The wellness industry is constantly evolving, and functional mushroom gummies have emerged as one of its most rapidly expanding segments. Driven by compelling marketing and a growing consumer interest in natural health solutions, these convenient supplements are increasingly pitched as aids for various goals, with weight loss prominently featured. However, the reality of their efficacy in weight management is often more nuanced than the bold claims found on many product pages.
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This comprehensive guide aims to cut through the marketing noise, providing an evidence-based breakdown of what functional mushrooms can realistically contribute to weight management. We will review top products on the market, analyze the science behind popular mushroom species, and equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices based on facts rather than fleeting trends.
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The Core Truth: Indirect Support, Not Direct Fat Burners
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The best mushroom gummies for weight loss typically incorporate species like cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, or a synergistic blend of multiple mushrooms. It’s crucial to understand that these mushrooms do not directly "burn fat" or instantly shed pounds. Instead, their potential lies in indirectly supporting weight-management efforts by enhancing fundamental physiological processes. This includes bolstering energy levels, improving exercise performance, aiding stress management, and fostering healthier habits.
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These gummies offer a convenient and often more palatable way to integrate beneficial compounds into a daily routine, with a gradual release that can provide sustained effects. However, their success is inextricably linked to foundational lifestyle choices: a calorie-appropriate diet and consistent physical activity remain paramount.
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Top Picks at a Glance:
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Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations, evaluated for their ingredient quality, formulation, and potential to support weight management goals:
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| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MushCanyon Mushroom Gummies | Best Overall | 9.5/10 |
| Cornbread Hemp Focus Mushroom Gummies | Best for Energy & Activity | 9.2/10 |
| Om Master Blend Mushroom Gummies | Best Multi-Mushroom Blend | 9.0/10 |
| Plant People WonderDay Gummies | Best for Wellness Support | 8.9/10 |
| Host Defense Mushroom Gummies | Best for Immune Support | 8.7/10 |
| MaryRuth’s Mushroom Gummies | Best Clean Formula | 8.6/10 |
The Selection Process: How We Chose the Best Mushroom Gummies
The market is saturated with mushroom supplements, and discerning quality is key. Our evaluation process for these products was rooted in scientific research and industry best practices, moving beyond superficial claims to assess true efficacy and safety. We meticulously examined dozens of products against a strict set of criteria:
- Ingredient Quality & Source: We prioritized products using fruiting body extracts over mycelium-on-grain. Fruiting bodies are the visible part of the mushroom and contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds like beta-glucans. We also looked for organic, non-GMO sourcing to minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.
- Extraction Method: Effective extraction is critical for bioavailability. Products utilizing hot water or dual extraction methods were favored, as these processes are necessary to break down chitin (the tough cell walls of mushrooms) and release water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenoids.
- Standardization & Potency: Transparency regarding the concentration of active compounds, particularly beta-glucans, was a significant factor. Brands that specify the amount of each mushroom species per gummy, rather than proprietary blends, scored higher for allowing consumers to understand dosing.
- Third-Party Testing: Independent laboratory testing for purity and potency is non-negotiable. This verifies that the product contains the advertised ingredients and is free from heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants, and other harmful substances.
- Formulation & Additives: We scrutinize ingredient lists for unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and excessive added sugars. While gummies inherently contain some sugar, those with minimal, natural sweeteners were preferred.
- Brand Reputation & Transparency: Established brands with a history of positive customer feedback, clear communication about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and scientific backing were given preference.
- Value for Money: Considering the dosage, quality, and overall formulation, we assessed whether the product offered reasonable value relative to its price point.
The best mushroom gummies provide complete transparency: they detail exactly what species are inside, the precise dosage of each per gummy, and confirm their purity through accessible lab results. This commitment to clarity is paramount.
Featured Selections: The 6 Best Mushroom Gummies for Weight Management
1. MushCanyon Mushroom Gummies
Quick Verdict: The most comprehensive and well-rounded option for those approaching weight management through a holistic, whole-body wellness lens.
MushCanyon distinguishes itself by offering a potent multi-mushroom blend, thoughtfully combining lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi in a single, convenient gummy. This synergistic approach aims to deliver holistic wellness benefits that indirectly support weight management. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident through its use of fruiting body extracts, ensuring a higher concentration of beneficial compounds. Furthermore, MushCanyon provides transparent dosing and backs its claims with third-party testing, offering consumers confidence in both purity and potency. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking broad-spectrum support for energy, focus, and stress resilience—all critical components of a successful weight management strategy.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
2. Cornbread Hemp Focus Mushroom Gummies
Quick Verdict: Best suited for active individuals who prioritize enhanced focus and sustained energy to optimize their workout performance and daily activity levels.
Cornbread Hemp combines the cognitive benefits of lion’s mane extract with the energizing properties of cordyceps. This strategic pairing is designed to target both mental clarity and physical endurance. Lion’s Mane gummies are well-regarded for their potential to sharpen focus and enhance cognitive function, while cordyceps gummies are known to improve stamina and exercise performance. This combination creates a powerful ally for anyone whose weight loss journey heavily relies on consistent physical activity and mental fortitude to stick to their fitness regimen.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
3. Om Master Blend Mushroom Gummies
Quick Verdict: Offers the broadest spectrum of mushroom species on this list, making it ideal for users seeking diverse health benefits from a single, expertly formulated product.
Om Master Blend is renowned for its extensive inclusion of multiple functional mushroom species, spanning categories like immune support, cognitive enhancement, and energy regulation. Their dedication to sourcing transparency and the impressive diversity of ingredients has garnered significant recognition, including from publications like WIRED, which highlighted it as one of the strongest mushroom gummy options available. This blend is perfect for those who want to cover multiple wellness bases, leveraging the collective power of various mushrooms to support overall health during a weight management program.
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
4. Plant People WonderDay Gummies
Quick Verdict: A strong contender for individuals whose primary challenge in weight management stems from stress-related eating patterns or elevated cortisol levels.
Plant People’s WonderDay Gummies emphasize adaptogenic mushrooms and stress support. Their formula prominently features reishi alongside other calming compounds, making it particularly relevant for individuals who find their weight gain linked to chronic stress, disrupted sleep cycles, or emotional eating. By helping to modulate the body’s stress response, these gummies can create a more conducive internal environment for healthy eating habits and overall well-being, indirectly supporting weight loss efforts.
Overall Rating: 8.9/10
5. Host Defense Mushroom Gummies
Quick Verdict: The leading option for robust immune support, built upon the extensive research legacy of mycologist Paul Stamets.
Host Defense focuses on the powerful combination of turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and reishi for their well-documented roles in immune modulation and gut health. Turkey Tail mushrooms are celebrated for their ability to support a healthy immune system and foster a balanced gut microbiome, both of which are crucial during weight loss. Caloric restriction, a common aspect of weight loss, can sometimes impact immune function, making this blend a valuable secondary benefit to keep the body functioning optimally while in a deficit. While their use of mycelium-on-grain is a point of debate in the industry, their rigorous quality control and dedication to research are noteworthy.
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
6. MaryRuth’s Mushroom Gummies
Quick Verdict: The cleanest label on the market, catering to users who prioritize simplicity, purity, and allergen-friendly formulations above all else.
MaryRuth’s maintains a straightforward approach: minimal ingredients, a complete absence of artificial additives, and a commitment to being allergen-friendly. The brand champions the principle that products should avoid synthetic components and utilize organic ingredients for optimal health benefits. MaryRuth’s adheres closely to this philosophy, offering a transparent and clean formula that appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking a no-nonsense mushroom supplement for general wellness support. While not specifically formulated for weight loss, the overall wellness benefits of its featured mushrooms can indirectly support healthy bodily functions.
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
Comparative Overview: Key Features of Top Mushroom Gummies
| Product | Best For | Key Mushrooms | Fruiting Body | Third-Party Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MushCanyon | Comprehensive weight management support | Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi | Yes | Yes |
| Cornbread Hemp Focus | Energy and exercise performance | Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps | Yes | Yes |
| Om Master Blend | Multi-mushroom benefits | 10+ species | Yes | Yes |
| Plant People WonderDay | Stress management | Reishi, adaptogenic blend | Yes | Yes |
| Host Defense | Immune support during weight loss | Turkey Tail, Reishi | Partial | Yes |
| MaryRuth’s | Clean, simple formulation | Lion’s Mane, Reishi | Yes | Yes |
The Science Behind the Fungi: What Mushrooms May Help Support Weight Management?
Not all functional mushrooms are equally relevant to weight goals. Here’s a deeper dive into the research surrounding the species most commonly found in weight loss-oriented mushroom gummies.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis / Cordyceps militaris)
Cordyceps is arguably the most pertinent mushroom for weight management, primarily due to its potential to enhance exercise performance, stamina, and energy levels. By improving cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) and oxygen utilization, cordyceps may enable individuals to engage in more intense or prolonged workouts, directly translating to increased calorie expenditure and better adherence to training programs.
Preclinical research offers promising insights. A 2022 study demonstrated that cordyceps extract could inhibit ceramide biosynthesis, reduce body weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, increase energy expenditure, and even reverse fatty liver disease in obese models. Another study highlighted cordycepin—a key bioactive compound in Cordyceps militaris—for its ability to inhibit fat cell formation and increase fat breakdown in cultured cells. While these findings are compelling, human trials specifically on cordyceps for weight loss are still in their early stages. A completed Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluated Cordyceps militaris supplementation in healthy active adults, focusing on exercise performance and recovery, though weight loss was not a primary endpoint.
Cordyceps gummies for weight loss are best understood as a means to boost energy and improve workout capacity, rather than as a direct fat-burning agent.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Primarily celebrated for its neuroprotective properties and ability to support brain function, lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) can indirectly aid weight management by enhancing focus, productivity, and the consistency of healthy habits. Lion’s Mane gummies are often sought after for their potential to improve mental clarity and concentration—cognitive benefits that are crucial for disciplined meal planning and adherence to fitness routines.
While human data on direct weight loss is limited, preclinical research is intriguing:
- Some animal studies suggest lion’s mane may modulate fat metabolism and potentially reduce weight gain in high-fat diet models.
- It may influence lipid profiles and blood glucose levels, indicating a broader role in metabolic health.
Beyond its metabolic implications, lion’s mane’s ability to support mood and manage stress is highly relevant. Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, a hormone linked to increased abdominal fat and emotional eating. By fostering a calmer mental state, lion’s mane may reduce cortisol-driven cravings and improve decision-making around food. Furthermore, its potential to enhance sleep quality is a significant indirect benefit, as poor sleep is strongly correlated with weight gain and disrupted appetite-regulating hormones.
Lion’s mane gummies for weight loss are most beneficial for individuals whose biggest barriers are inconsistent habits, mental fog, or stress-induced eating, rather than a raw calorie deficit.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi gummies for weight loss primarily target the stress-response aspect of the equation. Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality" in traditional medicine, reishi is a potent adaptogen that helps the body cope with physical and mental stressors. This is critical because chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which are implicated in increased abdominal fat storage, insulin resistance, and disrupted sleep patterns—all detrimental to weight loss.
Reishi is rich in triterpenoids and polysaccharides, compounds with known anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. By promoting relaxation and supporting a balanced stress response, reishi helps create an internal environment conducive to weight management. While a small double-blind trial (n=23) found no significant changes in BMI, body weight, or glycemic indices over the treatment period, reishi’s value for weight management is less about direct metabolic effects and more about establishing optimal conditions—better sleep, lower stress levels, and reduced systemic inflammation—that make it easier to adhere to a healthy lifestyle plan.
Mushroom gummies containing reishi are particularly effective in providing a smooth and sustained calming effect, helping users manage the emotional and psychological challenges often associated with dietary changes.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga frequently appears in multi-mushroom blends, contributing robust antioxidant support for overall metabolic health. Chaga gummies are valued for their capacity to combat free radical damage, which is significant because oxidative stress is often elevated in individuals with obesity and can impair metabolic function.
While human data specifically linking chaga to weight loss is largely absent, its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and its role in reducing oxidative markers make it a valuable inclusion in comprehensive wellness formulas. It functions as a supportive player, helping to maintain cellular health and reduce systemic stress, rather than being a primary driver of weight reduction.
Understanding the Boundaries: What Mushroom Gummies Can and Cannot Do
This section is paramount for setting realistic expectations and preventing consumer disappointment. Misconceptions about supplement capabilities often lead to wasted resources and frustration.
What They May Help With (Indirect Support)
- Enhanced Energy Levels: Mushrooms like cordyceps can improve ATP production and oxygen utilization, leading to greater stamina for workouts and daily activities, thereby increasing caloric expenditure.
- Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Lion’s mane can support cognitive function, aiding in mindful eating, disciplined meal preparation, and consistent adherence to exercise routines.
- Stress Management and Emotional Regulation: Adaptogens like reishi can help modulate the body’s stress response, reducing cortisol levels and potentially mitigating emotional eating patterns and cravings.
- Better Sleep Quality: By promoting relaxation, certain mushrooms can improve sleep, which is crucial for hormone balance (ghrelin, leptin, cortisol) that regulates appetite and metabolism.
- Anti-Inflammatory Support: Many functional mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial as chronic low-grade inflammation is often associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
- Gut Health and Immune Support: Mushrooms like turkey tail contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and robust immune function, creating a stronger foundation for overall health during a weight loss journey.
What They Cannot Do (Direct Action)
- Directly Burn Fat: No mushroom gummy contains compounds that directly "melt fat" or significantly accelerate metabolism to cause rapid weight loss on their own.
- Replace Diet and Exercise: These gummies are supplements, not substitutes. Without a calorie deficit from diet and consistent physical activity, they will not lead to significant weight loss.
- Act as a Magic Pill: Expecting immediate or effortless results is unrealistic. Their effects are gradual, subtle, and supportive, requiring consistency over weeks or months.
- Cure Underlying Medical Conditions: While they support wellness, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including obesity-related health issues. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Mushroom gummies are powerful tools that support behavior change and optimize physiological conditions. They are not replacements for the fundamental healthy behaviors themselves.
Navigating the Market: How to Choose the Right Mushroom Gummies for Weight Loss
Selecting the ideal mushroom gummy requires understanding your individual needs and the specific properties of different mushroom species.
Choose Based on Your Primary Goals
- If your primary challenge is low energy or poor exercise performance: Focus on gummies containing Cordyceps. These will help you push harder during workouts and stay more active throughout the day.
- If you struggle with focus, consistency, or emotional eating: Opt for gummies with Lion’s Mane. Its cognitive benefits can improve discipline and reduce mental fog.
- If stress, poor sleep, or high anxiety derail your efforts: Prioritize gummies featuring Reishi or other adaptogenic blends. Managing stress can significantly impact appetite and metabolism.
- If you seek overall wellness support, including immune and antioxidant benefits: A multi-mushroom blend (like Om Master Blend or MushCanyon) that includes species like Chaga or Turkey Tail can provide comprehensive support.
Choose Based on Quality Markers
Revisit the "How We Chose" section. Look for:
- Fruiting body extracts: Essential for higher concentrations of active compounds.
- Standardized beta-glucan content: Indicates potency.
- Transparent dosing: Know exactly how much of each mushroom you’re getting.
- Third-party lab testing: Guarantees purity and verifies claims.
- Minimal additives: Avoid artificial ingredients, excessive sugars, and unnecessary fillers.
- Organic certifications: Reduces exposure to pesticides and heavy metals.
Choose Based on Your Lifestyle
- Convenience: Gummies are excellent for those who dislike pills or want an enjoyable daily ritual.
- Budget: Be mindful that gummies can be more expensive per dose than capsules. Consider the long-term cost.
- Dietary Restrictions: Check for vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-friendly options if needed (e.g., MaryRuth’s).
- Taste Preference: While many gummies are flavored, some might prefer a more neutral taste or specific fruit profiles.
The Full Picture: Pros and Cons of Mushroom Gummies
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages will help you determine if mushroom gummies are the right addition to your weight management strategy.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to integrate into a daily routine: Their palatable taste and chewable format make them highly compliant.
- Better tasting than capsules or dried mushroom powders: Overcomes the earthy taste some find off-putting.
- May support exercise performance and improved focus: Directly aids in maintaining a consistent calorie deficit through increased activity and better dietary choices.
- Can help with stress response and overall wellness: Addresses underlying physiological and psychological factors that impede weight loss.
- Provide beneficial nutrients including beta-glucans and bioactive compounds: Contributes to general health, immune function, and anti-inflammatory processes.
- Gradual release: Compared to some rapid-acting supplements, gummies often provide a more sustained effect.
Cons:
- Not direct fat burners: Expectations must be managed; they are supportive tools, not primary weight loss agents.
- Often contain added sugars: While generally low, excessive consumption or poor formulation can contribute to calorie intake and counteract weight loss efforts.
- More expensive per dose than capsule-form mushroom supplements: The cost of formulation and flavoring can increase the price point.
- Some formulas are underdosed relative to amounts used in research: It’s critical to check active ingredient concentrations.
- Individual tolerance varies: What works in preclinical or even early human studies may not translate uniformly to all healthy adults.
- Potential for interactions: Though rare, interactions with medications or existing health conditions are possible, necessitating professional advice.
Personalizing Your Approach: Which Option Is Best for You?
- For comprehensive support: MushCanyon offers a balanced blend for overall wellness, crucial for sustained weight management.
- For active individuals: Cornbread Hemp Focus is tailored to boost energy and mental clarity for better workouts.
- For broad-spectrum benefits: Om Master Blend provides the widest array of mushroom species for diverse health support.
- For stress-related eating: Plant People WonderDay focuses on adaptogenic support to calm the mind and body.
- For immune resilience: Host Defense is ideal for those prioritizing immune and gut health during caloric restriction.
- For ingredient purity: MaryRuth’s offers a clean, straightforward formula for sensitive individuals.
Final Thoughts: A Holistic Approach is Key
The best mushroom gummies for weight loss are those that strategically support the foundational behaviors underpinning successful weight management: sustaining energy for workouts, maintaining focus for mindful meal planning, effectively controlling stress to mitigate emotional eating, and fostering overall consistency in your daily routine. Based on available preclinical and emerging human evidence, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi appear to be the most relevant species for these objectives.
However, a crucial reality check is necessary: no mushroom gummy will magically perform the work for you. These supplements are precisely what their name implies—supportive tools, not shortcuts. For any meaningful and sustainable results, they must be integrated into a broader, holistic strategy. This includes consistently adhering to a calorie-appropriate diet, engaging in regular physical activity, prioritizing quality sleep, and actively managing stress. These fundamental lifestyle pillars are where true, lasting results originate.
Before incorporating any new mushroom supplements into your daily regimen, it is always prudent to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. This is especially vital if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are currently taking medications. The absorption and efficacy of these compounds can vary significantly depending on your individual baseline health, the unique composition of your gut microbiome, and your overall metabolic state.
When beginning, select one product that aligns most closely with your primary weight management goal. Commit to 4–8 weeks of consistent use, carefully tracking how you feel and any subtle changes you observe. This methodical approach will allow you to objectively assess whether the supplement has earned a permanent place in your wellness stack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Mushroom Gummies Help With Weight Loss?
Mushroom gummies may support weight loss indirectly by enhancing energy, focus, stress management, and exercise performance. However, no mushroom supplement directly causes fat loss. Sustainable results depend on maintaining a calorie deficit through diet and activity. While traditional Chinese medicine and modern research suggest certain compounds in mushrooms have metabolic relevance, large-scale human trials confirming direct weight loss from mushroom gummies are still lacking.
Which Mushroom Is Best For Weight Loss?
There isn’t a single "best" mushroom for weight loss, as each species targets different aspects of weight management. Cordyceps is highly relevant for exercise performance and energy, reishi for stress and cortisol management, and lion’s mane for cognitive support and habit consistency. The most effective choice depends on your individual barriers to weight loss.
Is Cordyceps Good For Weight Loss?
Cordyceps may support weight loss efforts primarily by improving exercise performance and boosting energy levels. Preclinical studies suggest it can increase energy expenditure and reduce fat accumulation. By helping you work out harder and longer, it contributes to a larger calorie deficit. However, it does not directly burn fat on its own and must be combined with diet and exercise.
Can Lion’s Mane Help Weight Loss?
Lion’s mane supports brain function, nerve growth factor production, and mood regulation. These cognitive and emotional benefits can improve decision-making around food, reduce emotional eating, and support consistency in healthy habits. Some preclinical research suggests metabolic benefits in mice, but human weight loss data specifically for lion’s mane is limited. Its role is more about indirect support for a disciplined lifestyle.
Are Mushroom Gummies Better Than Capsules?
Gummies offer convenience, a more pleasant taste, and can improve compliance with a daily routine. However, capsules typically deliver higher concentrations of active compounds per serving, often without added sugars. The "best" format depends on your priorities: convenience and palatability versus potency and minimal additives. Regardless of format, prioritize products using fruiting body extracts and third-party testing.
How Long Do Mushroom Gummies Take To Work?
Most users report noticing subtle differences in energy or mood within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. More significant effects on stress resilience, sleep quality, and exercise capacity typically require 4–8 weeks. Visible body composition changes, however, necessitate months of consistent supplement use combined with dedicated diet and exercise efforts.
Do Mushroom Gummies Burn Fat?
No. Mushroom gummies do not directly burn fat. They may support metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and improve conditions that make fat loss easier—but they cannot create a calorie deficit. Any product claiming direct fat-burning effects from mushrooms is overstating the current scientific evidence. These are not "magic mushroom gummies" with intense, immediate effects on metabolism.
Are Mushroom Gummies Worth Buying?
For individuals who value convenience, enjoy the taste, and seek supportive tools to complement a structured weight loss plan, mushroom gummies can be a worthwhile investment. They function best as one component of a broader, holistic strategy. If you expect them to work in isolation, without changes to diet and activity, you will likely be disappointed.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
Prioritize products that clearly state they use fruiting body mushroom extract over mycelium-on-grain. Look for specified beta-glucan content, transparent per-species dosing, and the absence of unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or excessive sugars. The product should ideally be organic and third-party tested. Concentrated extracts enhance the potency of mushroom supplements compared to raw powders.
Which Mushroom Gummies Have The Best Reviews?
Among the brands and products reviewed, MushCanyon consistently receives high ratings for overall wellness support. Cornbread Hemp leads in reviews focused on energy and focus. Om Master Blend is frequently cited as an excellent option for users seeking species diversity. Always cross-reference reviews with ingredient transparency and third-party testing before making a purchase.
