Grateful for Gummies
The Story Behind Grateful Dead Gummies™
Wellness just got a whole lot groovier!*
Host Defense® is proud to introduce Grateful Dead Gummies™, a new line of functional mushroom gummies created by mycological pioneer Paul Stamets in collaboration with the iconic Grateful Dead!
These delicious mushroom gummies blend organic mushroom mycelium with thoughtfully selected vitamins and herbs to support wellness for mind and body—making it easier to enjoy the benefits of mushrooms as a tasty part of your daily wellness routine. Infused with bold, delicious flavors—and just 4g of sugar per serving—Grateful Dead Gummies™ are an easy, convenient way to enjoy the everyday benefits mushroom mycelium!*
This collaboration brings together two worlds grounded in creativity, connection, and respect for nature. It’s a celebration of shared values, journeys, and good vibrations!
Where the Story Begins
It all started in a remote cabin in the Cascades, where Paul—working as a logger—had only his tapes of Grateful Dead concerts to keep him company. It was there, in the mountains and forests of the Pacific Northwest, that Paul began his mycological journey. And the Grateful Dead became the soundtrack to his earliest explorations into the incredible kingdom of fungi—echoing through the trees as curiosity took hold.
Before long, Paul packed up his work boots and traded them for an electron microscope at The Evergreen State College. He spent long days in the grow lab, Dead albums filling the air. That’s when he noticed something curious: when the Dead were playing, a few days later he’d see massive flushes of mushrooms. Wow!
At first, he chalked it up to dialing in the feed formula. But over time, the pattern became impossible to ignore. The flushes followed the visceral rhythms and vibrations of the music. It was Paul’s first recognition that mushroom mycelium awakens to sound—responding, resonating, and rejoicing alongside all of us.
From that point on, Paul was all in. The Grateful Dead became the background music of his life for the next decade—fueling his work, his wonder, and his sense of connection to something larger than himself.
Over time, that connection grew into a genuine friendship with the Grateful Dead—grounded in mutual respect, shared curiosity, and a love of mushrooms, music, and community. And it was that friendship that ultimately sparked the collaboration behind Grateful Dead Gummies™.
From Friendship to Grateful Dead Gummies™
For decades, Paul was just one of thousands in the audience. But many years ago, everything about Paul’s connection to the Grateful Dead community changed. At one concert, the band reached out to Paul and invited him backstage.
Paul initially learned that two members of the band specifically liked mushrooms. One band member called them “his favorite vegetable,” which Paul often jokes about because, contrary to what many people think, mushrooms aren’t vegetables—they aren’t even plants! Paul recalls that another band member called them “benevolent mushrooms.”
In fact, the longer he spoke with them, it became clear to Paul that every member of the band seemed to like mushrooms—that they spoke his language as much as he spoke theirs. He considers that experience backstage with his favorite band to be the moment that the Grateful Dead became part of his personal community.
Fast forward to two years ago—this time on a Zoom call—when the band called a meeting about a potential collaboration with Paul and Host Defense. In a flash of inspiration, Paul realized that the Dancing Bears could be the face of a new line of Grateful Dead-inspired mushroom gummies that would be Powered by Mushroom Mycelium™!
Thus, the Grateful Dead Gummies™ were born—from friendship, fun, kindness, respect, and benevolence.
The Grateful Dead helped shape Paul’s foundational ideas and values—ideas he carried forward personally and professionally. This collaboration is a chance to shine a light on that legacy, to celebrate the good vibrations that help us all (including mushrooms) grow, and to share the joy that comes from moving through life together. Because our vibrations, our celebrations, and our journeys matter; they’re all part of a greater, shared community.
A New Way to Experience Mushroom Mycelium
Meet the Grateful Dead Gummies™ Lineup:
Cosmic Focus™*
Some moments call for clarity and presence. Cosmic Focus™* is formulated with Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium, plus vitamins B12 and Niacin, to support brain health, mental energy, and focus—helping you stay engaged and in rhythm with what’s ahead. These Orange Sunshine flavored gummies (with other natural flavors) are ready to help you dial in and get into your groove; this is your moment to let focus take the stage and get into your flow state!*
-
Lion’s Mane supports focus & mental clarity*
-
Niacin promotes nerve and brain function*
-
Vitamin B12 promotes sustained mental energy*
Stay Mellow™*
Other moments call for slowing down and finding your center. Stay Mellow™* brings together Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom mycelium with ashwagandha and chamomile to support relaxation, stress reduction, and a calm, balanced mood. These Cherry Zen flavored gummies (with other natural flavors) are ready for when you want to soften the edges of the day, tune-in to your calm, and remember that you can live more and stress less—one mellow moment at a time.*
-
Lion’s Mane supports a calm and balanced mood*
-
Reishi supports stress reduction*
-
Ashwagandha supports adaptation to daily stressors*
-
Chamomile promotes a calm, relaxed body & mind*
Beary Well™*
Every journey is better when you feel supported along the way. Beary Well™* blends Agarikon, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushroom mycelium with elderberry, vitamin C, and Zinc to support immune and upper respiratory wellness—helping you stay in tune with your well-being. These Elderberry Medley flavored gummies (with other natural flavors) are ready to help you feel ready to keep moving forward, keep showing up, and keep on jammin’—because you deserve to feel not just well, but Beary Well™ as you move through life’s long journey.*
-
Agarikon promotes immune cell functioning*
-
Turkey Tail supports an engaged immune response*
-
Chaga supports antioxidant activity*
-
Elderberry promotes upper respiratory health*
-
Vitamin C & Zinc support immune health*
A Celebration of Connection
Grateful Dead Gummies™ are more than mushroom gummies—they’re a celebration of friendship, community, and the good vibrations that connect us all! This collaboration honors the Grateful Dead’s legacy of creativity, freedom, and togetherness, while carrying forward Paul’s lifelong reverence for nature and the living networks that support us all.*
It’s wellness with a rhythm—a reminder to move with intention, to find your flow, and to enjoy the ride. Whether you’re dialing in your focus, easing into a calmer moment, or supporting your everyday well-being, these mushroom gummies invite you to tune-in to gratitude and let the journey unfold.*
Start your day Gratefully!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.