Frequently Asked Questions

No - our products are not psychedelic. Flow State mushrooms do not contain pyschoactives or cause any hallucinogenic effects. Instead, they’re a natural source of compounds that can support your health and wellbeing in a safe, non-psychoactive way.

• Dried mushroom powder is simply ground, dried mushroom. While nutritious, much of the beneficial compounds remain locked inside the mushroom’s tough cell walls, making them harder for your body to absorb.
• Mushroom extracts (like Flow State’s) go through a process that breaks down those cell walls, drawing out the active compounds. This makes extracts more concentrated and easier for your body to utilise compared to simple dried powders.

The cell walls of mushrooms are made of chitin - the same tough material found in things like crab shells. Humans can’t easily break this down, so much of the mushroom’s beneficial compounds would otherwise pass through the body unused.
Extraction uses hot water and alcohol to break down the cell walls and release these compounds, making them available for your body to absorb and use.

Dual extraction means using both hot water and alcohol in the extraction process. Each method draws out different types of beneficial compounds - some are only soluble in water, others only in alcohol. By combining the two, you capture a fuller spectrum of active compounds from the mushroom, making the final product more complete. All Flow State mushroom extracts are dual extracted.

Both powders and tinctures are mushroom extracts, they just take different forms:
• Powder extracts (what Flow State specialises in) are created by spray-drying the liquid extract to remove the water and alcohol. The result is a concentrated, shelf-stable powder that’s easy to put into capsules or stir into drinks.
• Tinctures are liquid extracts that retain alcohol and/or water as part of the final product.
We prefer powder extracts because they offer consistent potency, are easy to measure, and don’t contain alcohol.

Once the beneficial compounds are extracted, the liquid is carefully spray-dried to remove the water and alcohol. This leaves behind a concentrated powder containing the active compounds.
The powder is then either encapsulated or packed into tins or pouches, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

• Fruiting body only for our capsules and blends - no mycelium on grain, no fillers, no additives.
• High potency - our capsule extracts contain over 30% beta-glucans.
• Independently tested in New Zealand - every batch is verified for purity and potency.
• Organically sourced - grown on organic farms or sustainably wild-harvested.
• Transparent and trusted - with thousands of 5-star reviews from customers across New Zealand.
We focus on quality, transparency, and making mushrooms easy to use in everyday life.

Beta-glucans are natural polysaccharides found in mushrooms that have been widely studied for their ability to support immunity, gut health, and overall wellbeing.
Mushrooms contain hundreds of different compounds, many of which are still being researched. It’s not practical to test for all of them, but beta-glucans are one of the most abundant and measurable. Using a standardised testing method (Megazyme), they provide a reliable way to assess quality and consistency.

In traditional use, mushrooms were consumed from the fruiting body - the cap and stem. Mycelium, the root-like network, contains its own beneficial compounds, but wasn’t widely used until modern cultivation methods made it possible.
Many mycelium products today are grown on grain (like rice or oats), which can result in a final product containing a significant amount of the grain substrate. Because grains also contain beta-glucans, this can make products appear more potent than they are.
At Flow State, we:
• Use 100% fruiting body extracts for our capsules and blends.
• Avoid mycelium on grain entirely.
• Offer one exception: Alchemy, which uses mycelium grown through a liquid fermentation process that allows it to be cleanly separated from the substrate.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a well-researched mushroom used for supporting focus, memory, and mood. It has a long history of use and a growing body of modern research.
NZ Lion’s Mane (Hericium novae-zelandiae), also known as pekepeke-kiore, is a different species. While related, it does not have the same level of research behind it. When we refer to Lion’s Mane in our products, we are referring to Hericium erinaceus.

Our mushrooms are cultivated in their Dao Di regions - traditional growing areas where the soil, climate, and environment produce the most potent and medicinally rich mushrooms. This concept comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and reflects the importance of growing location in determining quality.
Here’s where each Flow State mushroom originates:
• Lion’s Mane — Longquan County, Zhejiang Province, China
• Reishi — Dabie Mountains, Anhui Province, China
• Cordyceps militaris — Gutian County, Fujian Province, China
• Turkey Tail — Greater Khingan Range, Heilongjiang Province, China
• Maitake — Qingyuan County, Zhejiang Province, China
• Chaga — sustainably wild-harvested from birch trees in Siberia
All mushrooms are sourced from USDA certified organic farms, processed in GMP-certified facilities, and tested again in New Zealand before reaching you.

Each species is cultivated or harvested in a way that reflects its natural environment:
• Lion’s Mane, Maitake — grown on organic sawdust substrates.
• Reishi — cultivated on chestnut wood logs.
• Turkey Tail — grown on pine wood logs.
• Cordyceps militaris — grown through controlled fermentation rather than wild harvesting, helping protect endangered wild species.
• Chaga — sustainably wild-harvested from birch trees in Siberia during winter to avoid harming the host tree.
All mushrooms are grown without pesticides, GMOs, or chemical additives.

It’s a great question, and one we get quite often.
The mushrooms we use are grown in regions where they have been cultivated for centuries, in conditions that naturally suit each species. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is known as Dao Di — the idea that the quality and effectiveness of a mushroom depends heavily on where it is grown.
China has a long history and deep expertise in cultivating medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. The climate, environment, and established growing practices allow for consistent, high-quality extracts at scale.
There are also legal limitations - most of the traditional medicinal mushroom species are not currently permitted to be grown in New Zealand, with only a small number (including Turkey Tail) being allowed.
While some mushrooms can be grown locally, the industry here is still very small, and it’s difficult to achieve the same combination of quality, consistency, and availability across multiple species.
For us, sourcing from established Dao Di regions and combining that with certified organic growing, GMP-certified processing, and independent testing here in New Zealand, ensures we can deliver a product that is both high quality and reliable.

Yes. Most of our mushrooms are organically cultivated in controlled environments. For wild-harvested species like Chaga, we work with experienced harvesters who follow responsible practices - only harvesting in winter and leaving enough behind for regrowth.

Yes, all Flow State mushrooms are certified organic at the source. Our growers are USDA-certified organic, and the extraction facilities we work with are GMP-certified. Once the extracts arrive in New Zealand, they undergo independent third-party testing before being packed.

Yes. All Flow State products are gluten-free and vegan. Our capsules are made from vegetable cellulose, and we don’t use animal-derived ingredients or unnecessary additives.
If you have specific sensitivities or health concerns, we recommend speaking with a health professional before use.

Flow State is a family-owned business based in Whakatāne, New Zealand. All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Auckland. While local pickup isn’t available, our products can be found in a growing number of stockists across New Zealand.

The best place to start is with your goal. Different mushrooms support different areas of wellbeing:
• Focus & clarity → Lion’s Mane
• Energy & performance → Cordyceps
• Stress & sleep → Reishi
• Immunity & gut health → Turkey Tail or Chaga
If you’re unsure, many people start with Lion’s Mane or a blend like MyComplete. You can also reach out to us at hey@flowstate.nz, we’re always happy to help you choose based on what you’re looking for.

Yes, mushrooms work well together and are often combined to support multiple areas at once.
If you’re taking more than one, we recommend starting with a slightly lower dose of each and building up gradually. This allows you to see how your body responds before increasing to a full serving.

Each product has a recommended serving size on the label, which is a great place to start for most people.
From there, you can adjust based on your body and your goals. We generally suggest starting on the lower end and building up gradually as needed.
If you’re taking more than one product, you don’t necessarily need to take the full serving of each. Many people choose to start with a lower dose of each product and adjust over time depending on how they feel.

Yes, the recommended serving is a guideline, not a strict limit.
If you feel like you need more, you can gradually increase your intake. We suggest starting low, building up slowly, and paying attention to how your body responds.

It depends on the mushroom and your health goals, the following is a good guide for most people:
• Morning / daytime → Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps (focus and energy support)
• Evening → Reishi (relaxation and sleep support)
• Any time → Turkey Tail, Chaga (immune and gut support)
That said, consistency matters more than timing, take them at a time that fits your routine.

You can take Flow State mushrooms with or without food.
Some people prefer taking them with food to make it part of their routine, while others take them on an empty stomach. Both are fine, go with what works best for you.

This can vary from person to person. Some people notice changes within a few days, while for others it may take a few weeks of consistent use.
Mushrooms tend to work gradually over time, so we recommend taking them daily for at least 2–4 weeks to get a good sense of how they work for you.

Mushroom powders are very versatile and can be easily added to your daily routine. Some popular options include:
• Stirring into coffee or tea
• Adding to smoothies or protein shakes
• Mixing into hot chocolate or cacao drinks
• Blending into soups, broths, or meals
• Or, just having them straight up with hot water can be nice - definitely an acquired taste for some!

Both capsules and powders are mushroom extracts, meaning they contain the same concentrated compounds, just in different formats.
• Capsules are pre-measured and convenient, making them the easiest option if you want something quick and consistent.
• Powders offer more flexibility — you can mix them into drinks or food and adjust your serving to suit your needs.
The choice comes down to preference: capsules for simplicity, or powders if you enjoy incorporating mushrooms into your daily routine.

This depends on the product and how much you take.
For example, a bottle of capsules typically lasts around 60 days when taken at the recommended serving. Powders contain approximately 80 servings based on the suggested serving size of 1/2 teaspoon.

This can happen occasionally with natural mushroom extracts, especially in humid environments. Because there are no fillers or anti-caking agents, the powder can absorb moisture and clump or harden over time.
It’s still completely safe and effective to use. You can break it up with a spoon or give the container a shake to loosen it.
To help prevent this:
• Use a dry spoon when scooping
• Give the container a shake or stir occasionally if it’s sitting for a while
• Store in a cool, dry place, or even in the fridge in more humid conditions
These small steps can help keep your powder loose and easy to use.

Most people tolerate mushroom extracts very well, especially when starting with a low dose and building up gradually.
Occasionally, some people may experience digestive changes or sensitivity when first introducing mushrooms. If this happens, reducing your dose and increasing more slowly can help.
If you have a known sensitivity or underlying condition, it’s always best to check with a health professional before starting.

Mushroom extracts may interact with certain medications, depending on the individual and the type of medication.
If you’re currently taking prescription medication, we recommend checking with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any new supplement, just to be safe.

There is limited research on the use of mushroom extracts during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Because of this, we recommend speaking with your doctor or healthcare provider before using these products during this time.

There isn’t a strong body of research around the use of mushroom extracts in children.
While some families do choose to use them, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before giving mushroom supplements to children, to make sure it’s appropriate for their individual needs.

Yes, many people use mushroom extracts for their pets, particularly for general wellbeing.
If you’re considering this, we recommend starting with a much smaller dose relative to your pet’s size and introducing it gradually (typically 25-50mg of mushroom extract per kg of body weight per day is a good starting point). Mixing powder into food is usually the easiest approach.
If your pet has an existing condition or is on medication, it’s best to check with your vet first.

We offer a range of secure payment options at checkout, including major credit and debit cards, as well as Afterpay and Paypal.
Please note that Afterpay and Paypal cannot be used for recurring subscription orders.

Free shipping is automatically applied at checkout when your order meets the minimum spend threshold:
• New Zealand — free shipping on orders over $99 NZD
• Australia — free shipping on orders over $135 AUD
• International — thresholds vary by location and will be shown at checkout

Yes! We ship to many countries worldwide using FedEx and DHL Express. This includes Australia, the USA, Canada, and many other countries across Southeast Asia and Europe.
If shipping options are not showing at checkout, it means we may not currently ship to that destination — feel free to reach out to us at hey@flowstate.nz and we’ll do our best to help.

All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in Auckland, New Zealand.
We don’t currently offer local pickup, but our products are available through a growing number of stockists across New Zealand.

Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive a tracking link via email so you can follow your delivery in real time.

If your order hasn’t been dispatched yet, we may be able to make changes or cancel it.
Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order and we’ll do our best to help. Once an order has been dispatched, changes are no longer possible.

If something’s not right with your order, please get in touch with us as soon as possible with your order number and a photo if applicable.
We’ll sort it out quickly, whether that’s a replacement, refund, or missing item.

If there’s anything incorrect or missing from your order, just reach out to us and we’ll fix it as quickly as possible.
Including your order number and a photo (if relevant) helps us resolve things faster.

If your order is taking longer than expected, we recommend checking your tracking link first for updates.
If there are any issues or delays, feel free to get in touch and we’ll help track it down for you.

Subscriptions are a simple way to receive your products automatically on a schedule that suits you.
When you subscribe, your order will be processed and shipped at your chosen frequency, so you don’t have to remember to reorder.

You can absolutely purchase products as a one-off, subscriptions are completely optional.
They’re simply there for convenience and to help you stay consistent. If you prefer to make one-off purchases, simply select the 'one-time' order option when adding products to your cart.

Yes, subscriptions include a small discount compared to one-off purchases. This is our way of rewarding consistency and making it easier to stick to your routine.

Subscribing is the easiest way to stay consistent with your routine and make sure you never run out.
Key benefits include:
• Save on every order — subscriptions come with a built-in discount compared to one-off purchases
• Set and forget — your products are delivered automatically, so you don’t have to remember to reorder
• Flexible and in your control — you can change, skip, or cancel at any time
• Stock priority — in the event of low stock, subscription orders are prioritised
We’ve also historically kept pricing consistent for active subscribers, even when prices have increased — as a way of rewarding long-term customers. While this isn’t guaranteed, it’s something we aim to continue where possible.

The default subscription frequency is every 2 months, but you can adjust this to suit your needs.
You can choose a shorter or longer interval depending on how quickly you go through your products.

Yes, you have full control over your subscription at any time.
You can:
• Change your delivery frequency
• Skip upcoming orders
• Swap products or adjust quantities
• Pause your subscription
• Cancel your subscription
There are no lock-ins or long-term commitments.

You can manage your subscription through your account portal.
From there, you’ll be able to update your schedule, make changes to your products, or pause and cancel at any time.

Yes, you can update your address and payment information at any time through your account portal.
We recommend making any changes before your next billing date to avoid issues with your order.

If a payment fails, your subscription won’t be processed until the issue is resolved.
You’ll be notified so you can update your payment details and get things back on track.

You’ll be charged on the scheduled renewal date for your subscription.
You will receive an email reminder before your order is processed, giving you time to make any changes if needed.

Yes — we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on orders within New Zealand.
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, just get in touch within 30 days and we’ll work with you to make it right.
For international orders, we’re still happy to help where we can and refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis.

If you’d like to return a product, please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order.
We’ll guide you through the process and organise either a refund or replacement, depending on the situation.

Simply email us at hey@flowstate.nz with your order number and a brief description of the issue.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible and help resolve it.

Once your return has been received and approved, we process refunds on our end as soon as possible.
After that, it typically takes a few business days for the funds to appear in your account. This timing is determined by your bank or payment provider and is outside of our control.
If you haven’t seen your refund after several business days, feel free to get in touch and we’ll check it for you.

Yes, if you have a code enter it at checkout to activate your discount.
Only one discount code can be used per order unless otherwise stated.

If you forgot to apply your code, get in touch with us as soon as possible after placing your order.
We’ll do our best to help where we can.

There are a few common reasons a code may not apply:
• The code has expired
• It’s not valid on the products in your cart
• It's not valid for the purchase option you have selected (eg some discounts may not be valid with recurring subscription orders)
• Another discount is already applied
If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and we’ll take a look for you.

Our promotions are time-limited, so once a sale has ended, we’re not always able to honour the discounted pricing.
That said, if you’ve just missed out, feel free to get in touch and we’ll see what we can do to help.