February 13, 2019
![Next in natural: The Natural Products Expo West 2019 NEXTY Awards finalists Next in natural: The Natural Products Expo West 2019 NEXTY Awards finalists](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/blt8dc74683c3195ea3/64ff1c732c9226d4cbb39f70/EW2019_Nexty_for_web_2000_20x1040_1_1.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Growing Roots Foods Organic Snack Bites This mission-forward snack brand is the result of a partnership formed in 2015 between Unilever, the city of New York and Green City Force to build six urban farms in underserved neighborhoods. The brand continues that mission by donating a whopping 50 percent of profits to help support urban farming across the U.S. These organic seed-based snacks—made from ingredients like coconut, corn, seeds and spices—can be mixed into yogurt, sprinkled on ice cream or eaten straight from the bag. Patagonia Provisions Organic Savory Seeds This unique crunchy snack provides a convenient vehicle for a daily dose of plant-based protein and fiber and serves as a nut-free alternative to snacking on, well, nuts. In line with Patagonia’s core mission, these small packets of seedy goodness aren’t just focused on the health of the consumer, but also the health of the planet. The company sources its main ingredients from farmers dedicated to organic and regenerative principles, including hemp seeds from the first organic-certified hemp farm in the United States. PROBAR live PROBAR steps up their game with this new line of fresh, whole-food bars infused with one billion CFUs of live probiotics. Boasting 10 grams of plant-based protein and no added sugar, these bars are packed with nuts, nut butters, seeds and dates. The lack of preservatives and emulsifiers position them in the refrigerated section for optimal texture. PROBAR live comes in four indulgent flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Coconut Cashew, Almond Butter and Peanut Butter.
Frederick Export Switchle Organic Sparkling Apple Cider Vinegar Drink This beautifully packaged beverage is cheekily dubbed Benjamin Franklin’s kombucha. The company uses simple, organic ingredients such as ginger, apple cider vinegar and honey in its switchle, but ups the functionality factor with potent antioxidants such as turmeric and matcha. It also leaves in the “mother.” Notably, the product is certified organic to the highest standard by the Soil Association, and meets modern consumers' needs for a classy non-alcohol beverage experience. Mooala Brands Coconut Oatmilk Mooala’s Coconut Oatmilk, comprised of a blend of organic toasted oats and coconut cream, could be the very product that launches oat milk to the top of the alt-milk category. This delicious milk substitute has no added sugar (by comparison, the leading oat milk brand contains 7 grams per serving) and is calcium-fortified. Mooala formulated this product’s packaging with environmentally friendlier PET plastic, and the company also supports non-profit micro finance organizations in impoverished companies. Suja Organic Energy Juice These organic energy juices couple cold-pressed fruits and vegetables with 100 milligrams of caffeine derived from the sustainable coffeeberry and trendy guayasa tea. Suja uses organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables in all its products and implements a displacement technology called High Pressure Processing to make the price point far more accessible than other cold-pressed juice brands. The company locally and carefully sources as many ingredients in its juices as possible and stars an ingredient (the coffeeberry) that often goes to waste.
Hoplark HopTea Blending just tea, hops and sparkling water, this microbrew (without the beer) satisfies as an alcohol substitute or afternoon refreshment. Some savvy tasters suggested that IPA lovers will especially enjoy this innovative RTD bev. Bonus: Indulge for a mere zero calories. Innovating an upscale tea experience is timely, what with the rise of consumers seeking classy yet low- or no-alcohol options. But don’t think of this as just an alt-brew, the tea focus is sure to also draw those looking for a clean caffeine boost. Lumen Restore Hemp Elixir In sought-after shot form, this concentrated blend of juiced hemp and adaptogenic ashwagandha is a creative take on the plant that’s exciting next gen health seekers. The tiny herbal beverage is positioned as a nightcap that also includes a superfood punch of spirulina, moringa and coconut water. Lumen’s co-founders met at a regenerative farming event and continue to support the movement, both as educators and through the sourcing of their ingredients. Sunwink Detox Ginger It was the beautiful bottle that grabbed our judges’ attention, but the pleasing ginger-forward taste of this sparkling herbal tonic kept them captivated. The spicy gingerroot formula also includes dandelion and burdock roots. In tune with the Mother Earth herbal tradition, each tonic in Suwnwick’s detox line is inspired by a real woman and the herbs she used growing up. But most important, the startup will give 1 percent of sales to organizations of that woman’s choosing. We look forward to following Sunwink on their path toward organic certification. Wedderspoon Apple Cider Drinking Vinegars with Manuka Honey Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t like drinking vinegars until after they’ve sampled this unfiltered sipper. Crafted with raw manuka honey, an immune booster, and raw beechwood honey, a natural prebiotic, these drinks offer at least 11 grams of dietary fiber (watch for this nutrient to continue to regain momentum). Plus, these drinking vinegars get a boost from other on-trend flavors and superfoods: matcha, ginger and turmeric. What’s more, the company recently worked with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries to develop a regulatory standard for genuine manuka.
MediDate Date Seed Coffee Made from roasted and ground date seeds, this smooth-tasting, caffeine-free bev is for people who want to maintain their coffee ritual without getting the stimulant and crash that often comes post-java. This non-coffee coffee drink contains prebiotics and antioxidants to naturally boost energy while also creating a new use from a typical waste product. Launching this spring, MediDate offers a traditional Bedouin tribal beverage in a convenient ready-to-drink format. Navitas Superfood Lattes Who doesn’t need a quick and delicious way to get a dose of functional ingredients? Navitas Organics Superfood Lattes are packaged in single-serve pouches that need simply to be stirred into hot water for a thick, satisfying latte, no espresso machine, sweeteners or dairy required! All of the ingredients are organically and sustainably sourced. The Republic of Tea Beautifying Botanicals This is one vibrantly colored beautiful tea that also beautifies! The Republic of Tea’s new Beautifying Botanicals line includes health-boosting ingredients. Their Blueberry Lavender Tea is especially formulated to improve skin complexion from ingredients such as hibiscus, rose hip, bamboo and schizandra berry that may promote collagen production and hydration and strengthen skin, hair and nails. Butterfly pea flower and blueberry give the light, caffeine-free botanical brew an attractive deep blue hue.
A Dozen Cousins Authentic Regional Beans At first glance, you may consider A Dozen Cousins’ Authentic Regional Beans as “just a bag of beans." The truth is, A Dozen Cousins is doing so much more than really tasty beans. The ready-to-eat pouches with clean ingredients from creole, Caribbean and Latin American cuisines fuel the company’s goal to directly serve black and Latino communities, a demographic disproportionately impacted by diet-related illnesses. They serve this socio-economic mission in several ways, such as partnering with non-profits to sponsor cooking and nutrition courses for underserved communities. So you get the picture: they’re much, much more than beans. Carrington Farms Crounons Croutons are often a grease-laden topper on an otherwise wholesome salad. But even if you don’t want to mess up your nutritious meal, every salad deserves some crunch and savory depth. Carrington Farms solution is an incredibly tasty and gluten-free Crounon made from organic, crispy, puffed quinoa. GloryBee Brown Butter Honey Ghee The bee colony population has been in drastic decline over the last few decades, raising a pressing issue in our food system. Using their platform to influence the honey bee value chain, Glory Bee introduces Brown Butter Honey Ghee and their “Save the Bee” program. Having already donated $316K to bee research and other initiatives, “Save the Bee” is on a mission to reduce colony loss. This mix of grass-fed ghee and pure honey fosters a delicious marriage of sweet and savory. A must-have pantry addition.
KOVI KAI Cold Pressed Frozen Ginger and Turmeric Need a little extra time in the a.m.? Who doesn’t? KOVI KAI is launching frozen single-ingredient ginger and turmeric cubes to cater to busy mornings that are too routine and not enough ritual. Peeling, chopping and pressing fresh roots is time consuming. Along with the convenience factor, the fresh roots are harvested in Hawaii to support American farmers and minimize environmental impact of long-distant shipping. LoveTheWild Shrimp with Cajun Crème It’s no secret that sustainable seafood is challenging for manufacturers to source and for consumers to understand. LoveTheWild is tackling these challenges with the latest release of its Shrimp with Cajun Crème. The company is known for its transparency and responsible sourcing, and this new product is no exception. For the launch of their new Shrimp with Cajun Crème, LoveTheWild partnered with shrimp farmer BMR because of their leadership in shrimp genetics, sustainable non-GMO feeds, and investment in a world-class lab and processing facility that raises the bar for shrimp producers worldwide. In addition, they are also committed to environmentally friendly packaging that minimize materials and consists of plant-based compostable sauce tray and film. Teton Waters Ranch Burger Blend Many consumers are actively looking for ways to decrease their beef intake without completely giving up high-quality protein and craveable umami flavor. To serve the needs of this evolving consumer, Teton Waters Ranch is launching a burger blend consisting of 100 percent grass-fed beef that includes savory mushrooms. With numerous studies and research pointing to health and environmental benefits of moderating red meat intake, Teton Waters Ranch is providing a solution in the needs-updating frozen category that addresses the changing consumer’s needs
Annabella Low Moisture Water Buffalo Mozzarella Low-moisture mozz is that chunk cheese typically grated onto American-style pizzas. It’s firm and salty and full of umami goodness. And when it’s made from free-range water buffalo, it’s also A2/A2, non-GMO and more nutritive than cow’s milk products—double the protein, double the calcium, 40 percent more nutrients and half the cholesterol. Annabella claims the only 100 percent grass-fed water buffalo herd in the world and states a commitment to humane management—for healthier buffalos (and healthier pizzas, too). Blue Circle Foods Happy Fish Ok, these aren’t the first fish-shaped fish, but most of their predecessors are breaded and fried (or still swimming). These Norwegian farm-raised salmon nuggets are just salmon—plus a hint of salt and white pepper—and claim a remarkable doubling of the omegas found in wild salmon. In only four minutes of prep time, these simple and tasty swimmers deliver 20 grams of protein and a good dose of omega-3s to the kids (or adults) hooked by the fun shape and clever educational packaging. TRIBALÍ Foods Mini Sliders Are they sliders or breakfast sausages? It hardly matters, because they’re delicious (and clean!). Crafted of 100% organic air-chilled chicken and doctored with other fruits, veggies and spices, these sliders don’t have the added sugar, preservatives and fillers commonly found in prepared meats. True to Tribali’s mission, these sliders provide protein (12 grams per two-patty serving) without the carbs (only 3 grams per serving), are made from regionally-sourced and non-GMO meat and ingredients to satisfy paleo eaters, Whole30 devotees and NEXTY judges!
Frederick Export Pimp My Salad Cashew Parmesan Cutting dairy out of your diet is tough—especially if you (like so many others) are obsessed with the salty, savory taste that cheese imparts. Frederick Export’s Pimp My Salad makes the transition to dairy-free eating easier with this whole food sprinkle made from single-origin cashews, organic nutritional yeast, sunflower seeds, organic kale, organic lemon peel and Himalayan pink salt. Shake it over salads—and pizza, pasta, soup, grains and veggie side dishes—for an infusion of flavor and a dash of vitamin B, healthy fats and protein. Good Karma Foods French Onion Dip In order for plant-based eating to reach widespread adoption, it’s important for dairy alternatives to be 1) delicious, 2) readily available and 3) affordable. Good Karma strikes gold with this ivory-hued French onion dip, flecked with savory onion, garlic and lemon. Made with a (no-flax) blend of coconut oil, tapioca flour, pea protein and more, this game day-dip gives ravenous snackers no excuse to go the traditional route that’s loaded with mayo, sour cream and salty mix-ins. Strong Roots Kale & Quinoa Burger Strong Roots is dedicated to making sure plant-based eating means consuming whole, healthy vegetables and grains—not ultra-processed plant-protein derivatives, gums and thickeners. With curly kale as the first ingredient, each patty boasts non-hidden ingredients you can see, including puffed quinoa, potatoes, carrots, roasted onions and a flurry of pleasing spices. Refreshingly, this burger doesn’t mimic meat. Rather, it stands on its own as a delicious, filling vegan main.
Annabella Water Buffalo Dulce de Leche This decadent treat won us over at the first crack of the lid. We were met with an indulgently smooth and thick dulce de leche made from grass-fed, free-range water buffalo milk, which has double the protein and calcium, 40 percent more nutrients and half the cholesterol of cow’s milk. We also applaud Annabella’s commitment to the humane treatment of animals, organic farming methods and ecological packaging. Creative Snacks Co. Organic Coconut Snacks These wholesome clusters contain organic coconut, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, giving them a unique and grain-free edge on traditional trail mix. We love the clean ingredient list and the focus on quality and organic. The company values diversity, representing a multitude of nationalities, ethnicities and religions. Not to mention, we ate the whole bag! Emmy’s Organics Inc. Chocolate Covered Coconut Cookie Bites These dark-chocolate covered coconut cookie bites are just the right amount of indulgent, and come with a clean, nourishing ingredient list you can feel good about. Sweetened with coconut sugar, the bites (which are reminiscent of a classed-up Mounds bar) contain half the amount of sugar as their conventional counterparts, and they’re also gluten-free and vegan. The company is B Corp certified and is passionate about sustainable business practices, with a focus on fair trade and ethically sourced chocolate. Lundberg Family Farms Chocolate Thin Stackers A thinner version of Lundberg’s popular rice cakes and covered in chocolate, these snack stacks are the perfect sweet-tooth satisfying, yet more wholesome way to snack. They come in portion-controlled two-packs and hit all marks for sweet, salty and crunchy. Boasting whole-grain goodness, this to-go snack is organic, non-GMO, gluten free and made with Fair Trade Certified chocolate.
Applegate Pepperoni and Cheese Stackers Anybody who has walked by the “Lunchables” selection at the supermarket has likely cringed at the standard overprocessed cheese and meats, while also thinking how convenient it would be to have a similar grab-and-go option that was clean label. Applegate steps in with its new convenience pack of more responsibly sourced and produced pepperoni and cheese combos. Kids and adults can reach for it as a satisfying snack or pair it with fruit and call it lunch. Love Beets Golden Beet-o de Gallo Beets are proving more versatile and pleasant than anyone who grew up on the canned version ever would have imagined. Love Beets keeps “beeting” the innovation drum, and their new fresh beet-based pico de gallo is no exception. A decidedly different taste than salsa, this one is for beet lovers, but it scoops and eats just like pico de gallo at the taco bar. It would also pair well with grilled meats or fish and might be a good re-introduction to the canned-beat averse. Quinn Snacks Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets Quinn has a way of tackling a problem food with clean ingredients and flair, just as they did several years ago with microwave popcorn. This time they’ve focused that thinking on stuffed pretzels. Peanut butter pretzels can be delicious, but nearly all current brands opt for unhealthy fats and copious sugar. Quinn skips that with a short ingredient list and just 1 gram of sugar per serving. Though it’s the one our judges especially liked, peanut butter is just one of Quinn’s stuffed pretzel flavors. The dark-chocolate version was a hit, too. Notably, this product is the first gluten-free peanut butter pretzel ever created. South Mill Mushrooms Shroom Splits Mushrooms and meat pair harmoniously in many classic recipes, such as beef bourguignon. So, why not in a bag of jerky? South Mill Mushrooms answers that question with their Shrooms Splits, bringing together veggie jerky and meat jerky for a satisfying snack that hits just the right mark for consumers who want a little of both. They’ll also a dose of protein and all the superfood benefits of mushrooms.
Wild Joy Goods Banana Jerky Original So you’ve stopped eating meat, but dang, you sure miss snacking on some jerky when you’re off the grid. And you can’t pack a banana either, because we all know what happens to bananas in backpacks. It appears the people at Wild Joy Goods has faced this dilemma themselves, creating a tasty banana jerky with an impressively similar texture to meat jerky. The USDA certified organic snack uses Fair Trade Certified bananas and a solar powered dehydrating system to reduce their carbon footprint while offering a savory plant-based snack. Smart Baking Co. Cinnamon Smartcake Looking to cure your sweet tooth but desiring to steer clear of high-calorie, highly processed options that could derail your diet? Oh, and you’re avoiding gluten, too? Smart Baking Co. has the solution: an extremely low-calorie Cinnamon Smartcake. These delicious, tasty cupcakes will leave you puzzled: How on earth is it so satisfying for only have 38 calories?! We were scratching our heads, too! Soozy’s Donuts The days of gluten-laden, highly processed, poor-tasting packaged baked goods are fading fast to make room for cleaned-up options you can really get behind. Soozy’s mission to create a delicious dessert alternative for consumer’s in the special diet category has now expanded to donuts. The company’s new donuts are free of grains, gluten, dairy, peanuts and soy. They come frozen and individually packed, and make for a Paleo pleasing treat that is also Non-GMO Project Verified. Tribe 9 Foods Taste Republic Grain-free Cauliflower Linguini Have your trials of gluten-free, grain-free pastas ended in an underwhelming, mushy pile? Cue Taste Republic, a company that proves good business and good grain-free pasta DOES exist. With cauliflower flour as the substitute, this paleo certified pasta has an incredible texture that stands up to fork twirls and sauces aplenty. Couple that with the company’s B-Corp certification and declare it a (im)pastable success story! Base Culture Keto Bread Yep–keto bread. You heard that right. Base Culture, quite literally, knows the bread and butter of paleo products, innovating once again to create a high-fat, low-carb sandwich bread with a nutty, sweet flavor and fantastic texture. With ingredients you know, like almond butter and arrowroot flour, this powerfully lead, women-owned company offers the ketogenic diet a long-awaited sandwich. Keto fans rejoice!
Haven's Kitchen Sauces While on the quest for improved health and wellness we could all stand to spend more time in the kitchen preparing meals with fresh, whole ingredients. Haven's Kitchen is on a mission to empower people to do so with their line of healthy sauces. Amazing flavors (hello Herby Chimichurri, Nutty Lemongrass Sauce and Red Pepper Romesco) and whole-food clean labels won over our judges. Picaflor Live Culture Raw Fermented Pepper Flakes Who thought you could reinvent the pepper flake? Picaflor did, and they did so with raw fermented innovation, integrity and amazing (yes, spicy!) flavor. Our judges the company’s dedication to process, including upcycling, organic farming, regenerative agricultural methods and fermentation. Picaflor's business integrity, community leadership and environmental stewardship really excite the senses! Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce Primal Kitchen is back–and we’re here for it! They continue to add to their successful, paleo-pleasing line of great tasting unsweetened sauces. This classic BBQ sauce is not only a good fit for those on a paleo/keto diet, but also every modern consumer who doesn’t want added sugar sneaking into their life from unexpected sources–like their sauces and dressings. While delicious, no-added-sugar sauces are worth double dipping for, what our judges appreciated most is Primal Kitchen's deep commitment to organic ingredients that span the entire ingredient label.
Coolhaus Dairy Free Peanut Butter Fudge Chip Coolhaus expands upon its current dairy ice cream line with a wow-worthy, dairy-free frozen dessert line that is based on pea protein, brown rice and cocoa butter, resulting in an amazingly creamy product that stands up to its dairy-based cohorts. The line uses organic ingredients when possible and is non-GMO Project Verified pending. The Coconut Collaborative Paradise Pots Paradise Pots are little indulgent dairy-free chocolate ganache desserts made from cocoa and coconut cream, and perfectly portioned to ring in at less than 100 calories and only 8 grams of sugar per pot. The Coconut Collaborative has a focus on sustainability, and in conjunction with the Pur Project, plants thousands of coconut trees annually in Southeast Asia. Theo Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa Cups These decadent chocolately cups come filled with creamy, minty chocolate. They are the newest addition to the lineup from Theo, the mission-based chocolatier. We love Theo’s commitment to people and planet, and these Peppermint Cocoa Cups are no exception, made with fair-trade and organic certified ingredients. Theo goes a step further by tying each ingredient back to the impact to its farmer. For example, the peppermint in these cups is farmed in Uttar Pradesh, India, where proceeds from each kilo sold go into a community bank account to improve safety.
Balanced Guru customized organic Shampoo and Conditioner Personalization is all the rage—but don’t call it a trend. Customizing diets, supplement regimens and—now—hair care is a meaningful response to consumer demand for more targeted solutions. Based on 15 factors, Balanced Guru creates one-size-fits-one, single-batch shampoos and conditioners that consumers can receive on a subscription basis. And that’s not all: Balanced Guru is connecting the dots between this sophisticated, customized model and its retail partners by allowing stores to sell the concept and then receive a portion of subscription dollars. Add to it Cosmos Organic certification and the company’s non-profit partnerships and we have ourselves something that is holistically unique. Kirks Natural KIRK'S Odor Neutralizing Hand Wash - Fragrance Free You know that stench that lingers on your fingers for days after making shrimp scampi? A family business run by two moms (who are also sisters) tackled this everyday nuisance with a pure, effective solution that will elate foodies everywhere. The company blends the time-tested benefits of coconut oil with the natural innovation of vegetable-based fermentation technology to neutralize the most pungent kitchen-prep stench—without chemicals and without drying out your hands. OrganiCare FemiClear All-Natural and Organic Yeast Infection Treatment Gone are the days when customers would struggle to find a nontoxic toothpaste, skin cream or deodorant that works. Translation: The personal care bar has been raised. This yeast infection treatment (technically this product is a “homeopathic drug,” not a cosmetic) got us excited about yeast infection remedies for the first time … ever. The four-ingredient product leverages calendula, melaleuca and olive extract to deliver results that, when put to the test (a third party test by Nelson Laboratories, that is), trumped the OTC leader and proved simplicity really can get the job done—better than the rest.
Enviromedica Terraflora Probiotics remain popular, and now we’re starting to see more sophisticated formulations that also include a hefty dose of prebiotic fibers—synbiotics. The spore-forming, soil-based probiotics are combined with food-based prebiotics sourced from wild-harvested seaweed, mushrooms and humic acid. Terraflora is vegan, GMO-free, free of all allergens, and is made without stearates, fillers, binders or flow agents. Fusion Naturals Vegan Collagen Booster Collagen is still a booming category, but there are many-a-consumer looking for a vegan source. Finally, it’s here. The blueberry-flavored powder has a patent-pending formula shown in a study to increase collagen production by 80 percent compared to controls. The certified organic powder is GMO-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. Pure Essence Real-Zymes Keto Personalized nutrition is arriving, with this enzyme formulation specifically targeting those on the high-fat, high-protein keto diet. The next time a customer comes into your store looking for keto diet options, offer this 19-enzymes formula that supports every step of digestion for better nutrient absorption and less digestive distress. Bottles are 100 percent recycled and Pure Essence has been active in supporting non-profit contributions of varying good causes.
Gaia Herbs Agile Mind Gaia does it again! The company continues the trifecta of expert formulation, sustainably sourced ingredients and a cutting-edge delivery format. Agile Mind combines Gaia-grown bacopa and a proprietary herbal blend rich in protective antioxidants to support healthy brain function and help maintain recall, addressing the growing problem of cognitive decline. Gaia’s vegan phyto-caps serve it up in powerful liquid concentrates. Pure Essence MyPure MycoMune 4x Mushroom supplements seem to be popping up everywhere, with a few standouts. Pure Essence’s MyPure line is one such star, as exhibited in this 100% organic immune formula that combines a mushroom soup of reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shiitake and chage, crafted with laboratory precision. A focus here is using the mushroom tops (not the mycelia) and optimizing the immune enhancing beta-glucans. Furthermore, Pure Essence’s holism inspires. In their words: “True holism means relating to our employees, suppliers, retailers and customers as partners along the path to complete harmony and wholeness.” Sun God Medicinals Hypnos Hemp Tincture Coming to us from a farm in Oregon, Sun God presents organic herbal blends with full spectrum whole hemp flowers added—never isolates or essential oils. Each herb is grown locally making this a bio-regional medicinal product, which holds true in the company’s distribution (with the exception of online sales). With Hypnos—named for the Greek god who was the personification of sleep—this tincture combines hemp with whole-plant hops and chamomile to aid consumers in a restful slumber.
Colorado Hemp Honey Double Strength Raw Relief This is one hempy-tasting honey! Both the hemp and the honey come from Colorado, and the end product is triple-tested for purity and potency. Each jar has a batch and lot QR code that leads to quality information including a Certificate of Analysis for each batch. Ten cents from every jar sold goes to support Veterans To Farmers, an organization that trains veterans in agricultural systems, technologies and business operations for a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. Maxin' Relaxin’ Rover Doggie downers for a new age, the Fidobiotics brand Maxin' Relaxin’ Rover is a barrel of laughs when you peruse the label—from the company name to the “pot roast” flavor. Full-spectrum hemp is combined with probiotics to relieve stress that can affect Rover’s GI tract. All ingredients are GMO-free, grain-free, gluten-free and made in America. RE Botanicals Hemp CBD Tinctures This is hemp oil done exactly right—full-spectrum, USDA certified organic, USA-grown hemp, and void of declarations of CBD content. RE Botanicals founder is hemp pioneer John Roulac, founder of Nutiva and a regenerative agriculture champion—so of course 1% of sales are donated to support regenerative ag and the cultivation of healthier soils that can address the climate crisis. All of RE Botanicals products are third-party lab tested to ensure purity and efficacy, and packaged at a USDA NOP-certified facility. Winged CBD Relaxation The FUBU of hemp, Winged CBD is made for and made by women. The classy brand’s Relaxation SKU is gummies that each contain 10 milligrams of CBD from organically grown full-spectrum hemp extract, along with evening primrose oil, lemon balm extract, chamomile and L-theanine—all that in one sweet chill pill housed in one beautiful package. Products are third party lab tested and include a QR code on each product allowing customers to view the Certificates of Analysis from each batch. The product is non-GMO, and the start-up company is commendably working on both organic certification and B Corp status.
Califia Farms Probiotic Dairy Free Yogurts These yummy drinkable yogurts deliver probiotics in a plant-based blend of almond, coconut and oat milks. We were impressed by the fact that these yogurts are dairy-free, yet still contain 10 billion live, active probiotic CFUs that are delivered as part of the whole food rather than being fortified and added later. Califia Farms also values working directly with its farmers and believes that “plants can power tomorrow.” Hear, hear! Counter Culture All Purpose Non-Toxic Cleaner This plant- and probiotic-based cleaner is disrupting the anti-bacterial philosophy. The company’s products are powered by good bacteria and the beneficial compounds they produce, cleaning effectively and promoting a healthy, chemical-free balance in your home. Scented with only essential oils, they smell amazing, too! Picaflor Hot Sauce Single-Serve Packets Picaflor’s hot sauce has one of the most innovative probiotic delivery systems we’ve seen. Fermented with live probiotics, the single serve packets are the perfect grab-and-go option to add to burritos, sushi, pizza and more. We especially love that Picaflor sources its ingredients from Regenerative Organic farms in Boulder County, Colorado, supporting the facilitation of carbon sequestration.
method All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes NEXTY Awards are judged on the criteria of innovation, inspiration and integrity. But there’s a fourth i-word that also comes into play: impact. And where there is great consumer use, there is great impact to be made. Thus, a product such as method’s new compostable wipes made of 100 percent wood-based fibers could help clean-up a category (pun intended) filled with less-than-ideal options. The U.S.-manufactured wipes are packaged in a canister made of 70 percent post-consumer plastic that is 100 percent recyclable, and they come in fresh scents, such as French lavender, lime and sea salt, and pink grapefruit. PATCH Bamboo Natural Bandages First aid reeks of hospital hallways, latex gloves and chemically laden antiseptics. But natural solutions could be just what your body needs to heal post-scratch, bump or bite. These stripped-down bandage strips are made from 100 percent organic, stone-milled bamboo fiber with gauze strips that are enhanced with coconut oil, aloe vera or charcoal that’s perfect for soothing and repairing skin after minor abrasions. The hypoallergenic, biodegradable and compostable bandages, paper wraps and unique cardboard canisters are free of plastics, latex and silicon. TwentyFifty Compost Your Fork! More than 40 billion pieces of plastic cutlery go into landfills and oceans every year, and by 2050 there is projected to be more plastic in the oceans than fish. With hot-button awareness of the world’s plastic problem, TwentyFifty helps meet the growing demand for functional, 100% biodegradable, zero-waste alternatives. The brand founder, Zack Kong, a UCSD bioengineer, developed a natural grain dough (soy, wheat and corn) with extremely limited water content that allows these grain-based forks to completely biodegrade in your backyard but still stand up to hot pasta dinners and crunchy salad bowls.
Brainiac Foods Braniac Kids Whole Milk Yogurt Brainiac’s cups, tubes and drinkable yogurt products come in four flavors and aim to increase the number of children currently receiving sufficient omega-3 DHA and EPA, and choline in their diets. These essential nutrients are found in typical kid-averse foods, such as salmon, liver and broccoli. These non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher and no-rBST yogurts contain a one-of-a-kind blend of foods rich in all three nutrients, as well as three strains of live probiotic cultures. Sprout Nutrition Sprout Organic Wafflez This product is the first of its kind—namely, a USDA Certified Organic oven-baked waffle snack geared toward satisfying the younger crowd’s sweet tooth without the less-than-ideal sugar and additives often found in kid-marketed sweet snacks. The wafflez appeal to children in both form and taste. They appeal to parents for their base of organic European stoneground wheat flour, sustainable palm oil, whole organic eggs and real fruits and vegetables, as well as recyclable and BPA-free packaging. The toddler-friendly flavor lineup includes Blueberry Apple and Apple Carrot Cinnamon. W.S. Badger Company SPF 30 Kids Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream This reef-friendly, water-resistant, Certified Organic broad-spectrum kids’ sunscreen is naturally scented like an orange creamsicle and uses mineral-based protection, making it perfectly suited for kids sensitive to harsh smells and chemical sunscreens. This product impressively contains only six ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide, sunflower seed oil, beeswax, tangerine peel oil, vitamin E, Seabuckthorn fruit extract and vanilla fruit extract—plus it rubs into skin with no pesky white residue left behind. The W.S. Badger Company is a certified B Corporation, implements cruelty-free practices and uses almost exclusively Non-GMO ingredients in its products.
Applegate The New Food Collective by Applegate Fresh Sausage Applegate has long been in the business of organic and natural meat products. But its new subsidiary, The New Food Collective, tackles even more ground-breaking efforts, including building a new supply chain with regional farmers who raise livestock regeneratively and supporting small-scale farmers with new business skills. To pull it off, Applegate partnered with the Savory Institute to develop a Land To Market standard for regeneratively raised hogs and chickens. The brand has also become the first pork products to be verified by rigorous American Grassfed Association standards. Biofunctionals Organic Sprouted Rice Bites Biofunctionals exists for the sole purpose of improving the livelihoods of small-scale rice farmers in Thailand. Through a three-ingredient line of rice bites (rice, sunflower oil, sea salt), 100 percent of the company’s profits are donated to Green Net Cooperative, a social enterprise with the goal of transitioning Thai rice farmers from brown rice to organic red and black rice production. The latter provides higher levels of protein, iron and antioxidants—plus better yields and prices for farmers. Not to mention these crispy rice crackers are simply snackable goodness! Patagonia Provisions Long Root Wit Every outdoor enthusiast knows Patagonia to be a reputable brand that sources durable materials and is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. But emphasis on a (still not-so-simple) reduction mantra is so yesterday for this brand. Patagonia is transitioning from reputable brand to brand-with-a-mission. That mission is to regenerate our diminishing natural resources, and it manifests in a damn good beer. Long Root Wit supports the market opportunities of Kernza, a perennial cousin to wheat with deep roots that churn out many benefits: better soil health, water retention and carbon sequestration, to name a few.
Angelic Bakehouse 7-Grain Sprouted Wraps Finally, a wrap that tastes great and brings a transparent supply chain and innovative dough processing. Rather than flour, these wraps are made from a whole-grain mash produced from single source red-wheat berries from Wheat Montana, where the climate provides ideal conditions for the highest quality wheat. Employing full farm partner transparency, Angelic bakehouse supports local family farms. Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Noodle Soup Cups Lotus Foods and Dalian Hongren, its supply partners in China, have a unique relationship spanning 23 years converting suppliers to organic production has expanded organic rice agriculture and increased farmer income. Rice Ramen Noodle Soup Cups are the latest ready to eat innovation from Lotus. Convenient? Yes. Tasty? Yes. And now we have a healthy noodle soup with utmost integrity that appeals to college students and ramen aficionados alike. Numi Turmeric Chai Golden Latte Concentrate Numi Tea Turmeric Chai Golden Latte features Fair Trade Certified turmeric sourced from its farming partners in Madagascar. With the first initiative in Madagascar, the H2OPE project, a Numi Foundation nonprofit, partnered with farmers to build 23 wells providing clean water to more than 4,000 people across 12 villages. Delicious and functional, this is a beverage you can feel good about drinking while doing your well for your health.
KITU Life Super Creamer As an industry, we all know that packaging waste and byproducts are a major (if not THE biggest) pain point. The solutions we’re currently working with are not enough, so what can we do? Packaging needs radical rethinking and innovation to reach sustainability goals of the future. Kitu Life Super Creamer’s package is made by SIG and combidome technology that is 100% recyclable and made of pulp from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. At a $4.99 price point, this product sets the bar as an approachable start to better packaging with all of the advantages of a bottle and none of the harm of single-use plastic. World Centric PizzaRound The PizzaRound from World Centric (available at wholesale only) is the first 100% tree-free, plant-based, compostable pizza container. The innovative circular design reduces packaging waste while built-in grease grooves, air vents and raised dimples on the inside of the container eliminate the need for liners, tissues and plastic tents. Unlike traditional cardboard pizza boxes that can’t be recycled, World Centric packaging enables eco-friendly disposal through composting. We also loved that World Centric’s overall sustainability and community development mission is committed to donate 25% of pre-tax profits to grassroots social and environmental organizations every year. This product stood out to us because it represents the kind of innovation that will help bring the ‘future of sustainable packaging’ closer to now.
Applicants in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards sent 1,000 product samples to health-focused consumers who provided valuable feedback and ratings. These NEXTY Consumer Choice Finalists stood out to their target consumer audience based on innovation, inspiration, integrity and likelihood to purchase. Finalists in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards Food or Beverage category are Dr. Schar Gluten Free Sliced Bread and Enjoy Life Foods Dark Raspberry Chocolate Protein Bites. New Hope’s technology partner in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards is Sampler.
Applicants in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards sent 1,000 product samples to health-focused consumers who provided valuable feedback and ratings. These NEXTY Consumer Choice Finalists stood out to their target consumer audience based on innovation, inspiration, integrity and likelihood to purchase. Finalists in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards Natural Living or Personal Care Product category are method All-Purpose Clean Wipes and InstaNatural Age Defying & Skin Clearing Serum. New Hope’s technology partner in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards is Sampler.
Applicants in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards sent 1,000 product samples to health-focused consumers who provided valuable feedback and ratings. These NEXTY Consumer Choice Finalists stood out to their target consumer audience based on innovation, inspiration, integrity and likelihood to purchase. Finalists in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards Food or Beverage category are PlusCBD Oil Gold Drops and Colorado Hemp Honey Sticks. New Hope’s technology partner in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards is Sampler.
Applicants in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards sent 1,000 product samples to health-focused consumers who provided valuable feedback and ratings. These NEXTY Consumer Choice Finalists stood out to their target consumer audience based on innovation, inspiration, integrity and likelihood to purchase. Finalists in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards Food or Beverage category are PlusCBD Oil Gold Drops and Colorado Hemp Honey Sticks. New Hope’s technology partner in the NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards is Sampler.
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 74 impressive products as finalists for the Natural Products Expo West 2019 NEXTY Awards program.
From a record number of nominations, New Hope Network editors and Sterling-Rice Group staff narrowed down more than 850 nominated products to a pool of 74 finalists across 23 categories. This time, we added four new categories to better represent what we’re seeing in the marketplace. New category additions are:
Best New Environmentally Responsible Packaging
Best New CBD Product
Best Supply-Chain Partnership Represented
Best New Product Supporting a Healthy Microbiome
With the help of outside industry judges, two to five finalists were chosen per category, depending on the number of total entries for the category.
In addition to the 74 products that wowed us, we’re recognizing six finalists for our NEXTY Consumer Choice Awards—a branch of the NEXTY Awards 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 Thursday, March 7. We’ll also award four Editors’ Choice NEXTY Awards winners that will be selected on-site.
For more information about the NEXTY Awards, head to the NEXTY Awards website.
Here are this year’s finalists.
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