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Frequently
Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about Hongo Tea Co, our products, and what makes us different.

Our Products Ingredients & Quality The Mushrooms Usage & Storage Health & Safety

Our Products


What products does Hongo Tea Co offer? +

Hongo Tea Co offers three product lines. Our Hongo Vitality RTD Teas are ready-to-drink 12oz canned teas — Hongo Pure Focus, Hongo Pure Energy, and Hongo Pure Immunity. Our Mushroom Powders include 14 single whole fruiting body powders and four functional blends (Perfect 10, Focus Fuel, Joint & Flex, and Cardio). And our Hongo Power Brew is a mushroom coffee available in regular and decaf, made with 100% Colombian coffee and whole fruiting body mushroom powder. Shop all products here.

What is the difference between the three RTD teas? +

Each tea is crafted around a specific functional purpose with a unique mushroom blend and flavor profile. Hongo Pure Focus features King Trumpet, Enoki, Shaggy Mane, and Lion's Mane with Key Lime and Black Currant. Hongo Pure Energy features Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Lion's Mane with Hibiscus and Peppermint. Hongo Pure Immunity features Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, and Chaga with Lemon and Elderberry. All three contain 3,000mg of whole fruiting body mushrooms per 12oz can.

What is Hongo Power Brew? +

Hongo Power Brew is our mushroom coffee — 75% 100% Colombian ground coffee blended with 25% whole fruiting body mushroom powder (Reishi, Lion's Mane, Shaggy Mane, Turkey Tail, and Chaga). You brew it exactly like regular coffee in any method you prefer. It's available in both regular and decaf — a great way to get your daily mushroom intake without changing your morning routine.

What mushroom powder blends do you offer? +

We offer four blends, each crafted around a specific function. Perfect 10 contains all ten of our most popular mushrooms in one blend. Focus Fuel combines Lion's Mane, Shaggy Mane, King Trumpet, and Enoki. Joint & Flex combines Reishi, Royal Sun Blazei, Agarikon, and Meshima. Cardio combines Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, and Agrocybe Aegerita. All blends use 100% whole fruiting body mushroom powders with no fillers.

Where can I buy Hongo Tea Co products? +

You can purchase all Hongo Tea Co products directly from our website at hongotea.com. We also sell on Amazon. If you are a retailer interested in carrying our products, visit our wholesale page to apply for an account.

Ingredients & Quality


What does "whole fruiting body" mean and why does it matter? +

The fruiting body is the actual mushroom — the caps and stems you see and recognize. It contains the full spectrum of beneficial compounds the mushroom naturally produces. Many products on the market use mycelium grown on grain, which can contain up to 60% starch filler with significantly fewer beneficial mushroom compounds. At Hongo, we use only whole fruiting body mushrooms — no mycelium on grain, no starch fillers, ever. Learn more on our Why Whole Fruiting Bodies page.

Are your mushrooms and herbs organic? +

All of our mushrooms and herbs are grown and harvested using organic practices. While we are not officially certified organic — certification is a lengthy and expensive process — our sourcing standards require that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used. We are committed to clean, natural ingredients in every product.

Why is there no added sugar in your teas? +

We believe a truly functional beverage should never undermine your health with added sugar. Our teas are sweetened only with whole-leaf Stevia — not Stevia extract or powder, but actual dried Stevia leaf brewed right into the tea. This gives a natural, clean sweetness with zero calories and zero added sugar. The fruit juices we use for flavor and natural preservation also contribute a subtle natural sweetness.

How are the RTD teas preserved without artificial preservatives? +

We use 100% pure fruit juices that are naturally acidic to preserve our teas — no synthetic preservatives needed. Depending on the blend, this includes lemon juice, elderberry juice, key lime juice, black currant juice, or hibiscus flower (which is naturally highly acidic). This keeps our teas shelf-stable and fresh while staying completely clean and natural. See exactly how our teas are made.

How much mushroom is actually in each can? +

Each 12oz can of Hongo Vitality Tea contains 3,000mg of whole fruiting body mushroom — 750mg of each of the four mushrooms in that blend. For context, the industry average for mushroom beverages is around 500mg total. We formulate at 8 grams of each mushroom per gallon, which delivers a meaningful dose in every single can.

How is Hongo different from other mushroom brands? +

Most mushroom products cut corners in one of three ways: they use mycelium on grain instead of whole fruiting bodies, they use very small doses of mushroom, or they load their products with sugar and artificial ingredients. Hongo does none of these things. We use only whole fruiting body mushrooms, we dose at 3,000mg per can (6x the industry average), and our ingredients list contains nothing artificial. On top of that, Hongo was born from a real personal story — not a marketing team. Our founders drink these products every single day. Read more about what makes us different.

The Mushrooms


What mushrooms does Hongo use and what are they known for? +

We carry 14 whole fruiting body mushroom powders, each with its own unique properties:

  • Reishi — Known as the "mushroom of longevity," supports relaxation and immune function.
  • Lion's Mane — Supports cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity.
  • Chaga — A powerful antioxidant-rich mushroom that supports immune health.
  • Turkey Tail — One of the most researched mushrooms for immune support.
  • Cordyceps — Supports energy, stamina, and athletic performance.
  • Shiitake — Supports cardiovascular health and overall immune function.
  • Maitake — Supports healthy metabolic function and immune health.
  • King Trumpet — Rich in ergothioneine, supports cellular health and cognitive function.
  • Enoki — Supports brain health and immune function.
  • Shaggy Mane — Supports digestive health and overall wellbeing.
  • Meshima — A rare mushroom that supports immune and joint health.
  • Royal Sun Blazei — Supports immune function and healthy inflammatory response.
  • Agarikon — One of the rarest functional mushrooms, supports respiratory and immune health.
  • Agrocybe Aegerita (Black Poplar) — Supports cardiovascular health and antioxidant activity.

Visit our full Mushrooms page for a detailed breakdown of each species.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Do your teas contain caffeine? +

Our RTD Vitality Teas contain less than 2mg of naturally occurring caffeine per can — essentially caffeine-free. This trace amount comes naturally from the herbs used in the brew, not from added caffeine. This makes our teas suitable for people who are caffeine-sensitive or who want a functional beverage any time of day. Our Hongo Power Brew coffee contains caffeine from the coffee itself and is also available in a decaf version.

Are Hongo mushrooms tested for quality and purity? +

Yes. All of our mushrooms are sourced from suppliers who follow strict quality standards, and our products are tested to ensure they meet our purity and potency requirements. We only use whole fruiting body mushrooms with no grain or starch contamination, and we verify this through our sourcing process.

Usage & Storage


How do I use the mushroom powders? +

Our mushroom powders are incredibly versatile. Stir them into hot water to make a tea or broth, blend them into smoothies, add them to coffee, mix them into soups or sauces, or incorporate them into recipes like oatmeal, energy balls, or baked goods. A typical serving is one teaspoon (about 2-3 grams). We recommend starting with one serving per day and adjusting to your preference.

How do I brew Hongo Power Brew coffee? +

Exactly the same way you brew any ground coffee — drip machine, French press, pour-over, espresso, or any method you prefer. Use the same amount you would normally use for your preferred strength. There is nothing special you need to do. The mushroom powder is already blended into the grounds, so every cup automatically delivers both great coffee and functional mushrooms.

How should I store Hongo products? +

Our RTD teas are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few days. Our mushroom powders and Hongo Power Brew coffee should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always reseal tightly after each use to maintain freshness.

When is the best time to drink the teas? +

Because our teas contain less than 2mg of caffeine, they can be enjoyed any time of day. Many people enjoy Hongo Pure Energy in the morning or before a workout, Hongo Pure Focus during work hours or when they need mental clarity, and Hongo Pure Immunity any time — morning, afternoon, or evening. There is no wrong time to drink them.

Health & Safety


Are Hongo products safe for everyone? +

Our products are made from whole food ingredients — mushrooms, herbs, and fruit juices — with nothing artificial. However, as with any dietary supplement or functional food, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, taking medications, or have a known medical condition. If you have a mushroom allergy, please do not use our products.

Can I take Hongo products alongside my medications or supplements? +

While our products are made from whole natural ingredients, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement or functional food to your routine — especially if you are currently taking prescription medications. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to advise you on any potential interactions.

Why did you start Hongo Tea Co — do these products really work? +

Hongo Tea Co was founded by Tim and Sandra Watts — two entrepreneurs from Loxahatchee, Florida with no background in food or supplements. During the pandemic in 2020, Sandra found a Reishi mushroom growing on a log in their backyard, made a tea with it, and within weeks noticed a meaningful difference in how she felt. Tim started drinking it too. They kept researching, experimenting, and eventually built an entire product line. Today both Tim and Sandra are in their late 50s, actively working out, medication-free, and these teas are the only supplements they take. That is the story behind every product we make. Read our full story here.

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or returns? +

We stand behind everything we make. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please reach out within 30 days and we will make it right — in most cases you won't even need to send the product back. We are a small, founder-led company and every customer relationship is important to us. See our full Shipping & Returns policy here.

Are you interested in wholesale or retail partnerships? +

Yes! We offer wholesale pricing on our mushroom powder line and RTD Vitality Teas for approved retail partners including health food stores, gyms, yoga studios, wellness centers, and more. Visit our Wholesale page to learn about pricing tiers and apply for an account.



Still Have Questions?

We'd Love to
Hear From You

Reach out through our contact page and a real human will get back to you — not a bot.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hongo Tea Co products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary.

```

Our Products

What products does Hongo Tea Co offer? +

Hongo Tea Co offers three product lines. Our Hongo Vitality RTD Teas are ready-to-drink 12oz canned teas — Hongo Pure Focus, Hongo Pure Energy, and Hongo Pure Immunity. Our Mushroom Powders include 14 single whole fruiting body powders and four functional blends (Perfect 10, Focus Fuel, Joint & Flex, and Cardio). And our Hongo Power Brew is a mushroom coffee available in regular and decaf, made with 100% Colombian coffee and whole fruiting body mushroom powder.

What is the difference between the three RTD teas? +

Each tea is crafted around a specific functional purpose and features a unique mushroom blend and flavor profile. Hongo Pure Focus features King Trumpet, Enoki, Shaggy Mane, and Lion's Mane with Key Lime and Black Currant. Hongo Pure Energy features Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Lion's Mane with Hibiscus. Hongo Pure Immunity features Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, and Chaga with Lemon and Elderberry. All three contain 3,000mg of whole fruiting body mushrooms per 12oz can.

What is Hongo Power Brew? +

Hongo Power Brew is our mushroom coffee — 75% 100% Colombian ground coffee blended with 25% whole fruiting body mushroom powder (Reishi, Lion's Mane, Shaggy Mane, Turkey Tail, and Chaga). You brew it exactly like regular coffee. It's available in both regular and decaf, and it's a great way to get your daily mushroom intake without changing your morning routine.

What mushroom powder blends do you offer? +

We offer four blends, each crafted around a specific function. Perfect 10 contains all ten of our most popular mushrooms in one blend. Focus Fuel combines Lion's Mane, Shaggy Mane, King Trumpet, and Enoki. Joint & Flex combines Reishi, Royal Sun Blazei, Agarikon, and Meshima. Cardio combines Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, and Agrocybe Aegerita. All blends use 100% whole fruiting body mushroom powders with no fillers.

Where can I buy Hongo Tea Co products? +

You can purchase all Hongo Tea Co products directly from our website at hongotea.com. We also sell on Amazon. If you are a retailer interested in carrying our products, please visit our contact page to inquire about wholesale.


Ingredients & Quality

What does "whole fruiting body" mean and why does it matter? +

The fruiting body is the actual mushroom — the caps and stems that you see and recognize. It contains the full spectrum of beneficial compounds the mushroom naturally produces. Many products on the market use mycelium, which is the root-like structure of the fungus grown on grain. Mycelium-on-grain products often contain large amounts of starch and grain filler with significantly fewer beneficial mushroom compounds. At Hongo, we use only whole fruiting body mushrooms — no mycelium on grain, no starch fillers, ever.

Are your mushrooms and herbs organic? +

All of our mushrooms and herbs are grown and harvested using organic practices. While we are not officially certified organic — certification is a lengthy and expensive process — our sourcing standards require that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used. We are committed to clean, natural ingredients in every product.

Why is there no added sugar in your teas? +

We believe a truly functional beverage should never undermine your health with added sugar. Our teas are sweetened only with whole-leaf Stevia — not Stevia extract or powder, but actual dried Stevia leaf brewed right into the tea. This gives a natural, clean sweetness with zero calories and zero added sugar. The fruit juices we use for flavor and natural preservation (like elderberry, key lime, and black currant) also contribute a subtle natural sweetness.

How are the RTD teas preserved without artificial preservatives? +

We use 100% pure fruit juices that are naturally acidic to preserve our teas — no synthetic preservatives needed. Depending on the blend, this includes lemon juice, elderberry juice, key lime juice, black currant juice, or hibiscus flower (which is naturally highly acidic). This keeps our teas shelf-stable and fresh while staying completely clean and natural.

How much mushroom is actually in each can? +

Each 12oz can of Hongo Vitality Tea contains 3,000mg of whole fruiting body mushroom — 750mg of each of the four mushrooms in that blend. For context, the industry average for mushroom beverages is around 500mg total. We formulate at 8 grams of each mushroom per gallon, which delivers a meaningful dose in every can.

How is Hongo different from other mushroom brands? +

Most mushroom products cut corners in one of three ways: they use mycelium on grain instead of whole fruiting bodies, they use very small doses of mushroom, or they load their products with sugar and artificial ingredients. Hongo does none of these things. We use only whole fruiting body mushrooms, we dose at 3,000mg per can (6x the industry average), and our ingredients list contains nothing artificial. On top of that, Hongo was born from a real personal story — not a marketing team. Our founders drink these products every single day.


The Mushrooms

What mushrooms does Hongo use and what are they known for? +

We carry 14 whole fruiting body mushroom powders, each with its own unique properties:

  • Reishi — Known as the "mushroom of longevity," traditionally used to support relaxation and immune function.
  • Lion's Mane — Supports cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity.
  • Chaga — A powerful antioxidant-rich mushroom that supports immune health.
  • Turkey Tail — One of the most researched mushrooms for immune system support.
  • Cordyceps — Traditionally associated with energy, stamina, and athletic performance support.
  • Shiitake — Supports cardiovascular health and overall immune function.
  • Maitake — Supports healthy metabolic function and immune health.
  • King Trumpet — Rich in ergothioneine, supports cellular health and cognitive function.
  • Enoki — Supports brain health and immune function.
  • Shaggy Mane — Supports digestive health and overall wellbeing.
  • Meshima — A rare mushroom traditionally used to support immune and joint health.
  • Royal Sun Blazei — Supports immune function and healthy inflammatory response.
  • Agarikon — One of the rarest functional mushrooms, traditionally valued for respiratory and immune support.
  • Agrocybe Aegerita (Black Poplar) — Supports cardiovascular health and antioxidant activity.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Do your teas contain caffeine? +

Our RTD Vitality Teas contain less than 2mg of naturally occurring caffeine per can — essentially caffeine-free. This trace amount comes naturally from the herbs used in the brew, not from added caffeine. This makes our teas suitable for people who are caffeine-sensitive or who want to enjoy a functional beverage any time of day without affecting sleep. Our Hongo Power Brew coffee contains caffeine from the coffee itself and is also available in a decaf version.

Are Hongo mushrooms tested for quality and purity? +

Yes. All of our mushrooms are sourced from suppliers who follow strict quality standards, and our products are tested to ensure they meet our purity and potency requirements. We only use whole fruiting body mushrooms with no grain or starch contamination, and we verify this through our sourcing process.


Usage & Storage

How do I use the mushroom powders? +

Our mushroom powders are incredibly versatile. You can stir them into hot water to make a tea or broth, blend them into smoothies, add them to coffee, mix them into soups or sauces, or incorporate them into recipes like oatmeal, energy balls, or baked goods. A typical serving is one teaspoon (about 2-3 grams). We recommend starting with one serving per day and adjusting to your preference.

How do I brew Hongo Power Brew coffee? +

Exactly the same way you brew any ground coffee — drip machine, French press, pour-over, espresso, or any method you prefer. Use the same amount you would normally use for your preferred strength. There is nothing special you need to do. The mushroom powder is already blended into the grounds, so every cup automatically delivers both great coffee and functional mushrooms.

How should I store Hongo products? +

Our RTD teas are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few days. Our mushroom powders and Hongo Power Brew coffee should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always reseal tightly after each use to maintain freshness.

When is the best time to drink the teas? +

Because our teas contain less than 2mg of caffeine, they can be enjoyed any time of day. Many people enjoy Hongo Pure Energy in the morning or before a workout, Hongo Pure Focus during work hours or when they need mental clarity, and Hongo Pure Immunity any time — morning, afternoon, or evening. There is no wrong time to drink them.


Health & Safety

Are Hongo products safe for everyone? +

Our products are made from whole food ingredients — mushrooms, herbs, and fruit juices — with nothing artificial. However, as with any dietary supplement or functional food, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, taking medications, or have a known medical condition. If you have a mushroom allergy, please do not use our products.

Can I take Hongo products alongside my medications or supplements? +

While our products are made from whole natural ingredients, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement or functional food to your routine — especially if you are currently taking prescription medications. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to advise you on any potential interactions.

Why did you start Hongo Tea Co — do these products really work? +

Hongo Tea Co was founded by Tim and Sandra Watts — two entrepreneurs from Loxahatchee, Florida with no background in food or supplements. During the pandemic in 2020, Sandra found a Reishi mushroom growing on a log in their backyard. She made a tea with it and the herbs from their garden. Within weeks, she noticed a meaningful difference in how she felt. Tim started drinking it too. They kept researching, experimenting, and eventually built an entire product line. Today, both Tim and Sandra are in their late 50s, actively working out, medication-free, and these teas are the only supplements they take. That is the story behind every product we make.

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or returns? +

We stand behind everything we make. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to us at hongotea.com and we will make it right. Your satisfaction matters to us — we are a small, founder-led company and every customer relationship is important to us.

```

Still Have Questions?

We'd Love to Hear From You

Reach out through our contact page and a real human will get back to you — not a bot.

Contact Us

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hongo Tea Co products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary.