Expo West Top Ten Favorite Products 2026

 I just returned from my favorite conference with a ton of samples, and I am excited to tell you my top ten favorite products from Expo West.

 Every year, I head west to California to attend my favorite conference. Like always, I take the train from Albuquerque to Anaheim. I love taking the train when traveling to events. For some, this mode of transportation may be too long, but not for me. I use my time on the train to get organized for the conference and finish up any work that needs to be done. That way, I arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy my time. Booking a sleeper roomette on the train also helps.

This is my 5th time attending Expo West, and it was an amazing conference. This is the event where I learn about new products in the natural and organic retail space. This is the event to network and meet brands.

What is Expo West?

 Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. Expo West is the industry's defining event for natural and organic professionals. This is the event where everyone who is in some aspect of the natural products industry comes to network, learn, and have the best time. This is the event where decisions are made about what products will be on the store's shelves. 

 Expo West is the largest event, with over 300 brands exhibiting in the expo hall. Last year, there were 64,000 attendees at this event. 

Expo West is one of my favorite trade shows. I love discovering new and emerging brands, sampling new products, and learning about the new trends in the health and wellness market. Each time I attend this event, I walk away with so much knowledge. Some of the knowledge and discovery of new products have been huge in my healing journey. 

Expo West Favorite Products 2026

 Deciding which products make my list for favorite products can be hard, as there are over 3000 brands. That amounts to a lot of tasting, smelling, and trying out new products. As a person with multiple food allergies, that also means a lot of label reading. 

 A lot of the sampling for me happens after the show, so I don't have any allergic reactions. While walking through the expo hall, I play it safe and only taste familiar food or prepackaged food. I have had a couple of incidents of accidental bites of food that have contained my food allergens. So I come prepared with my Neffy and Benadryl. I 

I also eat before I leave the hotel and pack my favorite flavor of Nugo Bars in my bag. These delicious dark chocolate bars taste like a candy bar, but they are healthy gluten-free protein bars that are also dairy-free.

1. Bitchin' Sauce and Chips

 Bitchin' Sauce is the best vegan condiment that gives amazing flavor to everything, from vegan burgers and sandwiches to sushi bowls and pasta. This is the condiment that will help you get creative in the kitchen. This sauce comes in so many delicious flavors and is perfect for all your meals. I love that this vegan sauce is made with healthy ingredients and is even gluten-free.

 Bitchin' newest product line up includes new salsas, bean dips, and chips! Bitchin' made crispy tortilla chips that are crisped in expeller-pressed almond oil made from California almonds. They are my family's favorite tortilla chips that don't contain seed oils. 

2. Milkadamia Oat Milk Slices

Milkadamia Oat Milk Slices is a product that is huge for plant-based milk consumers. This unique product is perfect for those who want homemade oat milk without the work. It is a product that allows one to make fresh oat milk at home or while traveling. These oat milk slices are very eco-friendly and allow you to buy oat milk without the carton, saving it from the landfill. Each slice makes 8 ounces of creamy oat milk.

These oat milk slices will be so easy to pack in my suitcase. I will be able to have fresh oat milk for my daily coffee. I can say goodbye to having to find a grocery store near my hotel or, worse yet, having to use a milk substitute like protein powder that never mixes thoughly in my coffee. 

3. Make Time for Brain, Body, & Beauty

Make Time for Brain, Body, & Beauty is an All-in-One Daily Ritual for Focus, Energy & Radiance. This powerful daily drink features Cognizin® Citicoline, curcumin, MCT oil, Acetyl-L-carnitine, and a complete women’s multivitamin to support your brain, body, and beauty; inside and out.

Key Benefits Include:

 ~ An herbal blend that is scientifically proven to boost focus, energy, and clarity with long-term benefits.

 ~ A daily supplement that provides all the vitamins & minerals you need to thrive + MCT oil for an extra energy boost.

  ~ A beauty blend of Curcumin Turmeric that lowers inflammation and promotes radiant skin, while Biotin strengthens hair, nails, and skin.

4. Wonder Juice Organic Green

 Wonder Juice has just launched a new Wonder Green line that features functional green juices. The Wonder Green Line joins the Wonder Juice collection, which features three unique lines — Wonder Beet, Wonder Melon, and Wonder Lemon.

These two new blends bring exciting personality to the green juice category, whether you’re looking for something refreshing and light or bold with a little heat. Check out the flavors.

  ~ Clean Green is a crisp, refreshing green blend that delivers plant-powered nutrition with bright, approachable flavor. Clean Green is crafted for daily wellness routines, offering a smooth and revitalizing profile that supports cleansing and hydration. Key Ingredients Include:Kale • Spinach • Green Apple • Cucumber • Lemon • Ginger

  ~ Veg8 & Cayenne is bold and invigorating, Veg8 & Cayenne layers hearty vegetables with a touch of spice for consumers who crave complex flavor and functional benefits. The cayenne adds gentle heat while complementing the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Key Ingredients Include:Carrot • Beet • Celery • Cucumber • Red Pepper • Tomato • Cayenne • Lemon

5. Huel Ready to Drink Iced Coffee

I am a huge fan of Huel's high-protein meals, and I love all the different varieties that they sell. New to me this year is their Ready-to-Drink Iced Coffee. These delicious plant-based drinks have 95 grams of caffeine and 22-35 grams of protein. They are available in Salted Caramel and Black Edition Iced Latte. The Black Edition Iced Latte is my favorite after-the-gym drink.

Skip the coffee shop line. Huel Black Edition Iced Latte is a high-protein meal with 35g of plant-based protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals, and smooth, balanced coffee flavor—all bottled up in 400 convenient calories. Breakfast just got better.

Use my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 and save $20 on all Huel Products

6. Redmond Re-Lyte Grape and Grapefruit

Redmond Salt introduced some new flavors of their Re-Lyte hydration drink powders this year, and they are so delicious. The new flavors are Grape and Grapefruit. These hydration powders are made with Real Salt and clean ingredients.

 Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration is an effective, refreshing electrolyte powder you can feel good about taking daily. This clean, simple hydration supplement is designed to support any and every lifestyle, whether you’re keto, paleo, vegan, fasting, or just focused on feeling your best. This zero-calorie, carb-free, no-added-sugar blend combines ancient sea salt, Redmond Real Salt, and essential electrolytes to help you hydrate better, so you feel better.

Use my code MOMKNOWSBEST to save 15% off any Redmond product

7. Purity Organic Single Serve Coffee

I discovered Purity Coffee last year at Newtopia Now. This brand taught me that most non-organic coffee beans contain mold, pesticides, chemicals, and mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain types of fungi and molds, and exposure can lead to a range of health issues, like chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions.  I experienced mold sickness four years ago, and my health suffered in many ways from the mold exposure in my home. I am still recovering from mold exposure, so it was good to learn about this mold-free coffee.

So Purity Coffee is still one of my favorite products. They were sampling their Organic Single-Serve Coffee sachets and gave me plenty of samples. Now that I know about mold in other coffee brands, I will only drink Purity coffee, and these single-serve packs are perfect for traveling. 

Save 20% on Purity Coffee with code MOMKNOWSBEST

8. Be Love Clean Energy and Hydration

I am all for clean energy drinks, and I am glad that I discovered one at Expo West. These colorful cans caught my attention on my first day at the show. So I decided to give them a try. I drank the Grape Awakening drink before I went running, and it gave me awesome energy without any hyperness. When I finished my workout, I drank the Citrus Zest hydration drink, and it was delicious. These drinks come in many delicious flavors, and of course, I tried them all.

Be LOVE™ was born from a simple idea: life feels better when we’re in balance. When we move and connect with intention. When we nourish our bodies and our relationships. When we choose love.

Their drinks are crafted to support that kind of living. Clean. Functional. Delicious. Made to help you hydrate and find your flow. No extremes. No empty promises. Just the good stuff that helps you show up as the real you.

9. Sweet Loren's Scones

My favorite ready-to-bake gluten-free cookie brand was showcasing a new product, and it was so good. Sweet Lorens has made delicious ready-to-bake scones. These scones were sweet and moist. The best part about the scones was that they contained no gluten. dairy, or soy. 

The scones are available in two flavors, chocolate chip and chocolate chunk. Look for Sweet Lorens ready-to-bake products in stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. 

10. Hippeas All Dressed Up Chickpea Puffs

 I almost did not discover this product at Expo West. I was roaming the floor, and I saw the Hippeas booth, so I quickly grabbed a sample of Groovy White Cheddar chickpea snacks. The brand representative offered me a full-size sample of one of their newest flavors.

I looked at the name of the new flavor and hesitated, as it did not sound appealing to me. When he promised me that I would love the flavor of Hippeas All Dressed Up Chickpea Puffs, I took a chance. That night at the hotel, I decided to eat the new flavor, and it was amazing! I just wish I had grabbed 2 bags of them.

Hippeas All Dressed Up Chickpea Puffs is a flavor explosion of BBQ, Salt & Vinegar, and (dairy-free) Sour Cream & Onion, for a sweet, savory, tangy & zesty flavor mash-up.

So many new products, so little time

 Expo West is the largest natural brand expo. With over 3500 brands at the show, it was impossible to discover them all, but I sure tried. I left the expo with tons of samples, and over the next couple of weeks, I will have fun checking them out.

So stay tuned for more information on additional products that I loved from Expo West. 

Quiet Luxury in Home Design: How to Elevate Your Space Without Overstatement

 Luxury home design has changed; it's no longer just about having excess or obvious displays of wealth. It's all about restraint, craftsmanship, and intentional choices. The homes that stand out today feel calm, layered, and deeply considered. Quiet luxury is not minimalism; it's not stark or empty. It is something that is refined; every material, finish, and line has purpose. 

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

If you're designing or updating a high-end home, here's how to approach luxury in a way that feels timeless rather than trending.

Invest in Architectural Integrity First

 Before selecting finishes or materials, look at the structure itself. True luxury really starts with the proportion and architectural detailing: height, window placement, trim work, flooring continuity, and more. If the bones of the home feel like they are disjointed, no matter the décor, it is going to fix this. Consider upgrading millwork with custom crown and moulding or wall paneling. We frame openings to create better sight lines and replace standard doors with solid core versions. 

 Don’t overlook the exterior of your home; a home's roofline dramatically affects its presence. If shingles are curling or materials feel worn, planning a roof replacement can elevate the entire silhouette of the property. Premium roofing materials like slate or architectural shingles not only protect the home but also help to reinforce its own aesthetic. Luxury begins before you step inside your home.

 

Choose Materials That Age Beautifully

 High-end design is defined by materials that improve over time: natural stone, solid wood, linen, wall plaster, brass, and more. These materials all help to develop character; they don't peel or fade in unattractive ways, and they soften and deepen the home. When selecting flooring, consider white plank hardwood in a natural finish rather than overly steamed tones. 

 For your countertops, you might want to think about marble or quartzite with subtle veins instead of busy patterns. When it comes to your cabinets, they should feel substantial and avoid thin veneers where possible. Choosing finishes that highlight grain rather than mask it is a great way to add luxury to your home. You need to remember that luxury is not about shine; it's all about having a good finish and substance.

Create Depth Through Layering

 Flat spaces often feel incomplete, no matter how expensive the furniture is that you put in your home. Layering creates depth. Start with foundational neutrals such as soft white and warm tops, and then build in a little bit of dimension through texture, adding in a nice chair against smooth plaster walls, a silk rug over hardwood floors, or even a linen drape that frames steel windows. 

 Lighting plays a huge role here, too. If you combine recessed lighting with sculptural pendants and wall lights, then you are going to be able to create an intimate atmosphere in the evening. In luxury design, atmosphere matters just as much as appearance.

Embrace Curated Nostalgia

 Not every space needs to feel ultra-modern. One of the most interesting shifts in luxury interiors is the fact that people are now embracing classic elements that were once considered outdated. Certain forms of dated home decor are making a comeback, and they are reflecting a desire for warmth and familiarity. Think skirted tables, traditional wallpaper, ornate mirrors, and vintage-inspired lighting. 

 The whole idea is to have a good balance. People are pairing antique pieces with clean-lined furniture. When it's all done thoughtfully, these little details add a lot of personality without overwhelming the space. Luxury homes feel put together rather than looking like they are staged.

Prioritize Bespoke Over Branded

 There's a difference between expensive and exclusive. High-end homes benefit from custom elements that cannot be replicated very easily, such as built-in shelving that is tailored for your art collection or a kitchen island that is designed specifically for the way that you like to entertain. Bespoke design is something that feels very personal to you as a homeowner. It also ensures proportion and scale remain consistent for the actual home that is built. 

 Custom furniture fits the room properly, and cabinetry aligns perfectly with the features of the home. When you have this level of detail, it's what truly puts luxury homes apart from others. Try to avoid over-reliance on recognizable brands and instead focus on the craftsmanship and the fit of the pieces that you put into your home.

Design for Flow and Function

 A luxury home should feel like it is really effortless to live in. Larger spaces need to have thoughtful planning. Define their zones with an open layout using area rugs, ceiling treatments, or subtle changes in the flooring direction. Think about how you naturally move through your home on a daily basis. Is the kitchen positioned for easy entertaining, and does the primary suite feel private and serene? 

 Function should never be something that is sacrificed for the sake of aesthetics. True luxury is something that is going to be supportive of your lifestyle without you always having to adjust things.

Integrate Outdoor and Indoor Living

 High-end homes blur the line between interiors and exteriors. Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and covered terraces that feel like an extension of living rooms are all great ways of linking your outdoor and indoor living spaces. Use consistent materials across the spaces and try to choose complementary tones. Use exterior decking to match your interior flooring. You can also think about repeating color palettes in your outdoor furniture. 

 Landscaping should feel really intentional; you should include things like layered planting and trees that frame the property. Outdoor lighting should have a center point of focus, too. Soft up lighting along the pathways and wall washes create a refined evening presence. Luxury can go beyond just the inside walls of your home.

Conclusion

 Luxury home design is not about having excess; it’s all about creating your home with intention. Start with architectural integrity, and then look at the way that you design your home inside. Edit everything very carefully and pay attention to how your home feels rather than just the way it looks. This is the essence of true luxury.

The Optimist Film ~ A True Story of Survival and Connection

 He came out of the darkness… to bring her into the light…Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the unlikely friendship that transforms two lives.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Trafalgar Releasing.

The Optimist is a film that is based on a true story of survival and connection. It is more than a film— it is a journey from darkness to hope. The film is deeply rooted in two causes that reflect its heart: KAVOD, which supports Holocaust survivors living in poverty, and Bring Change to Mind, a national nonprofit empowering youth to end the stigma around mental health. Contributions supporting these organizations help extend the film’s impact beyond the screen.

About The Optimist

Based on a true story, THE OPTIMIST follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the unlikely friendship that transforms two lives. At 15, Herbert escaped the Auschwitz-Birkenau death march, carrying the weight of silence for six decades. When he finally breaks that silence, he forms a life-saving bond with Abby, a troubled teenager confronting her own pain. Together, they discover hope, healing, and the transformative power of being truly seen.

Directed by Finn Taylor and produced by Jeanine Thomas, THE OPTIMIST stars Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher in an intimate, intergenerational story about trauma, memory, and healing. Lang delivers a career-defining performance opposite Fisher in a story developed over more than a decade by Thomas, who first met Heller before his passing in 2021. The film honors Heller’s legacy as an educator and survivor who shared his testimony with thousands of students nationwide.

The ensemble cast includes Luke David Blumm, Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert. Produced by Jeanine Thomas and Noah Lang, with executive producer Todd Slater, the film features cinematography by Antonio Riestra and Alexander Surkala and editing by Kaufmanova Olina and Rick LeCompte.

The film will be released nationwide on March 11, 2026, through Trafalgar Releasing. Buy your tickets here 

Watch The Official Movie Trailer

About Herbert Heller

Herbert Heller was born in April 1929 in Teplice-Šanov, Czechoslovakia. He was the younger son of engineer Karel Heller and his wife, Melanie (née Porges). At age 12, he and his family were deported by the Gestapo to the Theresienstadt (Terezin) Ghetto, and later to Auschwitz-Birkenau. During the forced Nazi death march, he made a miraculous escape by himself at age 15. 

Emigrating to the US the following year, Herbert settled in San Francisco, worked at Macy’s while attending night school, and joined the U.S. Army Reserves, becoming a citizen in 1952. He married Annette (née Zion) in 1956, and together they raised three daughters.

In 1958, Herbert opened a children’s clothing store in San Rafael, which he operated for nearly 50 years. Known for his kindness and perseverance, he became a beloved figure in his community.

After six decades of silence, Herbert began sharing his Holocaust story in 2004, speaking to thousands of students and inspiring countless young people with his message of courage, hope, and remembrance. In 2020, Herbert was honored with the Jefferson Award, which recognizes ordinary individuals who perform extraordinary acts without seeking recognition—a fitting tribute to his quiet but profound impact. 

Herbert passed shortly after in 2021, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and compassion, as well as ten grandchildren.

Learn More About The Optimist

  ~  The Optimist Film Website

  ~ The Optimist Film Facebook Page

  ~ The Optimist Film on TikTok

  ~ The Optimist Film Instagram Page

  ~ The Optimist Film Twitter Page

  ~ Buy Tickets For The Optimist Film

  ~ More Information About Herbert 

My Review of The Optimist

 I enjoyed watching The Optimist Film and learning more about Herbert Heller. This was a tough movie to watch, as it showed the reality of what the Jewish people endured during the Holocaust. As I watched the film. I began to understand why Herbert did not share his past with his family. Learning that he kept quiet for 6 decades to save his family from the pain and trauma must have been hard for him. 

While sparing his family from the pain of what he went through may have kept the trauma away from his family, it was not doing Herbert any good. When  Herbert learn that he was dying, he realized that he had to tell his family about his time in the Holocaust camp. He chose to tell his story on a video.

His sessions of making the video helped Herbert to finally heal from the past. This also helped Herbert get better, and he lived for many more years.

This is a film that everyone needs to watch. This film teaches that healing can come when you choose not to let the past have control over you. This was a time in history that can not be forgotten.

Festival favorite - #TheOptimistMovie - starring Stephen Lang & Elsie Fisher - opens March 11 - Buy Tickets

#BasedOnATrueStory #HolocaustRemembrance #MentalHealthAwareness #TheOptimistMovieRWM