If you’ve been following along, you saw I went to Expo West again. [IKYMI – Read Part 1 and Part 2 of my recap and check out my Instagram reel and story highlights.] “Expo West ’26.”
Top 5 Trends I Saw at Expo West This Year
Last year the biggest trends were protein in everything, hydration and hydration + functional ingredients, hot ingredients were mushrooms and buckwheat, focus on women’s health and supplements for GLP-1 Support.
- Protein was in EVERYTHING including candy, ice cream and water! This was a top trend last year and it keeps expanding. There were also a ton of meat sticks, tunas, egg based products and other popular source protein sources. Surprisingly there wasn’t a lot of jerky. I like the return of the basics and elevated basics, but I’m going to pass on protein candy and water and extreme protein bars.
- Added fiber, pre-biotics and probiotics in everything from supplements to snacks, sodas and chips. I saw a surprising amount of poop emojis and lots of brands touting improved digestion and bowel movements. OK then! I eat a lot of fiber in my diet but most Americans don’t. I had to be careful not to grab too many samples with extra fiber.
- Better for you frozen and remade nostalgic treats. Childhood comfort foods are being reimagined with better-for-you ingredients. Think mac & cheese, pizza, rice crispy treats and cheese cake with super foods and natural ingredients. And of course, they’re adding more protein and fiber.
- Natural candy that’s actually delicious – and with real sugar from dates and honey. Date candy, honey sweetened and all kinds of chocolate were available. I love candy dates – I “found’ them at Sweets & Snacks. They’re dates with a light candy coating. Joolie’s is doing a delicious variation – in sour flavors. BOLO for these! I was excited to see high quality chocolate without sweeteners
- Women’s health is still having a moment with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. Women’s health is getting the attention it deserves as women in the industry are aging and are looking for solutions for common issues. There were also a lot of menstrual and other self care products. There were a lot of supplements and teas and some beauty and self care items that I’m excited to try.
Honorable mentions: hydration and hydration plus (added functional ingredients), beef tallow in food and beauty products (I pretty much skipped all of these!), full fat dairy and dairy in general (plant based milks were still prevalent but not front and center), Non-Alcoholic drinks (still big but not as big as last year), brain health and nootroopics, international flavors.
Which of these trends interests you most?
I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee and Jenn for Fit Five Friday. Join us!
Have a great weekend!
PS – Stay tuned for my Expo West giveaways!