A method of identifying and preferably quantifying at least one sphingolipid, in particular the sphingolipid portion in wild-type Cordyceps or Cordyceps derivates includes preparing a test sample solution from a Cordyceps sample, subjecting the test sample solution to liquid chromatrography with a mobile phase including at least a first and second eluting solvent; and performing a mass spectrometry after the step of subjecting. The quality and safety of Cordyceps products can be determined and wild-type Cordyceps and Cordyceps derivates may be differentiated via the ratio and/or presence of certain sphingolipids especially suitable as markers.