Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a group of mushrooms known for their potential health benefits. They contain bioactive compounds that can support various aspects of well-being, including immune function, cognitive health, energy levels, and stress management.
Do functional mushrooms have psychoactive properties? Will these mushrooms make me hallucinate?
Functional mushrooms do not have psychoactive properties.
Functional mushrooms are cultivated and selected for their health-promoting properties rather than their psychoactive effects. They are safe to consume without causing any hallucinogenic or mind-altering experiences.
Are functional mushrooms safe to consume?
Yes, when used as directed, functional mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption. However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
What is the best way to consume functional mushrooms?
Tinctures are known for their fast absorption, allowing the body to quickly assimilate the beneficial compounds. This efficient delivery method maximizes the potential health benefits and makes tinctures a preferred choice for individuals seeking a concentrated, bioavailable, and convenient way to incorporate functional mushrooms into their wellness routine. The liquid form makes tinctures convenient to use, as they can be taken under the tongue or mixed into any beverage.
Can functional mushroom supplements be used by everyone?
Functional mushroom supplements are generally safe for most adults. However, certain individuals such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with specific health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into their routine.
Can functional mushroom supplements be taken with other medications or supplements?
If you are taking any medications or other supplements, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding functional mushroom supplements to your routine. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and ensure there are no potential interactions.
Where do you source your mushrooms?
We take great care in sourcing our mushrooms to ensure high quality.
- Our soft-body mushrooms—Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Shiitake—are cultivated in Ontario and harvested at peak maturity.
- Our hard-body mushrooms—Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail—are wild-harvested in Quebec, sustainably foraged from remote forests.
We only use whole, fruiting body mushrooms, with no fillers, grains, or preservatives.
How long does it take to experience the benefits of functional mushroom supplements?
The benefits of functional mushroom supplements, especially their adaptogenic properties, are often seen through prolonged and consistent use. Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and mushrooms, including some functional mushrooms, that can help the body adapt to stress and promote overall resilience.
While some individuals may notice initial improvements within a few weeks of starting functional mushroom supplementation, the full benefits are typically experienced over time. Consistency and regular use allow the medicinal compounds in functional mushrooms to accumulate in the body, supporting various aspects of well-being such as immune function, energy levels, cognitive health, and stress management.
It's important to note that individual responses may vary, and factors such as dosage, overall health, lifestyle, and individual biochemistry can influence the time it takes to experience the full benefits of functional mushroom supplements.
How much mushroom am I getting in my daily dose?
Our tinctures are made using an ultrasonic-assisted dual extraction method, a process that breaks down the tough fungal cell walls and releases key bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants.
Many functional mushrooms contain chitin, a naturally occurring fibre that makes it difficult for the body to absorb their beneficial compounds unless properly extracted.
Each 4 mL daily serving of our tinctures contains 138 mg of extracted whole fruiting body mushrooms, providing a Health Canada-approved daily dose for adults in an easy-to-digest, bioavailable form.
What is an adaptogen?
Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. These natural substances are known for their ability to help the body adapt to various stressors and promote overall resilience.
Adaptogens work by regulating and balancing the body's stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. They help to modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, bringing them back into balance during times of both physical and mental stress.
One of the key characteristics of adaptogens is their ability to exert a non-specific response, meaning they can support multiple systems and organs in the body rather than targeting one specific area. They help to restore balance and enhance the body's ability to cope with stress, promoting overall well-being.
Functional mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane are examples of adaptogens. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that support the body's stress response and offer a range of potential health benefits, including immune support, cognitive function, and energy enhancement.
It's important to note that while adaptogens can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have specific health concerns, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Tincture Products
What do tinctures taste like?
Our Original (alcohol-based) tincture has a more potent, earthy flavour, whereas our Alcohol-Free (glycerin-based) tincture has a sweet, earthy taste and syrupy consistency.
What is the daily dose? How much should I be taking?
Our standard adult dose is 4 mL per day, which equals 4 full dropperfuls (fill to the 1 mL mark on the pipette).
If you’re new to tinctures, some people choose to start with a half dose and gradually increase, but we recommend taking the full 4 mL dose for optimal benefits.
For personalized guidance, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking prescribed medication, we suggest consulting with a naturopath or healthcare provider before introducing functional mushroom supplements to your wellness routine.
Is Original tincture more effective than Alcohol-Free tincture? Which is best for me?
Both our Original and Alcohol-Free tinctures are equally potent, thanks to our ultrasonic-assisted dual extraction method, which ensures you’re getting the full benefits of the mushrooms in both formulas. The main difference is in the base ingredient and taste:
- Original Tincture → Our traditional format, made with alcohol, which has a strong, earthy taste, but blends seamlessly into any beverage.
- Alcohol-Free Tincture → Made with vegetable glycerin, offering a naturally sweet and earthy taste with a syrup-like consistency.
Both options are effective, so it comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. If you have allergies or sensitivities, please note the difference in base ingredients.
For more details, check out our blog: Original vs. Alcohol-Free Tinctures.
Can I use more than one mushroom tincture at a time?
Yes! You can combine multiple mushroom tinctures, but if you are new to these supplements, we suggest introducing them gradually.
Start with one tincture at a full or half dose for about two weeks, giving your body time to adjust and allowing you to observe its effects. Natural supplements require an adaptation period, so taking it slow ensures you can track how each tincture works for you. Once you're comfortable, feel free to add another!
How long will the 118 and 60 mL bottle last?
Our 118mL bottle lasts approximately 30 days, and the 60mL bottle lasts around 15 days when taken at the full daily dose for an adult.
We are Health Canada approved for adult consumption only, so we cannot provide dosing recommendations for children or pets. If you’re looking for guidance in those cases, we recommend consulting a naturopath, pediatrician or veterinarian.
Which beverages can I add tinctures to?
You can add tinctures to any hot or cold beverage, including coffee, tea, water, and smoothies. Please note that the Alcohol-Free tincture has a sweet taste and, as such, may alter the taste of your beverage.
What is the shelf life like? How do I store unopened/opened tincture to extend shelf life?
Our tinctures have a 2-year shelf life and don’t need to be refrigerated. Just keep the bottles tightly closed and store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or heat sources. A cabinet or pantry works great!
You can find the expiry date on the side of the label on your bottle or the bottom of the tincture box.
How are Forage Hyperfoods tinctures extracted?
At Forage Hyperfoods, we use an advanced ultrasonic-assisted dual extraction method to create high-potency dual extracts that capture the full spectrum of functional mushroom compounds—polysaccharides, triterpenes, and vitamins. This method breaks down tough fungal cell walls more efficiently than traditional techniques, enhancing bioavailability and allowing us to produce both alcohol-based and alcohol-free tinctures without compromising effectiveness.
Key Advantages of Ultrasonic Extraction:
- Dual-extracted – Combines hot water extraction and solvent extraction for full-spectrum benefits.
- Most efficient at breaking down tough mushroom cell walls to access bioactive compounds.
- Isolates and preserves beneficial compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenes.
- Produces high-quality, full-spectrum extracts that retain the mushroom’s full potency.
- Fast and efficient extraction process compared to traditional methods.
- Various solvents and water can be used to extract medicinal compounds effectively.
- Eco-friendly ("green technique") – Requires low solvent volumes and raw mushroom material, consumes less energy and reduces waste.
Additionally, our Alcohol-Free tinctures contain no alcohol whatsoever and do not come into contact with alcohol at any stage of the extraction process, making them a great option for those looking to avoid alcohol entirely.
Can I give tinctures to my children?
Our tinctures are approved for adult use only. While some parents explore functional mushrooms for their children, we cannot provide dosing recommendations or guidance for minors.
If you're considering introducing mushroom tinctures to a child’s routine, we strongly recommend consulting a naturopath or pediatrician to determine if they are a good fit based on individual health needs.
Can I give tinctures to my dog/cat/pet?
Our Alcohol-Free tinctures are pet-friendly, and some of our customers choose to give them to their pets. However, as per our Health Canada designation, our tinctures are formulated and approved for adult human use only.
Since we cannot provide specific guidance on dosing for pets, we strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian before introducing any tinctures to your pet’s routine. They can provide professional advice based on your pet’s unique health needs.
Subscription and Forager Rewards
How do subscriptions work?
Our subscription program allows you to receive automatic deliveries of your favourite Forage Hyperfoods products at a discounted rate of up to 20% off. You can choose the frequency of deliveries that suits your needs, and we'll take care of the rest!
There are no obligations to continue your subscription. You may modify or cancel your subscription anytime!
How do I sign up for a subscription?
Simply select the "Subscribe & Save" option on the product page, choose the frequency of your delivery, and add the product to your cart.
Once the order has been placed, you will receive an email allowing you to manage your subscription, or you can log in here.
Please note that subscriptions are turned off when products are on sale for more than 20%. The subscription option will be re-opened once the sale ends.
Can I customize my subscription?
Yes! With our subscription program, you have the flexibility to customize your deliveries. You can adjust the frequency of deliveries, skip orders, add, remove or swap products, and even update your shipping address or payment information anytime through your account dashboard.
Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance with managing your subscription.
How often will I be billed for my subscription?
You will be billed based on the frequency you selected during sign-up. For example, if you chose a monthly subscription, you will be billed every month. We'll send you a reminder 5 days before each charge, and another email 3 days before the order is placed. This ensures you have ample time to cancel or skip your order before it is processed.
What is the cancellation policy for subscriptions?
You can cancel your subscription at any time without any penalties. Simply log in to your account and follow the cancellation instructions. You can manage your subscription through the emails you receive or log in here.
Please note that cancellation requests made after a recent order has been processed will only apply to subsequent deliveries.
How does our Forager Rewards loyalty program work?
Our Forager Loyalty Program gives you points for every purchase and extra ways to save!
How it Works:
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent
- Get 2-5% back in rewards, depending on your tier
- Unlock perks like birthday points, exclusive coupons, and VIP offers
- Advance from Bronze to Gold by spending more
- Subscribers get the best perks just for keeping an active subscription
- Earn bonus points for signing up, referring friends, and leaving reviews
Join today and start earning rewards on every order! You can learn more here.
How do I redeem my points?
Once you’re logged into your account, go to the “Rewards” section of the loyalty page. If you have enough points, you can redeem them for rewards.
What do different point statuses for my rewards mean?
- Approved: Ready to use for rewards.
- Pending: Your points are awaiting verification. Typical for recent purchases and referrals.
- Cancelled: Not added to your account, for example when a purchase is cancelled.
Orders and Shipping
What countries does Forage Hyperfoods ship to?
We currently ship to Canada, the USA, the UK, and Ireland! 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇮🇪
- Canada: Free shipping on orders over $75.
- USA: Free shipping on orders over $85
- UK & Ireland: Shipping is available, but customers will need to cover the shipping costs.
Let us know if you have any questions about shipping to your location.
Which carrier do you ship your packages with?
We offer free shipping on orders over $75 to Canada and over $85 to the United States. This is subject to change at any time. For orders below the threshold, a small, region-based shipping fee will apply.
For Canadian Customers
We ship using FedEx Ground or Canada Post. We ship from Carleton Place or Brampton, Ontario. Nationwide shipping generally takes about 4 days. Packages from closer destinations may arrive sooner. Express shipping will arrive within 1-2 business days.
Canada P.O. Box Shipping Policy: In Canada, we typically ship with Canada Post. In the event of a Canada Post service disruption, we use FedEx Ground, which does not deliver to P.O. Boxes. Please provide a physical street address to ensure successful delivery.
For U.S. Customers
We ship using Canada Post, but when their service is suspended, we ship with UPS. Both carriers transfer the package to the USPS (United States Postal Service) for final delivery, you can check for shipping updates here. On average, shipping to anywhere within the United States takes 4-6 days.
USA P.O. Box Shipping Policy: When Canada Post service is suspended, we ship with UPS. As of January 2025, UPS no longer delivers to P.O. Boxes via USPS. A valid street address is required. To ensure successful delivery, we encourage customers to provide a complete physical address at checkout.
For International Customers
Parcels are shipped with Canada Post. Please note that there is a delivery fee for international shipments. Other countries generally take 7 business days.
USA and International Packages:
Packages may be subject to duties and customs fees not calculated at checkout. The recipient's country's government determines these fees beyond Forage Hyperfoods’ control. It is the customer’s responsibility to pay any applicable customs fees and taxes. Please contact your local customs office for details in advance.
Please note that shipping times are estimates and can be affected by factors beyond our control, including customs processing, carrier delays, weather disruptions, and high seasonal demand. We recommend keeping an eye on your tracking number for real-time updates. If you do not have your tracking number, please contact customer support for more information.
Tracking Numbers are sent via email once they are shipped. If you have any troubles with your package, please reach out first to your courier to check.
Please note that we do not offer pickup at our facility.
Can I track my order?
Yes, once your order is processed and shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your shipment and estimate its delivery date.
Can I pick up my package at Forage Hyperfoods' facilities?
We do not offer pickup from our facility in Carleton Place.
I need to cancel or modify my order, what should I do?
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (Note: We do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-3 days from the following Monday.
We highly encourage all customers to carefully review their orders before placing them. If you need to cancel or modify your order, please contact us within 12 hours of placing your order. Provide your name, your Order #, and the changes you'd like to make.
How long does it take for an order to be fulfilled?
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (Note: We do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-3 days from the following Monday.
We’ll send you the order tracking information by email (copy of the payment receipt, waybill number and delivery details).
How long will it take to receive my package? Will I have to pay customs fees?
Canada and United States: The delivery time ranges from 1 to 10 business days, depending on your location.
USA Packages: Be aware that packages may be subject to duties and customs fees which are not calculated at check out. These fees are a requirement of the government in the recipient's country and something Forage Hyperfoods cannot control or predict. It is the client's responsibility to pay the custom fees and taxes that might be imposed by the postal authorities. Please contact your local customs office to determine fees ahead of time.
International - All other countries: In most cases, the projected arrival by air for orders shipped using Canada Post's Tracked International service is 6-10 business days, and 4-7 business days with the Xpresspost International service. Please note that this does not account for the time the package may spend at customs.
International Packages: Be aware that packages may be subject to duties and customs fees which are not calculated at check out. These fees are a requirement of the government in the recipient's country and something Forage Hyperfoods cannot control or predict. It is the client's responsibility to pay the customs fees and taxes that might be imposed by the postal authorities. Please contact your local customs office to determine fees ahead of time.
Where is my order? The tracking says it is delivered but it is missing.
We understand how frustrating it can be when the tracking information shows delivery, but the package is not in your possession.
To resolve this matter promptly, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. Confirm the Delivery Address: Please verify that the delivery address provided during the order process matches the address where you expected the package to be delivered. Sometimes, a small discrepancy or typographical error can lead to a misdelivery.
2. Check with Neighbours and Household Members: Kindly inquire with your neighbours or household members to see if they received the package on your behalf. Sometimes, a well-intentioned neighbour might have accepted the delivery for safekeeping.
3. Check Community Mailbox: If your residence has a community mailbox or a shared mailbox system, please check there as well. Occasionally, carriers may deliver packages to a central location rather than directly to your doorstep.
4. Contact Local Post Office or Carrier: Get in touch with your local post office or the carrier responsible for the delivery. Provide them with your tracking number and explain the situation. They will be able to investigate further and provide additional information about the delivery status.
5. File a Claim or Investigation: If the previous steps do not yield any results, we may be able to assist in initiating a claim or investigation with the carrier on your behalf to further investigate the situation. Please contact us if you would like us to proceed with this option, and we will assist you accordingly.
If you added shipping insurance to your order with ShipInsure, you have the ability to file a claim here.
We genuinely care about your satisfaction and want to help resolve this issue as soon as possible. Please keep us informed of any updates or progress you make following the above steps. We are here to support you throughout this process and will do everything we can to ensure a positive resolution.
What is ShipInsure?
ShipInsure is a package protection service that offers insurance for your orders, giving you peace of mind from the moment your package ships until it arrives safely at your doorstep. With ShipInsure, your parcel is covered against common issues like loss, theft, damage, and even those dreaded porch pirates.
Why it matters:
We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged shipments once they leave our facility. We encourage all customers to include ShipInsure protection on all purchases.
Benefits of ShipInsure Insurance:
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy worry-free shopping, knowing your package is protected from start to finish.
- Protection Against Theft: Porch pirates are a real concern, but with , you’re covered if your package is stolen after delivery.
- Coverage for Lost Packages: If your parcel goes missing in transit, ShipInsure helps you get a replacement or refund quickly.
- Damage Protection: Accidents happen, but with ShipInsure, you’re covered if your package arrives damaged.
- Easy Claims Process: Filing a claim with ShipInsure is simple and hassle-free, ensuring you get the help you need promptly.
By adding ShipInsure insurance to your order, you can shop confidently, knowing that your purchase is protected every step of the way.
How to file a claim:
If something goes wrong, you can file a claim directly with ShipInsure at shipinsure.io/sibot. Their process is quick and easy, and most claims are resolved within 3-5 business days.
Customer Service
How do I contact your customer service team? What are your customer service hours?
You can contact our customer service team by email at support@foragehyperfoods.com, or by filling out the contact form on our website.
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4 pm EST. We strive to provide prompt assistance during these hours, and any messages received outside of our operating hours will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
We aim to respond to customer inquiries within 24-48 hours. However, during peak times or holidays, it may take slightly longer. Rest assured, we value your time and will make every effort to provide you with a timely and helpful response.
I cannot log into my account, what do I do?
If you're having trouble accessing your account, please click here to reset your password.
How do I access my subscription account to make changes?
You can easily access and manage your subscription through the emails you receive by clicking "Manage Subscription" or by logging into your subscription account here.
I used an old shipping address by accident, how do I fix this?
Please contact us immediately so we can update your address before the package is shipped.
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (we do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-2 days from the following Monday.
My package arrived damaged and/or is missing items. What do I do?
If your product arrives damaged or with missing items, please contact us within 48 hours of receipt and include your order number, photos and/or videos of the damage, and any other relevant details. We will do everything we can to ensure a positive resolution.
What if my package is lost or stolen?
Please note that once your order has been shipped and a tracking number is provided, our responsibility for lost, stolen, or misdelivered packages is limited. We highly recommend keeping an eye on your tracking information and ensuring someone is available to receive the package at the provided shipping address.
For customers who have opted for ShipInsure package protection, your order is covered against loss, theft, and damage. If anything goes wrong, simply file a claim with ShipInsure for a quick resolution. You will receive an email with information on how to do so.
For customers without ShipInsure protection, we will do our best to assist you in filing a claim with the shipping carrier and provide any necessary documentation. However, please understand that if there is a delivery confirmation or a picture of the shipment, our ability to help may be limited, as the final outcome is subject to the shipping carrier's investigation and policies.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and will do our utmost to support you, but please be aware that certain circumstances may be beyond our control once the package is in the possession of the shipping carrier.