Gemma Ogston on Mushrooms, Wellness & Plant-Based Living
Gemma Ogston, chef and founder of Mama Shrooms, shares her journey from addiction counseling to plant-based cuisine and mushroom wellness. Her Brighton-based brand focuses on high-quality, lab-tested adaptogenic mushroom supplements, emphasizing nourishment for both body and mind. Ogston’s culinary roots and personal challenges led her to prioritize family and create a business aligned with her values. As mushrooms gain prominence in the wellness industry, she advocates for transparency and authenticity over flashy marketing. Her philosophy of food as medicine and community resonates with Malta’s rich culinary traditions, where shared meals and natural remedies are central to daily life. Ogston’s balanced approach to wellness—rooted in joy, accessibility, and nourishment—offers valuable inspiration for Maltese audiences embracing healthy lifestyles without extremes.
Gemma Ogston: From Mental Health to Mushroom Wellness – A Story of Nourishment and Community
In a world increasingly captivated by wellness trends, adaptogens, and functional foods, chef and entrepreneur Gemma Ogston has carved out a distinct niche with her Brighton-based brand, Mama Shrooms. Her journey from mental health counseling to plant-based cuisine and now to crafting high-quality mushroom supplements is one marked by resilience, passion, and a commitment to authenticity.
“I launched Mama Shrooms nearly a year ago, in November,” Ogston shares. “Before that, I ran a plant-based food business for a decade, and prior to that, I worked as an addiction counselor with the NHS for eight years.” Her career has been a testament to her belief in nourishment—not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.
For those embracing a healthy lifestyle in Malta, Ogston’s story resonates deeply. From the vibrancy of Valletta’s outdoor markets to the farm-to-table ethos found in Gozo’s restaurants, the connection between food, health, and community is as relevant here as anywhere else. And as the global mushroom boom continues, Maltese audiences might find themselves drawn to the benefits of functional fungi like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps—adaptogens celebrated for their ability to support mental clarity, better sleep, and even longevity.
From Kitchen to Wellness: The Birth of Mama Shrooms
Ogston’s fascination with mushrooms began long before they became a wellness staple. “I used to incorporate mushrooms into my food and workshops,” she recalls. “Eventually, I thought, ‘Why not create my own brand?’ None of the products I tried felt quite right.”
Mama Shrooms stands out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Unlike celebrity-backed mushroom brands with glossy marketing but questionable quality, Ogston is laser-focused on transparency and efficacy. “I get all my mushrooms tested at an independent lab to ensure they meet the highest standards,” she explains. “People can see the polyphenol count, beta-glucan levels—everything. It costs more, but it’s worth it.”
For health-conscious foodies in Malta, where natural remedies and Mediterranean diets reign supreme, this emphasis on quality is refreshing. Imagine pairing a hearty plate of fresh Maltese lampuki with a side of reishi mushroom tea—embracing both tradition and innovation in your quest for wellness.
Culinary Roots and a Passion for Food
Ogston’s connection to food runs deep. Growing up in a large family of five siblings, she learned to cook early on, a skill that later became a cornerstone of her career. She even published The Self-Care Cookbook in 2019, celebrating the healing power of food.
However, her culinary journey hasn’t been without challenges. “After Covid and amidst the cost-of-living crisis, it became harder to make ends meet,” she admits. “I was working 15-hour shifts in the kitchen and barely seeing my kids. It was unsustainable.”
This turning point, coupled with personal challenges like perimenopause and her daughter’s health issues, led Ogston to reprioritize her life. “I realized I needed to be around my family more,” she says. Her shift to wellness products allowed her to channel her love for food into a business model that aligned with her values and lifestyle.
For families in Malta juggling busy schedules, Ogston’s story is a reminder that balance is key. Whether you’re preparing a quick, nutrient-packed meal with fresh local produce or indulging in a wellness retreat at a luxury resort in Mellieħa, the goal is to nourish both body and soul.
The Mushroom Boom and Its Challenges
Mushrooms have become the unlikely stars of the wellness industry, but not without complications. “The market is flooded now,” Ogston says. “It’s amazing that people are interested, but it can also be overwhelming. How do you know which products are effective?”
The challenge is particularly relevant in Malta, where wellness culture is growing but still developing. As more mushroom-based products appear on store shelves, Ogston’s advice is to prioritize transparency and quality over flashy marketing.
Her dedication to authenticity sets Mama Shrooms apart. “I focus on mushrooms, transparency, and quality,” she emphasizes. “Wellness doesn’t have to be extreme. It should be joyful, accessible, and nourishing.”
Food as Medicine and the Power of Community
Ogston’s belief in the transformative power of food stems from both personal and professional experiences. “When I worked as an addiction counselor, food often became the first point of connection,” she recalls. “A hot meal could bring someone through the door. It was the start of building trust and providing care.”
This philosophy carries over into her current work. From hosting mushroom-led retreats to creating mushroom hot chocolate for growing teens, Ogston is committed to fostering community through food. Her approach aligns with Malta’s own rich culinary culture, where shared meals are central to family life and social gatherings.
Whether it’s a traditional dish like ftira or a modern superfood smoothie bowl, food remains a universal language of connection—a sentiment Ogston champions wholeheartedly.
The Dark Side of Wellness
Despite her love for the wellness industry, Ogston is acutely aware of its pitfalls. “The emphasis on being skinny is back, and it’s damaging,” she warns. “Algorithms push extreme content, and people don’t always realize the harm it can cause.”
Her response? To create a brand that celebrates balance and joy. “Wellness should feel bright, happy, and fun,” she says. For Maltese audiences, this message is especially poignant. In a culture that values indulgence—whether it’s a rich slice of imqaret or a glass of local Ġellewża wine—it’s important to remember that wellness isn’t about deprivation but about finding what works for you.
Embracing Wellness: Lessons from Gemma Ogston
Ogston’s personal wellness routine is refreshingly down-to-earth: hot yoga, walks by the sea, weight training, and—above all—sleep. “Sleep is my number one priority,” she says. “I need nine hours to feel my best.”
For Maltese residents, many of whom already enjoy the benefits of living near the sea and eating a Mediterranean diet, Ogston’s emphasis on routine and consistency is a valuable takeaway. Wellness doesn’t have to mean expensive supplements or rigid schedules—it can be as simple as savoring a fresh, home-cooked meal or taking a leisurely stroll along the Sliema promenade.
“Food has been my medicine, my connection, my joy,” Ogston concludes. “Wellness has helped me become robust, happy, and passionate. My goal is to show others that it can be accessible and fun—without the extremes or the pressure.”
As Malta continues to embrace the global wellness movement, Ogston’s story serves as both inspiration and a guide. Whether you’re exploring the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms or simply looking to improve your relationship with food, her message is clear: wellness is for everyone. And it starts with nourishment—on every level.