Natural selection

Health and wellness is the driving force at Expo West, where the industry comes together to celebrate what is new in natural.

Consumer demand for health and wellness enhancing products is one of the hottest trends in the food industry today.

Accordingly, from March 5-8, natural newcomers and seasoned industry veterans from across the country will escape the cold and converge in Anaheim, Calif. for the industry’s largest sampling of natural, sustainable, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, vegan, kosher and allergen-free products at Natural Products Expo West. The 35th annual event is sure to be a showstopper: Show officials are expecting to see more than 60,000 attendees browse the show’s 2,600- plus booths.

The show is also rife with an array of updates, including a Digital Showcase, where attendees can check out the new products being displayed via the web; new booths at the Hilton hotel; an extra day of exhibits; and additional educational events.

Here is just a snippet of what there is to be found from various exhibitors this year:

Angie’s Artisan Treats Booth #4457

Angie’s Artisan Treats is showcasing the latest additions to its line, BOOMCHICKAPUFF. The puffs are gluten-free, made with non-GMO corn, and ancient grains like quinoa and sorghum. They come in three varieties: Sweet Barbeque, White Cheddar and Sweet and Salty. In addition, officials for the Mankato, Minn.-based company are also displaying some of the classic BOOMCHICKAPOP varieties, like Sea Salt, Lightly Sweet and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn.

Back to Nature Foods Co. Booth #3556

Back to Nature Foods Co. is introducing two healthy product lines: soups and cereals. The soups line consists of five savory ancient grain soups—Chicken Tortilla with Red Quinoa, Minestrone with Farro, Beef & Barley, Chicken & Wild Rice with Kamut and Tuscan 3-Bean with Kale and Millet. The products are hearty, wholesome and provide protein, fiber and iron without any artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, say officials for the Naples, Fla.-based company.

Back to Nature is also displaying its line of Non-GMO Project Verified cereals, in Berry Sprouted Blend, Oat Medley, Honey Grains, Risin’ Raisin Blend and Sprout & Shine varieties. These cereals utilize the nutritional powers of ancient grains, Khorasan wheat, chia and flax for a flavorful way to start the day, officials add. Show-goers can also find Back to Nature’s cookies, crackers, granola, nuts, trail mix and juices at its booth.

Blount Fine Foods Booth #692

To build on the buzz started at Expo East, Blount Fine Foods, a Fall River, Mass.-based family-owned and -operated manufacturer of artisan soups, sauces and side dishes, is showcasing its line of Blount Organics soups for retail and foodservice, including Vegetable Chili, Minestrone Soup, Tomato Bisque and Lentil & Chick Pea Soup. At Expo West Blount is introducing two new soups: Tuscan-style Vegetable & Bean and Carrot Broccoli, which were launched in January. The initial flavors in the Blount Organics lineup were a reinterpretation of some of Blount’s most popular soups as organic recipes; both new flavors represent the culinary team at Blount pushing past “traditional” recipes with the organics product line.  Going forward, company officials say Blount chefs are eager to introduce more unique and specialized recipes. The company’s portfolio includes more than 500 proprietary soup recipes, including a full line of organic and gluten-free soups.

Calbee North America Booth #5651

Calbee North America is introducing its Harvest Snaps Black Bean. The company’s Harvest Snaps (Snapea Crisps & Lentil Snaps) have been a tremendous success since they launched in spring of 2013, say officials for the Boardman, Ore.-based company. The Black Bean flavor combines everything consumers love about the existing Harvest Snaps line—including an emphasis on wholesome ingredients, great taste and simplicity—and is made from whole, natural black beans to deliver a satisfying crunch full of protein and fiber. Attendees can sample the product as well as learn more about upcoming creations.

Catania Spagna Corp. Booth #2695

Catania Spagna Corp., a fourth generation family-owned company that has been in business for over 100 years, is showcasing its wide selection of oils for food service, retail, industrial and export packaging in both branded and private label options. Officials for the Ayer, Mass.-based company say it provides innovative, quality products to customers in an efficient, economic and environmentally responsible manner. Catania Spagna offers a full line of oils in an assortment of sizes and packaging materials, in addition to being Level 2 SQF certified, it is a member of the Non-GMO Project and organically certified by QAI.

Chobani Booth #3352

Chobani, based in Norwich, N.Y., is rolling out an array of products in 2015. Among those on display are Chobani Greek Yogurt Oats–Ancient Grain Blend, new flavors of Chobani Flip Creations and Chobani Kids and Tots Greek Yogurt Pouches.

Chobani Greek Yogurt Oats–Ancient Grain Blend combines creamy Greek yogurt with steel-cut oats, quinoa, chia, buckwheat, amaranth and ripe fruit. Containing 10-grams of both protein and whole grains, it will be available in Mixed Berry 5-Grain and Apricot 5-Grain. Chobani Kids and Tots Greek Yogurt Pouches are made with real blended fruit, live and active cultures, and no artificial ingredients. The Kids product will come in Strawberry, Banana, Chocolate Dust, Watermelon and Grape. The Tots Pouches will be available in Banana & Pumpkin and Mango & Spinach. Chobani Flip Creations feature low-fat Greek yogurt paired with all-natural mix-ins for a sweet treat. The flavors being added to the line are Salted Caramel Crunch and Chocolate Haze Craze.

Eden Foods Booth #2530

Eden Foods is sampling its Müesli. Müesli, whole grain cereal made from organic rolled oats, rye and spelt wheat, can be enjoyed cold or hot, say officials for the Clinton, Mich.-based company. There are three organic dried fruits mixed in to provide sweet, tangy flavor, as well as roasted, lightly salted organic pumpkin seeds and raw sunflower seeds to lend richness and crunch. The Cinnamon Müesli variety features organic cinnamon for added flavor. The product, which is low sodium and rich in magnesium, provides lasting energy and complete protein, add officials.

Hodgson Mill Booth #2850

Hodgson Mill is featuring 18 products at Expo West, all innovations in the ancient grain and gluten-free realm. The products on display include Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Cornstarch; Gluten-Free Tapioca Starch; Gluten-Free Potato Starch; Pearled Sorghum; Pearled & Cracked Sorghum; Buckwheat Groats/Hearts; Kamut; Quinoa in Red, White, Black and Tri Color; Quinoa Flour; Sorghum, Brown Rice & Quinoa Side Dishes in flavors Southwest, Parmesan Butter, Pesto Herb, Rosemary & Garlic, and Chipotle; and Steel Cut Oat, Sorghum & Quinoa Hot Cereal. All of the Effingham, Ill.-based company’s new items are enrolled in the non-GMO verification process; 11 of the new items are verified already.

INBalance Health Corp. Booth # 704

INBalance Health Corp, based in Wayland, Mich., is introducing two INBar flavors. Chocolate Butter Crunch INBar is doctor-formulated for people looking for a convenient, allergen-free snack. The bar blends creamy chocolate with sunflower seed butter for a completely allergen-free, delicious and filling snack. The Cinnamon Swirl INBar offers consumers the sweet taste of a cinnamon roll guilt-free, say company officials. It combines tasty cinnamon and swirls in a hint of caramel. Both new flavors are Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten- and allergen-free, vegan and kosher.

J.R. Watkins Booth #3246

J.R. Watkins is introducing its Pure Castile Soaps. Made the old fashioned way, with coconut and olive oils, the product was inspired by the original J.R. Watkins soap formulas and has an authentic vintage label design to match, say officials at the Winona, Minn.-based company. The soaps are made from pure, natural ingredients and are designed free from dyes, sulfates and preservatives. They are biodegradable, non-toxic and not tested on animals, officials add.

The Pure Castile Soaps are designed as multiuse, functioning as a shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, floor/countertop cleaner, stain remover, shaving cream, jewelry cleaner and more. They come in 11-ounce white PET bottles for the liquid formula or eight-ounce bars packaged in recycled wrap paper. Adding to the company’s extensive bath and body line, the new soaps will be available in peppermint, lavender and clary sage varieties.

LaCroix Sparkling Water Booth #5342

LaCroix Sparkling Water is displaying its first themed line extension, Cúrate, introduced in the summer of 2014. In addition to the two original Cúrate flavors, Cerise Limón (Cherry Lime) and Pomme Bayá (Apple Berry), attendees will have the first look at the line’s newest addition: Piña Fraise (Pineapple Strawberry).

LaCroix Cúrate is packaged in unique tall cans, ideal for Millennials desiring a trendy, on-the-go package, and crossover consumers seeking a substitute for diet sodas, say officials for the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., based company. LaCroix Cúrate has an enhanced flavor profile versus core LaCroix while retaining the calorie-, sweetener-, sodium- and sugar-free qualities, officials add. 

Lifeway Foods Booth #3446

Lifeway Foods is featuring a limited edition taste of summer with its Lowfat Watermelon Kefir. The Morton Grove, Ill.-based company is showcasing this refreshing seasonal treat that is low in fat and contains 11-grams of protein. Lifeway’s Lowfat Kefir contains 12 live and active kefir cultures to give a healthy boost to the digestive and immune system, say company officials. Coming this summer, Lowfat Watermelon Kefir will be available in 32-ounce bottles.

Luvo Booth #5685

Officials at Luvo say that amazing-tasting food can be healthy, and the company will be highlighting its better-for-you burritos, launched last summer. The line includes two bold-tasting protein varieties: Chicken Poblano Verde and Chicken Coconut Curry; and five organic vegetarian options: Apple Coconut Curry, Roasted Eggplant & Quinoa, Bean and Cheese, Cajun Style Brown Rice & Bean and Vegetarian Breakfast burritos. The Blaine, Wash.-based company’s products are made with real food fillings like tomatoes, eggplants, quinoa, chickpeas and antibiotic-free chicken wrapped in a flax seed tortilla.

Manitou Trading Co.  (Woodland Foods) Booth #1892

Woodland Foods’ Manitou Trading Co. sources ingredients from around the world to create its products. Debuted at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in 2013, Manitou, based in Waukegan, Ill., is showcasing its Naturally Seasoned Fusions—full-flavored, ready-to-cook-and-serve mixes that contain everything needed to produce a quick and easy meal, say company officials. Varieties include savory Porcini Risotto, saffron-infused Paella Rice and tagine-inspired Moroccan Couscous. The packages come in two sizes: full-size, for a large gathering, and a smaller format, created with smaller households in mind.

Natracare Booth #3326

Natracare is featuring its newest product, the Cleansing Makeup Removal Wipe, a COSMOS certified organic makeup removal wipe. This certification assures women that they are buying a genuine organic beauty product that will not only gently remove makeup and grime, but will soothe the skin and eliminate the worry of reading ingredient lists, say officials for the Greeley, Colo.-based company, adding that Natracare products are never tested on animals, nor do they contain any animal ingredients or raw materials processed with any animal products.

Natracare’s Nursing Pads are also back in production, with a packaging makeover.

Nature’s Bakery Booth #8307

Nature’s Bakery is introducing a gluten-free selection of fig bars to its established snack food line. The gluten-free fig bars will be initially available in four varieties: raspberry, blueberry, original fig and pomegranate. The Reno, Nev.-based company did extensive research and development to create a recipe that would yield a high-quality taste and texture while adhering to the high standards of reliable flavor and quality the Nature’s Bakery line is known for—including Non-GMO Project Verification, kosher certification and vegan certification.

The bars are made with ancient grains using a Smart Flour blend of teff, sorghum, amaranth and tapioca flours. The line is in the final stages of completing a Gluten Free Certification Organization certificate, issued by the Gluten Intolerance Group. They will be packaged in 144-count assorted flavor retail floor displays, with six- and 12-count twin-pack boxes of each flavor. Each twin pack contains two one-ounce fig bars.

Organic Valley Booth #2730

The products that Organic Valley is featuring include two Organic Valley Milk Protein Shakes, made with real organic milk for a smooth taste. Lactose-free, gluten-free and non-GMO, Organic Fuel and Organic Balance will also be on display. Officials for the La Farge, Wis.-based company say they are excellent for workout recovery, containing 26-grams and 16-grams of organic protein respectively. Both are made with short, simple lists of high quality, fair-trade USDA Certified organic ingredients.

Partners, A Tasteful Choice Co. Booth #2893

Partners, A Tasteful Choice Co.’s gluten-free brand, Free for All Kitchen, is featuring the latest addition to its line, Free for All Kitchen Gluten Free Brownie Thins. All of the products in the Kent, Wash.-based company’s Free for All Kitchen line are made without wheat, rice, corn or soy. Certified kosher and made with high quality non-GMO ingredients such as Dutch cocoa, cassava flour and five ancient grains, these brownie thins are crispy, crunchy and offer consumers a delectable taste profile, say company officials. The Dutch Chocolate flavor is available in 1- and 4-ounce cellophane packages.

Red Gold Booth #H139 (Hilton)

Red Gold, known for its premium tomato products, manufactures both branded and private label products. In addition to its standard 24-, 20- and 40-ounce organic ketchup offerings, the company, based in Elwood, Ind., has now introduced a private label premium 38-ounce organic ketchup bottle for high consumption organic consumers. The new size will be on display and will ship in a shelf-ready reduced case pack.

Saputo Specialty Cheese Booth #2807

The specialty cheese group of Saputo Cheese USA, based in Richfield, Wis., is featuring a variety of value-added enhancements to its Nikos brand of domestically produced feta cheeses. Nikos is a full line of distinctive Mediterranean-style regular, fat-free and flavored fetas. Nikos fetas are created with rich, memorable flavors intended to keep dining options fresh and healthy. This past January a series of value-added enhancements was added to the line. Nikos cheeses are now rBST-free, certified Halal and shipped via sustainably configured pallets.

Simply Organic (a brand of Frontier Co-Op) Booth #3734

Frontier Co-Op’s Simply Organic brand has an array of new products debuting at Expo West. The Norway, Iowa-based company will be showing off its first line of certified organic, all-purpose seasonings, Spice Right, Everyday Tabletop Blends, available in five flavors: Cinnamon Sugar Trio, Garlic Herb, All-Purpose Salt-Free, Peppercorn Ranch and Pepper. Available in May, the new seasonings are designed to enhance the taste of everything from vegetables to seafood, sauces, popcorn and more. Also coming to stores in May and launching at Expo West are Simply Organic’s Grilling Season Blends, in Organic Steak Grilling Seasons, Chicken Grilling Seasons, Vegetable Grilling Seasons, Chop Grilling Seasons and Seafood Grilling Seasons varieties.

In addition, the company is releasing a line extension to its current line of organic spices. The additions include Ceylon Cinnamon, Chipotle Powder, Spanish Smoked Paprika, Black Coarse Pepper and Five Spiced Powder. The company will also be releasing an eight-ounce size of its popular vanilla extract.

Smart Flour Foods Booth #5579

At this year’s Expo West, Austin, Texas-based  Smart Flour Foods is introducing new varieties to its lineup of gluten-free pizzas made with ancient grains in the crust. Chicken Sausage, Sundried Tomato & Escarole and Tuscan Inspired with Uncured Meat join the Austin, Texas-based company’s existing flavor lineup of Uncured Pepperoni, Garden Margherita, Classic Cheese and a two-pack of crust.

The crust used in Smart Flour Foods’ pizza is created with a proprietary gluten-free flour blend that contains sorghum, amaranth and teff, to give pizza crust a delicious taste, classic texture and enhanced nutritional profile, say company officials. In addition, Smart Flour Foods uses real mozzarella and provolone cheese that is free of rGBH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) and hand-selected uncured meats that are free of antibiotics and nitrites. The pizzas are made with no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and the crusts themselves are also vegan, soy-free, dairy- free and kosher, officials add.