Nutrition & Food

·

Study

Shiitake Makes Chicken Soup More Comforting

Shiitake Makes Chicken Soup More Comforting

Shiitake, Agrocybe aegerita, Almond mushroom

What they found

In 104 consumers, shiitake chicken soup scored highest for acceptance and was linked to pleasantness and joy.

In 104 consumers, shiitake chicken soup scored highest for acceptance and was linked to pleasantness and joy.

The number

104 consumers

How solid is it?

Early human

Early human

Human – observational/survey

Human – observational/survey

Evidence ladder: Lab dish → Animal → Early human → Strong human. Reviews summarize earlier research.

At a glance

Latin name

Lentinula edodes, Agrocybe aegerita, Agaricus blazei

Lentinula edodes, Agrocybe aegerita, Agaricus blazei

Sample size

104 consumers

104 consumers

Published in

Journal of Food Science

Journal of Food Science

Covered in Shroom Scan

Section

GROWING & GOURMET

GROWING & GOURMET

As it ran in Shroom Scan

Comfort Flavors Unlocked

Comfort Flavors Unlocked

Adding edible mushrooms to chicken soup changed both taste perception and emotional response in 104 consumers, with shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) scoring the highest overall acceptance and strongest links to pleasantness, joy, and eagerness. Soups with shiitake, Agrocybe aegerita, and Agaricus blazei were rated significantly higher for umami, fullness, and saltiness, while 29 measured emotional attributes differed across formulations. Mushrooms don’t just make soup taste better, they actively shape comfort, satisfaction, and mood, helping explain why mushroom-rich broths feel more nourishing and emotionally grounding.

Adding edible mushrooms to chicken soup changed both taste perception and emotional response in 104 consumers, with shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) scoring the highest overall acceptance and strongest links to pleasantness, joy, and eagerness. Soups with shiitake, Agrocybe aegerita, and Agaricus blazei were rated significantly higher for umami, fullness, and saltiness, while 29 measured emotional attributes differed across formulations. Mushrooms don’t just make soup taste better, they actively shape comfort, satisfaction, and mood, helping explain why mushroom-rich broths feel more nourishing and emotionally grounding.

Shiitake for Aging Muscle, Gut Fungi Predict Crohn's, and Lead-Buffered Immunity

Read the original study ↗

Get Shroom Scan

Next study

Oyster Mushroom and Pumpkin Seed Make Higher-Protein Bread ›

Shroom Scan · Every Friday

Get Studies Like This, Translated, Every Week

Ten new studies a week, each boiled down to what it found and why it matters to you. Free, and one click to leave.

See what's inside →