February 27, 2023
It’s not just about salt, fat and sugar. Novel snacks pair functional ingredients such as seaweed and ancient grains with approachable, familiar flavors. By incorporating surprising superfoods into traditional snacks, brands are evolving childhood favorites into nutritious alternatives. Sea Monsters Baked Supergrains and Seaweed Puffs Cheese Pizza Sorghum and seaweed: a match made in heaven. These puffed seaweed snacks have all of the crunchy joy of a midafternoon nosh with the nutritional benefits of ancient grains and nourishing marine plants. Kid-friendly flavors (like Cheese Pizza) and fun packaging will delight any ravenous little kraken when they return home from school. A BIPOC- and woman-owned brand. SRP: $5.99, Booth: N1535 12 Tides Organic Kelp Snacks Vegan Cheddar North American–grown kelp is the first ingredient in these savory puffed snacks. 12 Tides sources kelp from regenerative seaweed farms to help support coastal communities and includes organic cassava and tapioca flour to create a crispy gluten-free snack. The decidedly satisfying Vegan Cheddar flavor is achieved by blending coconut milk, nutritional yeast and spices. SRP: $4.99, Booth: 5491
Scout Canning Seafood Snack Kits Chili Crisp Maybe it’s the cute packaging and modern marketing. Or perhaps it’s the sky-high protein content. It could be a transparent supply chain and globally inspired flavors. Whatever the case, Scout is making tinned fish cool again. This chef-inspired seafood snack kit contains delicate wild yellowfin tuna packed in olive oil and a chili-infused crunchy topper. Scout is committed to working exclusively with wild-caught species that have been deemed healthy and abundant by the Marine Stewardship Council. SRP: $5.99, Booth: N1101 I Amaranth Churritos Habanero and Himalayan Salt Amaranth, the tiny protein-packed ancient superseed, transforms a classic Mexican treat into something with serious nutritional benefits. I Amaranth’s churritos—crunchy street snacks—are packed with traditional Mexican ingredients, such as corn flour, organic amaranth seeds, prickly pear flour, habanero and chipotle seasoning. The goal? To introduce more people to the benefits of this amazing grain. SRP: $3.99, Booth: N635 Good Planet Foods Plant-Based Snack Pack Smoked Gouda-style Cubes, Salted Almonds, Dried Cranberries On-the-go snack packs containing cheese, nuts, dried fruit and beef jerky are commonplace in gas stations and rest areas across the U.S. But a vegan version with plant-based cheese? That’s something to write home about! This 170-calorie snack pack contains salted almonds, dried and sweetened cranberries, and Gouda-style vegan cheese made with a coconut oil and chickpea protein base. Satisfying—and at a competitive price too! SRP: $1.99, Booth: N613
Take a tour around the globe by exploring these carefully crafted, flavor-forward condiments. Each sauce, dip or drizzle adds a punch of spice, heat, tang or creaminess. Gotham Greens Green Harissa Dip Gotham Greens operates one of the largest networks of climate-controlled, hydroponic greenhouses in North America. By building greenhouses near city centers, food has lower transportation costs and energy needs. This plant-based dip is packed with hydroponically grown parsley and cilantro, jalapeno and serrano chiles, and chickpeas. A delightful spin on a traditional North African flavor profile. SRP: $6.49, Booth: 5502 Wildbrine WildVine Banh Mi Medley Tangy, salty, briney, tart and spicy. We don’t know how WildVine’s flavor combo tastes so cohesive—but it totally works. Pickled veggies, cilantro, mint, ponzu and lime impart unmistakeable Vietnamese flavor into any dish. This condiment is especially important if you’re fond of banh mi sandwiches! Packaged in a BPA-free, PET 1 jar, which is recyclable in most cities. SRP: $8.28, Booth: 5476 Good Good No Added Sugar Vegan Lemon Curd Shoppers know that added sugar is in most packaged products, which makes it difficult to follow a keto, paleo or Whole30 diet. Good Good—a brand based in the Netherlands—produces a sugar-free, plant-based lemon curd that satisfies any sweet tooth. A blend of stevia and erythritol adds sweetness; oatmilk imparts the silky-smooth texture that lemon curd is famous for. Smear a little of this condiment on anything (or eat it straight from the jar—we won’t tell). SRP: $9.99, Booth: N1725
Maazah Original Cilantro and Ginger Chutney Maazah is an Afghan-American food brand that aims to bridge cultural and racial gaps through food innovation, new flavors and clean ingredients. This bright-green chutney is packed with cilantro and enlivened with ginger and other flavorful foods you’d find in a home kitchen. Drizzle this sauce on everything—you won’t be disappointed. Maazah is a BIPOC- and women-owned brand. SRP: $7.99, Booth: N1534 Momofuku Goods Chili Crunch Hot Honey Momofuku Goods is on a mission to democratize Asian American flavors by putting them in the pantry of every American household. This hot topping features a sweet wildflower honey infused with chilis, sesame seeds, mushrooms, seaweed and more. A sweet and umami-packed condiment designed to be consumed with pizza, rice dishes, tacos, eggs, toast … well, everything. SRP: $13, Booth: N1240
The next-gen pantry is chock-full of exciting, flavorful products! From boxed macaroni and cheese made with luxurious wild-harvested black truffles to Malaysian curries packed into the humble can, the modern cupboard serves as inspiration for all kinds of delectable meals. Goodles Here Comes Truffle Goodles pumps up boxed macaroni and cheese with 14 grams of protein, 7 grams of prebiotic fiber, and upscale flavors from porcini mushrooms and real black truffles. Goodles also adds micronutrients from organic veggies such as kale, broccoli, maitake mushroom, chlorella and more into this mix. Notably, the company won the Clean Label Project Purity Award, which tests products to determine they are free from over 400 different contaminants including chemicals, plastics, pesticides and other toxins. SRP: $3.99, Booth: N1833 Heyday Canning Co. Coconut Curry Chickpeas Cracking open a can of chickpeas is an inspiring experience when it’s Heyday’s Coconut Curry Chickpeas. Think: tender, chef-inspired organic chickpeas stewed in a sauce informed by Malaysia’s complexity of flavors. Some spices include galangal, makrut lime powder and dried lemongrass. Heyday takes an age-old, plastic-free package (the can) and infuses it with modern flavors. The can is cool again! SRP: $4.99, Booth: 8203 Simpli Regenerative Organic Certified Gigante Beans We love Simpli for the company’s deep commitment to sourcing pantry items such as quinoa, amaranth and these gigante beans from farmers who are already using regenerative practices. Then, Simpli helps them become Regenerative Organic Certified to arm them with an internationally recognized verification. These gigante beans are big, beautiful, buttery and sourced direct from ancient Greek farms with abundant water sources vital to creating a regenerative organic ecosystem. SRP: $7.99, Booth: N1437
AcreMade Plant-Based Egg Substitute Plant-based eaters, home bakers, and chefs will love having AcreMade’s Plant-Based Egg Substitute on-hand. A one-to-one alternative to shelled eggs, this pea protein-based swap can be used to cook up frittatas, omelets, baked goods, and even noodle recipes. Formulated without the top eight allergens to appeal to all special diets. SRP: $6.99, Booth: N1336 Yishi Chocolate Chili Oatmeal Chocolate. Chili. Oatmeal. Three foods that seem like they shouldn’t work together. But thanks to founder Lin Jiang, this surprisingly tasty, Non-GMO Project Verified single-serve oatmeal cup totally works. Yishi means “ritual” in Chinese, and the company celebrates Jiang’s memories growing up in China with unexpected blends and spicy-sweet combos. Produced in a gluten-free facility in Illinois. SRP: $3.99, Booth: N737
Yes, a sweet treat’s flavor is definitely on the priority list. But these brands also promote conscious business practices, clean formulations and terroir—the celebration of unique flavor profiles a farm’s environment imparts into the end product. Alter Eco Truffle Thins Crème Brûlée Alter Eco continues to create healthier, sustainable versions of classic decadent treats with Crème Brûlée Truffle Thins. Imagine a melt-in-your-mouth bar made with organic cocoa butter, caramelized cane sugar and 60% Ecuadorian cacao that is mixed longer for a smoother, richer flavor. A silky-smooth inner layer adds a velvety richness. Alter Eco’s commitment to sustainability is inspiring—ask them about the Alter Eco Foundation, launched in 2020 to combat climate change through equality and soil regeneration. SRP: $3.99, Booth: 311 Honey Mama’s Truffle Bar Cherry Hazelnut Cocoa If you’ve ever tasted Honey Mama’s, you likely know two things: One, keep Honey Mama’s refrigerated—this preservative-free bar will melt and ooze its gooey yumminess if left at room temp. Second, these bars are addictively delicious! The Cherry Hazelnut bar pays homage to the Pacific Northwest by celebrating the region’s famous Bing cherries and Willamette Valley hazelnuts. A women-owned company that is committed to sourcing from women-owned ingredient suppliers. SRP: $5.99, Booth: 5365 Beyond Good Madagascar Plantain and Sea Salt For years, Beyond Good has built innovative supply chains to source cacao and vanilla from Madagascar and Uganda. With this bar, Beyond Good adds more ingredients to the mix: plantains from Eastern Madagascar and sea salt from Antsiranana on the country’s northern coast. In addition to being downright tasty, this product is like a love letter to one of the most biodiverse locations on Earth. We love how Beyond Good features a photo of every single farmer they work with on their website—that’s transparency! SRP: $7.99, Booth: 197
Chocxo Chocolatier Dark Chocolate Coconut Cups Rather than add sugar swaps such as erythritol, stevia or monk fruit—which can impact the taste of chocolate and cause indigestion for people with food sensitivities—Chocxo takes an alternative approach: Source the highest quality organic cocoa possible and enhance the flavor with just a touch of cane sugar. One cup contains just 80 calories and 3 grams of sugar. Chocxo partners with RePurpose Global, and all Chocxo products are Certified Plastic Neutral. SRP: $6.99, Booth: 2053 Ocho Candy Classic Vegan Caramels There’s something very special about these vegan caramels: they are made with Miyoko’s Creamery European Cultured Vegan Butter! This product exemplifies how food brands can collaborate to make a unique and delicious offering. This product also features a slew of certifications, including USDA Organic, Certified Vegan and Fair Trade Certified Cocoa. SRP: $5.29, Booth: 2545
No longer do freezer foods mean boring, sodium-filled processed meals. These products are just as good—and maybe even better—than fresh. From plant-based meals made with high-protein hemp to satiating snacks filled with healthy veggies, the frozen aisle can be bursting with energy and flavor… if you know what to stock. Planet Based Foods Southwest Style Taquitos Planet Based Foods is on a mission to make hemp the star ingredient in delicious vegan convenience foods. These Taquitos are a fresh, healthier take on a snack that traditionally contains chicken, pork or beef. Imagine punchy Southwest spices paired with creamy vegan pepper jack cheese sourced from Violife and a crunchy, gluten-free rolled taco shell. Perfect as a party appetizer or worthy as a midnight snack. We like how Planet Based Foods sources hemp from the United States (the majority of hemp is grown in Canada) to help propel the American hemp industry. SRP: $7.99, Booth: 893 OmniFoods Golden Fillet Plant-Based Battered Fish-Style Fillets Given fish’s distinctive texture and characteristic flake, plant-based versions can be tricky to nail. OmniFood’s battered Golden Fillet is a vegan seafood option designed to impart protein, crunch and oceanic flavor to classic fish sandwiches, pub-style fish and chips and more. Each fillet is made with a Non-GMO Project Verified soy protein base and contains 6 grams of protein and 349 mg of omega-3 ALA. The inclusion of shiitake mushroom powder and yeast extract creates a savory taste. SRP: $7.49, Booth: N1753 Just Egg Meals Chili Crisp Eat Just, the creator of the innovative plant-based Just Egg, launched this savory meal kit to make eating a complete, protein-rich meal as convenient as possible. Picture fluffy plant-based scrambled eggs (first ingredient: mung bean protein isolate) mixed with pre-chopped sugar snap peas, roasted red peppers, carrots and green onions. This Non-GMO Project Verified medley is seasoned with Fly By Jing’s Chili Crisp Sauce, a spicy sauce packed with umami flavors. Dump the mixture in a pan, heat and enjoy. SRP: $7.99, Booth: 5743
Trü Frü Nature’s Raspberry Parfait Poppers A Trü Frü frozen fruit bite is a permissible indulgence as an after-dinner treat or a fun morning breakfast. Inspired by a breakfast parfait, this new Trü Frü flavor features a beautiful whole raspberry enrobed in live-cultured Greek yogurt and topped with crunchy gluten-free granola. Each serving contains 2.4 grams of protein and no artificial colors or flavors. Yum! SRP: $4.49, Booths: 5108, 8605 Ruby Jewel Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream Sandwich There’s something wildly satisfying about a childhood classic made well. Ruby Jewel creates the ice cream sandwiches of your youth, formulated for adult palates. This novelty handheld features creamy, rBST-free mocha caramel ice cream and a tender double-chocolate butter cookie to contain it all. We like how Ruby Jewel showcases members of their production team on their website—including everyone’s favorite ice cream sammie flavor! SRP: $4.29, Booth: N1244
Trü Frü Nature’s Raspberry Parfait Poppers A Trü Frü frozen fruit bite is a permissible indulgence as an after-dinner treat or a fun morning breakfast. Inspired by a breakfast parfait, this new Trü Frü flavor features a beautiful whole raspberry enrobed in live-cultured Greek yogurt and topped with crunchy gluten-free granola. Each serving contains 2.4 grams of protein and no artificial colors or flavors. Yum! SRP: $4.49, Booths: 5108, 8605 Ruby Jewel Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream Sandwich There’s something wildly satisfying about a childhood classic made well. Ruby Jewel creates the ice cream sandwiches of your youth, formulated for adult palates. This novelty handheld features creamy, rBST-free mocha caramel ice cream and a tender double-chocolate butter cookie to contain it all. We like how Ruby Jewel showcases members of their production team on their website—including everyone’s favorite ice cream sammie flavor! SRP: $4.29, Booth: N1244
To help buyers find the newest and hottest brands exhibiting at Expo West this year, New Hope Network's staff has created this must-see list. In Anaheim, you'll find a variety of exciting foods that offer enviable nutritional profiles; healthy ingredients such as seaweed, ancient grains and hemp; and delectable, globally inspired flavors—and backed by third-party seals such as Certified B Corp.
Interested in other products? Don't worry, you'll discover exciting new launches spanning key categories: tea and coffee; functional beverages; supplements; and personal care. Click through the gallery and be sure to stop by their booths at the show.
Find the Expo West agenda, floor plans and more at ExpoWest.com. To see registration options, including those for virtual access, click here.About the Author(s)
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