Mushroom Drops: Popular, But Not a Natural Alternative

One hundred euros for a 5-milliliter bottle. In the nightlife scene, mushroom drops are becoming more and more familiar, praised for their euphoric effects. Even in smartshops, people are asking about them more often. But the idea that these drops are the same as a natural alternative to magic mushrooms or truffles is incorrect. Experts also warn: you often don’t know what’s actually in that little bottle. In the Netherlands, these products are commonly known as “paddo druppels.”

What’s really in mushroom drops?

Most mushroom drops don’t contain psilocybin at all. Instead, tests have shown they often contain 4-HO-MET, also known as metocin. This is a synthetic compound that only partly mimics the effects of psilocin – the active substance in mushrooms and truffles. There are clear differences in the effects, and most importantly: it’s not a natural product, but a relatively new chemical.

In fact, 4-HO-MET only appeared on the market in the late 2000s and is considered a designer drug. Almost nothing is known about its long-term effects, risks, or safety. That makes mushroom drops unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

The government often reacts late when it comes to new designer drugs. A good example is the case of 3-MMC, which was banned only after major health risks became clear. Producers quickly replaced it with variants like 2-MMC, which remained legal until recently. Because of this loophole, dangerous substances circulated for years while giving users the false impression that “if it’s legal, it must be safe.” There’s a good chance substances like 4-HO-MET will eventually be banned the same way.

Why does this matter?

Many people see mushroom drops as a handy “quick” version of truffles: just a few drops instead of chewing. The main reasons are usually the bitter taste and the risk of nausea. But mushroom drops are synthetic, unresearched, and unclear in composition. Truffles, on the other hand, are natural and their effects are much better known. And the funny thing is: there are simple, natural tricks to avoid both the taste and the nausea.

The better alternatives: truffle tea or pure chocolate

If you want a reliable and natural way to use truffles, there are proven options:

• Truffle tea – By letting truffles steep briefly in hot (not boiling) water, you get a mild-tasting tea. It’s easier on the stomach and many people experience less nausea.
  Why? Because the hot water extracts the psilocybin but leaves behind much of the chitin (the tough, fibrous part of the truffle cell walls). Chitin is difficult to digest and is often what causes nausea when eating raw truffles. Separating psilocybin from chitin means you get the effects without the stomach discomfort. You can add lemon, ginger, or a tea flavor of choice to improve the taste.

• Truffles with pure chocolate – The bitterness of the truffles is balanced by the chocolate, making the experience more pleasant. Pure chocolate also contains a mild stimulant called theobromine, which can add a subtle uplifting touch.

• Bonus trick: lemon or ginger method – Mixing truffles with lemon juice (lemon tek) makes psilocybin absorb faster. This can make the trip slightly stronger but often reduces nausea. Ginger – either in tea or fresh – is a well-known natural remedy against stomach upset.

With these methods, you know exactly what you’re consuming: 100% natural truffles, without the uncertainty of synthetic designer drugs.

Conclusion

Even though mushroom drops are gaining popularity in the nightlife scene, they are not a natural substitute for mushrooms or truffles. They often contain synthetic substances such as 4-HO-MET, about which almost nothing is known. If you want safety, clarity, and the genuine experience, natural truffles – whether as tea, combined with pure chocolate, or enhanced with lemon or ginger – remain the far more reliable choice.