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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Product information

  • Fable is a range of chef-quality, mushroom-based products crafted to bring a rich, umami flavor and texture to any dish. We elevate the naturally dense, fleshy fibers and umami flavors of shiitake mushroom stems to create a succulent culinary protein. 

  • Shiitake mushrooms are the hero of our ingredient list! More specifically, the shiitake mushroom stems. We upcycle the stems of shiitake mushrooms which would have otherwise gone to waste.

    Due to the tough and fibrous nature of shiitake stems, they are cut off and the beautiful caps are sold into retail. The stem actually works better for us as it has a firmer texture than the cap (think broccoli or cauliflower stems). We’ve given these stems a second life and reimagined them into a protein every one can enjoy! 

  • Per the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gluten free labeling regulation, a product that displays a "Gluten Free" claim on the label has been validated to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. If you see "Gluten Free" on a Fable product, this means that the product has been validated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

    Our products are manufactured in a facility that processes wheat which is why we list it as “may contain”. Our manufacturing facility is a top level certified facility with an FSSC 22000 GFSI Certification with risk management systems for allergen handling, food safety, quality and cleaning. We conduct independent lab tests every 3 months and gluten has never been detected to date. 

    Long story short…our products comply to the FDA definition of “Gluten Free”. However, we understand it may be confusing to customers as our products state “may contain: wheat”. Ultimately, how this is communicated to the end consumer depends on your internal policies and risk thresholds.

  • For most of our products, Fable contains soy and naturally occurring sulphites, and may contain wheat since this product is manufactured in a facility that processes other food products which may contain these ingredients.

    Shiitake mushrooms naturally contain sulphites, while the soy comes from non-GMO isolated soy protein, which we use as a binder to help hold those dense shiitake fibers together.

    While this is the case for most of our products, we always recommend checking the specific product information on our product page for the most accurate allergen details.

  • At Fable, we believe real food is best which is why it’s minimally processed with clean and natural ingredients. While other plant-based proteins often need heavy processing to achieve their final state (something that resembles traditional meat), these qualities are already inherent in mushrooms, giving them a solid head start. All we do is give them a little culinary nudge to become a delicious morsel. 

  • For our Pulled Shiitake Mushrooms, the recommended serving size is 4 oz. This serving size contains 14g of protein, 19g of fiber and 4 times your daily recommended intake of Vitamin D! These shrooms may be small, but they’re certainly mighty. 

  • Fable has a neutral base flavor with rich umami notes. This allows chefs to get creative with whatever cuisine direction they want to take it, whether it’s Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, whatever you want! It’s ready to take on any spice, seasoning or sauce that is boosted with a punch of umami. 

  • Nope. Just a really awesome mushroom product that is embracing all of its inherently meaty qualities. It’s simply mushrooms, but better. 

SUSTAINABILITY & SOURCING

  • Upcycled products are ingredients that would otherwise go to waste, either by food byproducts or surplus ingredients. In our case, we use shiitake mushroom stems, which are typically discarded when the caps are sold into retail. So we source from existing shiitake mushroom farms that have an abundant supply of stems. 

  • We grow our shiitake mushrooms in China. Did you know that 90% of the world’s shiitake mushrooms are grown in Asia? So we source our shiitake mushrooms from China and have Fable team members based here who are closely managing this. 

  • Measured per 2.2lb (1kg) of product:

    Fable uses 98% less water than beef.

    • Beef = 2.4L per kg

    • Fable = 0.09L per kg

    Fable produces 94% less ghg emissions than beef:

    • Beef = 40kg CO2e per kg

    • Fable = 3kg CO2e per kg

    Fable produces 92% less fossil fuels than beef:

    • Beef = 76mJ per kg

    • Fable = 1mJ per kg

    Calculations are based on a June 2024 life cycle assessment of Fable Pulled Shiitake Mushrooms and study of industry-average beef production in the U.S.

OTHER

  • That depends on your purpose!

    • If you’re an operator looking to use it in your restaurants, head to our Distributor List to see our network of trusted distributor networks.

    • If you’re hungry and want Fable in your belly right now, head to our store locator to find a restaurant serving Fable near you.

    • If you want this in your kitchen pantry for home use, head to our meal kit page.

  • For reasons other than their incredible texture, natural umami flavor, impressive health benefits and sustainability creds? They have a rich history in religion, culture, food and medicine. Once upon a time in the ancient world, mushrooms were considered the “food of the gods” - so sacred that commoners weren’t allowed to touch them! Pharaohs and Emperors believed eating mushrooms granted immortality and were only served at royal feasts. Cool huh?! 

  • Mushrooms aren’t just mighty in flavor, they’re also jam packed with nutrients, vitamins and immunity boosting goodness!

    • Mushrooms are a natural source of protein.

    • Mushrooms are the only non-animal food source of Vitamin D.
      Fun fact: if you leave your mushrooms out in the sun, their Vitamin D levels will multiply. 

    • They’re also an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin B12, Calcium, anti-oxidants and other immune fighting nutrients!