Last week I traveled to Philadelphia for Natural Products Expo East 2022. This was the show’s second year in Philly and it was much busier compared to Expo East 2021. Every time I go, I’m looking for the most popular wellness trends at Expo East and this year that trend was beverages.
Beverages on Trend at Expo East
There was no shortage of beverages on the show floor. From spiked and non-alcoholic drinks to sparkling teas and waters, functional energy drinks and prebiotic fiber-rich carbonated “sodas,” Expo East had it all and more.
I’m usually not big on drinks other than water (and wine), but some of these were intriguing. Here’s what really stood out to me:
Sound Water is a line of organic and unsweetened sparkling waters featuring non-GMO botanicals and fruit extracts. I do love sparkling water and these have really unique flavor profiles.
Jelly Belly Sparkling Water // Everyone’s favorite jelly bean has entered the sparkling water market with zero-calorie sparkling water flavors that taste just like their jelly beans. I was pleasantly surprised by their chocolate and French Vanilla flavored water.
Flow alkaline spring water launched their newest line of vitamin-infused waters for immune support in Cherry, Elderberry and Citrus flavors.
Gen Z Water has an intriguing concept bottling plain water in colorful, BPA-free, refillable aluminum bottles specifically for Gen Z, the largest consumers of water in the US. To be honest, the marketing is so good even I want to buy this water.
Olipop is a long-time favorite of mine. I love their tonics crafted with botanicals, up to 9 grams of plant fiber and gut-healthy prebiotics. My two favorite flavors from the show were the Classic Root Beer and the newest flavor, Cream Soda.
Other wellness trends at Expo East
Sustainability: From packaging to raw materials and manufacturing processes sustainability is top of mind for consumers and CPG manufacturers are heeding the call.
Food and Mood: Functional ingredients like mushrooms and CBD are still around but with more of a focus on how they can help improve mood through food.
Plant-based: Plant-based meats, cheese and milk are still going strong.
One of my favorite finds was Big Mountain soy-free tofu made from fava beans with more protein than actual tofu.
Other Products
In addition to these wellness trends at Expo East, I’m always on the hunt for:
One // Lower carb foods
Two // High protein foods
Three // Kid-approved snacks.
These are a few of the products that stood out in these categories and a few miscellaneous ones.
Chocolate Covered Dates
My love of matcha knows no bounds. Joolies dates are the best but these new date nibbles (Jooliettes) covered in matcha and dark chocolate take the cake.
No Carb Wraps
I love these no carb, low calorie high protein egg wraps by Egglife. They’re available in different flavors – savory and sweet – this was the original.
Protein Powder
Octonuts is my favorite protein powder. It’s just almonds so it’s filling and doesn’t make me nauseous the way other types of protein powder can.
Savory Protein Bars
I was pleasantly surprised by Afar’s savory protein bars with 10 grams of protein per bar and unique flavor profiles from around the world.
Mini Popsicles
Mom Pops are the perfect size to satisfy an adult sweet tooth and for kids who can never finish a whole popsicle before it melts down their hand.
Instant Banana Bread
I’ve seen this Banana Bread all over Instagram and after just one bite, I can attest it is worth the hype.
That’s all for this year!
Highlights from Expo East 2017
Top Five Food Trends from Expo East 2018
Top Five Food Trends from Expo East 2019
Expo East 2021 Highlights
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