18 plant-based foods found at Expo West 2018

Has the plant-based trend tipped from fringe to mainstream? Given the prevalence of new and exciting products exhibited at Natural Products Expo West this year, we think it has. From better-for-you frozen desserts to energy cookies made with pumpkin seed protein, next-gen plant-based brands know that discerning shoppers won't accept subpar alternatives.

Notice that few brands use the term "vegan" on their product marketing materials? That's no mistake. Rather than follow strict eating guidelines, more consumers are adopting tenets of food tribes into their eating habits for a more balanced—and sustainable—diet. Using terms such as "plant-based" can help usher new shoppers who are interested in eating less meat into the dairy-free and meat-free aisles.

Here is just a small sampling of the products that caught our attention.