Hello! The Natural Products Expo (aka #ExpoWest on social media) was this weekend in Anaheim, CA. It’s a huge conference with education sessions, workshops and exhibits of all the best and newest eco-friendly, healthy and natural products and efforts up and coming. There are info sessions, amazing speakers and the most massive set up of products and sample booths I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing and exciting to see all the new and improved food, home and beauty products that we’ll be able to enjoy soon (if they’re not already out).
And follow @RunEatRepeat on Instagram for a fun Expo West inspired Bingo game!
I first went years ago as a guest with a cereal company I was working with. I think I almost dislocated my shoulder with the epic sample bags I brought home that year! I’m lucky to live in Southern California and have been able to attend many times. And since I’ve attended before I wanted to share my favorites from this year – and mention some new to me items. I saw a lot of health food products I’ve recently seen in stores. So a lot of these foods are either in stores now or coming soon.
This list is a mash-up of my favorites and random thoughts on the show… Enjoy!
Natural Products Expo West Highlights and Notes
1. I love ketchup… lately I’m into spicy ketchup so I really liked this curry ketchup!
Related: I recently mentioned my favorite hair products in this post. Well… the shampoo & conditioner I’ve been using has ginger and a certain man in my life gave me a hug the other day and said I smell like curry. I think he confused it for ginger but I feel self-conscious about it now… I might have to switch up my shampoo & conditioner.
2. Speaking of Ginger!!! I love all things ginger – and not just because of my hair. It’s great for your stomach and great for running fuel.
3. Dis mah Bai
4. I like that these smoothie packs come with a cup you can pour it into after you make it.
5. Just Dessert! Sometimes I just want dessert.
6. The expo highlights a lot of vegan, paleo, allergen free food items. So there really is something for everyone.
And every representative I talked to was really well informed on the products and common concerns of people trying to avoid certain foods or add in more of specific nutrients.
This pasta had meat in the sauce and the guy handing out samples made sure to okay it with everyone as he handed it to them.
More ginger!
7. Loved all the ice cream options at the Natural Products Expo! They had organic, paleo, vegan ice cream and more. I even spotted the Talenti mint n chip gelato that I’ve been wanted to try for the longest time. They have a new layered gelato coming out but I really wanted my fave flavor. Actually you could order a scoop of whatever flavor you wanted to free. Amazing, right?
8. Did you know popcorn is one of my favorite foods?
Now you do.
And I really loved the fresh popcorn at the Watkins booth and all the toppings you could sprinkle on!
My other favorite popcorn companies were at the expo too – Boom Chica Pop, Lesser Evil, Skinny Pop, Good Health and more! I really love popcorn.
9. I thought I’ve tried every kind of nut butter and every nut butter product out there so I almost passed right by the Justin’s booth. But someone caught my attention and asked if I tried the cashew butter covered cashews and almond butter covered almonds… super good!
10. I spotted these Bob’s Red Mill granola / protein bars at Sprouts recently. They just came out in January and I was happy to test em out.
11. Cold brew coffee – love.
12. I used to be the biggest fan of Kashi cereal in college. My mom said Kashi was the secret to her weight loss – it’s probably slightly more involved than that but Kashi was one of the big things we both switched up as we tried to get healthier. A lot of the Kashi cereals have a lot of fiber and protein compared to other cereal options.
So I’m always curious and interested in their new products. The Kashi Kids Honey Cinnamon Combos was really good.
13. Granola is my weakness. And this new bear naked granola is amazing! I tried the dark chocolate hazelnut butter – it tastes like and has the consistency of a crumbled cookie.
14. One of my main focuses at the show was exploring new drinks – kombucha, enhanced water, energy drinks, probiotics in drinks, cbd oil drinks, tea based drinks, sparkling water…. I’m a big drinker.
So I was happy to see so many runner friendly drink options like coconut water based beverages and this Runa drink.
I did an instagram story of my happiness at seeing a fridge full of La Croix sparkling water. Sooooo good!!
15. Special mystery shout-out to this VEGAN tuna melt. It was so good I forgot to snap a picture of the booth where I got it! Busted because it was really good.
16. Applegate farms basically provided lunch – they were handing out full sized turkey burgers and sausage sandwiches. They have a new hamburger product coming out that’s a turkey & mushroom burger. I love both of those things so I’m excited for that!
Overall it’s hard to pick one favorite. I wish I had more time to explore the beauty products – that’s something I want to improve on in my own life.
My favorite thing about the show is how seems so inclusive.We’re all so different and our bodies and needs are so different – but hopefully there’s something for everyone! If you have special dietary or health concerns it’s just very awesome that everyone can enjoy all the home, beauty and food treats!
For the food… I can’t pick just one thing. But I’m going to keep an eye out for a few of the food items with added benefits like drinks or foods with extra vitamins and nutrients.
Since I can’t pick winners – you can check out the NEXTY Award Winners here. That’s the list of the best in each category.
Oh and I have to give a big thank you to the Natural Products team for naming Run Eat Repeat one of the Top Influencers to watch at the show! There are amazing bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters and instagrammers from all over the US that attend with huge followings so it’s seriously an honor.
And all these new and exciting products got me thinking about all the options out there! So I created this Healthy Foods BINGO game. ‘
How many of these have you tried? All of them? Just missing one??
Follow @RunEatRepeat on Instagram and chime in with how many of these healthy foods you have eaten!!
The post The Best of the Natural Products Expo Influencer Favorites and Healthy Food BINGO appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.
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