FAQS
Still Have Questions?
General Product Information
What sets Happiness Foods sprouted organic pumpkin seeds apart?
Our sprouted USDA Certified Organic pumpkin seeds are meticulously crafted using only the finest premium organic ingredients. As our Founder likes to say, “We only sell what we are willing to eat, and we are serious health nuts!” Our seeds undergo a specialized sprouting and low-temperature dehydration process that enhances their nutritional value while preserving their awesome crunchiness. And let’s not forget about taste! We offer a variety of unique sweet and savory flavors that complement any culinary creation or snacking moment.
What makes your products “premium”?
We start with the best quality USDA Certified Organic sprouted pumpkin seeds. Each flavor is coated with organic and kosher-certified whole foods, herbs and spices. Our recipes focus on flavor and superior premium-quality good-for-you ingredients. We use the same high-quality ingredients you would buy at the store or find in your own kitchen like Himalayan pink salt, pure Madagascar vanilla, dark maple syrup, raw Peruvian cacao and unsweetened coconut.
What certifications do your products have?
Our products are USDA Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth and Kosher Certified by EarthKosher. We pride ourselves on only using premium organic and non-GMO ingredients and ensuring that our products are free from artificial ingredients.
Are Happiness Foods products suitable for specific dietary preferences?
Yes! Our USDA Certified Organic and Kosher products cater to a wide range of Dietary Preferences, Including Organic, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Low-Carb, Low-Glycemic, Paleo, Keto, Raw-Food, Plant-Based, Health-Conscious And Whole 30 Diets. Our products are free from refined sugar, preservatives, chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics. They are also soy-free and peanut-free, and our facility is dedicated to maintaining these standards.
What do we mean by “gently dehydrate”?
Instead of roasting at high temperatures, which can destroy vital enzymes and nutrients, we “gently dehydrate” our seeds at low temperatures. This process preserves their beneficial enzymes and nutrients while creating our signature crispy crunch.
How should I store my seeds?
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and quality. Keep the bag or container clean, sealed and airtight. For maximum freshness, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
What is the shelf life of your sprouted seeds?
When stored airtight in a cool dry place, our seeds have a shelf life of one year. For maximum freshness, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
Are your products produced in an allergen-free facility?
Our sprouted USDA organic pumpkin seeds are crafted in small batches with meticulous attention to detail and quality control. They are produced in a GMO-free facility that also processes tree nuts and sesame, but no gluten, peanuts, soy, dairy, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans or shellfish. Detailed ingredient information is provided on the back of each bag.
Is it normal for the seeds to clump together?
Absolutely. And, at Happiness Foods we love a “cluster” of seeds! This natural occurrence is due to our commitment to using only the finest organic ingredients without any preservatives. So, some of our flavored sprouted pumpkin seeds may stick together when additive-free ingredients like maple syrup, shredded coconut and raw Peruvian cacao gently dehydrate due to their pure, additive-free nature.
Sprouting and Activation
What does “sprouting” mean?
Sprouting occurs when you soak seeds to germinate (aka “activate”) them and then rinse and drain them at regular intervals to grow them into young sprouts. Sprouts are very young plants harvested at their earliest stages of growth. Sprouted seeds are more nutritious and easier to digest than unsprouted seeds.
Why Sprouted?
You are probably used to eating unsprouted seeds. But did you know that sprouted seeds are more nutritious and easier to digest than unsprouted seeds? Unsprouted seeds have natural enzyme inhibitors (aka “anti-nutrients”) such as phytic acid that make them hard to digest and block the absorption of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Sprouting removes enzyme inhibitors making the seeds a nutritional powerhouse by enhancing digestibility and nutrient absorption.
How are sprouted seeds different from unsprouted seeds?
Simply put, sprouted seeds are more nutritious and easier to digest than unsprouted seeds. Sprouted seeds (aka “sprouts”) are alive – they are young plants that are just starting to grow. Sprouts are more nutritious than unsprouted seeds because the sprouting process boosts the nutritional content of seeds and makes them easier to digest. Unsprouted seeds contain natural enzyme inhibitors (aka “anti-nutrients”) to protect them from predators in nature by making them hard to digest.
Why should I incorporate sprouted food into my diet?
Sprouting is a nutritional game-changer! Sprouted foods are good for your microbiome and overall health. Sprouting transforms dormant seeds into living plants, making them more nutritious and easier to digest. At Happiness Foods, we turn hangry into happy with our signature sprouted pumpkin seeds, meticulously crafted to satisfy your cravings and fuel your body with premium nutrition.
How are Happiness Foods pumpkin seeds sprouted?
We sprout our pumpkin seeds by first soaking them in purified water to germinate (aka “activate”) them, and then we rinse and drain them at regular intervals to sprout them. This process transforms them into a nutritional powerhouse enhancing digestibility and nutrient bioavailability.
What does “activate” mean and why is “activated food” important?
Seeds contain all the nutrients and enzymes needed to grow into plants, yet they remain “inactive” until water, oxygen, temperature and light “activate” them, bringing them to life. The sprouting process “activates” dormant seeds, bringing them to life. Seeds that have been activated through sprouting have more enzymes and nutrients and are easier to digest than inactive, unsprouted seeds.
Are sprouted pumpkin seeds the only type of activated food?
“Activating” is an umbrella term that relates to bringing food to life. That’s why we coined the term “activated+live.” At Happiness Foods, we are huge fans of activated foods, including sprouted seeds and fermented veggies which are more nutritious and easier to digest than non-activated foods. Activated foods can bring a wealth of mental and physical health benefits to those who consume them regularly.
Health and Benefits
What are the potential health benefits of Happiness Foods sprouted organic pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are considered a functional food which means they promote health and help prevent disease. Ongoing research shows potential health benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds in the areas of mood, sleep, inflammation, heart health, bone health, liver function and prostate health. Studies indicate that pumpkin seeds may boost mood, metabolism, immune system function, antioxidant levels, good cholesterol levels, healthy weight and sperm count while reducing depression, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, inflammation, arthritis symptoms, viral and parasitic infections, and nutritional deficiencies such as iron. There is also research into the impact of consuming pumpkin seeds on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tumors and anemia.
What is a functional food and are pumpkin seeds a functional food?
Functional foods have natural bioactive components that promote health and prevent disease. They are also known as medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical and pharmacological foods. Pumpkin seeds are a functional food powerhouse, offering a variety of health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
What makes Happiness Foods sprouted pumpkin seeds so nutritious?
Our USDA Organic sprouted pumpkin seeds are densely packed with valuable macronutrients such as plant protein, healthy fats, and prebiotic fiber which supports good gut bacteria and promotes a balanced microbiome. They are loaded with essential micronutrients including Vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium and copper; polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, and bioactive compounds such antioxidants, polyphenols, phytosterols, flavanols and tocopherols. They also provide all 9 essential amino acids which are the building blocks of protein! Sprouted pumpkin seeds are more nutritious and easier to digest than unsprouted seeds due to their increased nutrients and enzymes and reduced anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors.
What are the benefits of eating Certified Organic food?
Certified organic foods are free from artificial additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. They may contain more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because they have not been grown with pesticides and artificial fertilizers and because exposure to toxins and antibiotic-resistant bacteria is reduced.
How does consuming sprouted organic pumpkin seeds contribute to overall health?
Our sprouted USDA organic pumpkin seeds are rich in plant protein, prebiotic fiber, healthy fats and essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Their prebiotic properties support gut health which is linked to mood and overall well-being. Pumpkin seeds are considered a functional food which means they promote health and help prevent disease.
What is the connection between food and mood?
The food we eat has a MAJOR impact on our mood! Food and mood are connected via the gut-brain axis which is a dynamic communication highway between our gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Our gut and brain send chemical signals to each other, and these signals determine how we feel mentally and emotionally. The key point to understand is that for better or worse, the food we eat impacts the signals our gut-brain axis sends and therefore how we feel. Did you know that 90-95% of the “happy hormone” serotonin is produced in our gut and plays a HUGE role in helping us feel happier and less stressed? High-quality foods activate the production of happy hormones like serotonin and other good-mood signals, whereas low-quality foods trigger the production of bad-mood signals that make us feel crappy.
Why is everyone talking about the gut microbiome and what is it?
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microbes that consume our food and produce the same chemical signals that our brain uses to regulate mood, cognition and behavior (including serotonin, dopamine, GABA and melatonin). This is why you may have heard the gut referred to as the “second brain.” Did you know that 90-95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut? Known as a “happy hormone” serotonin plays a HUGE role in helping us feel happier and less stressed.
Does what we eat make any difference to our microbiome?
Yes! When we eat, what we are really doing is feeding the trillions of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that live in our gut. The food we eat is the most important determinant of what kind of microbes – good or bad - populate our gut microbiome. Based on the quality of food we eat, our gut microbes produce good-mood or bad-mood signals that impact how we feel. We treat our gut microbes intelligently by eating high-quality foods that nourish good gut microbes and starve bad gut microbes. Happiness Foods activated+live pumpkin seeds are rich in prebiotic fiber that nourishes our good gut microbes and tryptophan which our good gut microbes convert into the “happy hormone” serotonin.
What is the protein content of Happiness Foods' sprouted organic pumpkin seeds?
A lot! One ounce or ¼ cup of Happiness Foods Unsalted Organic Pumpkin Seeds contains 9 grams of protein. That's equivalent to 1½ eggs, 3 ounces of cottage cheese, 1 ½ ounces of cheddar cheese or about 2 ounces of ground beef!
Where can I find nutrition information?
You can view the full nutritional label on the back of each package and on each product page on the website.
Shipping and Subscriptions
What are your shipping options?
We offer various shipping options to ensure your Happiness Foods order arrive safely and promptly. Shipping details, including delivery times and rates, can be found during the checkout process on our website.
How do I manage my subscription?
You can easily manage your subscription through our customer portal. Log in to your account to swap products, skip a delivery, pause or resume, cancel, or change the delivery frequency of your subscription.
Can I swap products in my subscription?
Yes! You can swap products by logging into your account and selecting the items you'd like to change in the customer portal.
Can I skip a delivery?
If you want to skip an upcoming delivery, simply log in to the customer portal, find your subscription, and select the option to skip the delivery.
Can I pause or resume my subscription?
Absolutely. In the customer portal, you can pause your subscription for as long as you need and resume it at any time with just a few clicks.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your subscription anytime by logging into your account and selecting the cancel option in the customer portal. If you do not have an account, you can send us an email at help@happinessfoods.com and we will cancel it for you! There are no cancellation fees!
Can I change the delivery frequency of my subscription?
Yes, you can easily adjust how often you receive your orders through the customer portal. Choose a frequency that works best for you.
Customer Support
How can I contact your customer support team?
Still have questions or need help with an order? Submit your request through the customer inquiry window at the top of this page.
Disclaimer:
The content on this site is available solely for general information and educational purposes, and it is not intended to serve as nutritional or medical advice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on these FAQs by you. As always, seek the advice of a medical professional before changing your diet or healthcare practices.