The retail price of mushrooms is up, but inflation hasn’t hit the category as hard as most other produce, the American Mushroom Institute reports.
For the first half of 2022, the group said the average retail price per pound of mushrooms rose 5.1%, markedly less than the 8.1% inflation rate for all fresh vegetables.
In the second quarter of 2022, AMI reported retail sales of fresh mushrooms reached $311 million, down 4.2% from the second quarter of 2021, according to IRI/210 Analytics data.
According to data insights provider IRI Worldwide, 93% of Americans are concerned about inflation and 81% are applying money-saving measures when buying groceries.
Mushrooms can help shoppers cope with food inflation, AMI President Rachel Roberts said in a news release.
“Because mushrooms can offer ‘meatiness’ and a flavor boost to a dish, provide increased health benefits to recipes, and are versatile in variety, texture, and tastes, they are a smart and valuable addition to grocery lists,” Roberts said in the release.
Mushrooms also offer value in food service, she said, noting that operators can use mushrooms as a meat extender to give customers value and taste.
“Additionally, the umami and meatiness of mushrooms provide a sense of satiety to any dish across all cuisines — from traditional favorites like pizza, burgers and salads, to new, flavor-forward global dishes,” Pam Smith, a registered dietitian, said in the release.
