August 18, 2022
Asheville Tea Company Elderberry Yaupon Tea Asheville Tea Company is on a mission to rethink the way we source tea by celebrating the terroir of its local region. By building relationships with local farmers and supporting the welfare of the community, its teas celebrate the environment of the southern Appalachia. With elderberry, hibiscus, yaupon and compostable packaging, consumers can find peace in every sip. Modica Superfood Cocktail Mixers Cucumber Aloe Margarita Mix Traditional cocktail mixes are loaded with sugar and chemicals that are bad for your health and leave you hurting the next morning, but Modica is here to change that. With this absolutely delicious, low-sugar cucumber aloe margarita mix, these mocktail and cocktail friendly mixes are packed with superfoods and free of preservatives. Taco Tuesdays rejoice! Sunboy Spiked Sparkling Coconut Water, Passion Fruit “A better for you that is actually better for you,” and Sunboy isn’t lying. Each 4-pack of these easy drinkers contains one and a half coconuts, three passion fruits, three and a half limes, and 0 grams of added sugar. Add the fact that they’re gluten-free and have 80% less calories than a traditional cocktail, and you have a Friday night winner. Verve Coffee Roasters Flash Brew Oatmilk Latte, Honey Lavender Another RTD latte? You bet—but this one takes the cake. A sweet and floral delight, this on-the-go pick-me-up has outstanding flavor. The honey is sourced from coffee blossom flowers in Mexico, and Verve donates a portion of sales to Save the Bees, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of bees' role in the foody system.
Fila Manila Filipino American Kitchen Filipino Banana Ketchup This smooth and flavorful condiment is a take on a traditional Filipino, tomato-less condiment that sprang from a wartime shortage of tomatoes—and an abundance of bananas. The rich scarlet color comes from plant-based sources such as beetroot and annatto. This innovative condiment is gluten-free, vegan and has no added sugar. Fila Manila partners with AAPI nonprofits to provide thousands of meals to front-line medical workers, medically neglected populations and BIPOC families in underserved communities that were heavily impacted by the pandemic. Growee Foods Curry Zucchini Spread Instead of considering dips and spreads as indulgent snack foods with no nutritious value, Growee Foods wants consumers to see spreads as an opportunity to enjoy natural, whole ingredients. This south Asian-inspired curry zucchini spread is made from fresh vegetables, seeds and spices, perfect for dipping or with a salad. Growee Foods, which sources ingredients local to the manufacturing facility’s location, works directly with local suppliers to maintain sustainable and transparent supply chains—and it’s on track to use only organic ingredients within the coming year. Niramaya Dips for Dinner Super Greens Saag There is nothing boring about these greens! Not only does this dip provide consumers with a daily dose of greens, it also delivers the heat. Niramaya creates Indian-inspired and nutrient-dense dips using recipes from founder Mehek Khera’s grandmother and by only using ingredients that Khera’s grandmother would keep in her kitchen. The brand seeks to provide the inherent nourishment that meals from Indian homes offer, while creating accessibility and convenience for regular and natural food consumers. This Super Greens Saag is made with spinach and cashews and boosted with ashwagandha, spirulina and moringa. The dips are hot-filled and preserved with lemon juice to keep nutrients intact and shelf stable for up to three years. Tia Lupita Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Oil Crunch, Cranberry and Pepitas A table staple of Mexico, Tia Lupita, is bringing “the condiment you never knew you needed to the United States.” This Mexican chili oil—made of whole ingredients such as whole pepitas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, garlic and chile Morita—delivers an epic crunch and flavor to match. The heat of the chilis is balanced nicely with the subtle sweetness of raisins and tartness of the cranberries for a condiment that will amplify any dish.
Better Being Company Solaray’s SharpMind Mood Mood is the health concern of the year for supplements. Some of that marketing is rebranding old ingredients under the new “mood” rubric. St. John’s wort comes to mind—20 years ago it was validated to work for mild to moderate depression. But who wants to describe today’s pandemic-era ennui as depression? Mood sounds more approachable, a conversation-starter in polite company. There’s no hypericum here, but there is sceletium—a South African plant found in studies to make happy people … happier. Think of holy basil as walking meditation in a bottle. Fermented mushrooms also provide balance. Iwi Brain Omega-3s are the foundation of any brain-health supplement, what with so much of the brain made up of good fats like DHA. So of course this has omega-3s—sustainable, vegan, clean algae-produced omega-3s requiring zero farmable land and zero fresh water. The formulation also contains the bioavailability-boosting healthy fat phosphatidylserine along with green coffee bean extract, which is not found in your average cuppa joe. These are the red fruits that protect the regular coffee beans you know and love in the morning. Research shows the beans improve focus, attention and reaction time. WishGarden Herbs Party Prep Hangovers stink. This much we know. Leave it to WishGarden to find two herbs that support the liver’s healthy and efficient metabolism of alcohol “for a better morning after.” The stars of this formula are Japanese raisin seed, which aids in efficient alcohol metabolism, and prickly pear cactus fruit, which protects the liver while reducing oxidative stress on the organ. Coupled with dandelion, burdock and chicory—and when taken before bed—the day after should feel like any other. Sourced with sustainability in mind from fair trade family-owned farms and qualified suppliers that produce clean, ethical, high-quality materials.
Atlantic Sea Farms Ginger Sesame Sea-Veggie Burgers Atlantic Sea Farms continues to innovate, this time with Sea-Veggie Burgers that are sure to gain plaudits at the next cookout for their unique and delectable flavor. The burgers are made from Maine kelp grown with regenerative aquaculture, which helps remove carbon and nitrogen from the state’s warming waters while supporting nine harbors and 27 farmers in the region. Ayo Foods Groundnut Stew with Chicken Crafted in partnership with chef Zoe Adjonyoh, this richly spiced stew is the latest in this brand’s line of frozen meals that not only celebrate authentic West African flavors—this time using groundnut grown by small-scale farmers in that region—but also serve communities whose culture and voice has long been excluded from U.S. mainstream grocery. Kvarøy Original Salmon Hot Dogs The world has a food waste problem, but Kvarøy is here to help. Made of the unused salmon trimmings and cut-offs in Strada, Norway, Kvarøy offers a unique approach to reducing food waste with these quick and easy Salmon Hot Dogs. Like regular hot dogs, they can be heated in a pan or on the grill, and they offer a smooth, buttery taste—all while delivering the recommended daily allowance of omega-3s in just one serving. Sophie’s Kitchen Plant-Based Crab Cakes Plant-based seafood lovers rejoice! Sophie’s Kitchen has crafted a crab cake with impeccable taste and texture, while maintaining the brand’s high ingredient standards. Still gluten-free, soy-free, allergen-free, vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified, these crab cakes are for anyone who doesn’t want their dietary needs to stop them from enjoying delicious seafood.
Broma Original Dark Chocolate Almond and Lentil Butter The NEXTY judges were taken by the taste and convenience of this on-the-go spread, which provides 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and nine essential amino acids—filling the gaps in nutritional needs for consumers looking for healthy plant-based snacks. This whole-food ingredient nut butter is also sweetened with coconut sugar and is USDA Organic and contains iron and folate for a convenient snack with benefits! Evolved Chocolate Dark Chocolate and Quinoa Chocolate and Protein Bites These dark chocolate protein bites are an easy way for consumers to tap into the functional indulgence trend, thanks to their blend of clean, plant-based protein that comes from organic sunflower and pumpkin seed proteins. Organic puffed quinoa rounds out the recipe and provides the perfect crunch, and the clean-ingredient product is made using Rain Forest Alliance Certified cacao and organic coconut sugar. Numi Organic Tea Stay Healthy De-Stress Tea This tea forms part of Numi’s line of USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified functional teas, created to help consumers deal with the challenges of modern life. This herbal supplement is made with a blend of herbs, roots, spices and flowers, including kanna, passionflower and lemon balm. This Climate Neutral, Certified B-Corp has recently added to all of its tea boxes a new Carbon Footprint Label that provides a breakdown of the product's emissions in four categories (ingredients, packaging, transport and preparation), giving consumers an insight into the carbon impact of each tea. SpoonfulONE Early Allergen Garden Veggie Crunchy Puffs This product was created as an easy method for parents to provide infants and children with gentle, daily exposure to 16 food allergens that are linked to 90% or more of food allergies. The product follows recommendations set out by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advocate for giving children small amounts of common allergens at an early age to help prevent the onset of serious food allergies in the future. In addition, the company partners with pediatricians and other organizations to help provide low-income families with a free one-year supply of its products.
Clover Sonoma Golden Moon Milk As the first dairy in the U.S. to become American Humane Certified, Clover Sonoma is no stranger to doing things right. As a Certified B Corporation and member of the OSC2 J.E.D.I Collaborative, Clover Sonoma uses business as a force for good, while delivering exceptional dairy products. A smooth, nourishing Golden Milk with soothing botanicals, this delightful USDA Certified Organic beverage can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It also represents a big step in innovation in the real dairy milk aisle. Farmer Focus Organic Black Garlic and Ginger Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs If you’re eager to have your taste buds blown away while supporting rural America, look no further than Farmer Focus’s Black Garlic and Ginger Boneless Chicken Thighs. With its deeply rich, juicy flavor, these thighs can transform a quick weeknight meal while driving home Farmer Focus’s commitment to staunchly supporting America’s farmers. Force of Nature Regenerative Bison Patties An estimated 30 million to 60 million bison roamed the North American plains in the 16th century; now only 500,000 do. As stewards of the land, Force of Nature raises bison using regenerative agriculture practices to restore the soil and regenerate ecosystems in Texas. One benefit for consumers is the brand's fabulous Bison Patties, filled with rich, savory flavor. Pasturebird Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Innovation isn’t always found in the final product—it can often, and very importantly, be found in the supply chain. Pasturebird has done just that, by applying modern day technology to its farm. Its Automated Range Coop (ARC), a solar-powered, floorless structure, moves 6,000 chickens to fresh pasture each day, offering evenly-distributed feeding and encouraging revitalization of the land. Prevail Umami Beef Jerky Jerky should be for everyone, right? Prevail thinks so, which is why the brand set out to make an umami-packed, incredibly tender jerky that is free from the top eight allergens. The brand is plastic-conscious and eagerly searching for a recyclable packaging option. But until then, the brand remains plastic-neutral, pushing forward as a responsible business.
Bon Dévil Plant-Based Choc Ganache This pack of indulgent, plant-based chocolate ganache cups offers a dive into heavenly bliss with delectable, creamy textures. The brand’s chocolate ganache has a vegan coconut base and is Certified Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, lactose free and Non-GMO Project Verified. The company is committed to creating plant-based alternative products and giving back to communities. It has planted more than 20,000 trees and mangroves through the PUR Project to support Southeast Asia’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Mauna Loa Molokaʻi Sea Salt and Caramel Macadamia Milk Frozen Dessert Mauna Loa’s creamy, non-dairy ice cream whisks consumers away with indulgent caramel swirls and a dash of sea salt sourced through solar evaporation of the area’s mineral-rich waters. This macadamia-milk ice cream is sourced from the Island of Molokaʻi. It is made from high-quality nuts grown without external irrigation and undergoes a unique roasting process. The company’s packaging is planet-friendly, made from corrugated and paperboard packaging. The product is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan and gluten free. Revolution Gelato Plant-Based Pumpkin Gelato Pie This fantastically delicious, plant-based pumpkin gelato pie is pioneering innovation with a vegan, graham-cracker crust paired with a delightfully creamy, plant-based gelato. YUM. This dessert is the quintessential full-size pumpkin pie for gracing the holiday dinner table. What’s more, consumers will remain untroubled by dairy sensitivities and can enjoy this pie with its simple, clean non-GMO ingredients. Ruby Jewel Lemon Lavender Ice Cream Sandwich This decadent dessert is made with mindfully sourced, whole food ingredients, including rBST-free milk and cream. Fresh, local butter also tops the ingredient list that doesn’t skimp out on quality or flavor. These delicately lavender-laced, zesty lemon sandwiches are also made with local honey from the brand’s home base of Portland, Oregon, and are the perfect indulgent experience anytime, anywhere.
Future Farm Future Tvna Plant-Based Flakes Future Farm delivers on the intention of its namesake—to provide a revolutionary, plant-based tuna of the future. The brand’s tuna is making waves by tackling solutions to replace animal products for the plant-based seafood industry. Moving in on the demand for this growing market, the brand’s goal is to provide a better-for-you product that supports environmental integrity and sustainability for everyone. This Future Farm company is interested in a “better-for-you world” and is driving change with its innovative, plant-based seafood meat alternative. Rind Plant-Based Carrot Cheese Slices This cheese is a true trailblazer—it is uniquely made from upcycled carrots! Rind’s carrot cheese slices boast the same kind of robust taste, creamy texture and melt-worthy performance of dairy cheese—but without the environmental consequences of conventional dairy. This non-dairy cheese was created to fulfill universal consumer tastes and provide a waste-reducing, yummy plant-based alternative. The company opts for ingredients that are sustainably sourced from companies involved in regenerative, organic farming. Spero Foods Smoked "Salmon" Sunflower Cream Cheese It’s mind-boggling how closely Spero’s Cream Cheese resembles real smoked salmon cream cheese—given that it’s made from seeds! The company uses cutting-edge patented technology focused on low-cost, sustainable and scalable ingredients such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds—which require much less water than almonds—meaning consumers can eat this plant-based cheese spread knowing they’re having a reduced impact on the environment.
Nantucket Spider Nantucket Footprint Window Cleaning Set It’s 2022 and no one is shy to the fact that single-use plastics are a serious environmental problem. Home cleaning products are a huge culprit, and Nantucket Spider is here to change that. Its comprehensive glass-bottle cleaning set uses dissolvable strips, which means the product is fresh—eliminating the need for toxic chemicals or preservatives. Not only going above and beyond the necessary ingredient safety guidelines, the product’s packaging is compostable and child-safe, too. Nimbus Multi-Surface Towels Introducing the eco-friendly paper towel. Nimbus' multi-surface towels feature a proprietary substrate made with Eucalyptus-base rayon instead of the plastic used by many other towel brands. According to the brand, this fiber can wipe germs away without the use of chemicals because its innovative weave grabs the dirt and grime. The towels can be machine washed and reused up to 40 times—and then composted in the backyard. Additionally, these towels are FSC Certified, BPI Certified Compostable, OEKO Standard 100 Certified, Testex Certified and ASTM Certified. Shameless Pets Bananas for Bacon Soft-Baked Dog Treats Fighting climate change isn’t just for humans; your dog can now get in on the action, too. With dog treats made of rescued bananas from farms in Ecuador and upcycled sunflower meal, Shameless Pets has crafted a tasty treat that has an impact, too. A part of the Upcycled Food Association’s beta-pilot, Shameless Pets has now gained upcycled certification across its product line and is committed to upcycling healthy and functional foods for both dogs and cats.
Farmer Focus Organic Honey Jalapeño Chicken Wings Committed to supporting the backbone of our food system, Farmer Focus pays the farmers in its supply chain an average of 36% more than other brands pay. While the financial structure benefits the farmer, consumers gain enjoyment from these flavorful party wings that offer restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of home. With clean ingredients, low-sugar and free of the top nine allergens, these wings are an instant hit. Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers Since Katlin Smith started Simple Mills, its mission has been straightforward and steadfast: to provide clean, nutrient-dense, allergy-friendly products that have a positive impact on people and the planet. Its mission is reaching new heights with these Organic Seed Flour Crackers, which uses sunflower seeds from four Midwestern growers who employ regenerative agriculture practices—in line with Simple Mills’ innovative approach to transforming its sourcing and the food system. Simpli Regenerative Organic Certified Tri-Color Quinoa Simpli keeps things far from simple, as the brand goes above and beyond to produce the most sustainably grown and ethical quinoa possible. As a vertically integrated company, it sources its Regenerative Organic Certified quinoa from Peru’s Andes region, supporting local farmers with tools, resources and financial security as part of the brand’s vision to transform the flawed food system into one that’s good for you, for the planet, and for producers. Spudlove Snacks Sea Salt Potato Chips SpudLove is right, we love their spuds, and not just for the incredible crunch and perfect, salty taste. Spudlove is committed to restoring our agricultural system through organic and regenerative practices. An Oregon-based, farmer-owned company, SpudLove set aside 25% of its land to the Nature Conservancy to protect wildlife endangerment, and even gave up some its water rights to protect the Columbia River. Who doesn’t love a potato with a purpose? Wild Orchard Early Spring Green Tea The first certified Regenerative Organic Certified tea producer, Wild Orchard is making its tea the same way it did since 1999. Steeped in sustainable agricultural practices, all of Wild Orchard’s workers are paid a fair and living wage, and all its tea comes from a single farm. Through its software models, Wild Orchard found that it sequesters an estimated 380 kg of CO2 per kilogram of tea produced—a truly inspiring and impactful effort.
Clean Cause Sparkling Yerba Mate Orange Ginger Getting caffeinated and staying healthy just got a lot easier with Clean Cause’s new Orange Ginger flavor of its Sparkling Yerba Mate beverage. USDA Certified Organic and with zero sugar, people now have a delicious, flavorful way to spike their day. Clean Cause goes one step further though, donating a whopping 50% of the brand’s net profits toward recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Rumi Spice Saffron Seasoned Salt With a unique, delicious Saffron Seasoned Salt added to Rumi Spice’s product line, the company continues to fulfill its mission to drive awareness and demand for Afghan agricultural products. Started by U.S. Army veterans who served in Afghanistan, the company sources the spice directly from female Afghan farmers, providing reliable wages and economic stability in the region. Rumi is a public benefit corporation and was named a Certified B Corp Best for the World: Community company in 2021. Plus—who doesn’t want luxury flaky sea salt? The Greater Good Snacking Co. Caramelized Onion Grain-Free Crackers Co-founded by Sujatha Duvvuri, The Greater Good Snacking Company’s mission is to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people, starting with the women in the bakery. The brand’s organic, gluten-free, grain-free almond flour crackers are standouts on their own. What the India company does behind the scenes is truly inspiring, though, starting with ensuring 72% of its workforce are Indian women. India’s female labor participation is among the lowest in the world at 19%, but Greater Goods wants to drive that number up, and is even providing its workers two meals a day, transportation to and from work, secure housing and education.
Otto’s Naturals Grain-Free Baking Powder A pantry staple that can easily be overlooked, baking powder is typically made with conventional cornstarch. Enter Otto’s Naturals with a solution for those in search of a cleaner, grain-free and allergy-friendly alternative. Free from the top nine allergens, this cassava-based baking powder even has an approachable price point at $5.99. Partake Foods Classic Pancake and Waffle Mix Quick, easy pancake mix is a Saturday-morning must, and Partake makes these family breakfasts both delicious and allergen-friendly. Ready in just a few minutes (just add water!), the mix is Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as nut free, dairy free and egg free—the perfect clean-label breakfast staple almost any family can enjoy. Tiny Sprouts Foods Organic Digestion Booster with Vitamin D and Probiotics Fewer than 10% of toddlers meet their daily fiber needs, and parents everywhere are busy and strapped for time. But this seed-based, fiber-rich prebiotic “sprinkle” can mix into almost any food, easily helping parents keep their children healthy. With vitamin D3, probiotics, prebiotic fibers and polyphenols, health meets convenience for toddlers’ digestive systems. Vista Hermosa Flour Tortillas The search for authentic, delicious, store-bought flour tortillas is finally over. With just four ingredients, including organic wheat flour, Vista Hermosa uses the traditional Sonoran process to make the quality flour tortillas we’ve been craving. Plus, Vista Hermosa’s non-profit arm donates meals to local communities facing food insecurity through the Tacombi Community Kitchen in New York City, New York.
Atlantic Sea Farms Cranberry Kelp Cubes Atlantic Sea Farms, the vertically integrated, climate-change-fighting, local economy-boosting, women-led company is now innovating with new ingredients. Using upcycled, regeneratively grown cranberry seeds from farmers in the Northeast, these cubes benefit the Earth through carbon-insetting agricultural practices and benefit our bodies with fiber and antioxidants. Iwi Omega-3 With paper packaging and algae-based omega-3, Iwi is a company wholly focused on mitigating climate change. While farmed fish can have detrimental environmental impacts, Iwi sources its omega oil from algae pools on desert wasteland, which can be harvested three times per week, requires almost no freshwater inputs and delivers an omega-3 supplement with a much lower impact than its fish-based counterparts. Minor Figures Organic Barista Oat Milk With fun, quirky branding, a super-short ingredient list and organic oats, this USDA Certified Organic barista-level oat milk is a dream. As a Certified B Corporation, Minor Figures is carbon neutral through carbon credits: Investing in carbon removal projects such as the Shade Grown Coffee Project is one of its projects. Neutral Foods Carbon Neutral Organic Whole Milk Neutral Milk is on a mission to drastically reduce carbon emissions from our agricultural system. How do they do this? By offering USDA Certified Organic whole milk from family-owned, pasture-raised farms and investing $1 million in their partner farms and ranches across the United States to reduce their impact. Plus, through its Carbon Neutral Certification, the brand ensures that its carbon offset purchases truly make them Neutral.
Nimbus Nimby Expanding Towels There is more than meets the eye with these compressed towels that can be used up to five times before consumers can compost them in the backyard. Made from plants and free from chemicals, the Nimby substrate is plastic-free; a proprietary folding process compresses the towels. Made of FSC-certified eucalyptus, the towels are biodegradable, compostable and hypoallergenic, making them a more sustainable alternative to disposable wipes wrapped in plastic. Nimbus has created a sustainable hygiene product in environmentally responsible packaging (a small cardboard tube) and a shortened supply chain to reduce scope 3 emissions. The Nimby is FSC Certified, BPI certified compostable, OEKO-Standard 100 certified, Testex certified, and ASTM certified. Pipette Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Mineral sunscreen lovers rejoice: This 100% mineral, fragrance-free, non-nano zinc oxide leaves no white film behind on the skin! The reef-friendly formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection suitable for all skin types and is friendly on babies’ sensitive skin. Inspired by squalene—a super skin moisturizer that all babies are born with but depletes over time—Pipette’s stable version uses renewable sugarcane-derived squalene to help the sunscreen glide on smoothly and the white color to blend quickly, while also providing moisture. All products are created with the support of biologists, dermatologists and pediatricians and rigorously tested. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free of synthetic fragrances and chemicals, making it great for everyday use. ShiKai Products Healthy Glow Brightening Night Cream This Brightening Night Cream from clean beauty pioneer, ShiKai, was formulated to simlify consumers' nighttime routines. It is rich in vitamins and botanicals, along with high-antioxidant ingredients (vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, niacinamide, strawberry and pomegranate seed extracts), which were chosen to support hydration and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. ShiKai sources all its products in-house and makes its extractions in a certified 0% Carbon Emissions MHE Warehouse. Each product has a QR code on its packaging for full ingredient transparency and a portion of proceeds are donated to nonprofits creating climate-resilient communities.
Brad's Plant Based Caesar Salad To Go Consumers can take their salads on the go with these nutrient-dense, shelf-stable salad-inspired snacks! This innovative product is fully certified: USDA Organic, Certified Gluten Free, Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. The brand’s mission is to revolutionize snacking with nutrient-dense, plant-based snacks. This full salad in a bag contains an array of crispy and crunchy vegetables, fruits, seeds and seasonings, all sourced through Brad’s direct relationships with sustainable farmers and suppliers. Additionally, the brand’s air-dried manufacturing process preserves vital phytonutrients and enzymes, making it an ideal nutrient-dense snack. Fillo's Bean Salsa Verde Walking Tamales Fillo’s Walking Tamales feature a take on a classic Latin American staple in the form of a shelf-stable, ready-to-eat corn bar, perfect for consuming on the go. While combining tradition and convenience, this innovative snack boasts 6 grams of protein per bar and can be heated up and ready to eat in just 25 seconds. These clean-label tamales are also easy to store, with a two-year shelf life, and are Non-GMO Project Verified. In addition, the Walking Tamales have a lower carbon footprint and volume shipping weights than canned bean products, so consumers can feel good about supporting a product seeking to reduce environmental impacts. Wholly Veggie Plant-Based Mozzarella Style Sticks Stringy and melty veggie mozzarella sticks? Please go on. Wholly Veggie collaborated with Outcast Foods to create these delicious, gluten-free, plant-based cheese sticks with a twist. These mozzarella sticks are coated with panko and feature a patented, upcycled cauliflower crust sustainably made from imperfect produce. If you love mozzarella sticks, these will wholly wow you. Maine Crisp Company Savory Fig and Thyme Crisps These stunning crackers are delightfully crispy, which can be uncommon in a gluten-free cracker. They also burst with flavor from ingredients including buckwheat flour, diced figs, walnuts, maple sugar and hemp hearts. These crisps are also free from gums, starches, rich flours and emulsifiers that can sometimes dominate the gluten-free industry. This product was crafted via small-scale recipe testing and is Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free. Additionally, the brand is committed to quality testing; thus, every product brought into their facility is recorded, tracked and tested for gluten.
Fody Foods Salsa Verde This Certified B Corporation is kicking digestive issues to the curb with this delicious salsa verde (featuring new branding!) that is free of onion and garlic. A common yet underrepresented allergy in the CPG space, alliums can trigger issues for a wide range of people, including those with IBS. Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, Non GMO Project Verified, keto-friendly and low-FODMAP, Fody Food’s clean ingredient list offers a salsa for the masses. Sana Foods Grain-Free Tortillas Everyone should get to enjoy the magic of tacos, which is why Sana Foods developed these Grain-Free Street Taco Tortillas made with coconut flour—a less water-intensive crop—in step with the brand’s mission to prioritize low-impact, underutilized and sustainable crops for gluten- and grain-free eating. These durable and tasteful tortillas are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and NSF Certified Gluten-Free, as well as dairy free, vegan and free of refined sugars. The Jackfruit Co. Jack & Annie’s Gluten-Free Crispy Jack Tenders Made from real, whole jackfruit, Jack & Annie’s introduces Gluten-Free Nuggets that have a crispy outside with a juicy, meat-like texture, Pioneering the jackfruit global supply chain, this brand puts forward the many benefits of jackfruit—sustainable to grow and rich in nutrition—and also supports over 1,500 small-scale jackfruit growers. With jackfruit as the first ingredient, the gluten-sensitive, plant-based nugget lovers of the world have a new favorite snack.
Beekeeper's Naturals Complete Gut Health The bees have it—under catastrophic distress from colony collapse, yet of paramount importance not just for their own existence but also for all of humanity. Beekeeper’s Naturals is out to reinvent the medicine cabinet by creating clean, effective products powered by the hive. This SKU contains pre-, pro- and postbiotics to promote clean gut health, and by extension support immune function as well as brain health. The company has developed a supply chain around cruelty-free practices that protect and grow bees and their hives. Better Being Company Solaray Women’s Liposomal Multivitamin Liposomes are microscopic fatty balls that enrobe nutrients and easily shuttle them into cells where they are released. This absorption and bioavailability technology ensures vitamin absorption—even without the presence of food. This high-potency blend of 37 nutrients includes ashwagandha, GABA, methylated B vitamins and 19 vitamins and minerals at 100% of the Daily Value or more. The liposomal technology is vegan—made without soy—and uses no heat or chemicals during processing. The bottle is comprised of post-consumer recycled plastic, and the company is working with One Tree Planted to plant a million trees by 2025. Nature's Fusions Neuro-NAC Brain Support with NACET N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a powerhouse antioxidant that also increases glutathione levels, which drastically decrease with age and are causal for all age-related diseases. It’s been on the market for 50 years but the FDA just this past year ruled that because it was a drug first, it cannot be labeled a supplement—even though the drug was an inhaled vapor. Amazon summarily pulled all NAC products. But NACET is a novel, highly lipophilic compound with 20 times increased bioavailability. The esterification of the carboxyl group of NAC produces NACET—more of the power, but since it’s not NAC proper is still legit in all sales channels. Xyngular Complete Probiotic With 20 billion CFUs and 11 unique strains of gut-healthy bacteria, this vegan-friendly supplement supports digestion, mood and weight management while helping to reduce bloating and cravings. Prebiotic fibers are included to feed the probiotic bacteria. Every lot is tested at four different third-party facilities for purity, potency, strength, heavy metals, microorganisms and more.
Atlantic Sea Farms Basil Pesto Sea-Veggie Burgers Made with kelp, green chickpeas and brown rice—and flavored with ever-popular basil pesto—these Sea-Veggie Burgers launched in July. The women-owned company is pioneering kelp products through its vertically integrated supply chain to support its mission of mitigating climate change. Farmed in the Gulf of Maine, the kelp used by Atlantic Sea Farms is the first clean, sustainable and domestic kelp taken to scale in the United States. Fody Foods Vegan Bolognese Plant-Based Pasta Sauce No soy. No protein isolates. No onions or garlic. No added sugar. And no meat. These are the unusual attributes of Fody Food Company’s vegan Bolognese sauce. Instead, the sauce is made of kabocha squash, walnuts, shiitake mushrooms and extra-virgin olive oil. These carefully sourced ingredients help consumers with sensitive stomachs avoid digestive discomfort. This Certified B Corporation’s sauce is Low Fodmap Certified, Certified Gluten Free, Certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Certified. Hodo Foods The All-Day Egg Scramble Released in the spring, The All-Day Egg Scramble is a protein-rich, minimally processed, pre-scrambled egg alternative made of organic, American-grown, whole soybeans. With 25% more protein than the leading plant-based alternative egg product, it’s also a good source of fiber, calcium and iron. This BIPOC-owned brand from the Bay Area has been recognized for its climate change mitigation efforts, and it supports wellness programs for underserved communities. I Eat My Greens Zucchini, Cilantro and Cauliflower Soup I Eat My Greens is disrupting the fresh soup category with its plant-based, nutrient-dense, low-carb and uniquely flavored soup. The BIPOC-owned company is out to make the food system cleaner, kinder and more nourishing. Since the beginning, this restaurant-quality soup has used only real and wholesome vegetables, herbs and spices that are sourced from family farms that practice regenerative agriculture and support upcycling produce. Lupii Lupini Bean Pasta This lupini-powered pasta is high in protein, packed with fiber and low in net carbs. Its plant-based fuel will help anyone get through the day with its unusual nutrition profile. In addition to being tasty and nutritious for people, Lupini Pasta supports the health of the planet, as the beans help fix nitrogen in soils and often used in regenerative agriculture practices. Its packaging doesn’t have a plastic window because the women-owned company is committed to reducing plastic packaging.
Dream Pops Plant-Based Birthday Cake Crunch Chocolate Candy Bites Dream Pops created the sweet snack of everybody’s dreams with its organic, 100% plant-based Birthday Cake Crunch Bites. For this product, the company worked with a three-star Michelin chef to reimagined classic malted milk balls and chocolate bars, turning them into a yummy plant-based candy that is made using minimal ingredients and low-glycemic organic coconut sugar thanks to a proprietary dehydrating process. Did we mention that they’re yummy? Joolies Jooliettes Blood Orange Dark Chocolate Date Nibbles This family-owned California Medjool-date company has launched a new line of chocolate-covered diced dates that serve as a modern take on the classic chocolate-covered raisins. This blood-orange-flavored variety mingles dark chocolate with the brand’s own USDA Organic dates—grown on more than 1,000 acres of sustainable farmland—and packages its products in fully recyclable paperboard made from recycled paper products that use less than 2 grams of plastic per package. Honey Mama’s Birthday Cake Blonde Truffle Bar These delicious, refrigerated sweets reimagine a classic vanilla birthday cake and frosting in the form of a Blonde Truffle Bar crafted from organic cashew kernels, organic raw honey and organic coconut. If that weren’t delicious enough, the brand then tops the whole thing with house-made, superfood-infused confetti sprinkles made of shredded coconut dyed with organic blue spirulina, beetroot powder and turmeric. The result is a nostalgic, wholefood, indulgent sweet that our judges couldn’t get enough of. Simple Mills Creamy Peanut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies Simple Mills has reinvented the peanut butter sandwich cookie, turning it into a healthier sweet snack that has only 7 grams of sugar per serving—much less than its conventional counterparts. The cookies are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients such as cashew flour, peanut butter, organic coconut sugar and organic buckwheat flour. The brand is dedicated to the use of diverse, underrepresented crops; direct farmer contracts that include technical assistance and financial incentives to adopt regenerative principles; and regenerative agriculture training and research programs in key sourcing regions.
Judging the first round of the NEXTY Awards is never an easy task. This time around, it took place nearly a week of day-long tasting, debating and discussing among some 20 expert judges who evaluated the more than 600 products nominated for these Natural Products Expo East 2022 NEXTY Awards.
In the end, only 73 products could be selected as finalists to compete for the ultimate prize of a NEXTY Award, many more contenders shone through and impressed our NEXTY judges with their innovation, integrity and inspiration. We salute them all.
Ten years of NEXTY Awards
This year—the 10th anniversary of these awards—the NEXTYs are stronger than ever as they strive to recognize the pinnacle of excellence in the natural products industry, with the goal of elevating impactful brands and products that inspire a healthy, sustainable future for people and planet.
However, just as the industry has evolved, the NEXTYs must evolve with it.
Earlier this year, the awards program launched several new categories to reflect the changing values and trends driving innovation in the natural products industry today. Here’s a refresher of the categories that debuted at Expo West and how we’re tickling our sweet tooth with a comeback category for Expo East.
Best New People-Forward Product: These food, beverage, supplement or other brands put people first, whether through their transparent, fair or direct-trade sourcing practices; support of local or global communities; vertical integration; justice, equity, diversity and inclusion practices; or support of food access, living wages, employee care, etc.
Best New Planet-Forward Product: These food, beverage, supplement or other products have demonstrated their commitments to sustainable environmental practices (alternative energy, zero waste, regenerative agriculture, circular economies, environmentally responsible packaging, food waste, upcycling, etc.) and exhibit an exemplary level of transparency and understanding of how their practices impact the planet.
Best New Organic or Regenerative Organic Certified Product: This category is for food, beverage, supplement or other natural products industry brands that are doing more by engaging in policy to strengthen organic or regenerative organic standards, converting or expanding acreage or showcasing a deep understanding of the ecological journey toward their organic or regenerative goals. Nominating brands must be Certified Organic (USDA NOP standards or equivalent) or Regenerative Organic Certified.
Best New Functional Food or Beverage: These foods and beverages seek to support wellness by harnessing functional ingredients such as botanicals, adaptogens, nootropics, etc. Brands are strongly encouraged to include in their nominations amounts per serving information for the functional ingredients.
Best New Product Supporting a Plant-Based Lifestyle: Food, beverage, supplement or other natural products help promote and educate consumers about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and answer a growing demand for plant-forward products that support climate, health and/or animal welfare issues.
Best New Sweet Snack: This category was brought back for Expo East by popular demand—to the delight of current and future NEXTY judges everywhere. Sweets and desserts are again separated into two categories: Best New Sweet or Dessert and Best New Sweet Snack. Additionally, Best New Sweet or Dessert again includes frozen products, while Best New Frozen Product to be exclusive to savory foods.
Open to all
By opening to the industry at large, the NEXTY Awards create the opportunity for new, smaller and up-and-coming brands to get in front of New Hope’s editors, the panel of guest judges and the natural products industry network at large.
We at New Hope Network truly love this awards program as it gives us the opportunity to elevate and support brands for their innovation, inspiration and integrity. Please join us in congratulating the 73 finalists in the total of 19 NEXTY categories featured in this gallery.
Also, don’t forget to tune into the announcement of the NEXTY winners during a live virtual event on Sept. 21 on the Natural Products Expo Virtual Platform. To watch the announcement, register for free here.
For more information about the NEXTY Awards, head to the NEXTY Awards website.
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