Happy Friday, friends!  I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five to talk about 5 trends from Expo West 2018 PLUS host a giveaway of some of my favorite products from the show.  Read through the trends, which do you find most exciting?

In case you missed it, read my recap of Expo West (post).  It was an amazing show.  I had a great time hanging out with Erica and connecting with different brands.  At the show, many brands launch new products or bring along old favorites.  This year there were over 3,500 vendors, including over 600 first time exhibitors.  While each company was unique, Erica and I noticed some common trends throughout the Expo.

1. Proliferation of GOOD Plant-Based Food

The days of boring salads and plain granola are over for plant-based foodies.  I noticed HUNDREDS of new and exciting plant-based snacks, meats and dairy alternatives.  Most importantly, TASTY new vegan foods.  There were unique vegetable-based snacks, like avocado chips or cabbage and broccoli chips. I tried fruit leathers and delicious bean-based desserts. Companies debuted new meat alternatives, I found some delicious new dairy-free cheeses, yogurts and ice creams… Even traditionally non-vegan brands had plant-based drinks!

2. Gluten-Free and Grain-Free is on the Rise

In addition to having plant-based products, companies are also catering to gluten-intolerant consumers.  Numerous companies offered grain-free, gluten-free snacks, mixes and flours.  I noticed Low FODMAP signs at many booths, grain-free granolas, and lots of DIY gluten-free bread/dessert mixes.

3. Probiotics in EVERYTHING

I think I am kombuchaed out for the next month after Expo West.  Not only were there a ton of probiotic kombucha drinks, but probiotics made their way into unexpected places.  Some interesting ones were the Kombucha Bar from Vegan Rob’s and probiotic chickpea granola from Effi Foods.

4. Going Beyond Just Food

Besides the proliferation of vegan foods, my favorite trend from Expo West 2018 was the number of mission-based companies.  These were companies that were giving back to the community in some way.  Many booths had “B Corporation” signs proudly displayed.  B Corps are companies that use their power to solve social and environmental problems. Some of the ones I visited were Hilary’s, Navitas Organics, and Purely Elizabeth.

Other brands are donating portions of sales to fund charities, movements, or other positive organizations.  For example, Unilever’s Growing Roots line donates portions of sales to support urban farming.  Health Warrior’s Beauty Begins Within campaign donates 100% of profits to Girls, Inc., which empowers girls to be smart, strong, and bold through direct service and  advocacy. The Soulfull Project donates one serving of their 4 Grain Blend for every hot cereal purchased. This company actually won the Expo’s NEXTY Award for “The Most Mission-Based Product.”

5. Trendy Nut Butter and Nut Milks

The days of plain peanut butter or almond butter are over.  Same with almond milk or soy milk. There was pistachio milk, walnut milk, cashew milk, macadamia nut milk, all in plain or flavored varieties.  Even vegetable milk and banana milk! I tasted many unique nut butter flavors like date pecan butter and cardamom cashew butter. There was even a powdered almond butter.  This nut-butter lover was in heaven.

Those are the top 5 trends I saw at Expo West 2018.  Which of these trends do you find most exciting or interesting?

Now for the fun part.  Want a chance to win some of these amazing products?  I’m going to send three lucky winners a combo pack of some of the brands shown in the collage below as well as mentioned my Expo West recap post. 

While I do not have multiples of everything, I will send a variety of 10-15 products to winners to sample.  To enter, use the Rafflecopter below.  Leave a blog comment to unlock the rest of the entry opportunities.  Must be 18 years or older, US Residents and live in the United States.  Offer is void where prohibited and was not sponsored by any brand or company.  Giveaway ends March 23rd, and winners will be selected and notified via email.

Good luck,

Becca

a Rafflecopter giveaway