Natural Products Expo West is like the Disney World of healthy, trending food and supplements. Imagine booths as far as the eye can see filled with delicious and healthy snacks and drinks. Basically, Expo West is like grocery shopping in the store of the future, minus the fear of someone whacking into you with their shopping cart. It’s no wonder why this year drew Expo’s largest crowd yet, with over 80,000 people gathered at the event. Each year, the convention features brands of all sizes and food categories, often fitting into coveted categories such as vegan, paleo and gluten-free. As an event where new products are often debuted (this year’s event had over 600 first-time exhibitors!), Expo West is often indicative of the year’s up-and-coming food and health trends and innovations.
Our LMS team has rounded up their favorite trends from this year’s Expo to be on the lookout for and give a try yourself:
Keto – The ketogenic diet forces the body to burn fats through a diet of high-fats (we’re talking avocados, nuts and oils here), adequate protein and low carbs. Fueling your body with healthy fats is the key to this diet, and thanks to a variety of bars, nut butters, and organic meats and cheeses it can be delicious and filling! Oh, and did we mention that you can still eat cookies on this diet? Yeah.
Plant-Based Protein – If you think the only way to swap traditional protein for plants is almond milk, think again. Plenty of brands are offering plant-based alternatives for a variety of meat and dairy products such as dairy-free coconut yogurt, plant-based ice cream, spreadable cream cheeses and even burritos (you’ve got our attention now, plants). Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegetarian, or simply interested plant-based alternatives, there’s definitely an array of products out there to choose from.
CBD – Cannabidiol, or CBD, is currently trending due to it health-related properties. Start-ups and older companies alike are embracing CBD and incorporating it into oils, creams and supplements. The market for CBD is growing fast, and we believe it’s here to stay!
Sparkling Drinks – This year, Expo had us singing “I got that bubbly” at all hours of the day thanks to sparkling juices, sodas, coconut waters, and even – wait for it – coffee. These carbonated drinks are a fun take on the classics and are just as refreshing. Give them a try just in time for the spring and summer!
Alternative Sweeteners – Say goodbye to Stevia and hello to alternative sweeteners like Monkfruit. Monkfruit sweeteners are the zero-calorie way to sweeten up your food or drink! With a 1:1 sugar ratio that cooks and bakes exactly like cane sugar, it’s hard to say no to giving Monkfruit a try!
Solutions from the Sea – Nearly everyone knows that saltwater heals, but did you know that seaweed, kelp, seawater and other natural sea solutions are healthy to eat? Since you can’t eat sushi every day *sigh*, be sure to explore some other sea-based products like this culinary algae oil. Compared to other cooking oils, algae oil has more good fats, higher smoke point and maintains heart health and has a lower carbon and water footprint. Good for your health and the environment means two thumbs up from us!
Collagen – They say beauty comes from within, so why not give your outer beauty a boost by….eating….collagen. Sounds good, right? Don’t knock it till ya try it! Collagen-infused foods, like these “beauty food” bars and bone broth collagen to mix in smoothies or beverages, help support healthy skin, hair and nails that’ll leave you feeling glowing. And, let’s be honest, any product that lets us EAT to promote outer beauty and keeps us feeling strong is a product we’re willing to try no matter how weird it sounds. *Collagen Drink Cheers to that*
Hungry for more? LMS works with tons of brands, like the ones at Expo West, to grow their brands. Contact us at imgame@wearelms.com and check out our blog for more.
