When Jon Carter was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 30, he did what many people would do — he turned to the Mayo Clinic. But he also turned to mushrooms.

Before the diagnosis, Carter had already begun experimenting with clean, energy-boosting snacks. “I was just tired of so-called ‘healthy’ bars with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce,” he says. “I wanted to make something real — no fillers, no preservatives.” That’s when he stumbled on functional mushrooms.

In the U.S., they’re called “functional.” In China, “medicinal.” Either way, these mushrooms offer more than just nutrition. Some, like cordyceps, are known for increasing stamina. Carter ordered some, cut out coffee, and was surprised to find himself feeling energized in a more natural way.

Then, just days later, Carter got the news: cancer. His project took a backseat as he flew to his home state of Minnesota for surgery and chemo. But he didn’t leave the mushrooms behind.

“One of the first things my fiancée did was go out and buy turkey tail mushrooms,” he says. Studies show that functional mushrooms can support immune health in cancer patients. As chemo set in and his energy waned, Carter looked to lion’s mane to clear his chemo ‘brain fog’ and used cordyceps for endurance. He even got a stamp of approval from his integrative oncologist, who recommended mushrooms as one of only two supplemental herbs.

Throughout chemo, Carter kept researching. He came across a study using cordyceps to treat testicular cancer — the same type he had. “That was the moment,” he says. “I promised myself that if I got through this, I’d really give my idea a shot.”

When he felt well enough, he started again — this time with a purpose. He rolled one of his old bars into a ball, and something clicked. “I just started laughing. It was perfect,” he says. A snack that looked odd, inspired by a testicular cancer diagnosis. His sister came up with the name: Odd Balls.

The branding was more than just clever. It came with a mission: to encourage young adults to check themselves and speak up. “If you’ve got an odd bump or lump,” the package reads, “tell a doc today.”

At first, Carter made the balls in his kitchen and sold them to friends. He tracked feedback in a shared Google Doc, tweaking recipes based on suggestions from 40–50 testers. 

“My friends and I, we had a thousand years of collective snacking experience,” he jokes. Eventually, he found a co-packer who could help him scale up while keeping the integrity of his ingredients organic, gluten-free and simple. But snacks also have to taste good.

“I’ve always had a love for snacks, but after my cancer diagnosis, I found myself frustrated with the lack of options that were both fun and healthy,” Carter says. “I wanted to create something that was indulgent but also packed with nutrients.”

Odd Balls features a unique twist on traditional snacks, offering an array of protein-packed, gluten-free, and satisfying treats that blend health-conscious ingredients with bold flavors. “We want people to feel good about snacking, without compromising on taste,” Jon explains. “Our products are designed to fuel your body, whether you’re hiking in the Wasatch mountains or just enjoying a quiet night in.”

What makes Odd Balls stand out in Utah’s vibrant snack market? It’s not just the quality of the ingredients, it’s the story behind the brand. Born from a life-changing diagnosis, Carter’s entrepreneurial spirit comes from his own personal journey.

Feature Image of Jon Carter, developer of Odd Balls. An Energy snack that helped him through cancer treatment. Photo courtesy of Jon Carter.