If you’ve been following along, you saw I went to Expo West again. IKYMI – Read my recap Part 1 and Part 2 and check out my Instagram post, reel and Instagram story highlights “Expo West ’24.”
Top 5 Trends I Noticed at Expo West
Pre-pandemic the top trends that I saw were plant based everything, healthier kids snacks and foods and the 4 c’s (collagen, cauliflower, coffee and coconut) and hidden veggies and prepared veggies. Also, CBD was in everything and Keto (fat) was king. Oats and tea were really big in a variety of use cases. The last two years, there wasn’t as much innovation because of supply chain issues and budgets.
1. Sustainability, upcycling and climate friendly products are in. Brands are focusing on using all parts of plants and not wasting resources. In the last year, I’ve seen more focus on “regenerative” agriculture. An interesting new product I saw this year was coffee from Heirloom Coffee Roasters. They are the first coffee brand to only roast coffees that are cultivated using 100% regenerative farming techniques. It’s also made by a chef so the flavor is pitch perfect! I also loved Heraclea Olive Oil from Turkey. Their oils are organic, fair trade and have a lower carbon footprint. Learn more here.
2. Just like Expo East, mocktails are IN! I walked into a room in Hot Products that was a “Happy Hour” sponsored by the ANBA – Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association. Check out their membership list here. I’m not a huge cocktail drinker, but I did enjoy a Moscow Mule mocktail from Ethan’s.
3. Functional ingredients are definitely still IN. Many drinks and foods included adaptogens and other functional ingredients. The ingredients are meant to boost immunity, make your skin glow and help your gut health. There many products made with mushrooms, turmeric and curcumin. I’m a big fan of Pirq and Heywell among other adaptogen wellness drinks. Some new products I tried were Wise Bar, Wellthy Protein and new Good Mood sodas with adaptogens from Rowdy Mermaid.
4. Women’s health is having a moment – finally! Women’s health is getting the attention it deserves as women in the industry are aging and are pushing for products that address their needs.. For example, Meno Well bars and Tea Botanics teas address the needs of anyone going through menopause and perimenopause. I met Medicine Mama at Expo East and was happy to see their vulva care line at Expo West with even a bigger presence. I’m also intrigued by The Queen of Thrones – the best selling castor oil line in North America. It’s been propelled by TikTok.
5. There were a ton of global flavors. I’d say the soup dumpling, steamed bun, kimbap (korean rolls) and spicy asian sauces were the most popular new products that I saw. There were also more Indian and Mexican products and unique flavors all around. My friends from Nemi Snacks won a NEXTY award for best new salty snack with their new Pickled Jalapeno Cactus Sticks!
Which of these trends interests you most?
I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday. Join us!
Have a great weekend!