DJ&A Shiitake Mushrooms
✅ PROS
- Intense umami flavor that satisfies savory cravings without heavy oil or grease
- Genuinely crispy, chip-like texture that holds up in the bag — no stale, chewy pieces
- Low calorie and keto-friendly with 3g protein per serving
❌ CONS
- Price per ounce runs higher than standard chips or jerky snacks
- Some bags arrive with significant broken pieces — texture varies by batch
- Strong mushroom aroma may be off-putting to pickier eaters
The Verdict
I’ll be upfront: I didn’t expect to be writing a rave review about a bag of dried mushrooms. But here we are. The DJ&A Shiitake Mushrooms have quietly become one of the most reordered snacks in my household — and with 225 ratings averaging 4.5 stars, I’m clearly not alone. Let me break down whether these crispy umami bombs deserve a spot in your pantry or your next Amazon order.
What You’re Actually Getting
Each bag contains dried, seasoned shiitake mushroom slices that have been cooked to a chip-like crunch. They’re not freeze-dried (which would give you that airy, melt-away texture) — these are more akin to a dense, savory cracker with serious mushroom depth. The seasoning blend leans salty-sweet with a hint of garlic, and the mushrooms themselves carry that signature earthy, almost smoky umami that shiitakes are known for.
The bag is standard snack-sized, roughly equivalent to a large bag of chips. It’s resealable, which matters because these are dangerously snackable.
Texture and Flavor: The Real Test
Here’s where DJ&A earns its keep. The first thing you notice is the crunch — it’s genuinely crisp, not chewy or leathery like some dried mushroom products I’ve tried. The slices vary in thickness, which actually works in their favor: thinner pieces shatter like potato chips, while thicker ones offer a satisfying, dense bite that takes longer to chew.
Flavor-wise, these are aggressive. The shiitake umami hits hard and lingers. There’s a natural sweetness that balances the salt, and the seasoning doesn’t try to mask the mushroom — it amplifies it. If you’re someone who loves mushroom-forward dishes (think truffle fries, mushroom ramen, or even just a good portobello burger), these will feel like a revelation.
What Buyers Are Consistently Praising
Scrolling through the reviews, a few themes keep popping up. One buyer put it simply: “These are dangerously good. I ordered one bag and immediately ordered three more.” Another noted they’re “the perfect keto snack — crunchy, savory, and doesn’t spike my cravings.”
The texture praise is nearly universal. Multiple reviewers mention how these hold up better than other dried mushroom brands they’ve tried. One long-term customer wrote: “I’ve bought these four times now. They’re always fresh and crispy, never stale or chewy.”
Where They Fall Short
Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. First, the price per ounce is noticeably higher than conventional snacks. You’re paying for a specialty product, and it shows. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly chip alternative, this isn’t it.
Second, bag consistency is a real issue. Some batches arrive with a high percentage of broken pieces — still tasty, but visually less appealing and less satisfying to eat out of hand. One reviewer noted their bag was “mostly crumbs, which is frustrating at this price point.”
Third, the aroma is potent. Opening the bag releases a strong, earthy mushroom smell that some find off-putting. If you’re not already a mushroom lover, this might be a dealbreaker.
Who Should Buy These
The umami-obsessed snacker — if you crave savory over sweet, these hit a spot that chips and pretzels can’t touch.
The keto or low-carb dieter — with 3g protein and minimal carbs per serving, these are a legitimately satisfying alternative to greasy snacks.
The adventurous eater — if you like trying unique snacks from around the world (DJ&A is an Australian brand), these are a fun, quality introduction to dried mushroom snacks.
Skip them if you’re on a tight snack budget, dislike strong mushroom flavors, or need uniform, chip-like pieces every time.
FAQ: What Shoppers Actually Ask
Q: Are these actually crispy, or are they chewy like most dried mushrooms? A: Crispy. The cooking process gives them a genuine crunch that holds up. Some thicker pieces have a slight chew in the center, but the overall experience is chip-like.
Q: How do these compare to fresh shiitake mushrooms? A: Completely different texture, but the flavor is more concentrated. Think of them as mushroom chips — the umami is amplified, and the texture is crunchy rather than meaty.
Q: Are these good for cooking, or just snacking? A: They’re designed for snacking, but I’ve crumbled them over salads and ramen with great results. They add a crispy, savory topping that works well.
The Verdict
Buy it if you love umami-forward snacks and don’t mind paying a premium for quality. These are genuinely addictive, well-made, and deliver on their promise of crispy mushroom goodness.
Skip it if you’re price-sensitive, sensitive to strong mushroom aromas, or prefer uniform snack pieces over organic variation.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the price point and occasional batch inconsistency, but the flavor and texture are exceptional. These have earned a permanent spot in my snack rotation.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.