Two weeks ago I traveled to Philadelphia for Natural Products Expo East 2021. The show was back on after last year’s cancellation and while smaller than usual, it was still – for me – a great opportunity to connect with brands.
While at Expo East 2021 I was looking for:
One // Keto-friendly snacks for my lower carb days
Two // High protein plant-based options
Three // Allergen-free (sesame safe) snacks for kids
Believe or not, I found a lot of all of the above.
Keto-friendly
I’ll be clear that I don’t follow a ketogenic diet but I do carb cycle and therefore eat low carb on some days. On those lower carb days I need high protein, lower carb and high fiber meals and snacks.
With 17 grams of protein per container, you can’t go wrong with Thor’s Skyr. It’s an extra-thick yogurt with a smooth mouth feel. I tried the Strawberry and Vanilla flavors but preferred strawberry.
Keto chocolate has never been my jam until I tried Choc Zero and let me just say that it’s a game-changer! So many keto chocolates are waxy or have an artificial aftertaste but this one, sweetened with monk fruit, is rich, smooth and creamy with absolutely zero aftertaste. I’m particularly obsessed with the low carb peanut butter cups.
I can’t tell you how often I’m stuck for a quick protein option (I’m a pescatarian so this is harder to find for that reason). Season Grilled Mackerel is the perfect ready-to-eat protein to top a salad, toast or crackers for when you’re tired of canned tuna.
High Protein Plant Based Options
I’ve long been a fan of Good Karma flax milk because it has a pleasant flavor, is creamy and packs in more protein (7 grams in their vanilla +protein flavor) than other plant based milks.
Pirq protein shakes are pre-made, plant-based, dairy-free protein shakes that actually taste good and pack 12 grams of protein per shake. They’re super creamy and come in chocolate, vanilla and caramel coffee flavors.
I had recently sworn off protein powders because I find them hard to stomach and then I found Octonuts, pure, one-ingredient nut-based protein powders that blend easily into smoothies and baked goods. Sounds too good to be true, but it’s not!
Umaro Superfood Bacon is “bacon” made from seaweed and judging by the line at the booth, it tastes – and crunches – like real bacon. I tried it and it’s delicious!
Allergen/ Sesame Safe Snacks for Kids
I can’t say enough good things about Veggies Made Great. They have an extensive line of products that are both allergen-free and pack in lots of fibrous veggies. Their Chocolate muffin (made with zucchini and carrots) is easily the best store-bought chocolate muffin I’ve ever tasted and I’m also into their new egg frittatas which are convenient for kids and adults.
My two-year-old, Valentina, has been gobbling up That’s It bars! I was always wary of them because I assumed they were too chewy, but they’re soft and easy to chew and better yet, they only contain two ingredients – fruit!
Valentina also loves Zee Zees Grahamz, another show find that’s allergen-safe and great for kids.
I have to say that despite the smaller show and change to show policies this year (which I 100 percent support), Expo East 2021 was one of my best shows so far! It’s always fun to meet up with Erica from Erica Finds who knows just about everyone in the industry. I’m really excited to follow the companies I mentioned and go back next year to find new brands to share with you!
What new-to-you brands or products that I mentioned are you most excited to try?
Check out my previous show Expo East show recaps:
Highlights from Expo East 2017
Top Five Food Trends from Expo East 2018
Top Five Food Trends from Expo East 2019
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