Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Review: Flavors, Ingredients, Nutrition And Where To Buy Online

ByLiza Tom

Pan’s Mushroom Jerky is one of those snacks that makes you do a double-take: it looks like jerky, chews like jerky, and hits you with that salty-sweet umami punch—except it’s made from shiitake mushrooms. If you’ve ever wanted a plant-based snack that feels genuinely satisfying (not airy, not “diet food”), this is one that actually delivers. It also has a fun origin story, a clean-ish ingredient vibe, and a flavor lineup that’s easy to get hooked on.

Quick Facts About Pan’s Mushroom Jerky

  • What it is: Plant-based jerky-style snack made from shiitake mushrooms
  • Texture: Chewy and “meaty” (in the jerky sense), not crunchy
  • Key traits: Vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, Kosher (commonly noted by the brand)
  • Standout nutrition note: Known for being high in fiber for a snack
  • Founder: Michael Pan
  • Origin inspiration: A family recipe discovered through relatives in Malaysia
  • Major TV moment: Appeared on Shark Tank (Season 12, Episode 6)
  • Where you’ll see it: Online shop, Amazon/Walmart listings, and select retailers (availability varies by location)

What Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Actually Is

At the simplest level, it’s shiitake mushrooms that are seasoned and dried into jerky-like pieces. It’s not trying to be a fake steak strip or a lab-made meat substitute. The product is honest about what it is—mushrooms—while still aiming for the one thing people love about jerky: that satisfying chew that makes you feel like you ate a “real snack.”

Shiitakes are a smart base because they naturally bring umami (that savory depth you usually associate with meat, broth, or soy sauce). When you season them right, they don’t taste like “plain mushrooms.” They taste like something you’d keep reaching for.

The Origin Story Why It Feels Different Than Most Vegan Snacks

Pan’s didn’t start as a corporate “plant-based trend” product. The founder, Michael Pan, has shared that the concept came from a family recipe and inspiration from time spent with relatives in Malaysia. That matters because the flavors lean more “Asian-inspired savory snack” than generic smoky imitation jerky.

Later, the brand scaled that home-style idea into packaged jerky you can buy online and in stores. That mix—family-recipe roots with modern convenience—explains why people describe it as both unique and strangely familiar.

Flavors What They Taste Like And Who They’re For

One reason Pan’s gets repeat buyers is that the flavors aren’t all the same with different labels. They actually taste distinct. Here’s a practical way to think about the lineup.

Original

If you’re new to mushroom jerky, start here. The Original is the “sweet-salty umami” baseline that shows what the product is supposed to be. It’s not spicy, not aggressively smoky, and it’s the easiest to snack on straight out of the bag.

Zesty Thai

This is often the crowd favorite because it adds a bright kick—savory with a little heat and tang. If you like snacks with a bit of attitude (think chili-lime energy, but not exactly that), Zesty Thai is the one that disappears fast.

Teriyaki

Teriyaki usually means sweet-savory and a little gingery, and that’s the lane this flavor stays in. It’s a great “all-day” option because it tastes familiar, especially if you grew up loving teriyaki anything.

Applewood BBQ

If you’re craving the classic “jerky vibe,” BBQ is the most obvious bridge. It’s richer, a bit smokier, and it scratches the “I want something that tastes like a road trip snack” itch.

Salt & Pepper

This one is more straightforward and snackable—less sauce-y, more savory. If you hate overly sweet snacks, Salt & Pepper is a safe bet.

Tip: If you’re not sure what you’ll like, a variety pack is the smartest move. People often end up surprised by which flavor becomes their favorite.

Ingredients What’s In It And What’s Not

Pan’s is known for using a relatively short ingredient list compared to many “meatless” snacks. The core idea is simple: dried shiitake mushrooms plus seasoning and oil. Depending on the flavor, you’ll typically see ingredients like water, avocado oil, coconut sugar, salt, and spices/seasonings.

Two things buyers mention a lot:

  • No soy sauce taste-bomb: Many plant-based jerkies lean heavily on soy; Pan’s is commonly positioned as soy-free.
  • Gluten-free positioning: A lot of jerky-style snacks sneak in gluten through sauces; Pan’s is commonly marketed as gluten-free.

That said, always check the specific flavor label if you have allergies, since ingredients can vary by flavor and production updates can happen over time.

Nutrition What You’re Really Getting Per Bag

Most people don’t buy jerky for “health food” vibes—they buy it for convenience and satisfaction. Pan’s fits that same reason, but it has a few nutrition angles that stand out for a packaged snack.

  • Fiber: Pan’s is often described as high in fiber, which is one reason it feels filling.
  • Calories: A typical serving is often listed around the 100–120 calorie range (depending on the flavor and serving size).
  • Sodium: Like most jerky, it can be salty—so if you’re watching sodium, portioning matters.

The easiest way to approach it: treat it like jerky. It’s a “salty, chewy snack,” just made from mushrooms. If you want the exact numbers, look at the bag you’re buying because nutrition panels can vary by flavor and packaging format.

Texture And Taste The “Is It Actually Like Jerky?” Question

This is the make-or-break question. And the honest answer is: it doesn’t taste like beef, but it does satisfy the jerky craving. The chew is real. The savory depth is real. It’s the kind of snack that keeps your mouth busy (in a good way), which is why people who like traditional jerky often end up liking Pan’s too.

What it’s not:

  • It’s not a crunchy dried mushroom chip.
  • It’s not a fake meat strip trying to fool you.
  • It’s not a “light snack” that leaves you hunting for more food immediately.

What it is:

  • A chewy, savory mushroom snack that feels substantial.
  • Strong umami flavor, especially if you like mushrooms already.
  • Easy to eat straight out of the bag with no prep.

How To Eat It Beyond Snacking

You can absolutely eat Pan’s straight from the bag (that’s the whole point), but it’s also a sneaky good topping or add-in. If you like snacks that can double as “lazy cooking,” here are a few ideas.

  • Salads: Use it like a chewy crouton replacement—especially BBQ or Salt & Pepper.
  • Ramen or noodle bowls: Toss it on top right before eating for extra texture.
  • Rice bowls: Add it to rice, avocado, and a quick sauce for a fast lunch.
  • Trail mix upgrade: Mix a few pieces into nuts and seeds for a savory break from sweet dried fruit.
  • Charcuterie board: Sounds weird until you try it—then it makes sense next to olives and nuts.

Where To Buy Pan’s Mushroom Jerky

You’ve got a few easy routes, depending on how you like to shop:

  • Official website: Great for variety packs and seeing all flavors in one place.
  • Amazon: Convenient, often bundled, and good if you already do subscription-style restocks.
  • Walmart online listings: Sometimes offers bundles and multipacks through marketplace-style options.
  • Select grocery retailers: Availability varies by region, so it’s hit-or-miss depending on where you live.

If you’re trying it for the first time, buying a mixed pack online is usually the most satisfying way to get a real opinion fast.

Is It Worth The Price?

Jerky—meat or plant-based—tends to be pricey for the amount you get, and Pan’s fits that pattern. The value question comes down to what you care about:

  • If you want “cheap calories,” this won’t win.
  • If you want a satisfying, portable snack that feels like a treat and isn’t just empty crunch, it’s a strong buy.
  • If you’re vegan, gluten-free, or soy-free, it can feel worth it because the options in the jerky lane get narrower fast.

One thing people constantly say (half-joking, half-serious): the bags feel too small because it’s easy to finish one without trying.

Who Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Is Best For

  • Jerky lovers who want a plant-based option that still feels “real”
  • Vegans and vegetarians who miss savory, chewy snacks
  • Busy snackers who need something portable (work, travel, gym bag)
  • People avoiding soy or gluten who still want bold flavors
  • Mushroom fans who already know shiitake umami is elite

Bottom Line

Pan’s Mushroom Jerky works because it doesn’t overcomplicate the idea. It takes shiitake mushrooms, seasons them into bold, craveable flavors, and nails the chewy satisfaction people want from jerky. If you’re expecting a perfect “beef clone,” you’ll notice it’s mushrooms—but if you’re chasing that salty, savory, filling snack experience, it’s one of the best plant-based jerkies to try. Start with Original or Zesty Thai, grab a variety pack if you’re indecisive, and don’t be surprised if you finish the bag faster than planned.

Featured image source: https://www.foodrepublic.com/1342216/pans-mushroom-jerky-shark-tank-now/