[IKYMI – Read Part 1 of this post and check out my Instagram reel and story highlights.]
If you’ve been following along on Instagram stories, you know I attended Expo West in Anaheim again this year. The energy, enthusiasm and innovation were back and I’m here for it. The crowds were a bit intimidating, but it was possible to find some less crowded areas and to spend time talking to some great brands.
Day 3
The third day has limited hours and closed the show this year. It was open 10 – 2 and all areas were open. I realized that I hadn’t made it to “Hot Products,” so I headed there first. On the way in, I grabbed some gimme Seaweed Snacks and a LOVE electrolyte drink.
Hot Products are my jam! I stopped by to try S’Noods new formulation. I love the Sweet Kugel flavor. [I took some to my SIL’s and they were a hit.] I saw my friends from Plink! and grabbed a bunch of single serves from the road. I love these electrolyte drink tablets. I saw the team from Geem and grabbed a bunch of yummy Korean seaweed chips for the road.
I nearly walked by Not Rocket Science, but their gazpacho protein drink caught my eye. They had a ton of protein drinks and hydration drinks in unusual flavors. The gazpacho and spiced chai were amazing. I think these may be the best protein drinks I’ve ever tried and I’ve tried A LOT! They’re just entering the US market so stay tuned for more from this innovative brand!
I said hi to my friends from Kate’s Real Food. I’m an ambassador [get 20% off with code ERICAFINDS] and huge fan. I got to see the new look that’s coming in April. It looks awesome. Same great flavors in a refreshed package.
I met the team from Kalaya Pain Relief. They had an awesome pain cream with a massage roller applicator. How ingenious is that? It’s only $19.95. Cool – right? I tried some yummy “dessert inspired” energy balls from Day Out. These would be a perfect snack before an afternoon workout.
I tried two very innovative egg products. They were Poach’d in the shell eggs from A Good Egg and dairy-free dips and yogurt from Oolie. The Poach’d eggs are ready to eat and last for 75 days in the refrigerator. The Oolie yogurts are made with eggs and have high protein and low calories. The yogurt is delicious. [I brought three dips to my SILs and they were a hit!]
I visited with my friends from Lil Bucks. I tried three new flavors of buckwheat based Clusterbucks and voted on my favorite. I hope to see it in the market soon! I saw my friends from Gifted Breads and had some of their amazing gluten free and vegan bread.
I met Greg from Waka Coffee and Tea and got ALL the instant coffees to try on the road. They make amazing instant coffees and teas that can be made hot or cold. You know I love great options on the go! I met the guys from Little Zing Danish Mustard Sauce. I like mustard almost as much as coffee. It’s the founder’s grandmother’s recipe. So good! I grabbed all of the cookies from Love + Chew – always a fave!
I nearly walked by Universal‘s booth. Then I realized that they had new chewable vitamins for adults. I was super curious and I struck up a conversation. They’re from New Jersey and the vitamins taste great. I like chewable instead of gummies because they seem less like candy and have good efficacy because they absorb quickly in your mouth. Stay tuned for more from Universal. Finally I stopped at Wonder Belly and grabbed some samples of their new Multi-Symptom stomach relief and Bloat and Gas Relief to add to the antacids that I already have!
I went back over to finish Hall E in the Main Halls. It was just after noon and most of the booths were cleared out. On the way, I hit up Hume Supernaturals and got an After Rain deodorant. They’re coming to CVS so stay tuned for some more from them!
Hall E was pretty cleared out, but I grabbed some last minute things. I stopped by Naked Life non-alcoholic cocktails. I was super curious about the Gin + Tonic (it’s good!) I found a new fave gluten free cracker. Better with Buckwheat makes crackers in three varieties and they are delicious. [We ate them at my SILs and then I ordered some from Thrive Market!] I grabbed some Tony’s Chocolonely and edamame snacks from The Only Bean and then I called it a day!
On the way out, the team from Turbana gave me a huge bag of plantain chips. I brought them to my friend Christy for “track snacks” for her daughters team. That’s a win-win!
Day 3 Haul
[IKYMI] Trends I Saw at Expo West ’25
- “IN” This Year: Protein, Women’s Health (including perimenopause and menopause – yay!), Vitamin Strips/Chewables for Adults, Hydration “Plus”, Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Buckwheat, Mushroom Everything, GLP-1 Boosting, International Flavors, Savory, Brain Health
- “OUT” This Year: Keto, CBD, Cauliflower, Seed Oils, Avocado, Caffeinated Everything, Focus on Kids’ Snacks, Upcycling (not mentioned much)
And just like that, it was time to go! I headed back to my SILs for the weekend and loved digging in to a bunch of my fave new finds with them.
I’ll be back with more features and giveaways soon!
Which products or trends do you want to see in more detail on the blog?
Please note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links, I’ll receive a small commission. Check out many of these and previous finds on my Amazon list!