You may remember last year, I lucked into a spot working with Simple Squares and Dang at NCA’s Sweets and Snacks Show (recap). When it came around again, I asked both companies if they were going this year and they were not. I reached out to a few other companies I have worked with and the nice folks at InBalance Health who make Finds’ Faves INBars gave me a pass and the opportunity to work with them for a few hours in their booth.
For someone like me (who loves healthy snacks and sweets and treats), NCA’s Sweets and Snacks Show is like hitting the lottery. I am not going to sugar coat it, it was AWESOME! How awesome? Well, there were “over 650 vendors exhibiting candy snacks over 3 ACRES.” Plus the people are amazing – especially in the natural foods and innovative foods sections. It was so fun to talk to the key people from many companies I have worked with and some new ones.
I worked for a few hours with INBalance. It was so easy to “sell” INBars because they are super healthy AND taste amazing. INBars are vegan, gluten free, allergen free, non-GMO, high in fiber and protein and are low in sugar. Check out INBars online or at local health food stores and many retailers. Keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter.
When I was done working, I walked the floor and talked to lots of awesome vendors. I am proud to say that I did not eat a single piece of candy – though I did take some to go! I figured the first piece would open up the flood gates and that could be bad news.
Here are some previews of great products you will see on the blog in the weeks ahead:
- Torie & Howard Organic Hard Candy (center)– You may remember Torie & Howard’s hard candies from my reviews last year. These candies are USDA certified organic, contain all natural ingredients, Kosher certified, free of any preservatives, additives, artificial flavoring, chemicals or dyes. They are also allergy friendly. The flavors are d’anjou pear and cinnamon (my fave!), pomegranate and nectarine, blood orange and honey and pink grapefruit and tupelo honey. They just released a new line of chews. I got a few to try and I met Torie! She offered to send me some chews in July for a test run and I promise to share some so stay tuned! In the mean time, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
- Nature’s Bakery Gluten Free Fig Bars (new!) – I love Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars and the delish flavors that they come in. I have been eating mostly gluten free so I was VERY excited to see a new gluten free line in four flavors. They come in blueberry, fig, pomegranate and raspberry. They are also dairy free, soy free, contain no artificial ingredients , no high fructose corn syrup and 0 trans fats. I will tell you all about these soon and I imagine I will gobble them right up! In the mean time, you can follow Nature’s Bakery on Facebook and Twitter.
- Go Chia! Chia Bites– You may remember Drink Chia! drinks. Go Chia! released a line of chia bites (and they were sampling a delish chia ball with peanut butter, too! Yum!) They believe that “superfoods and super delicious should go together.” New Chia Bites are an Omega-rich, “grab and go” snack that “unites the powerhouse nutrition of ancient grains with subtly sweet flavors you’re sure to love.” They come in two flavors: Dark Chocolate and Cherry Chunk. They gave me some to try and some to share! In the mean time, you can check them out on Facebook and Twitter
- Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks (new) – you may remember my review of Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Chips. The dads are back with a new seaweed snack in three awesome flavors: Texas BBQ, Sea Salt and Sriracha. This is so new it is not even on their website yet! It is delish. I will work with them to get some samples for folks to try. Trust me – you want to try it! In the mean time, you can follow Ocean’s Halo on Facebook and Twitter.
- Snak Stash – This is a new line of pre packaged trail mix type snacks (and candies) color coated by type. They gave me a bunch of the all natural “Nutri-rave” mixes to try. Plus, I snagged a “Java Jolt” from the “Choc-o-licious” line. I love the idea of color coating the bags to show which are healthier options. I am looking forward to trying these and telling you about them! In the mean time, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
- Pearson Ranch Jerky – I got one of every kind of Pearson Ranch’s delicious, high quality elk, buffalo (also known as bison), venison and wild boar meat snacks. ALL of the jerky and snack sticks are gluten and MSG free and contain no nitrites. These products are made with premium quality lean meats, they are full of protein and seasoned to perfection. They gave me one of everything to try! You can keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter.
- Ruby Bay Salmon Jerky – This salmon jerky is made with wild king salmon from Alaska. Each salmon is hand cut, seasoned “to perfection” and slowly smoked for hours using real cherry and alder wood. This is perfect for a healthy, easy and delicious snack. It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, rich in vitamin D, and packed with great taste! Ruby Bay is smoked and packaged by the Acme Smoked Fish Company in Brooklyn, NY. I got a bunch to try and loved chatting with the folks from Acme, a family owned business in my old stomping grounds. I can’t wait to try this and tell you about it. In the meantime, you can check out Ruby Bay Jerky on Facebook and Twitter.
I also snagged a bunch of old fave candies, Finds’ fave Perky Jerky and much, much more. Good thing I got to take home samples and did not eat everything all at once!
What sounds best to you? Any new snacks or sweets you have been wanting to try?