Capsules, Gummies or Tea? Choosing Your Ideal Microdosing Method
Microdosing magic mushrooms has gone mainstream – an estimated 8 million people in the U.S. had used psilocybin by 2023, and about half of them were microdosing. Along with this surge in popularity, there are more psilocybin delivery formats than ever – from capsules and gummies to teas and even chocolates. With so many options, you might be wondering: what is the best way to microdose magic mushrooms for me? Should you swallow a capsule, sip on shroom tea, chew a fruity gummy, or try another method? The truth is, the ideal approach depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and goals.
In this friendly microdosing method comparison, we’ll explore 6 popular formats – capsules vs gummies vs tea, plus chocolates, tinctures, and plain dried mushrooms. For each, we’ll break down how to take microdoses, key advantages, and drawbacks. We’ll also compare these methods side-by-side on factors like dosage control, onset speed, taste, portability, and ease of use. Finally, we’ll offer recommendations for different types of users (beginners, experienced microdosers, those with sensitive stomachs, etc.) to help you find the best microdosing format for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Microdosing with Capsules
What it is: Capsules contain dried, powdered magic mushrooms (usually Psilocybe cubensis) in pill form. Each capsule typically has a pre-measured microdose (e.g. 100 mg or 200 mg of dried mushrooms). This method is very popular because it feels just like taking any supplement.
Pros: Precision and convenience. Capsules offer precise dosing – you know exactly how much psilocybin you’re getting in each pill. This makes it easy to follow a microdosing schedule without weighing mushrooms every time. Capsules are also taste-free (no bitter mushroom flavor at all) and discreet – they look like any vitamin pill, ideal if you need to be subtle. They have a long shelf life and are portable (no special storage needed). For these reasons, capsules are often recommended to beginners and busy people who value simplicity. In fact, researchers often use capsules to administer psilocybin in clinical studies because of the accurate dosing control.
Cons: Slower onset and less “fun.” Because the mushroom powder in capsules has to be digested, the effects come on more slowly compared to tea. A capsule microdose usually takes about 30–60 minutes to kick in. (The upside is a gentle, gradual onset.) Some users also report that capsule effects last a bit longer due to the slower absorption. Another consideration is that swallowing pills isn’t enjoyable for everyone – a few people find capsules difficult to swallow or just too clinical, preferring a tastier format. Finally, while capsules avoid the mushroom taste, they do still contain the whole mushroom powder. That means if you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience mild nausea from the chitin (fibrous mushroom cell walls), though at microdoses this is usually minimal. (If nausea is an issue, see the tea and gummy methods below.)
Sugar Magnolia Capsules: Looking for hassle-free microdosing? Sugar Magnolia’s own capsules deliver carefully measured doses in a gelatin-free capsule. They’re a perfect start for building a consistent microdosing routine.
Microdosing with Gummies
What it is: Gummies are chewable psilocybin edibles that make microdosing feel like enjoying a tiny candy. The mushroom extract (or powder) is infused into fruity, bite-sized gummies – often 200 mg or 500 mg of dried mushroom per gummy in microdose products. Gummies have become increasingly popular as a tasty, fun way to take a microdose.
Pros: Tasty and easy. The big appeal of gummies is flavor – they completely mask the mushroom’s earthy bitterness with sweet, fruity taste. This makes them very approachable for those who dislike the taste of raw shrooms. Gummies are also pre-portioned and consistent, so dosing is as simple as “one gummy = one microdose”. There’s no need for a scale or guesswork. Because they look and taste like normal candy, gummies are discreet and enjoyable – you can take one on the go without any special preparation or even water. They’re a great choice for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or who want a little daily treat with their dose. Another advantage: many commercial psilocybin gummies use a purified extract with no mushroom solids, which means significantly less nausea or stomach issues compared to eating raw fungi.
Cons: Slower absorption and added ingredients. As an edible, a gummy generally has to pass through your digestive system, so the onset can be a bit slower – often 30–90 minutes to feel the subtle effects (it may lean toward the shorter end if taken on an empty stomach, but a full meal slows it down). This isn’t a big issue for microdosing, but if you’re seeking a quicker boost (say, right before a creative session), tea or tincture might be better. Gummies also contain sugar and gelatin or pectin – factors to consider if you have dietary restrictions. They don’t store as long as capsules (gummies can dry out or melt in heat, so you need to keep them sealed and cool). Finally, because they’re so yummy, one has to be mindful not to exceed the intended dose – it can be tempting to eat more, or someone else might mistake them for regular candy (always keep them clearly labeled and out of reach of kids/pets).
Sugar Magnolia Gummies: For a delightful microdose, try Sugar Magnolia’s gummies – fruity, vegan bites infused with psilocybin. Each standard gummy contains 200 mg for an easygoing dose. If you’re an experienced microdoser seeking a bit more strength per piece, check out our 500 mg gummies, which pack a larger microdose in the same tasty form (great for those who have built up tolerance or prefer a higher-end microdose).
Microdosing with Tea
What it is: Shroom tea involves steeping dried magic mushrooms in hot water (often with other herbs or flavorings) to create a mushroom-infused tea. You can brew your own by steeping measured, ground mushrooms in hot (not boiling) water and straining out the solids, or buy pre-made psilocybin tea bags/blends. Many microdosers use tea to avoid eating the mushroom material while still extracting the psilocybin.
Pros: Fast-acting and gentle on the stomach. Drinking your shrooms as a tea tends to have a faster onset than eating them. Because the psilocybin is extracted into the liquid, it absorbs quickly – often in 15–30 minutes you may feel the microdose’s subtle lift. This is quicker than capsules or gummies, which need more digestion. Tea also produces a smoother come-up and some say a slightly shorter duration of effects, which can be useful if you want the microdose to clear out by later in the day. Critically, tea is known for reducing nausea. By straining out the mushroom solids, you leave behind much of the chitin and other compounds that cause digestive discomfort. Many people with sensitive stomachs find tea to be the most comfortable way to microdose (especially if you add ginger or lemon). Taste is another plus: while plain mushroom tea is earthy, you can improve the flavor with honey, lemon, ginger, mint or mix the mushroom tea into a regular herbal tea. The result can be quite pleasant – far better than chewing on a dry mushroom.
Cons: Preparation and portability. The need to brew the tea is the main drawback. Tea requires a bit of preparation – grinding the mushrooms, heating water, steeping, and cleanup. This isn’t as instantaneous as popping a capsule or gummy. It’s also less portable; you generally need to be at home or have a thermos ready, which isn’t as convenient for busy schedules. In terms of dosage control, you’ll want to stir or drink all of the tea to get the full dose (psilocybin may settle), and if you don’t consume the whole serving, your dose could be less. While you can measure the mushroom amount going in, slight potency loss can occur if the steep is not done efficiently. Still, with a bit of practice, dosing with tea can be fairly consistent. Another con is that hot water can degrade psilocybin if boiling – you need to brew gently (below boiling point) to preserve potency. Lastly, tea has to be consumed relatively soon after brewing (within hours) for best results, so it’s not as shelf-stable as other forms.
Tip: To make a microdose tea: grind your dried mushrooms (e.g. 0.1–0.3g) into a coarse powder, pour hot water over them (just off-boil), let steep ~10-15 minutes, then strain. Add your favorite tea bag or ingredients to mask the taste. Ginger and lemon not only improve flavor but can further cut down nausea – a popular trick among microdosers.
Microdosing with Chocolate
What it is: Chocolate-infused mushrooms are a classic psychedelic treat. For microdosing, this usually means a chocolate bar or piece where each square contains a microdose of psilocybin (for example, a bar might have 10 pieces of 200 mg each). The mushrooms (or extract) are blended into chocolate, often along with other flavors.
Pros: Delicious and fully masks taste. Chocolate is one of the most palatable ways to consume magic mushrooms – it completely covers the bitter, earthy flavor. This makes microdosing feel like enjoying a tiny piece of dessert. Like gummies, dosing is straightforward if the product is well-made: each piece of a psilocybin chocolate bar will be calibrated to a specific dose. Many companies design microdose chocolates so that you can easily eat one or two squares for your desired sub-perceptual dose. Chocolates are also discreet (they look like any gourmet chocolate) and easy to use – just eat your microdose piece. Another perk is that making shroom chocolates involves heat and fat, which can make the mushrooms easier to digest (heat breaks down some tough components). Some users report slightly less nausea with chocolates versus raw shrooms, though perhaps not as much relief as tea or gummies provide. And let’s not forget: chocolate itself has mood-boosting properties (thanks to compounds like theobromine and anandamide), so it pairs nicely with psilocybin’s effects for a positive vibe.
Cons: Slow onset and perishable. Onset is on the slower side for chocolates – similar to any food, it can take 1–2 hours to feel full effects since your body must digest the fats and cacao. This isn’t a problem if you plan accordingly, but it’s less immediate than tea or tincture. Storage and portability need a bit of care: chocolate can melt in warm conditions, so you’ll want to keep it cool. Also, if you carry a piece in a bag, be mindful that someone else might mistake it for normal chocolate (store it safely). Dosage control is good if the chocolate is professionally made or well-mixed; however, with homemade mushroom chocolates, you risk uneven distribution (one piece might contain more mushroom bits than another). Commercial products solve this by using extracts or thorough homogenization. Another con is the added sugar and calories from chocolate – not an issue for most, but if you’re watching sugar intake, capsules or tinctures might be preferable. Finally, similar to gummies, the yumminess of chocolate could tempt you to take more than intended – discipline is needed to stick to your microdose amount.
Sugar Magnolia Chocolate: Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Sugar Magnolia’s magic mushroom chocolate bar offers a decadent way to microdose. Each bar is sectioned into microdose-sized pieces, combining premium chocolate with a precise dose of psilocybin mushrooms. It’s an indulgent yet controlled format – perfect for those who want to sweeten their microdosing routine.
Microdosing with Tinctures
What it is: A psilocybin tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of magic mushrooms. Mushrooms are soaked (extracted) in a solvent – often a mix of alcohol and water – to pull out the active compounds. The resulting liquid, usually in a dropper bottle, allows you to dose by drops or milliliters. Tinctures are less common but offer a unique alternative for microdosing, especially where people prefer not to consume any solid material.
Pros: Fast absorption and flexible dosing. Tinctures are fast-acting – since they’re liquid, the psilocybin can absorb sublingually (under the tongue) or be rapidly digested, leading to quicker onset (potentially as fast as ~10–20 minutes). This makes tinctures one of the fastest methods apart from tea. They are also potent and efficient: a well-made tincture is highly concentrated, so only a small volume is needed for a microdose. Many people appreciate the dosing flexibility – you can easily adjust your dose by taking a few more or fewer drops, rather than being locked into the fixed amount in a capsule or gummy. Tinctures often have a long shelf life too; when properly prepared they can last for years without losing much potency. Portability is decent – a small dropper bottle can be carried around (though ideally kept out of extreme heat/cold). Another plus: If you really hate swallowing anything solid, tincture lets you mix your microdose into a beverage or take it directly, no chewing or pill swallowing needed.
Cons: Unknown strength and taste. The biggest issue with tinctures is variability in strength. Unless you have a lab-verified product, it can be hard to know exactly how much psilocybin is in each dropperful. Alcohol alone doesn’t extract everything (hot water is often used first to break down mushroom chitin), and different tinctures may have different concentrations. This means dosing can be less straightforward – you must trust the producer or your own preparation. Without proper testing, one dropper of one tincture could be much stronger or weaker than another. For this reason, tincture dosing should be approached with caution and preferably with a consistent product. In terms of taste, mushroom tinctures tend to be bitter (and alcoholic if alcohol is the base). Taking drops under the tongue can cause a strong earthy, alcoholic burn that some find unpleasant – you might need to mix it into juice or tea to palate it. Another consideration: good tinctures can be pricey, due to the effort of extraction and concentration. Lastly, while portable, a tincture bottle is glass and could leak or break if not handled carefully, so there’s a slight inconvenience there compared to solid forms.
Note: If you do use a tincture, start with a very low volume your first time to gauge potency. For example, a single drop or 0.1 ml, and see how you feel, since tinctures can vary. Gradually adjust upward on different days until you find your sweet spot.
Microdosing with Dried Mushrooms (Raw)
What it is: This is the “old school” method – simply using the dried magic mushrooms themselves, without further processing. A microdoser will weigh out a small dose of dried mushrooms (for example 0.1 g) on a scale and ingest them. You can chew them directly, swallow pieces, or grind and put the powder into food or capsules yourself. Essentially, it’s the DIY approach using the raw product.
Pros: Least processed and most economical. Using dried mushrooms directly is as natural as it gets – you’re consuming the whole mushroom. For some, this feels more authentic, and it means you’re getting all the accompanying compounds (some believe in an “entourage effect” of mushroom alkaloids). It’s also often the cheapest method: if you have whole dried shrooms, you don’t need to buy special products like capsules or edibles. You can create your own capsules or just weigh and eat, which can save money. Flexibility in dosing is another advantage – you’re not constrained to pre-set doses. With a precision scale, you can measure out any amount you want, even odd doses (e.g. 125 mg) to find what works for you. In contrast, capsules/gummies usually come in fixed increments that you might have to stack. For very experienced microdosers, raw mushrooms allow fine-tuning of dose and combining different strains. Portability is moderate: a small baggie of powder or a few tiny shroom pieces can be carried, though not as discreetly as pills.
Cons: Taste, nausea, and potential inconsistency. The taste of dried mushrooms is notoriously bad – they are bitter, earthy, and can be hard to chew and swallow in their dry form. Even at microdose levels, some people gag on the taste/texture. You can hide them in peanut butter or yogurt, but that’s added hassle. Consuming raw mushrooms also carries the highest chance of stomach discomfort; the fungal cell walls can cause nausea and even slight cramping for some. This is usually mild at microdose levels, but if you’re very sensitive, it’s noticeable. Dosing accuracy is a challenge, especially if you’re not meticulous. Potency can vary between mushroom stems and caps, and between batches or strains. Unless you grind your entire supply into a homogeneous powder (and dose that consistently), one 0.1g piece could hit a bit differently than another 0.1g piece from a different mushroom. Weighing out tiny amounts also requires a good scale that can measure milligrams. For newbies, this method leaves more room for error (e.g. mis-measuring or confusing a 0.01 vs 0.1 difference). It’s often considered the “hard mode” of microdosing because of the effort to measure and ingest raw shrooms correctly. Lastly, raw mushrooms are the least discreet – pulling out actual dried shrooms at work or in public is obviously not subtle (and could raise eyebrows!).
Tip: If you go with raw mushrooms, invest in a fine scale and consider grinding your mushrooms into a powder and mixing thoroughly – this helps distribute the psilocybin evenly. You can then encapsulate that powder or mix it into smoothies/food to mask the taste. Many DIY microdosers blend mushroom powder with a bit of cacao or honey to make their own easy-to-swallow bites.
Microdosing Methods Comparison Chart
To summarize the “capsules vs gummies vs tea” debate (and beyond), here’s a quick comparison of each method across key dimensions:
| Method | Dosage Control | Onset Speed | Taste | Portability | Ease of Use |
| Capsules | Excellent – Consistent pre-measured doses | Slow (30–60 min) | None (tasteless) | Excellent (pocket-friendly, long shelf life) | Easy (swallow and go; very discreet) |
| Gummies | Excellent – Each gummy has fixed mg | Moderate (30–90 min) | Sweet & fruity (no mushroom taste) | Good (discreet, but can melt in heat) | Very easy (just eat it; feels like candy) |
| Tea | Good – You measure dose while brewing | Fast (15–30 min) | Earthy, but can be flavored (less bitter) | Poor (must brew, not travel-friendly) | Moderate (some preparation required) |
| Chocolates | Good – If pieces are evenly dosed | Slow (~60+ min) | Delicious chocolate (fully masks taste) | Fair (can melt; looks like ordinary chocolate) | Easy (eat a piece; dessert-like) |
| Tinctures | Variable – Depends on concentration | Fast (10–30 min, liquid form) | Bitter extract (can mix into a drink) | Good (small bottle; just careful of leaks) | Moderate (use dropper to measure) |
| Raw Shrooms | Poor – Potency varies, need a scale | Moderate (30–45 min, faster if well chewed) | Very bitter, earthy (hard to mask) | Fair (compact but obvious and perishable) | Difficult (taste + nausea, must weigh each dose) |
(Note: Onset times are approximate and can vary with individual metabolism and whether taken on an empty stomach. “Fast” here is relative – even a fast microdose takes at least ~10–15 minutes to start.)
Which Microdosing Method is Right for You?
Every microdoser is unique. Here are some recommendations for different types of users to help you choose the best method:
- If you’re a complete beginner: Start simple with capsules or low-dose gummies. These formats are foolproof – you know exactly what you’re getting and don’t have to deal with taste or preparation. Capsules, in particular, are an “easy mode” for microdosing. You can focus on observing the effects without any variables. Once you’re comfortable, you could experiment with other methods later, but capsules/gummies set you up for success from day one.
- If you have a sensitive stomach or hate the mushroom taste: Try tea or extract-based gummies. Shroom tea leaves behind the indigestible bits that cause nausea, giving you a gentle experience. Likewise, many gummies use pure psilocybin extract with no mushroom fiber, which significantly reduces the chance of nausea. Both options also let you avoid the unpleasant flavor – tea can be blended with tasty herbs, and gummies are sweet by design. These are great for those prone to indigestion or who simply can’t stand the taste/texture of mushrooms.
- If you value precision and control: Capsules or professionally made products are your best bet. Capsules offer pharmaceutical-level accuracy for dosing. Similarly, store-bought microdose chocolates or gummies are typically calibrated so that each piece is uniform. Tinctures can also be precise if you know the concentration, but it’s harder to be sure without lab testing. For most people, sticking to capsules or branded edibles removes the guesswork and allows you to reliably follow a microdosing regimen with known quantities.
- If you want the fastest onset: Go with tea or tincture. When you need a quick microdose boost (say you have a creativity session or workout coming up soon), tea and tinctures will get to work the fastest – often in under 30 minutes, sometimes as quick as ~15 minutes. In contrast, a capsule or solid edible might not peak until an hour or more. Just remember, faster onset may also mean a slightly shorter duration of effects for tea. Tinctures give fast action and can be redosed drop by drop if needed.
- If you’re frequently on-the-go: Capsules or gummies are most convenient. They’re easy to carry (no spillage risk like tincture, no melting concern if kept moderate temperature) and you can take them anytime, anywhere. A capsule can be swallowed discreetly with a sip of water during a busy workday. A gummy can be chewed quickly during a break. No prep, no mess. Tea and raw shrooms, on the other hand, are impractical unless you’re in a stable setting.
- If you have trouble swallowing pills: Opt for gummies, chocolates, or tincture. The chewable and liquid formats eliminate the need to gulp down a capsule. This can make the microdosing experience much more pleasant if you’re someone who hates taking pills (you’re not alone!). Gummies and chocolates turn it into a treat, while a tincture can be sipped or mixed with a beverage.
- If you’re an experienced microdoser or DIY enthusiast: You might enjoy the freedom of dried mushrooms or tinctures. Seasoned users sometimes prefer raw mushrooms because it gives them full control to blend strains or adjust dose very finely. You likely already have a feel for your optimal dose and the quirks of different mushrooms, so the variability of raw shrooms can be managed. Tinctures could also appeal for those who like to tinker – you might even make your own extract. Just be cautious and patient when calibrating a homemade method. Experienced users who desire a stronger microdose (borderline mini-dose) could consider higher-dose products like the 500 mg gummies, or simply take multiple units of a smaller dose format. Just remember, with great power (or flexibility) comes great responsibility – always measure and document your doses, even as an experienced microdoser!
Start Your Microdosing Journey with Sugar Magnolia
Ultimately, the best way to microdose magic mushrooms is the one that fits seamlessly into your life. You might prioritize precision, or maybe flavor, or perhaps speed and stomach comfort. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – and that’s why Sugar Magnolia offers a variety of microdosing products to suit every preference. From our easy, no-fuss capsules to our indulgent chocolate bar and fruity gummies, you can choose your ideal format (or even mix and match methods on different days). All our products are made with expertly curated ingredients and precise formulations to ensure a safe, effective microdosing experience.
Ready to give it a try? We encourage you to explore Sugar Magnolia’s microdosing line and find what works best for you. And if you’re as passionate about plant medicine as we are, consider joining our Sugar Mama program – an exclusive community and ambassador program for customers who love spreading the word about mindful microdosing. As a Sugar Mama, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy perks like wholesale pricing, and help cultivate a welcoming, responsible community around psychedelics. Interested? Check out the Sugar Mama page for more info.Embark on your microdosing journey with confidence, armed with the knowledge of different methods and their benefits. Whether you choose capsules, gummies, tea, or another route, the goal is the same – to gently enrich your day and nurture your well-being. Happy microdosing!