We advocate for a natural and clean lifestyle here at Z Living, so when we saw thousands of products at the Natural Products Expo West this year that lived up to this kind of lifestyle, we were excited to see what everyone had to offer. From hemp-made diapers to probiotic ice cream, retailers were unveiling new and trending items that had us eagerly anticipating everything that was going to hit store shelves soon.
Walking through the expo halls, we saw many similar products and trends. Out of the thousands of exhibitors we visited, we were repeatedly struck by these 5 trends:
1. Matcha
Matcha is made from high-grade, green tea leaves finely ground into powder. Matcha has gained a lot of popularity recently among dieticians and green tea connoisseurs for its numerous health benefits.
Matcha is high in antioxidants that are linked to preventing heart disease and cancer. Matcha also has metabolism-boosting effects, which is just more reason for its popularity. Here are a couple of Matcha products we spotted:
Matcha Latte Mix by Jade Leaf Matcha
Matcha Lattes are so popular that even Starbucks has added matcha to their menu. This latte mix is absolutely delicious and convenient enough to whip up on the fly. The taste is slightly sweet and can be added to your milk or cream of choice.
Apple Ginger Matcha by Matcha Bar
Good things really do come to those who hustle, and Matcha Bar knows this, providing tasty, high-quality matcha juices for people on-the-go. Along with this yummy Apple Ginger flavored matcha drink, Matcha Bar offers 3 different flavors, including honey, mint, and original.
2. Hemp
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that does not contain any psychotropic reactions. The benefits of hemp have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes ranging from cloth production to pain relief.
Hemp products were a major hit at the convention and over 40 exhibitors had hemp-infused products on their roster. Here are a couple of products we were impressed by:
Pain Relief Cream by BeTru Wellness
BeTru Wellness has utilized the inflammation-reducing powers of hemp and infused it into an all-natural pain reliever. BeTru Wellness contains no heavy metals, harsh chemicals, or toxins in their products. It is a little pricey, costing around $45 for a 2 oz. bottle, but the ability to be pain-free is worth every penny.
Lemon Stress Less Honey by Colorado Hemp Honey
Colorado Hemp Honey has formulated a signature honey with the essence of lemon essential oil and 1000 mg of hemp extract per jar. It has no additives or artificial flavoring. Costing $49.99 per jar, a portion of the proceeds are donated to saves bees and help veterans.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are considered “good bacteria” because they are composed of bacteria and yeast that do wonders for your health, especially gut health. Probiotics help send food through your stomach by influencing the nerves that control gut movement.
From facial cleansers to muffins, the natural products expo was packed with over 100 different probiotic products. Here are just a few that caught our eye:
Mighty Muffins by Flapjacked
A decadent dessert with a fraction of the calories, Flapjacked has a created a healthy delight that’s not only appealing to your taste buds but good for your stomach too. Mighty Muffin is high in protein, high in fiber, and it’s GMO-Free. Costing around $20 for a 6-pack, Might Muffin with Probiotics is a sweet treat that is great for your gut.
Chocolate Almond Crunch By Truth Bar
Truth Bar has created a nutritional bar that tastes like an Almond Joy candy bar with its rich chocolate and cocoa butter flavors. Truth Bar, however, is not a guilty pleasure, as the bar is actually good for you, containing both prebiotics and probiotics to help keep your digestive system and immune system strong. Chocolate Almond Crunch Bars can be found on the brand’s website. You can purchase a box of 12 for $30.00.
4. Drinkable Soups
Drinkable soup has become a hot item this year. Not only does it taste like your grandmother’s homemade soup, it’s convenient enough to take with you on-the-go. Instead of grabbing a pressed juice or smoothie, sip on low-sugar soup as a snack or a post-workout treat.
Many of the drinkable soups we saw were much healthier than the commercial soups you find in a can. Our top picks include:
Zupa Noma Organic Superfood Soup
Zupa Noma’s line of organic, drinkable soups is vegan and even Whole 30-approved. With delicious flavors like tomato gazpacho and beet orange and basil, it’s hard to believe they’re rich in fiber and low in sugar. Zupa Noma’s line is a great for busy people who can’t stop too long to eat, or for those who are just looking to include more vegetables in their diet. Each bottle averages around $6 and can be purchased at some of the natural food stores.
Bonafide Provisions Drinkable Veggies
Bonafide Provisions Drinkable Veggies are also Whole 30-approved and contain organic chicken bone broth and whole vegetables. With their handcrafted blend of herbs and veggies, Bonafide Provisions makes delicious soups that’s taste like comfort food. They also retail for around $6 and can be found at natural food stores.
5. Paleo and Keto Diets
Paleo and Keto diets are becoming increasingly popular among millennials wanting to make the switch from the traditionally high carb, sugar diet to something healthier.
Since there is such a high demand for products dedicated to providing a healthier alternative to high sugar/high carb, many brands showcased products that fit these exact dietary requirements in mind, including:
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry by Beetnik
Beetnik has a variety of delicious frozen dinners that are gluten and carb free. We love the fact that its a convenient meal option that’s free of preservatives and genetically modified organisms. This particular product is made with chicken, keto-friendly veggies, and cauliflower rice.
Banana Based Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert by Hakuna Banana
This refreshing dessert is surprisingly free of refined sugar, soy, and dairy. It has a hint of banana and we like that Hakuna Banana has added dates to their frozen delights as a natural sweetener. If you are looking for a low calorie and paleo friendly snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than Hakuna Banana products.
