12 Favorite Product Discoveries From Expo East

 I just got back from traveling to Philidelphia and I am excited to tell you about my trip to attend Expo East. I discovered so many new healthy products and want to share with you my favorite product finds.

 I was in Philadelphia last week as I was attending a huge natural product event. I was at the event to check out new healthy natural products and I had a great time sampling delicious food. I also got to sample the latest healthy beauty products and learn about new supplements.

 While I was at the event, I got to learn about the newest trends in the health and wellness community. I also had the opportunity to taste some allergy-friendly food to help me manage my many food allergies. This is an event that I look forward to attending and I am glad that I got an invite to the event.

 Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

This post contains affiliate links

  I always have fun checking out all the booths at the Expo East. From food and drinks to supplements with everything in between, this is the event to learn about what is hot in the natural food stores. When I attend the expo, I always bring an extra suitcase to bring home all of the samples. Check out these free samples.

While I was walking the event floor, I made some notes about my favorite products and I made a list of my top 10 favorite products from Expo East. So keep reading to see which products I enjoyed from Expo East.

1. Happy Grub Pancake Mixes

Happy Grub makes breakfast fun and easy. Happy Grub is designed to bring families together in the kitchen. The pancake mix ingredients are all natural and organic, so you can be confident in what you are eating too! I just love the cute bottles that the pancake mix is in. The bottles make pancake cooking so easy that even kids can help in the kitchen. Just add water, shake, and squeeze. The squeeze bottles are perfect for making creative pancake shapes. The pancake mixes are available in 4 different varieties.

My teen loves creating pancake shapes with the Happy Grub pancake mixes. You can even squeeze the pancake mix on a waffle maker for delicious waffles. 

2. Verb Caffeinated Energy Bars

 I discovered Verb Caffeinated Energy Bars last March at Expo West but I did not try them until a couple of weeks ago. I was "a drink an energy drink before the gym person" and "enjoy my cup of coffee after the gym person." So I really did not have a need for more caffeine. The Verb Bars just stayed in my pantry in my snack box. 

 Then a fitness influencer told me the facts about exercising without eating breakfast and how it could be hurting my fitness goals. So I ditched the energy drinks and decided to try the Verb Caffeinated Bars for three weeks to see if it made a difference in my gym routine. I was amazed at my increase in energy from the Verb Bars and that helped me to lose 2 pounds! I was hooked on the delicious bars for my before-the-gym caffeine boost.

 The Verb Bars have the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee and it comes from green tea. I had only tried the smores flavor of the Verb Caffeinate bars so I was glad that the Verb booth had different flavors of their energy bars. The delicious bars are available in 13 flavors. These bars are the delicious solution to the 2 p.m. slump. Say goodbye to overpriced lattes, sugar cravings & post-coffee jitters 

Save 40% with code TARA77427

3. Freshe Seafood Meals

 Freshé isn't your typical canned fish – it's a game-changer that fuses the best of wild-caught tuna and Atlantic salmon with wholesome legumes, vegetables, and the richness of olive oil. Freshé introduces a line-up of ready-to-eat small meals that are rewriting the rules of tinned fish. Each meal packs a punch of sustainably sourced protein infused with savory herbs and spices. 

 But what truly sets Freshé apart is its no-compromise approach to quality and sustainability. Their all-natural, BPA-free tins can sit pretty on your shelf for up to four years. But here's the real kicker – Freshé isn't just a one-note wonder. With flavors inspired by global cuisines, from the bold Sicilian Caponata to the exotic Moroccan Tagine, there's a whole world of taste waiting for you. Available in six varieties.

4. Nuzest Plant-Based Protein

 I was so excited that Nuzest was going to have a booth at Expo East. This was their first time at Expo East and I had to stop by the booth to meet the team behind my favorite plant-based protein powder. I have been using Nuzest vegan protein since 2016 and this allergy-friendly protein is always in my pantry.

 Nuzest had samples of their new Protein Greens + Berries and Protein + Microbiotics along with their Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff. So I stopped by the Nuzest Booth to say hello and to grab a sample of the Clean Lean Protein Powder in vanilla. 

5. EQUII Protein Bread

 I am always looking for ways to get my teenage son to eat more protein as he is an athlete and does not eat meat. So I was happy to discover a bread that had 10 grams of protein per slice. My son loves peanut butter sandwiches so I knew that he had to try this wheat bread.

 EQUII Classic Wheat Bread has 10 Grams of Complete Protein and all 9 Essential Amino Acids in each slice. Equii uses a special fermentation process to produce high-quality protein that is easily absorbed by the body. This bread also has 50% less sugar and 30% fewer carbs than other breads. EQUII bread is a game-changer for health-conscious consumers, athletes, and those on meat-restricted diets.

6. Gimme Seaweed Snacks

I was happy to see my favorite seaweed snack company at Expo East and I enjoyed tasting all the different flavors. Gimme’s umami-rich roasted seaweed snacks are USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, only 30 calories per serving, and an excellent source of vitamins B12 & K and iodine.

  Gimme’s product line includes Big Sheets, Sushi Nori, and Roasted Seaweed Snacks, which are now available in eight flavors including their newest flavors Chili Lime and Non-Dairy White Cheddar. They also now have Grab & Go (tray-less) roasted seaweed snacks in top-selling flavors. My favorite flavor was Chili Lime.

7. MALK's New Holiday Nog

 I discovered MALK plant-based milk last year and loved this nut milk for its clean simple ingredients. This is a creamy, 100% organic vegan milk is made solely with filtered water, organic almonds, and vanilla.

This year MALK debuted its new Holiday Nog. This delicious nog is 100% organic vegan milk that is made solely with filtered water, organic almonds, organic maple syrup, organic nutmeg extract, and Himalayan pink salt and contains only 60 calories per serving. This limited-edition holiday product will be rolling out to stores in October and will be available throughout the holiday season while supplies last. MALK’s Holiday Nog will be available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon, select Kroger locations, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Market, Earthfare, MOM’s Market, and other locations. 

8. Pickle Juice

 I love drinking Pickle Juice after a sweaty workout. This hydration+ drink has a great taste and has so many benefits beyond hydration.

 Pickle Juice (not to be confused with pickle brine) is the only product on the market scientifically proven to stop muscle cramps, prevent dehydration, and aid in recovery. It uses a proprietary grain and blend of vinegar that blocks that nerve signal being sent from brain to muscle, and a blend of vitamins and minerals for immediate muscle recovery. Whether you are missing something from your diet, exhausted from exercise, wake up in the middle of the night with foot cramps, or are dealing with poor circulation, Pickle Juice can provide a source of relief.

9. Jack & Friends Jackfruit Jerky

 Most plant-based jerky is made from mushrooms or soy protein and those with food allergies to either of these ingredients miss out on eating jerky. Since I am allergic to soy and mushrooms, my craving for meat-free jerky has not been satisfied. I was so excited to discover Jack & Friends Jackfruit Jerky.

 This jerky is made from jackfruit and pea protein and is so delicious. I love that a serving has 15 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. It even has the same texture as meat jerky. I might just be enjoying this jerky for breakfast and I am thinking that it would be great to use in a vegan BLT sandwich. 

10. Zeroe Plant Based Caviar

 This past summer I tried caviar for the first time and I was not impressed at the taste. Then a week later, when I watched a video on how they harvest caviar, I was glad that I did not like real caviar. Most people know that caviar is fish eggs but they don't realize the disgusting and unethical way that caviar is made. 

So when I saw a booth at Expo East sampling plant-based caviar, I just had to try it. The taste of Zeroe Plant Based Caviar was amazing! This caviar is 100% Vegan and sustainably Sourced and no fish were harmed in the process. It is made from seaweed off the coast of France. The texture of Zeroe is also amazing and it will go great with my Vegan Smoked Salmon on my homemade gluten-free bagels.

11. Scotts Protein Balls

These delicious protein balls are plant-based and allergy-friendly. So they are the perfect snack for me since I have multiple food allergies. I like that Scotts Protein Balls are made with superfood ingredients and they are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no preservatives. These protein balls are made with fresh ingredients so they have to be stored in the refrigerator. 

 They have 8 grams of protein per serving and are available in ten flavors, including Cinnamon Bun, Peanut Butter Cup, Pumpkin Spice, Peanut Butter Cacao, Mint Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, Confetti, Snickerdoodle, Java Peanut Butter, and Red Velvet. My favorite flavor was Peanut Butter Cacao.

12. Once Again’s Sunflower Butter Graham Cracker Sandwiches

I was happy to find gluten-free graham crackers filled with sunflower butter! These delicious snacks will be perfect for when the granddaughters visit. These allergy-friendly treats fit all the boxes for both my food allergies and my daughter's food allergies. I am allergic to dairy and wheat and my daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

Once Again Sunflower Butter Cracker Sandwiches are the perfect snack for those seeking a healthy and delicious treat. They are certified gluten-free and certified organic, plus vegan. The graham crackers are made with a blend of organic sorghum flour, oat flour, and cassava, while the filling is made from sunflower seeds. I like that they’re individually wrapped and easy to take on the go.

Other products that I liked from Expo East

 There were so many products to see and taste at this natural product event. From healthy snacks to natural beauty and cleaner products with so many other products that I could not taste everything. I am so glad that I was able to take products home. That way I can try them. The photo below is just a few of my favorite products that made an impression on me. 

From the left top corner to the right top corner, ~ then bottom left to right left are the following products.

~ Vital Zing Flavor Drops ~ So many delicious flavors

~ Fillo's Walking Tamales ~ Just heat in the microwave and so delicious

~ Bone Sucking Hot Honey ~ This had a kick of heat and I will be using this on my pizza

~ Fillo's Bean & Lentils ~ They are ready to eat

~ JamBar ~ Gluten-free and plant-based and so yummy! The daughter of the guy who made PowerBars created these.

~ Hamptons Raw Probiotic Brines ~ I grabbed these to brine my cucumbers

~ Safe Catch Seafood ~ So good and low in mercury

~ Rind Remix ~ Dried fruit, nuts, and other delicious ingredients

~ Ocean's Halo Purple Rice and Noodles ~ Purple goodness

~ Vocoa Vegan Lemon Loaf and Omega Cheez Blend ~ These are dairy-free and gluten-free

~ Verb Caffeinate Bars ~ My new pre-workout 

~ 7th Heaven Dairy Chocolate ~ So creamy

~ Lakanto Sweeteners and Candied Nuts ~ My favorite baking sweetener

~ Cleanery Plant-Based Powder Cleaners ~ Just add them to a bottle of water

~ Dr. Bronners Plant-Based Chocolate ~ So delicious

~ Sunwarrior Hydration Mixes ~ Great for after the gym

~ Trek All-Natural Insect Repellant ~ These smell good and will keep the mosquitos away

How To Travel With Food Allergies

 Is it possible to travel when you have food allergies and have to carry an Epipen? Yes, one can travel with food allergies, it just takes some extra planning. Learn how I navigate traveling with multiple food allergies. 

 I love traveling and having multiple food allergies can make traveling difficult at times. A simple thing, like eating while traveling takes planning but I am not going to let that get in my way of exploring new places and having fun. I have many things that I do before my trip to stay safe and avoid the foods that I am allergic to. 

 As I write this article, I am at the airport heading to an event called Expo East. While waiting for my flight, I decided to share with you my tips to safely travel with food allergies. I want to be able to help those who are looking for help navigating the world of travel with food allergies. 

 Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

 I will start by sharing some details about my food issues. I am allergic to dairy, wheat, soy, and mushrooms. My food allergies cause severe asthma attacks so I have to be careful with eating outside of the home. For the most part, I don't eat out at restaurants as I don't feel safe as I have had accidental food allergy exposure several times in the past. 

 So, I bet you are wondering why I would travel to an event where I would be trying food. Expo East is an event where I can learn about food that is allergy-friendly and the brands there are open about the ingredients in the products. While I feel safe attending this natural product event, I still have to take precautions so I don't accidentally eat any of the foods that I am allergic to.

This post may contain affiliate links

10 Things I do to safely travel with food allergies

1. Pack plenty of allergy-friendly food

When I pack for any trip, I always pack plenty of food that I can eat. That way I don't have to buy food at the airport, that may not be safe for me to eat. I also pack healthy food that I can eat for my meals like breakfast. I like to pack vegan protein powder to eat for my breakfast. I also pack nuts, dried fruit, and granola.

2. Stay at a hotel with a kitchen

 I try to stay at a hotel with a kitchen so I can cook my meals. A hotel with a fridge and a microwave is also a good choice. That way I can stock the fridge with food that I can eat and avoid eating out at restaurants.

3. Shop for food when I get to my destination

 After I check into my hotel, I find out where the nearest grocery store is located. I then go shopping for food that I can cook at the hotel for my meals. Good choices for hotel meals, when you don't have a fridge, are cans of tuna, gluten-free crackers, and fresh fruit. Since my hotel has a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, I will buy plant-based milk, frozen dinners, frozen vegetables, and sushi rolls.

4. Exercise in the morning

 I always start my day with exercise for many reasons. Since I have asthma, exercise helps me clear the mucus from my lungs so I can breathe better. Exercise also is great for my mind and it helps me focus better, so I can manage my food allergies. Since I exercise in the morning, I like to fuel my body with a delicious caffeinated energy bar. The snack bars have caffeine in them from green tea, the same amount as a cup of coffee. The bars give me great energy to get my workout done and I don't experience a sugar crash from them like I did when I drank energy drinks.

9 Effective Ways To Clear Mucus For Better Breathing

5. Eat breakfast

 I always start my day with breakfast at the hotel, that way I don't arrive to the event hungry. I can make better food choices when I am not hungry. For breakfast, I drink a protein shake along with some gluten-free cereal an some fresh fruit. My favorite protein to pack for trips is an allergy-friendly plant-based protein powder. I love that this protein is available in travel packs and a small 10-serving size container that is perfect for my travel bag. Nuzest is free of wheat, dairy, soy, and nuts. Each serving has 20 grams of protein so it keeps me full, so I don't go to the event hungry. 

Save 15% on Nuzest with code MOMKNOWSBEST15

6. Always carry my emergency medicines

 My number one rule, when traveling with food allergies, is to always carry my emergency medicines. I have a special travel pouch that is made to hold Epipens. This pouch has plenty of room to hold my Benadryl tablets and other medicines that I might need. That way I am prepared for a food allergy exposure if it accidentally happens. 

7. Ask questions

If you have a food allergy, you need to not be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients in the food. Your life depends on not eating the food that you are allergic to. So speak up and ask questions about what is in the food and how the food is prepared. 

 If I do eat out, I choose to eat at places that serve sushi bowls as they, for the most part, do not contain dairy and they serve plenty of gluten-free options. When I am at the event, I try to sample foods that I am familiar with. I also do not eat any of the wrapped samples, until I can read the ingredient list on the package or visit their website to learn more about the food. 

8. Pack snacks

I also pack plenty of snacks in my bag when I am at the event or out site seeing. That way I have something that I know is safe to eat if I get hungry. My favorite snacks to take on the go are packages of nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars. 

9. Know the signs of accidental ingestion of my food allergies

 It is important to know the signs of accidental exposure to a food that you are allergic to. For me, if I accidentally eat something with dairy, soy, mushrooms, or wheat in it, I have an asthmatic cough. My voice may also change. Once I recognize these signs of food allergy exposure, I take 2 Benadryl and a cup of coffee. This helps keep my airway open so I don't experience any breathing problems. If I have breathing problems, then I will use my Epipen. Thankfully, I have not had to use my EpiPen but it comforts me to know that it is there for emergencies. I have only had one anaphylaxis episode from dairy exposure and that is the reason that the doctor prescribed the EpiPen.

10. Use my natural inhaler

 I always carry my natural inhaler with me when I travel. This inhaler helps open up my airway so I can get the mucus out of my lungs after I have an asthma attack. I also pack menthol lozenges in my bag as they help calm my asthmatic cough.

 These are the many ways that I travel safely with my food allergies. Managing food allergies while traveling can be done. It just takes learning what best works for you. I have been managing my food allergies for 5 years and I am still learning. It was discovering my dairy allergy through a food allergy blood test that has helped me learn how to manage my severe asthma symptoms. 

The past five years have been all about healing my body from food allergies, seasonal allergies, and mold exposure. You can read more about my healing journey through these links.

~ My mold sickness journey

~ My Personal Experience with Allergy Shots

~ Healing my lungs from trauma

The Best Plant Based Sunflower Cheese Spread ~ Spero Foods

 Finding a plant-based cream cheese substitute that tastes good can be hard. Most plant-based cream cheese spreads are made with additives, and have a gritty texture, or an acidic taste. Discover a smooth plant-based sunflower cheese spread that is delicious and eco-friendly.

 Having to follow a dairy-free diet due to a severe food allergy can be tough at times. That means having to give up your favorite foods and trying to find dairy-free substitutes that taste good. The struggle is hard! Especially when you discovered your dairy allergy, four years ago, at the age of 52. The removal of all dairy from my diet helped my severe asthma get better and a food allergy blood test confirmed that was allergic to dairy. A year ago I had my first anaphylactic reaction from dipping my hands in milk. 

 Finding food swaps for my favorite dairy foods has been quite the ride. I am thankful for all the plant-based companies that make allergy-friendly food. I quickly discovered delicious vegan ice cream that I enjoyed eating but items like dairy-free chocolate, dairy-free cheese, and dairy-free cream cheese that taste good have been a struggle for the past 4 years. Last year, I finally discovered No Whey Chocolate for a delicious plant-based chocolate bar. Then a couple of months ago at Expo East, I was so excited to discover the best Plant Based Sunflower Cheese Spread from Spero Foods. Now if I could only find a vegan cheese that has the gooey stretchy texture that I miss.

Creamy and Delicious Plant-Based Sunflower Cheese Spread 

 Spero Sunflower Cheese Spread is different from all those other plant-based cream cheese spreads. After discovering Spero's delicious creamy taste and 8 yummy flavors, I discovered that Spero is made with 7 simple ingredients with eco-friendly sunflower seeds. Spero sunflower cheese spread does not contain any additives like enzymes, lactic acid, or sugar.

Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese ingredients

+ Sunflower Seeds

+ Water 

+ Coconut Oil

+ Salt

+ Spices

+ Probiotic Cultures

+ Xanthan and guar gums

How is Spero Sunflower Cheese eco-friendly?

Spero takes water, land, and air seriously

+ That means choosing simple, minimal ingredients that require as little water as possible. Our key ingredient, sunflower seeds, uses 96% less water than nuts! That way, we can leave more water in nature—for plants and animals, for you and me.*

+ That means choosing sunflowers as our main ingredient, a plant that uses 97% less land than cashews to produce. Save forests. Protect trees. Choose Sunflower Cheese.*

+ That means choosing ingredients that help keep our air pure, clean, and safe for everyone and everything. Like sunflowers, a plant that emits 99% less CO2/CH4 than dairy to produce. Breathe easy. Eat Sunflower Cheese.* 

* Disclaimer: *Numerical comparisons are best judgment estimates only, based on our research findings. 

One Taste was all I needed 

 One taste was all I needed to know I finally found an awesome cream cheese substitute. While at Expo East Spero Foods offered me a plate that contained every flavor of sunflower cream cheese that they create, along with small pieces of bagels. I licked the plate clean and then asked for another sample plate. I think that I stopped at the Spero Foods booth several more times during the 3-day event. 

Once I returned home from traveling to Expo East in Philidelphia, I contacted Spero Foods for samples as I knew that you, my readers needed to know bout this amazing vegan cream cheese spread. I was overjoyed when Spero sent me a box of their delicious sunflower cheese spread. I grabbed a package of everything bagels and opened up my favorite flavor of Spero plant-based cream cheese ~ The Smoked Salmon. After spreading my bagel with this delicious sunflower plant-based cheese spread, I enjoyed every bite. 

 The next day I knew that I had to make vegan smoked salmon to enjoy with my bagels and cream cheese. What is your favorite topping to put on your bagel?

Check out this recipe for three-ingredient everything bagels made in the air fryer

8 Delicious Flavors of Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese

+ Original Cream Cheese

+ Herb Cream Cheese

+ Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese

+ Strawberry Cream Cheese

+ Pumpkin Cream Cheese

+ Smoked Cheese Spread

+ Cheddar Cheese Spread

+ Alternative Goat Cheese

 You can also use Spero cheese spread in recipes. The other day I mixed the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese into spaghetti with some homemade sun-dried tomatoes I made from the tomatoes that I grew in my garden. It was so delicious! You can even make a cheesecake with the Original Spero Cream Cheese. I was surprised at all the delicious recipes on the Spero Food website. From savory to sweet, this plant-based cheese spread is great to use in recipes.

Additional recipes to check out to enjoy with bagels and Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese

+ Vegan Smoked Salmon

+ Roasted Tomatoes Made In The Air Fryer

+ Three Ingredient Everything Bagels

+ Sugar-Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

+ Crunchy Carrot Crackers

+ Savory Everything Spice Rosemary Chickpea Crackers

My Favorite Finds At Expo East

 Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

 A couple of months ago, I attended a huge event called Expo East. Expo East is an event where all the healthy and natural brands come together to showcase their latest products and the buyers come to check the products out. It is a show where decisions are made and it is how new products get to the shelves of stores. Since I write about healthy products on Mom Knows Best, I get to attend Expo East on the media side. I also attended Expo East last year for the first time, so I was glad that I received another invite. This year Expo East was in Philidelphia.

 This is an event that I get super excited about as I get to see all these products that focus on healthy living. The best part is being able to sample healthy foods, supplements, and beauty products. It is a three-day event of fun eating and talking to brands about their products.

 I love chatting with brands that I featured on my website and discovering new brands to work with. I think what I love most about Expo East is feeling safe when it comes to sampling the products. Having multiple food allergies can make it super tough to eat outside the home. Since this is an event where the brands are proud of the healthy ingredients in the products, they expect people to ask about the ingredients and they have the packages of the food right there for me to look at. 

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

My favorite healthy products!

 There were over 1200 brands at Expo East and I had 4 days to discover them all. While there were so many products that I loved, it is very hard to say which ones were my favorites. So I am going to focus on the ones that made a huge impact on me and the ones that I have made a part of my life. Many of my favorite products are plant-based products and of course free from dairy, soy protein, and mushrooms.

 The first day of the event started with a small number of booths that feature brands that are fairly new to the wellness market. At this event, I discovered the most amazing dairy-free chocolate caramel cookie bar from No Whey Foods. This delicious vegan chocolate was free of the top 9 common allergens. I was happy to discover this Epsom-it Muscle Recovery Lotion as I have discovered using magnesium lotion before bed helps me to sleep as well as help with muscle aches. I also discover these delicious gluten-free Pink Himalayan Salt Chickpea Chips that are loaded with plant-based protein 

 The next day at Expo East I started my morning by checking out the supplements first instead of the natural foods like I did last year. It seems that most people start the event with food as eating is the best but since I had a good breakfast I decided to pass the crowds and go to supplements. I had to find the Olbas booth to discover their breathing products. Last year at Expo East I grabbed a sample of their Olbas nasal relief inhaler and their Olbas Sugar-Free Cough Drops Lozenges. These products have been life savers to me as they have helped opened up my airway when I am having asthma problems. So I had to meet the brand and check out their other herbal remedies. I am glad that I did as I got to experience a neck massage with their Olbas Oil.

 I also had to visit Ridgecrest Herbals to discover what new products they have. I love their Clearlungs supplement as it helps me manage my asthma without prescription drugs. While I was checking out the supplements I discovered Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Gummies. I love their magnesium drink for helping me fall asleep so I was super excited to see a gummy formula.

 Next up were natural household products like soaps and cleaners. I was on a mission to discover new bars of soap for my teen son as he was not a fan of the ones that smell like flowers and lavender. I found a bar of soap from Bulldog that had a nice light scent that was made for men. Since it was scented with essential oils, it did not bother my asthma.

 I was also on the hunt for a new laundry detergent that had a scent that would not bother my asthma. I have been using unscented detergent but my family has been frustrated with the way the clothes smell. I was very excited to have discovered Art of Green cleaning products. At their booth, I smelled their new lavender-scented laundry soap and it agreed with my nose. This eco-friendly company makes cleaners with plant-based ingredients and the best part is how affordable they are.

Delicious healthy food finds

 After several hours of checking out supplements, I was hungry. So I headed over to the natural organic food section for some good eating. I was happy to see many plant-based food products. From vegan burgers to plant-based salmon with lots of plant-based snacks, I ate plenty. I enjoyed the best vegan cream cheese made from sunflower seeds. Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese comes in many flavors and I had to try them all. I like the way that they hand you a plate with bagels and a little dab of each flavor of cream cheese. My favorite flavor was Smoked Salmon. 

 Then I was in heaven when I discovered plant-based salmon and tuna products that had no soy! I may have had several samples of this plant-based seafood and on the last day of Expo East, the people working the booth gave me a full-size sample to take with me. So I enjoyed the salmon at breakfast with my bagels.

 My favorite sweet food items were certified vegan cookies from Fat Badger Bakery. These dairy-free cookies were so delicious and I loved learning that they were made in a facility that does not use any dairy products, so no risk of cross-contamination. The chocolate sea salt was my favorite cookie. Another plant-based dessert that I had to sample several times was Nada Moo Frozen Snack Bites as I had to try every flavor. These bite-sized vegan ice cream balls came in flavors like orange cream and peanut butter chocolate.

So many delicious drink options

There were plenty of drink options at Expo East from cold brew coffee and tea to energy drinks and flavored water. The one drink that I really enjoyed was chocolate-flavored sparkling water from Jelly Belly. This water had a delicious light flavor and also came in vanilla, cherry, pear, orange, and watermelon. I also discover this water that was in aluminum bottles made by Boomers for Gen Z to drink. The logo on the Gen Z Water was awesome and you need to read it in the below photo. One coffee company that stood out to me was Death Wish Coffee. This coffee had a nice bold taste. 

Regenerative food finds

 New to me this year at Expo East was regenerative foods. These were food products that were made with upcycled ingredients or imperfect foods. These were brands like Spudsy. Rind, and Barnana that use imperfect vegetables to make their delicious snacks. 

The best vegan products

 Expo East also had plenty of vegan products that I was happy to discover. One product was a vegan and gluten-free bouillon cube that did not contain soy. I loved that it came in many varieties like Not-Chick'n and onion. I also enjoyed some shelf-stable vegan Pad Thai noodles that were gluten-free and so easy to make in my hotel microwave. They were very tasty with vegan burgers and veggies that I had bought from Trader Joe's.

So many booths so little time

 I left the Expo East event with many samples and many new brand connections. It will take me a while to sample the many natural food items, personal care products, and supplements. Since I spent most of my time talking with new brands of natural products and eating, so I don't have many photos. To learn about all the wonderful products that were my favorites ~ click on the above links. I also did a running event while I was in Philidelphia and got a tour of the city. 

My Healthy Finds At Expo East

 I had a great time checking out natural products at Expo East

A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to go to Naturals Products Expo East this year. Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

 I was super excited to try new healthy products, connect with new brands, and meet up with brands that I have worked with. Since I write about healthy living, I knew that this was an event that I needed to attend. While I have attended many events for bloggers and influencers, this was the first time that I was attending an event that was for anyone who is involved in the natural product market. 

My healthy finds at the Expo East

 Since this was my first time attending this event, I was not sure what to expect. Expo East was held in Philidelphia Convention Center and had over 700 brands in attendance. It was a three-day event and I was excited to discover new healthy products. It was an event that I knew would have plenty of food that would be safe for me to eat. I knew that I would be comfortable asking the brands if their food or supplements contained dairy, soy, or mushrooms. Since it was all about healthy food, the brands there would make it easy for one to know the ingredients in their products. I knew that this event would have plenty of allergy-friendly food for me to enjoy.

 On the first day of the Expo East event, I started off checking out all the new food and drink products. There was plenty of products to sample, especially drinks. The trend for the drinks were functional beverages and so many of them were designed for immunity, relaxation, and sleep. Drinks with CBD and hydration were also popular at the event. It seemed like almost every other booth had some type of drink to sample. My favorite drink that I sampled was a non-alcoholic wine from a company that was based out of Colorado. Gruvi had a nice selection of craft-brewed drinks. My favorite was their Bubbly Rose and my husband enjoyed their Pale Ale. 

 I really enjoyed the selection of vegan and plant-based food that was available to taste. There were plenty of meatless burgers that were not made from soy, so I was able to try plenty of those. Natural food items that were popular were nutrition bars and vegan snacks. So I had plenty of food samples to bring home with me that would make great snacks and meal replacements. My favorite vegan brand Nuzest was not at the event, which was a bummer as I was enjoying their new plant-based protein bars. Make sure to use my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save 15% on these delicious allergy-friendly bars.

Other items that I enjoyed tasting were vegan ice cream and there were so many new brands that I discovered. My favorite vegan ice cream that I sample was made by Planet Oat. Then there were plant-based coffee drinks. My favorite was one that combined coffee and protein. I enjoyed the Super Coffee for my breakfast on the second day of the event.

Supplements that I discovered

I always like discovering new supplements and ones that I am glad that I discovered were a natural aromatherapy inhaler from Halls, Pickle Juice shots, and one from RidgeCrest that would help me to continue to manage my asthma naturally without prescription medicines. I already use the Clearlungs from Ridgecrest for mucus balance and the AirwayClear will help my lungs when they are inflamed.

Other supplements that got my attention was a nut-based protein powder that was made from nuts like walnuts and almonds. Octonuts protein was a simple protein powder that was dairy-free and soy-free. The protein came in bold containers and flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and plain. Then there was the chocolate dietary supplements from FX Chocolate. These functional chocolates were a delicious way to get essential vitamins and supplements to help one with stress, sleep, and other body health. Eating chocolate is always better than swallowing pills.

Personal care & beauty items  

When I browsed the section of the expo with products for personal care, the foaming soaps from Beesential made me stop to take a look. Their product labels with bees were so cute. I just had to smell the scents of the foaming hand soap. The grapefruit and lemongrass smell so good and I loved that they were made with natural scents. I also loved that they sold 64 oz soap refills.

 I had an appointment to meet with Olita to learn about their suncare products. I was glad that I stopped by their booth as I not only got to learn about their mineral sunscreen and Aftersun products, but I learned that it was time to replace my sunscreen supply at home. Sunscreen has a shelf life of two years and then it does not protect you from the harsh sun rays. The last time I went swimming with my boys was two years ago as the pools were closed during the pandemic. So I am glad that they offered me samples to try. I selected the OlitaBaby mineral sunscreen for my grandbabies as they play outside on a daily basis. I loved the citrus smell of the Olita AfterSun hydrating body serum and knew that it would be great for my skin after running outside. Living in the desert means that my skin needs hydration all the time.

 When a brand wants to give me products to keep my skin looking young, I am happy to try them. Reviva Labs had a nice variety of skincare products for the face that addressed needs like anti-aging, hydration, brightening, firming, and more. I liked that the products were color-coded. I was overwhelmed by the selection of the products and decided to try ones with Hyaluronic Acid and peptides. I like that these have clean ingredients that are natural, are affordable, and work. This company has been around for 45 years!

CBD was everywhere

 It also seemed like CBD was in abundance at the Expo East event. Brands were showcasing CBD gummies, CBD drinks, and even CBD powders. One brand that caught my attention was a men's personal care line that had CBD in them. I have been wanting to switch my husband's fragrant body wash to one that is scented with natural ingredients, as his current body wash affects my asthma. So that morning before I left the hotel, I told my husband that I would get a sample of body wash for him that does not make me cough. 

 So when I discovered the Blesswell Body wash for men, I had to check it out. This body wash had a nice scent to it that was manly but lightly scented with natural ingredients. I loved that the body wash had CBD in it to condition the skin and was sulfate-free. My husband liked the scent and that this body wash had a nice lather to it.

So many booths so little time

There were so many brands that I discovered at Expo East. I connected with many new brands and will be introducing these natural products to you in the future. It was also great to connect with brands that I have worked with in the past like AstaReal® Natural Astaxanthin. AstaReal was a brand that I met in 2016 and it was awesome that they remembered me. I enjoyed talking with the reps at the booth and learning about their new gummies.

 I left the Expo East event with many samples and many new brand connections. It will take me a while to sample the many natural food items, personal care products, and supplements. Since I spent most of my time talking with new brands of natural products, I did not have much time to take photos. So I made some photo collages of the many products that I enjoyed discovering at the Natural Expo East conference. If you have any questions about the brands featured in the photos, feel free to ask me about them in the comment section.