x.
White Button Mushrooms 
Parsley Vitamin C increases absorption of B vitamins and minerals
Technical: Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins (riboflavin 0.4mg, niacin 3.6mg per 100g), selenium (9.3μg) and copper (0.3mg). Parsley contains 133mg vitamin C per 100g and improves absorption of these micronutrients. Chlorophyll in parsley also neutralizes the earthy taste of mushrooms.
What does this mean for you? Always garnish your mushroom dishes with fresh parsley. This increases both nutritional value and freshness of flavor.
White Button Mushrooms 
Thyme (Fresh) French classic combination: ergothioneine + thymol
Technical: Mushrooms contain ergothioneine (a distinctive antioxidant that accumulates in mitochondria) and B vitamins. Thyme contains thymol and carvacrol, aromatic compounds with antioxidant properties. Together they bring a range of plant compounds to your plate.
What does this mean for you? Sauté mushrooms with fresh thyme — a classic French combination from Provençal cuisine. Add thyme in the last minute for optimal aroma retention.
White Button Mushrooms 
Worcestershire Sauce Fermented anchovy enhances meat umami
Technical: Worcestershire sauce is fermented from anchovies containing high glutamate (umami). Beef contains inosinate and mushrooms guanylate — two nucleotides that synergistically amplify glutamate's umami effect (up to 8x). This triple umami stacking (glutamate + inosinate + guanylate) is the strongest flavor enhancement.
What does this mean for you? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your beef-mushroom dish. The three umami sources amplify each other up to 8x — maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Recipes with White Button Mushrooms
Discover delicious recipes featuring white button mushrooms:
Belgian Vol-au-Vent with Mashed Potatoes 70 min Creamy chicken ragout with mushrooms, leek and soft mash 
735 kcal 
43g protein 2 synergies 
Bone Broth Soup with Ginger, Mushrooms and Spinach 22 min Light, savoury and gently warming 108 kcal 9g protein 2 synergies 
Mushroom Egg Bowl with Brazil Nuts 15 min Rich, earthy and nutty with fried egg 395 kcal 18g protein 2 synergies 
Chicken in Grape Juice 100 min Slow-braised chicken with herbs, vegetables and a rich sauce 410 kcal 45g protein 1 synergies 
Protein Vegetable Omelet 20 min Creamy omelet with mushrooms, spinach and crumbled feta 420 kcal 28g protein 2 synergies 
Barley Mushroom Risotto 55 min Creamy Italian classic with pearl barley and mixed mushrooms 420 kcal 14g protein 1 synergies 
In the Kitchen
Storage
Location:Refrigerator
Shelf life:5-7 dagen
In paper bag (not plastic!) so they can breathe.
Preparation
Sauté on high heat. Add salt only at the end to prevent them from getting watery.
Conversions
Substitutes
Smart preparation
1Brush mushrooms clean with a pastry brush instead of washing.
Why?
Mushrooms absorb water like a sponge, which ruins the frying result.
2Fry mushrooms in a single layer on high heat without stirring.
Why?
This gives them a nice brown crust instead of steaming.
3Add salt only at the end when frying mushrooms.
Why?
Salt draws moisture, causing them to steam rather than brown.
Caution / Warnings
White Button Mushrooms is very safe, but there are scientific considerations:
Eating Raw Mild
Raw mushrooms contain traces of agaritine and are difficult to digest
Advice:
Always cook mushrooms to break cell walls and release nutrients
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese qi-strengthening food
Mushrooms have been valued in Chinese food culture for over 2000 years and are traditionally associated with qi (life energy).
Mediterranean
Greco-Roman use
The Greeks believed mushrooms gave strength to warriors. The Romans considered certain species 'food of the gods'.
Summary
Mushrooms are more than filler; they are fuel for your immune system. Prefer eating them cooked for maximum nutrient absorption.