Inside Happy Mushroom Co.: How Walker Sauls Is Turning Functional Mushrooms Into the Future of Wellness

Written By George Goodwin

By George Goodwin

If you’ve been walking down the supplement aisle lately, you’ve probably noticed something taking over the shelves: functional mushrooms. From coffee alternatives to immunity boosters, fungi are having a massive moment.

In a recent episode of the Grocery Pulse podcast, I sat down with Walker Sauls, the co-founder of Happy Mushroom Co., to chat about his journey from foraging in the forests of Oregon to building a brand that’s shaking up the wellness industry.

One of those leaders is Walker Sauls, founder of Happy Mushroom Co., a Reno-based wellness brand helping people (and pets) feel better through functional mushroom supplements that actually work. From tinctures to powders to sparkling beverages, these powerful fungi are showing up everywhere. But behind every movement is a maker — someone who sees the future before the trend arrives.

Whether you’re a biohacker, a dog owner, or just someone trying to stay healthy, Walker’s story is a fascinating look at how a simple connection to nature can turn into a business that helps people (and pets!) live better.

In this article, we dive into Walker’s story, how Happy Mushroom Co. grew from a simple fascination in Oregon forests to a booming wellness brand, and why functional mushrooms are becoming the future of health.

The Beginning — How Nature Shaped Walker Sauls’ Wellness Journey

Most founders start with an idea. Walker started with nature. Growing up in Reno, Nevada, he spent most of his life outdoors — skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and developing a deep respect for the environment. But everything changed when he moved to Oregon after college.

There, he found himself surrounded by mushrooms — not just culinary mushrooms, but wild fungi growing across the Pacific Northwest. Curious, he started identifying them, connecting with experts online, and learning how fungi play a massive role in global ecosystems.

“I realized mushrooms literally connect forests. They transfer nutrients. They heal soil. And I felt like they could help people reconnect to themselves too.” — Walker Sauls

That connection became the inspiration for what is now Happy Mushroom Co.

From Foraging to Founding: The Roots of Happy Mushroom Co.

Walker’s journey didn’t start in a boardroom. It started in the dirt.

Growing up in Reno, Nevada, Walker always had a deep respect for nature. But it wasn’t until he moved to Oregon after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), that he really fell down the rabbit hole—or should I say, the mycelial network.

"I was surrounded by mushrooms... I just had this natural inclination to explore what was going on." — Walker Sauls

He spent years foraging, learning to identify wild mushrooms, and connecting with online communities to verify his finds. He didn’t even eat his first foraged mushroom for a year because he was so careful about safety!

But the real turning point came when he realized mushrooms weren't just cool to look at—they could heal. After seeing firsthand how turkey tail tea helped fight off sickness and learning about how fungi connect entire ecosystems, he knew he had to share this with the world.

During the quiet reflection time of the COVID pandemic, Walker and his brother decided to turn this passion into a profession, and Happy Mushroom Co. was born. When Walker returned to Reno, he had clarity, time, and a fresh start. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a business idea — with one goal:

Bring high-quality, sustainable functional mushrooms to as many people as possible.

Happy Mushroom Co. first started as a mushroom farm, selling fresh culinary mushrooms to local restaurants. But it wasn’t long before Walker noticed something bigger happening:
Functional mushrooms were exploding in popularity.

Consumers were searching for:

  • lion’s mane for focus

  • turkey tail for immune support

  • cordyceps for energy

  • reishi for stress relief

  • functional mushroom beverages

  • sustainable mushroom supplements

And the global functional mushroom market was growing fast — projected to surpass $20B by 2030. Walker knew it was time to evolve.

The Power of the Functional Mushroom Market

Walker isn't just following a trend; he's helping lead a movement. The demand for natural health solutions is exploding.

  • Fact: The global functional mushroom market is projected to surpass $20 billion by 2030.

  • Stat: According to an IBM report, 77% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from companies that are socially responsible.

People are waking up to the fact that food is medicine. They want products that are clean, effective, and good for the planet—values that are baked into every bottle Happy Mushroom Co. produces.

Happy Mushroom Co. focuses on five primary functional mushrooms:

✔ Lion’s Mane – Supports focus, memory & brain health

✔ Cordyceps – Boosts energy & endurance

✔ Turkey Tail – Strengthens immune system; rich in PSK & PSP

✔ Reishi – Reduces stress & promotes calm

✔ Chaga – Strong antioxidants; immune support

These mushrooms are packed with compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and hericenones, which support the body from the inside out.

Fun Fact: Turkey tail is the most studied medicinal mushroom in the world, and its PSK compound is used in cancer therapy in Japan.

Quality You Can Feel: The Science Behind the Supplements

One thing that really stood out to me during our chat was Walker’s obsession with quality. The supplement industry can be a bit like the Wild West, with some companies using fillers or weak extraction methods to cut costs.

Happy Mushroom Co. does things differently.

1. Ultrasonic Extraction: Unlocking the Magic

You can't just eat raw medicinal mushrooms and expect to get all the benefits. Their cell walls are made of chitin (the same tough stuff crab shells are made of), which our bodies can't digest easily.

To solve this, Happy Mushroom Co. uses Ultrasonic Extraction.

  • How it works: High-frequency sound waves gently break apart the cell walls.

  • The Benefit: It keeps the temperature low, preserving heat-sensitive compounds while making the medicinal benefits highly bioavailable (meaning your body can actually absorb them).

2. Sourcing Matters

Mushrooms are "hyper-accumulators," meaning they soak up everything from their environment—including bad stuff like heavy metals.

  • The Standard: Happy Mushroom Co. sources 100% USA-grown mushrooms and uses rigorous third-party testing to ensure their products are free from heavy metals and pesticides.

What Makes Happy Mushroom Co. Different?

Functional mushrooms aren’t new — but Happy Mushroom Co. does things differently.

1. No Fillers. No Grains. No “Mushroom Mycelium on Grain.”

Most cheap mushroom supplements grind up grain-filled mycelium, which can be 40–70% filler.

Happy Mushroom Co. uses 100% real mushroom fruiting bodies — the part of the mushroom with the highest concentration of medicinal compounds.

2. Advanced Extraction for Maximum Absorption

A huge issue in the mushroom space is bioavailability. Mushroom cell walls are tough — made from chitin, the same material in crab shells.

Happy Mushroom Co. solves this with ultrasonic extraction, which:

  • breaks apart mushroom cell walls

  • preserves heat-sensitive compounds

  • increases potency

  • improves absorption

This is why customers feel the difference.

3. Sustainable, Earth-Friendly Practices

Walker’s environmental background shows in every part of the business:

  • sourcing USA-grown mushrooms

  • donating spent mushroom blocks to farms

  • using recycled packaging

  • reducing single-use plastics

  • supporting 1% for the Planet

Consumers care too — 77% of buyers prefer brands that prioritize sustainability.

4. Third-Party Lab Testing for Safety & Quality

Because mushrooms can absorb heavy metals from the environment, every batch is tested for:

  • heavy metals

  • microbes

  • purity

  • potency

That means clean, ethical, and effective products — every time.

Not Just for Humans: The "Pawsitive" Impact on Pets

This was arguably my favorite part of the interview. Did you know your dog can benefit from mushrooms too?

Happy Mushroom Co. launched a dog supplement powder that has quickly become a bestseller. It’s a blend of Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and Oyster mushrooms, formulated with help from a pet nutritionist.

The feedback from pet owners has been incredible:

  • Immune Support: Owners have reported that lumps on their dogs have disappeared after using the Turkey Tail-heavy formula.

  • Anxiety Relief: Just like in humans, Lion’s Mane helps regulate the nervous system, calming down anxious or jittery pups.

  • Allergy Relief: Many dogs with itchy skin issues saw their symptoms clear up.

"We get some of the coolest stories from our customers... people talking about how they tried so many things for their dog... and nothing worked until they found this mushroom powder." — Walker Sauls

Sustainability: Giving Back to the Earth

Happy Mushroom Co. puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to the environment.

  • 1% for the Planet: They donate 1% of all sales to environmental initiatives.

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: They prioritize recycled paper and sustainable materials.

  • Circular Economy: Back when they were a fresh mushroom farm, they donated 100% of their used mushroom blocks to local farms to revitalize soil compost.

The Mindset Behind the Movement

At the heart of Happy Mushroom Co. is a simple mission:

Help people reconnect — to health, to nature, to each other.

Walker believes mushrooms are a symbol of connection. Nature uses them to link entire ecosystems. Maybe humans can use them to link to their own wellness again.

“We want to help people feel good, live healthier, and stay connected — physically and emotionally.” — Walker Sauls

Key Takeaways

  • Functional mushrooms are booming: The market is heading toward $20 billion as people seek natural wellness.

  • Extraction is everything: Look for products that use methods like ultrasonic extraction to ensure you actually absorb the nutrients.

  • Pets need wellness too: Medicinal mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane can have life-changing effects for dogs.

  • Values matter: Consumers are choosing brands that care about sustainability and transparency.

  • Happy Mushroom Co. uses 100% real mushroom fruiting bodies — no fillers.

  • All products are third-party lab tested for safety.

  • Sustainable packaging and 1% for the Planet help support environmental health.

  • New functional mushroom beverages will expand the brand’s impact in 2024–2025.

FAQs About Functional Mushrooms & Happy Mushroom Co.

Are functional mushrooms safe to take daily?

Yes. Functional mushroom supplements like lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail are safe for daily use and have been used for centuries.

What is the best mushroom for focus and mental clarity?

Lion’s mane tincture is known for supporting focus, memory, and reduced brain fog.

Are mushroom tinctures better than powders?

Tinctures are often more bioavailable because the compounds are already extracted, making them easier for the body to absorb.

Can pets take functional mushrooms?

Yes — but only specially formulated pet supplements. Happy Mushroom Co.’s pet blend is vet-approved and safe for dogs.

Where can I buy Happy Mushroom Co. products?

Products are available at happymushroomco.com, at regional retailers, and will soon expand into wider grocery distribution.

Call to Action — Experience the Power of Functional Mushrooms

If you want to support your:

  • immune system

  • focus and brain health

  • energy

  • stress levels

  • gut health

  • pet’s wellness

…then functional mushroom supplements are a powerful place to start. Whether you're looking to boost your own focus or help your furry best friend feel their best, Happy Mushroom Co. has a quality-first solution for you.

Learn More & Reach Out

Try a tincture. Explore the powder. Sign up for their newsletter. And get ready for the launch of their first functional mushroom beverage. Your wellness journey might begin with a single drop — or a single sip.

🎧 Listen to GroceryPulse

George Goodwin
Next

🛒 Top Grocery Marketing Agencies in 2025: Who’s Shaping the Future of Retail