![Unboxed: Snacking done right at Natural Products Expo East 2019 Unboxed: Snacking done right at Natural Products Expo East 2019](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltafc06db067aebac6/64cbf83cdb0bcc7a8de33eaa/NewHopeNetwork_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
We know, we know, bars have been around forever, but it was interesting to see companies typically known for other foods branch out into the bar category. Two examples of this were: Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars. Like the baking mixes this company is typically known for, these bars are made with almond flour, making them a great gluten-free option that is rich in flavor and naturally high in protein. 4th and Heart Woke Bars. A leading company in all things ghee, 4th and Heart took to the show floor to introduce its brand new line of protein-packed, grass-fed collagen, whole egg and ghee bars.
Although this whole-grain, fiber-rich and low-calorie snack is delicious with just a good sprinkling of salt, it also makes a versatile and delicious ingredient in a more elaborate, yet still healthy, snack. Living Intentions Activated MCT Popcorn. If MCT is your name, but snacking is your game, try this MCT-infused, certified organic popcorn for a simple, plant-based nosh. Zesty Z Mediterranean Popcorn, Feta & Za’atar. If you’re in the mood for a serious flavor explosion, dip into a bag of this Mediterranean-inspired, air-popped popcorn.
Whether it’s made with meat or fish, or is one of the many fruit and vegetable versions in the growing category of plant-based jerkeys, this go-to snack is as traditional as it is beloved. Here are two products that caught our eye at Natural Products Expo East 2019: Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc., Sugar-free, Grass-fed Beef Jerky. A new product designed for health-conscious jerky lovers that is compatible with lifestyles like Paleo, Keto and Whole30. It comes in three flavors: original, salt and pepper and unsweetened teriyaki. Fishpeople Seafood, Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky. We sampled the wonderfully tasty rainbow peppercorn version of this surprisingly yielding salmon jerky, made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish.
Puffed snacks might be everywhere, but even this product category has room for innovation. Try these satisfying and crunchy bites of puffed-up dough, or this sweet take on popped water lily seeds: Talli Water Lily Pops. This is the company’s first foray into sweet snacks with these two “dessert” versions of its roasted, popped water lily seeds. Sun Tropics Mochi Rice Bites. Based on the traditional Japanese snack, these rice bites are made from steamed rice pounded into dough and then sliced into these flavorful, five-ingredient morsels.
Ah, chips. Where have you been all my life? Try these two twists on this traditional concept for a satisfyingly crunchy snack. Dieffenbach's Potato Chips, Uglies Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. Made from upcycled potatoes, this product puts its mission where its crunch is. The Matzo Project, Harissa Matzo Chips. They’re called chips, but actually hover somewhere between a chip and a cracker. In any case, these crispy matzo chips have a touch of spice and are extremely versatile
Does sampling your way through Natural Products Expo East ever make you wish you could just chow down on some healthy vegetables? Try these two veggie-heavy options to feel virtuous again. Rhythm Superfoods White Cheddar Cauliflower Bites. For cauliflower fans there is nothing not to like about these savory Cauliflower Bites, which are low-heat crisped and extremely flavorful, not to mention certified organic. Elma Farms, Poshi Artichokes with Basil and Thyme. These single-serve pouches of marinated vegetable slices are innovative in their simplicity and perfectly delicious.
Sometimes a bite of something sweet is just what you need to keep both energy levels and morale high at Expo. These cookie bites will do just that, without ruining your appetite or calorie count. Pure Batch, Snickerdoodle Truffles. Enjoy a guilt-free version of this traditional cinnamon sugar cookie, made with certified organic ingredients: oats, coconut, nutrient-dense sacha inchi nuts, roasted sunflower seeds, maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and cinnamon Emmy’s Coconut Cookies, Vanilla. These certified organic cookies boast a clean and simple ingredient list that contains coconut, agave syrup, almond flour, coconut oil, vanilla extract and bean, and Himalayan salt. For a more decadant version, try the company’s new Chocolate Covered Coconut Cookie Bites.
Sometimes a bite of something sweet is just what you need to keep both energy levels and morale high at Expo. These cookie bites will do just that, without ruining your appetite or calorie count. Pure Batch, Snickerdoodle Truffles. Enjoy a guilt-free version of this traditional cinnamon sugar cookie, made with certified organic ingredients: oats, coconut, nutrient-dense sacha inchi nuts, roasted sunflower seeds, maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and cinnamon Emmy’s Coconut Cookies, Vanilla. These certified organic cookies boast a clean and simple ingredient list that contains coconut, agave syrup, almond flour, coconut oil, vanilla extract and bean, and Himalayan salt. For a more decadant version, try the company’s new Chocolate Covered Coconut Cookie Bites.
Touring the show floor at Natural Products Expo East 2019 is synonymous with snacking, or at least with the temptation to taste each and every product that is on display. And while there is always a wide range of types of products on which to feast—both literally and metaphorically—one of the fastest growing categories is undoubtedly the convenience and grab-and-go snacks that keep us moving in between meals and which, more and more, offer nutritional and functional benefits that go beyond merely satisfying hunger.
Let’s take a look at some of the types and brands of snacks that caught our eye recently at Expo East, some of which are snackable versions of and innovations on some of our favorite natural product pantry staples.
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