Chestnut mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms in the UK. You’ll find them in all kinds of dishes—stir-fries, pasta, stews, soups, you name it. They work just as well in a full English as they do in a creamy risotto or an Asian noodle bowl. Chestnut mushrooms are easy to cook with, full of flavour and you can find them almost anywhere.

But this popular mushroom is not just versatile. Chestnut mushrooms are also packed with many nutrients that can help support overall health and wellness. 

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what’s inside them, how they can support your health and why they’re such a good ingredient to have in the kitchen.

Nutritional Value of Chestnut Mushrooms

Chestnut mushrooms may be small, but they offer a range of health benefits. They’re low in calories and fat, making them a great choice if you’re aiming for a lighter diet. But they’re not just a low-calorie filler — they also come packed with nutrients.

They provide B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5), all important for converting food into energy and keeping your nervous system functioning optimally. You’ll also find minerals like selenium and copper, which help protect cells from damage and support your immune system.

Chestnut mushrooms also contain antioxidants like ergothioneine and glutathione — compounds being studied for their anti-ageing and cell-protective effects. It’s clear that chestnut mushrooms have a range of benefits when consumed. 

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside 100g of raw chestnut mushrooms:

Health Benefits of Chestnut Mushrooms

Energy Support

B vitamins like riboflavin, niacinand pantothenic acid help convert food into energy and support brain function, as shown in this study on B vitamins and metabolism.

Immune Function

Selenium and copper contribute to healthy immune defences by protecting cells and supporting immune cell function, according to research.

Antioxidant Protection

Ergothioneine and glutathione — two key antioxidants in chestnut mushrooms — may help reduce oxidative stress and support long-term cell health.

Digestive Health

A small amount of fibre supports healthy digestion and gut bacteria.

Low in Carbohydrates

With just 0.4g of carbs per 100g, chestnut mushrooms fit easily into low-carb and keto diets.

Conclusion

Chestnut mushrooms are a brilliant all-rounder — easy to cook with, rich in flavour, and full of nutrients that support your energy levels, immune system and overall wellbeing. Low in calories and carbs but high in antioxidants, they’re a great choice whether you’re eating for health, flavour or both.

Want to enjoy them at their freshest? With our Chestnut Mushroom Growing Kit, you can grow your own mushrooms at home — no experience needed. It’s a simple way to harvest fresh, nutritious mushrooms straight from your kitchen.

And when you’re ready to get cooking, head over to our Chestnut Mushroom Recipe Ideas for easy, tasty ways to make the most of your homegrown crop.