August 22, 2018
![Next in natural: The Natural Products Expo East 2018 NEXTY Award finalists Next in natural: The Natural Products Expo East 2018 NEXTY Award finalists](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/blt295cd1f44527f456/64ff1d72e4a6415571358e02/ew18-nexty-finalists-promo_9.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Swapples Frozen Waffles We were impressed with Swapples’ fill-you-up texture and taste that would make anyone who follows a grain-free or gluten-free diet excited. Made with a blend of yuca root, coconut oil and other spices (try the Everything version, which reminds us of an everything bagel), these frozen waffles are a low-carb base for cream cheese, smashed avocado, lox and more. Know Brainer Ketogenic Butter Creamer with Collagen Know Brainer seeks to disrupt the stagnant creamer market with this ketogenic creamer, packaged in a pourable 16-ounce container (unlike the brand’s flagship single-use packets). Inside, you’ll find a luscious blend of organic grass-fed ghee, non-GMO MCT oil and collagen to infuse coffee with functional benefits. Mikey’s Pockets With a cauliflower crust and a filling packed with wholesome vegetables or non-dairy cheese, Mikey’s new frozen meal remind us of a (much) healthier version of a Hot Pocket. While the texture of the crust isn’t necessarily that flaky, buttery pastry that you’d get from a flour-based crust, this grain-free version fits the bill for a healthy alternative. Plus, you can’t beat the zap-it-in-the-microwave convenience factor.
Hempé Organic Cultured Plant Protein Hemp was a hot ingredient in the Expo East 2018 NEXTY submissions, but this brand’s product was the only place where hemp appeared with tempeh, the fermented soybean meat alternative. Sounds odd, I know. But Hempé’s product is seriously delicious! Smoky spices and a mushroom culture add meaty flavor, and when sautéed in strips, it would be near perfect on an HLT (hempé-lettuce-tomato). A USDA Organic certification gave this whole-food entrée extra points. Giorgio Foods Savory Wild Portabella Jerky Most vegan jerky that we’ve sampled in the past has either been made with a conglomeration of protein isolates, or made with a whole food that leaves us with a funky aftertaste. But Giorgio’s portabella jerky is truly craveable. Picture big, whole slices of mushroom marinated in savory, umami-tinted ingredients. Yum! Tofurky Year-Round Ham Style Roast With it’s silly-sounding name and meatless products before it was cool, for years Tofurky was the target of foodie jokes. But since the 1980s, core plant-based consumers have turned to Tofurky to fancy-up holidays when having a food centerpiece is a must, like Thanksgiving. We loved Tofurky’s Year-Round Ham Style Roast for its high protein content (22 grams per serving) and convincing meat flavor that will satisfy the most enthusiastic meat eaters.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Whipped Mousse Innovation is alive and well in the mineral sun care category thanks to this unique (and needed) launch. While consumers have long lamented the texture of many mineral sunscreens, this non-nano zinc oxide option defies stereotypes with a rich and creamy texture that not only rubs in nicely but is, dare we say, luxurious? It’s the type of product that could convert chemical sunscreen devotees to mineral believers. Nutiva Organic Coconut Body Oil Nutiva’s foray into the world of clean beauty is a smart tactic for continuing to scale its transparent, sustainable supply chain. The company, known for organic oils and seeds, introduced this hydrating body oil (coconut base infused with essential oils) that is poised to contribute to Nutiva’s goal of supporting organic farming practices and small farming communities across the world. The Herbs & Bees Bee-you-ti-full Facial Cleanser Simplicity never goes out of style, especially when it comes to the products you wear on your skin. This cleanser boasts just a handful of plant-based ingredients (which are also organic), along with easy-to-understand messaging around why to go green in beauty. The back label breaks down the positive impact you can have by purchasing from the brand, from supporting a woman-owned business to reducing environmental impact thanks to a clean formulation and glass packaging.
White Leaf Provisions Biodynamic Baby Food White Leaf Provisions’ commitment to regenerative farming is enough to make its baby food stand out on its own; but, after trying it the judges were instantly impressed with how fresh this baby food is. Feeding our next generation healthy, sustainably grown, organic and GMO-free ingredients is something everyone can agree is important, and White Leaf Provisions Biodynamic Baby Food is leading this charge in all the right ways. Preferred Brand International Ancient Grains Tasty Bite’s Ancient Grains is a refreshing new take on ready-to-eat ancient grains. Going beyond the tried-and-true quinoa, this medley of millet, sorghum and amaranth coupled with wheat berries has one of the best ready-to-eat textures our judges have tried. With an amazing balance of spices, Ancient Grains is the perfect alternative for less healthy options already out there. If the taste wasn’t enough, Tasty Bite’s commitment to sustainable and organic agriculture practices puts Ancient Grains at the top for us. Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Wheat Hemp & Hops Bread This one-of-a-kind hearty bread immediately captured our attention with a fun take on sprouted wheat bread. The hops and hemp provide a unique and diverse flavor profile, something the judges have never had before. This frozen healthy bread is baked in a worker-owned, solar powered bakery that is committed to sourcing only organic ingredients. It's certified non-GMO. Every delicious slice of this distinct sprouted bread directly supports the sustainable bakery and the workers who baked it.
RISE Brewing Co. Oat Milk Nitro Cold Brew Latte Doing it well and doing it right. Our judges loved the RISE Brewing Co.’s unique combination of cold brew, nitro widget and oat milk. The flavors and textures marry perfectly for an enjoyable and energizing experience. Even more we appreciate RISE Brewing Co.’s commitment to responsible and organic sourcing. In today’s competitive market there can be pressure to get new ideas to market quickly; despite this RISE Brewing Co. decided to delay the launch of this product until it could find a way to make is USDA Organic. Doing it right, doing it well; no corner cutting here. Chameleon Cold-Brew Latte with Organic Frothed Milk It's a fun new product with Chameleon Cold-Brew’s continued commitment to responsible and organic sourcing. The new Chameleon Cold-Brew Latte with Organic Frothed Milk offers a unique drinking experience: frothy organic cold-brew coffee and organic milk with a touch of sugar. The judges appreciate Chameleon Cold-Brew’s continued commitment to organic sourcing and to the quality and compassion that is expressed through its multidimensional sustainability platform, which aims to improve the quality of coffee and the livelihoods of families/producers.
Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Plastic water filters be gone! What’s hidden under all that plastic? Activated charcoal. The Japanese have been carbonizing oak trees into activated charcoal for thousands of years. Morihata brings these ancient traditions to the modern world by adding the intact charcoal stick to a carafe of water. Once filtering has occurred for 90 days, remove this eco-friendly charcoal and add it to your garden or any soil. PARA'KITO Party Edition Mosquito Repellent Refillable Wristband Para'Kito has a line of all-natural bug repellents without that sticky, filmy residue we are so accustomed to. Made from a proprietary blend of essential oils such as citronella, rosemary, geranium and mint, this repellent is worn on the wrist or ankle via a refillable pouch tucked into a snazzy sports band—each refillable pouch is effective for 15 days. This is a chemical-free, no-deet repellant that leverages the power of essential oils to mask the natural scents our bodies generate, attracting those pesky mosquitos.
Bee Seasonal Organic Honey Varietal Gift Set When it comes to transparency, this beautiful USDA-certified organic honey hits all of the marks from hive to jar. Bee Seasonal offers several varietals of clean, sustainably harvested honey. This brand does a fantastic job of educating consumers on package, from an infographic guide tracing the honey to its source, to extensive education provided on the company’s website. Being able to pick up a gorgeous gift pack knowing where these honeys come from, who harvests them, when they are harvested and a deep understanding of the supply chain before even purchasing is a huge plus. Zucchi Certified Sustainable Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil It wouldn’t be fake news to assume that every time you pick up olive oil from the shelf, you may or may not be buying exactly what’s on the label. As of late, olive oil has developed a bit of a tricky relationship with transparent sourcing. We absolutely loved the trust and integrity of Zucchi’s Certified Sustainable Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which features a QR code tracing each bottle back to the source at an affordable price point of $10.99.
White Leaf Provisions Biodynamic Applesauce + Ceylon Cinnamon White Leaf has taken organic and clean label to the next level with its biodynamic apple and cinnamon sauce for kids. We appreciated that its apple growers take regenerative farming practices seriously, using compost and herbal sprays in place of pesticides. The company points out that part of the benefit to using all organic, GMO-free and regeneratively grown ingredients is to educate children about the effect their choices will have on their future. Our judges appreciated this element of social mission as well as the sweet, crisp and not-too-sweet applesauce itself. A Dozen Cousins Authentic Regional Beans This flavorful, portable entree was interesting and elicited a chorus of "this is good." A Dozen Cousins Authentic regional ready to eat GMO-free beans incorporate the flavors of Black and Latino America. The company aims to make nutrient-dense beans more accessible in convenient BPA-free packaging. Recipes incorporate real flavorings like diced onions over powdered versions, as well as nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado oil and apple cider vinegar. Judges liked that A Dozen Cousins also reinforces its crosscultural brand story by supporting nonprofit organizations addressing health disparities faced disproportionately by communities of color, such as obesity and diabetes.
KoffieStraw The overuse of plastics is a problem generated by our desires for convenience. One of the market responses most recently is the rise globally to ban plastic single-serve straws. Straws are “part of the package” whenever you want a chilled beverage on the go and Koffie Straw has developed an innovative, reusable, eco-friendly solution to meet this consumer need. KoffieStraw's food-grade silicone last for years of repeated use, inspired by the durability and cleanability of non-stick cookware—and each straw is sold with a durable pipe cleaner! Over time, if you’re done with your straw, it can burn down into 100 percent compostable ash. Foundry Foods Wildscape Have you ever wondered why frozen meals are always overpackaged in unrecyclable boxes that hide the product inside? Well, Wildscape did and decided to add a degree of integrity and transparency to the point of purchase decision by creating a frozen food meal in a clear, fully reusable or recyclable container. Challenging consumer expectations about frozen meals, there is nothing to hide; company founders want the consumer to see the food—made from vibrant veggies and nutrient-dense whole food ingredients. An inspiring mix of solutions, Wildscape takes the old disposable-style frozen meal to another level with less waste and more transparency, literally.
Organic India Vital Lift Fermented Adaptogen Blend A new entrant to the smoothie boost game is a powder that combines three fermented adaptogenic herbs to deliver energy and vitality sans caffeine. Fermentation enhances digestibility of the ashwagandha, tulsi and amla. Organic India is a Certified B Corporation that works with thousands of small family farmers who employ regenerative ag practices, and Vital Lift is both organic and non-GMO. CW Hemp Charlotte’s Web Hemp Plus The original CBD oil has a sharp new packaging design. This plus formulation comes in a tincture bottle with a yummy mint chocolate flavor that is like a Thin Mint under your tongue. Specially hybridized full-spectrum industrial hemp gives a solid 28 mg dose in a coconut oil base. CW Hemp has dedicated a ton of resources into research, cultivation, extraction, quality assurance and testing into its products, and it’s good to see the pioneering CBD brand continue to innovate. Amazing Grass Amazing Protein Glow Plant protein powders are the way clean-label consumers are gaining their daily nutrient fill. Of course this Kansas-grown powder is full of organic plant proteins, antioxidant-laden superfoods and alkalizing greens. But it’s also got an animal-free collagen solution to help the body kick in collagen synthesis. That’ll make your skin glow.
Full Fat Kitchen Coconaise Full Fat Kitchen’s Coconaise is creamy, thick and just the right consistency and tang for the perfect sandwich. There's no hint of coconut, and the judges appreciated that synthetic preservatives were left out, too. Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup To the untrained eye, ketchup might not seem like the most innovative product for a NEXTY Award, but Primal Kitchen’s Organic Unsweetened Ketchup is just want you want to dip fries into. It has a thick, hearty consistency with a great taste that tells you great tomatoes don’t need added sugar to be delicious. The judges can’t wait to have a certified organic ketchup in the fridge ASAP!
Cappello’s Sweet Potato Gnochi Continuing with its grain-free Italian-inspired offerings, Cappello’s new sweet potato gnocchi doesn't disappoint. Targeted to the autoimmune communities, our judges thought this frozen entrée had great texture flavor and would surely satisfy the Paleo folks, as well as anyone craving fast and easy comfort food. Qrunch Organics Qrispy Qrowns Qrispy Qrowns are the grown-up’s Tater Tots. Protein-packed quinoa combined with organic potato, carrots and onions adds up to a healthier take on the American classic. Serve 'em on the side of a Qrunch burger for a mega-quinoa meal (OK, that might be a bit much). These healthy hash-brown bites are plant-based and free of the top eight allergens.
Yuve Plant-Based Liquid Multivitamin For those who don’t like swallowing pills or tablets, Yuve’s Plant-Based Liquid Multivitamin is a great-tasting option. In just 1 fluid ounce, you get your complete nutritional profile of 50-plus nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. We also love the unique bottle that this drinkable, vegan multivitamin comes in. Snoooze Natural Sleep Drink This herbal blend of all-natural sleep supporters (valerian, passionflower, linden flower, lemon balm, etc.) comes in a compact, recyclable “carton-can.” Drink this lightly flavored, tea-like beverage 20 minutes before bedtime for a relaxed, restful sleep without any side effects.
True Story Foods Berkshire Non-GMO Fresh Pork True Story specializes in organic meat products: fresh, smoked (read: bacon) and deli-ready. So, it’s with some irony that we organic-happy NEXTY judges award the non-organic pork product. Why? Because with this run of fresh pork (chops, rib racks) the company is promoting a heritage breed—something important in the shrinking reality of agricultural biodiversity—while continuing its commitment to small, family farms; animal welfare; and non-GMO feed. Plus, the fatty breed produces a delectably sweet and tender cut. Fishpeople Ready, Set, Salmon! This tasty and innovative precooked packaged salmon brings MSC-certified, sustainably caught wild Alaskan fish quickly and easily to the dinner plate or lunch wrap—with a side of consumer education, fishing community economic development and traceability back to the source. Three varieties pack spot-on seasoning combos in with the omega-3s for a salad- or bagel-ready protein. Add to pastas or stir-fries and experience the qualities of fresh-cooked without the cooking.
Redd Remedies In∙Joy The boom in energy drinks and supplements demands an answer at the other end of the relaxed/active spectrum calming formulations seem to be that answer. Redd Remedies makes an interesting move in the category with In∙Joy, taking a step away from standard relaxation-supporting ingredients like ashwagandha or L-theanine. Instead, the product includes foundational ingredients such as folic acid and vitamin D to work in a formula that includes 5-HTP, L-tyrosine, holy basil and schisandra. Different formulas with different approaches are essential in helping consumers cope with occasional anxiety and Redd Remedies does well with that in In∙Joy. Gaia Herbs CALM A.S.A.P. When it comes to fighting occasional anxiety, herbal formulas are an ancient solution to modern challenges. We see that in the demand that has built ingredients like ashwagandha into category-driving phenomena. But most of the products claiming to support emotional coping skills are based on a maintenance dose. Gaia Herbs stands out here for offering a formulation designed for relief in the moment. Based on herbs from the company’s farms and impeccably transparent supply chain, the formulation includes passionflower, skullcap and lavender essential oils. It may seem ironic to see the abbreviation A.S.A.P. paired with “Calm,” but all of us have had those moments when we needed help right then and not after several days dosage.
Barlean’s Omega Pals Nutrition for Kids Want to hear a sad and true statistic? Children ages 8 to 10 spend an average of 5.5 hours daily looking at screens. Turns out a spoonful of omega-3s can help with that, especially the new line of extremely delicious liquid omega-3 fish oil from Barlean’s formulated for kids. Its Nutrition for Kids line features fruity flavors like tangerine and lemonade to mask any unpleasant taste, and also comes with a dose of Lutemax 2020 branded lutein and zeaxanthin to help protect young eyes from harmful blue light emitted from digital devices. Little Dish Fresh Toddler Meals Sometimes, just sometimes (OK, all the time), it can be hard to get a healthy meal on the table for yourself, let alone a toddler. Little Dish fills a gap in the market: nutritionally balanced, convenient, whole-food meals designed just for toddlers, not babies. Its line of fresh meals are sold in the refrigerated case and feature flavorful combinations (ie: macaroni and cheese with sweet potato chunks) where the ingredients are bite-size—and in plain sight—for little ones to recognize and dish up themselves.
Origin Almond Cold-Pressed Almond Juice Yep, you read that right—Origin Almond’s Cold-Pressed Almond Juice really is juice, and it’s delicious without the added sugars or artificial sweeteners. This almond-sprouted refreshment is infused with superfoods and adaptogens to make your body and your mind happy while having it. Origin Almond uses almond meal, the byproduct of the almond juice production process in its clayless face-mask under the separate skin-care brand Clean as Kale. Talk about ingenuity! LEMONKIND Juices New, exciting ingredients are always eye-catching, and that’s why we were so drawn to LemonKind’s juices—from aronia berry to chlorella, it has you covered. Not only that, the company is actively executing a zero-waste initiative with its packaging by partnering with TerraCycle, a free recycling program for the BPA-free juice pouches. Delicious juice and a responsible brand? That’s a win-win. Caskai Sparkling Cascara Infusion By taking the initiative to upcycle waste from the process of drying coffee cherries, Caskai introduces its Sparkling Cascara Infusion. Not only is the refreshing beverage an innovative way to reduce pollution and use an intriguing ingredient, it comes packed with polyphenols, essential amino acids, vitamin E, B vitamins, and the list goes on. Plus, with every sip you take, you’re helping ensure that cascara farmers in Panama and Nicaragua are being paid fairly with Caskai’s direct sourcing model.
LEMONKIND Teas LEMONKIND produced a collection of three tea-juice blends that are made with organic botanicals and are free of added sugar, preservatives and concentrates. Furthermore, judges thought the teas tasted great. Additionally, the company gives back by donating to manyhopes.org to help build homes and schools for children. VitaCup Genious Coffee Blend VitaCup vitamin-infused coffee made it to the finals because it uses coffee as a means to deliver supplements, including a B complex vitamin blend, D3, antioxidants, MCT oil, cinnamon and turmeric. The packaging stood out in that it is patented capsule technology and is recyclable. Mayorga Organics Costa Rica Perla Negra Mayorga Organics’ Costa Rica Perla Negra whole bean, fair trade, shade-grown coffee was chosen for its quality and its environmentally sustainable cultivation, which is a rare example of organic microlot farming. Furthermore, Mayorga Organics puts farmers first by sourcing directly from a small family farm in Costa Rica, thereby eliminating the middle man and making a positive impact on the Latin American agricultural industry.
Taali Water Lily Pops Straying away from the typical processed snacks that are on the market, Taali is on a mission to make healthy snacking the new norm. With verified non-GMO ingredients, these delicious pops are packed with 6 grams of natural plant protein from popped water lily seeds, all while being a lower calorie snack option—not to mention the incredible taste and flavors of this product line, from tikka masala to sriracha spice. From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzel Twists We’ve seen cauliflower as pizza crust, but From the Ground Up decided that the nutritious veggie could be a delicious pretzel substitute, and they were absolutely right! In fact, these give pretzels a run for their money, all while being gluten-free certified and non-GMO verified. The company's mission is to create healthy snack options, and it is certainly fulfilling that mission, in part by working with co-manufacturers that are SQF certified. Made In Nature Veggie Pops Made In Nature’s new Veggie Pops have an ingredients list that will catch the eyes of any health nut, particularly plant-based snackers. Chock full of kale, chickpeas, carrots, nuts, seeds and more, these snacks are packed with 7 grams of protein per serving and vitamin B12. The fact that these delicious little super-snacks are certified organic seals the deal!
ALOHA Protein Bar ALOHA’s organic protein bars prove that plant-based bars can deliver on great taste and quality protein. These bars are truly unique, featuring a proprietary blend of brown rice and pumpkin seeds. Not only are these bars USDA Organic, non-GMO and free of gluten, soy and diary, ALOHA has a commendable mission to democratize great food for all consumers. Justin’s Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups Justin’s new cashew butter cups are a sweet snacking option that delivers on great taste that is sourced sustainably. These cups bear USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Rainforest Alliance Cocoa, and Orangutan Friendly Palm Oil certifications. These truly are a premium, permissible indulgent snack to feel good about. Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Plus There was a lot of buzz among the judges around the tasty, easy-to-swallow Manuka Honey shots from Wedderspoon. These innovative shots contain adaptogens such as maca root, ashwaganda and rhodiola to help the body and mind adapt to stress. If a shot containing adaptogens doesn’t excite you, Wedderspoon is also a proud supporter of the Honeybee Conservancy, as an effort to address major health problems that have decimated the honeybee population. Hail Merry Sweet Potato Cups Hail Merry’s Sweet Potato Cups were a hit among the judges and truly deliver on an innovative flavor offering in the sweet snacks category. Sweet Potato Cups are made with clean ingredients which include organic shredded coconuts and organic maple syrup. Not only do they provide an indulgent experience, they satisfy the body while doing good for the environment.
Revolution Gelato Organic Dairy-Free Gelato This gelato is so creamy and decadent it is hard to believe it's part of the plant-based revolution. Revolution Gelato founder Jared Olkin was raised in his mother’s homemade ice cream shop, developing the taste for high-quality ice cream, and prioritizes taste in his products. The creaminess comes from a certified organic coconut and cashew base, and is mixed into flavors such as French Press Coffee and Majestic Mango, using sustainable and fairly traded ingredients when possible. Blissfully Better Toasted Coconut Thins Providing a caramelly coconut crunch enrobed in 72 percent dark cacao, Toasted Coconut Thins are the perfect small bite (unless you eat the whole bar, which is tempting!). Blissfully Better extends its selection of certified organic, low-glycemic chocolate bars with this coconut variety. The company achieves the perfect amount of natural sweetness by using coconut blossom nectar, which makes the product low-glycemic and appropriate for diabetics. Honey Mama’s Oregon Peppermint Cacao-Nectar Bar With a limited list of superfood ingredients, including cacao powder, raw honey, coconut oil and shredded coconut, Honey Mama’s is a treat that we feel great about. The company enters a new category of refrigerated snacks with its line of raw food chocolate bars that are free of refined sugars, gluten, soy, dairy and grain. We delighted in the creamy texture and intense chocolate peppermint taste of this new Oregon Peppermint variety. Rule Breaker Snacks Birthday Cake Blondie This Birthday Cake Blondie breaks all the rules by creating a cake tasty enough for any birthday celebration, but that is vegan, non-GMO and free of the top eight allergens. This makes the kid-friendly product great for celebrating with children who have dietary restrictions. Moreover, by using chickpea flour, Rule Breaker is able to up the ante over conventional treats with added fiber and protein. To top it all off (literally) the blondie is covered with naturally dyed birthday sprinkles.
Glean Goodness Sweet Potato, Beet & Pumpkin Goodness Flour & Powder Glean Goodness brings on-point innovation and inspiration to market with its single-vegetable powders. Think giving food waste a second life. Think smoothie-boosting powders. Think hidden veggies. Glean Goodness covers these and more as it works with U.S. farmers to profit from their usually discarded “ugly fruit.” The product itself—dehydrated vegetable flour and powder—offers cooks a creative ingredient. On top of its sustainability mission it adds a social effort with a pound-for-pound donation for each product it sells. Organic India Tulsi Greens+ Superfood Blend Organic India’s 20-year mission to “put in more than we take out” is an industry standard bearer. This Certified B Corporation has focused on sourcing from small family farmers who use organic, regenerative farming practices that support a healthier environment and provide a life of dignity for some of India’s most vulnerable populations. Even more, the company helps farmer communities build important infrastructure to offer access to medical care, clean water, education and solar energy. W.S. Badger Co. Shampoo Bar Bye-bye plastic bottles. W.S. Badger is bringing the shampoo bar back. And that’s just win No. 1. The product is 85 percent organic and cleans up a sometimes dirty product set. This Certified B Corporation has set the bar high for all other B corps as it consistently ranks as a Best for the World honoree as it scores well for advancing honorable products that are better for the environment, building its community and doing so with impeccable employment practices. Bonus: W.S. Badger is woman owned.
Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup Primal Kitchen’s founder, Mark Sisson, is an author and blogger with a mission to help people find a path to health and wellness through a low-carb, primal and paleo-style nutrition. Primal Kitchen products are simple, whole-food condiments created without highly refined and processed industrial seed oils (like canola, soy, sunflower or safflower). The brand’s new organic unsweetened ketchup is made without added sugar and resonated with consumers. Trending Consumer Feedback: "This is by far the best ketchup I've ever tasted!” Justin’s Maple Cashew Butter Expanding beyond peanuts and almonds, Justin’s introduced cashew butter with an appealing gritty texture and grind. Justin’s maple cashew butter is the first no-stir cashew butter and the first cashew butter available in a squeeze pack for on-the-go convenience that provides 4 grams of protein per serving. Trending Consumer Feedback: "Very yummy, wouldn't change a thing!" “Wish I had a bigger sample!”
WaterWipes WaterWipes hypoallergenic baby wipes are made from 99.9 percent water and a drop of fruit extract. The company founder, Edward McCloskey, developed the product to help soothe his daughter’s sensitive skin after learning how many chemicals were in standard baby wipes and questioning the safety of using them on his baby’s delicate skin. The moist wipes are fragrance free and found traction with many parents. Trending Consumer Feedback: "I really like the fact that they have no chemicals and are 99 percent water." Nature’s Fusions Essential Oils Duo These essential oils are made from certified organic fractionated coconut oil blended with essential oils in a roll-on bottle. The duo is aimed at warming and cooling effects and increasing clarity. In an essential oils market plagued with high prices and adulteration, Nature’s Fusions stands out for manufacturing under multiple certifications: CGMP, Organic and PETA’s stringent Beauty without Bunnies Cruelty-Free & Vegan program. Trending Consumer Feedback: "The blends smell AMAZING and works wonders for tension. Not as harsh on the skin as some products which is a bonus!" "These essential oils are extremely refreshing. I love the roll-on ball."
CW Hemp Plus Pioneers in this industry since 2012, CW Hemp (also known as Charlotte’s Web) is vertically integrated from growing its own proprietary hemp genetics on U.S. family farms to its own lab and production facility in Colorado. Bucking the CBD trend, Charlotte’s Web believes plants have the power to change lives to help people thrive, and thus has the company goal of making the world’s most trusted hemp extract. Trending Consumer Feedback: "The flavor could be improved somewhat. It was very oily tasting, it reminded me of cod liver oil, with a hint of the mint chocolate. I did feel like I got some relief from the product though." “Instructions were not included; unsure of how to use.” PlusCBD Oil™ Gold Formula Softgels It is no secret, products containing CBD are one of the top trends this year. More and more consumers are learning about potential benefits of CBD, such as the balancing effect it can have on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). PlusCBD Oil Gold Formula Softgels are made of a high concentration of phytocannabinoids including CBD, fatty acids, terpenes and naturally-occurring vitamin E. Trending Consumer Feedback: "There's not anything I would change on this product. It works amazingly well. My mom and I both tried this product, I shared with her, and we both liked it." "Bigger dosage. Low dose only helps after a week or two of taking. Its a great product, but as low dose as it is, its diminished by the softgel."
CW Hemp Plus Pioneers in this industry since 2012, CW Hemp (also known as Charlotte’s Web) is vertically integrated from growing its own proprietary hemp genetics on U.S. family farms to its own lab and production facility in Colorado. Bucking the CBD trend, Charlotte’s Web believes plants have the power to change lives to help people thrive, and thus has the company goal of making the world’s most trusted hemp extract. Trending Consumer Feedback: "The flavor could be improved somewhat. It was very oily tasting, it reminded me of cod liver oil, with a hint of the mint chocolate. I did feel like I got some relief from the product though." “Instructions were not included; unsure of how to use.” PlusCBD Oil™ Gold Formula Softgels It is no secret, products containing CBD are one of the top trends this year. More and more consumers are learning about potential benefits of CBD, such as the balancing effect it can have on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). PlusCBD Oil Gold Formula Softgels are made of a high concentration of phytocannabinoids including CBD, fatty acids, terpenes and naturally-occurring vitamin E. Trending Consumer Feedback: "There's not anything I would change on this product. It works amazingly well. My mom and I both tried this product, I shared with her, and we both liked it." "Bigger dosage. Low dose only helps after a week or two of taking. Its a great product, but as low dose as it is, its diminished by the softgel."
Twice a year New Hope Network and industry judges gather to celebrate the newest innovations coming from the brands driving the natural products industry forward. This time, we’ve chosen 57 impressive products as finalists for the Natural Products Expo East 2018 NEXTY Award program.
From a record number of nominations, New Hope Network editors and Sterling-Rice Group staff narrowed down more than 450 nominated products to a pool of 57 finalists across 22 categories. This time, we added two new categories to better represent what we’re seeing in the marketplace. New category additions are Best New Tea or Coffee and Best New Ready-to-Drink Beverage. Two to four finalists were chosen per category, depending on the number of total entries for the category.
In addition to the 57 products that wowed us, we’re recognizing six finalists for our NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards—a new branch of the NEXTY Award program that entails brands applying to have their product shipped to 1,000 targeted consumers to receive product ratings and feedback. Learn more about the new Consumer Choice Awards.
Only one product per category will be awarded a coveted NEXTY Award, to be presented to the winners at brand booths on Friday, Sept. 14. We’ll also award six Editors’ Choice NEXTY Award winners that will be selected on-site.
Here are this year’s finalists.
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