ANAHEIM, CALIF. — The Natural Products Expo West trade show took place March 12-16, where more than 67,000 attendees and 3,000 exhibitors displayed a wide range of new product innovation.
One of the biggest buzzwords at this year’s show, where brands exhibit their newest products and promote the emerging trends that may shape the future of natural and organic foods categories, was sustainability.
Whether through regenerative agriculture or minimizing food waste, sustainability claims were at the top of new product innovation.
Turkish olive oil company Heraclea introduced a line of infused extra virgin olive oils, which carry a “protected designation or origin certification,” which ensures Heraclea’s farmers have minimal interference with nature by avoiding agro-chemicals and artificial irrigation, as well as stabilizers, chemicals, or additives. Additionally, the olive used in the oil, the Memecik, is a more climate-resistant varietal in comparison to others, according to the company.
In a partnership with Oakland, Calif.-based food innovation company Voyage Foods, Rudi’s Mountain Bakery debuted peanut-free versions of Sandos, which are formulated with Rudi’s Country Morning white bread and Voyage’s roasted seed spread. Voyage Foods uses upcycled ingredients in their products, which are “less expensive to source, widely available, and readily scalable,” according to the company.
On the snacking side of the show floor, Lärabar, a brand from General Mills, Inc., introduced a line of trail mix bars, which have a “crunchewy” texture. The bars, which are available in peanut butter and jelly, dark chocolate peanut and chocolate coconut macaroon flavors, are the first bars from Lärabar that are made with regenerative almonds.
Chicago-based Theo’s Plant-Based is expanding its portfolio of snacks with the introduction of sweet potato jerky, the first time the company has ventured beyond its beet jerky application. Theo’s sources its vegetables from regenerative and organic farms that support soil health and biodiversity, according to the company. Additionally, their products use vegetable peels and skins, reducing the amount of food waste.
Click to view new products introduced at Natural Products Expo West.