Behind the blends: Q&A with SuperFeast

Rooted in Taoist tradition and thoughtful sourcing, SuperFeast approaches mushrooms and tonic herbs as part of a long-term practice. We sat down with the SuperFeast team to explore the story behind the blends, from sourcing and extraction to the philosophy that shapes them.

Q1) How did Superfeast come to life, and what inspired its beginnings?

"In 2011, Mason Taylor’s passion for health and his desire to access the world’s best supplements, herbs, and medicinal mushrooms led to the creation of SuperFeast. Inspired by the herbalists he admired, his mother’s own significant health challenge, and his experience with longevity-enhancing supplements, SuperFeast began by offering a small range of obscure health products. From humble beginnings in his mum’s garage in Gladesville, Sydney, SuperFeast has grown into Australia’s leading supplier of Dì Dào (地道) medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs, now headquartered in Mullumbimby."

Q2) “Dì Dào” sourcing is at the heart of what you do – can you explain what it means and why it’s so important?

"Dì Dào (地道) (or Di Tao) doesn’t translate easily into English, like many of the great Taoist concepts. Dao refers to the district in which the herb is grown, and Di is more to do with the soil and land in which the herb is grown. In other words, sourced from its spiritual homeland. Dì Dào (地道) herbs must be high-quality, medicinally dense herbs that have been grown in their natural habitat. This produces herbs that are highly valued and able to fulfil their purpose and traditional uses that they have been revered for, for thousands of years."

Q3) How do your traditional extraction methods help ensure the potency and effectiveness of your products?

"SuperFeast’s extraction methods are guided by a Traditional Taoist philosophy of whole-herb extracts. For thousands of years, gentle decoction with water or alcohol and water has been used to enhance the potency and bioavailability of tonic herbs, with careful attention to time, temperature and pressure (Hòu Huǒ). A 10:1 extract ratio captures the full spectrum of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in their intended balance, allowing them to work synergistically. Increasing extract ratios or isolating compounds risks losing this complexity. SuperFeast’s extraction methodology preserves integrity and balance."

Q4) Which are your 3 favourite SuperFeast products?

1. Mason’s Mushrooms

"This is Mason’s signature mushroom multi-blend that he created as a daily foundational tonic - covering gut health, immune health, energy, mood and clarity - essentially a product he designed for himself and others to rely on every day. This is the product we believe creates the biggest impact in the world."

2. Lion’s Mane

"Lion’s Mane is a core medicinal mushroom that Mason originally sourced to support his mother’s health journey. It is incredibly special to have one of the most powerful mushroom extracts in the world in the core SuperFeast range and hearing the feedback from customers constantly on how it is supporting their brains and guts."

3. JING

"At the beginning no one thought this product was going to work, and now it has a cult following, used by tens of thousands of people, launched in a capsule option, and has HASTA certification for elite and competing athletes. All while teaching people about the importance of protecting their core Jing reserves of their body."

Q5) For those new to functional mushrooms and tonic herbs, where’s the best place to start?

"Many are seeking energy, immune and gut wellbeing and stress support. This is why the SuperFeast Starter Pack exists.

Two expertly formulated blends:

• JING – six foundational herbs and mushrooms to nourish your core energy (your Jing), and support long-term vitality.
• Mason’s Mushrooms – 8 of the world’s most potent medicinal mushrooms in one blend, crafted to support digestive health, immune wellbeing, sustained energy, and whole-body harmony."

Q6) What’s one thing you wish more people understood about functional mushrooms?

"The Taoist mushrooms are highly regarded within Taoist tradition, which is why SuperFeast actually refers to them as medicinal mushrooms. For centuries, they have been used as tonics that work energetically and synergistically with the body’s Jing, Qi, Shen and Blood."

"Rather than isolated compounds, their galaxy of constituents acts together to guide, balance and strengthen the body over time. This holistic nature and unique intelligence is what makes medicinal mushrooms so valued when used consistently, offering deep, sustainable support rather than short-term or superficial effects."

Q7) What’s next for SuperFeast – any exciting innovations or sustainability goals ahead?

"The SuperFeast team is energised and getting geared for the ‘Fire Horse’ year ahead!"

"Multiple new innovations are in the pipeline, and we are working with a leading microbiologist on research projects. Keep an eye out!"

"SuperFeast has a very tangible purpose that emerges from the soul of the organisation that we’ll continue to act upon. We will keep scaling effectively so we can support long-term wellbeing through traditional tonic practices and create SuperHumans who may enter into the realm of elderhood. We’ll do this by effectively getting as many people as possible onto Taoist tonic herbal medicine."

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between fruiting body and mycelium?

"Mycelium is the underground, thread-like network of a fungus that supports growth and nutrient exchange, similar to roots. The fruiting body is the mushroom itself, produced by the mycelium and is the part traditionally used medicinally for thousands of years."

2. Are SuperFeast products safe for daily use?

"Yes, SuperFeast products are designed for daily use. They’re based on tonic herbalism, which focuses on gently nourishing and strengthening the body over time rather than forcing quick effects. Using traditionally extracted, full-spectrum extracts allows the body to adapt and respond naturally."

3. How long does it take to notice benefits?

"There’s no single timeline for results, as every body is unique. Tonic herbalism works through consistency, with effects building gradually over time, referred to as cultivation. With regular use, the herbs support the body in the background."

4. Are SuperFeast products tested for quality?

"Yes, SuperFeast products are rigorously tested for quality, safety and authenticity. The raw materials and finished extract products are tested for key compounds and contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, microbials and aflatoxins. Quality assurance begins at the source through long-term relationships with traditional growers and careful oversight of cultivation, harvesting and extraction. This approach ensures SuperFeast products meet modern safety standards while preserving traditional medicinal integrity."

5. Can I take multiple mushrooms or blends together?

"Yes, you can take multiple medicinal mushrooms or blends together, and they’re often designed to work synergistically. Tonic herbs help support different systems - such as immune wellness, energy, digestion, and the nervous system - layering them can create a more holistic effect. It’s recommended to start with one or two products, noticing how your body responds, then gradually adding others as needed. Consistency supports smooth integration and long-term vitality."

6. Can I make both hot or cold drinks using these blends?

"Yes, SuperFeast extract powders can be enjoyed as both hot or cold drinks. Traditionally, tonic herbs are taken warm to support digestion and absorption, but they’re equally effective when mixed into cold beverages. The key is regular use in a form that fits your daily rhythm, making it easy and enjoyable to maintain a consistent tonic practice."