Expo West Part Two ~ Favorite Products

 Expo West is my favorite work event. I love attending this natural product convention. 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. 

 Every time I attend Expo West, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The excitement of seeing all the new products in the natural market and hanging with people who are passionate about healthy living just makes me smile. 

This event has been huge in my healing journey from food allergies and mold sickness. I always discover new foods that are safe for me to eat, as they don't contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms. I also learn about supplements that can help with my asthma. 

I had no health problems at Expo West #5 

This was my 5th time attending Expo West, and it was also the first time I did not accidentally eat any of my food allergens. Not once did I have to use any Benadryl. I also did not experience any asthma symptoms. It was great to stop by the Olbas booth to say hello and not need any natural breathing relief products. My investment in an infrared sauna has done wonders for my health. 

Some of the products that stood out to me

 Expo West has over 3000 brands exhibiting their new products, and it can be hard to discover them all. With my 4 different food allergies, fragrance preferences, and a mostly plant-based diet, sampling is even harder.

My strategy is to only eat products that I have had before and take packaged samples that may meet my dietary requirements. That way, I can read ingredient labels before I eat or use any products. I will also connect with brands before or after the show for samples of products that I am interested in.

Mooala Simple Organic Plant-Based Milk

I use plant-based milk daily in my health-focused coffee, so I am always open to trying new plant milks. I received an invite from Mooala to stop by their booth to sample their award-winning Simple Organic line. The invite also came with an offer to receive a free carton of Mooala Simple featuring my photo.

I thought it would be fun to be on a milk carton, along with trying their non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and carrageenan-free dairy-free milk. Their milk was creamy and delicious. I love that Mooala is made with just three ingredients (organic oats or almonds, sea salt, and filtered water), and is also affordable.

Mooala is available at (Amazon, Target, Whole Foods Market, Publix, ALDI, Sprouts & more)

Spiceology 

This spice company stood out to me with the bold labels on the jars and also the unique spice flavor combinations. Spiceology has a crave-worthy lineup of blends designed to simplify cooking without sacrificing creativity and bold taste. 

About Spiceology

Founded in 2013, Spiceology is at the heart of the kitchen for all who love food. Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in the United States, having appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for six years in a row. Spiceology is home to chef-created, never-before-tasted flavors and over 300 ingredients and blends that are ground fresh and shipped fresh. Bestsellers like Greek Freak and Smoky Honey Habanero have become pantry and counter staples in both professional and home cook kitchens around the world. Spiceology's ingredients and blends can be found in the aisles of retailers large and small, in the pantries of hundreds of thousands of home cooks, and in the kitchens of some of the world's greatest chefs.

You can buy Spiceology on Amazon

Queen St. Bakery Supergrain Sourdough

I’m excited to introduce you to Queen St. Bakery, a game-changing superfood bread brand dedicated to reimagining healthier, better-for-you bread. This bakery just introduced its Supergrain Sourdough. This bread, with benefits, is the perfect bread for those who have food allergies and avoid gluten. This bread is certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO.

 I just had to try this sourdough bread. When I went to the Queen St. Bakery booth, they had samples of the bread with avocado on it. After reading the ingredients on the bread package and verifying that they only put avocado on the bread, I gave it a try. The taste was amazing! 

The Supergrain Sourdough contains no flour and is packed with prebiotic fiber from sorghum, chia, and psyllium. This gluten-free bread supports smoother digestion and keeps you satisfied longer. Queen St. Bakery also makes delicious bagels and English muffins. You can find this amazing bread at Sprouts and Whole Foods.

Felicia Pasta

I love discovering gluten-free pasta brands, especially ones with superfoods. I had to check out a brand that was recently named a 2026 NEXTY Award Finalist in the Gluten-Free Products category for their Organic Oat Penne. While I was not able to get a sample of the Organic Oat Penne, I did get samples of their Brown Rice and Spirulina Spaghetti and their Red Lentil Penne. I can't wait to create a recipe with these pastas.

Felicia is a next-generation better-for-you pasta brand that has a diverse range of nutritious pastas made from 100 percent natural, organic, and allergen-free ingredients such as spirulina, buckwheat, oat, brown rice, chickpea, and red lentil. In addition to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients, the brand is committed to sustainable production practices, responsible natural resource management, and the use of upcycled materials from a circular economy. 

Felicia Pasta has officially launched on Amazon

Redmond Real Salt 

My favorite salt brand not only had samples of their Real Salt, but they also had samples of salt crystal rocks that were from the Redmond salt mine. It was cool to see the large salt rocks. I buy this salt in 10-pound bags and add it to my cooking and my RO water to replace the trace minerals. 

Real Salt is salt exactly as nature made it. It contains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals, and it’s never processed or chemically treated. Real Salt enhances the flavor of food and does not make it salty. Check out the variety of Real Salt products and save 15% with code MOMKNOWSBEST on any Redmond Salt products.

Gimme K-Crisps

No more having to tear seaweed strips for your poki bowls and vegan tuna. Gimme Seaweed has a new product that is perfect for all your favorite recipes. The K-Crisps™ is a delicious pouch of seaweed goodness.

K-Crisps™ are designed for remarkable versatility, made to sprinkle or snack on, they are a true pantry staple that elevates rice, salads, avocado toast, soups, popcorn, and more with instant umami flavor and nutrition. Made with organic seaweed, non-GMO, vegan ingredients, K-Crisps™ deliver the quality, taste, and texture Gimme is known for in a shelf-stable, resealable format built for everyday use.

Just a few products that grabbed my attention  at Expo West

 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. 

Check out My Expo West Top Ten Favorite Products 2026

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 about my top ten favorite products from Expo West.

Get 12 Nugo Bars for $15 with free shipping at Nugo Nutrition

 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 code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, 2026. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order

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. 

Discovering Blue Stripes Cacao Products

 Did you know that the chocolate industry wastes 70% of the cacao pod when making chocolate? Blue Stripes is an upcycled cacao brand that is on a mission to make delicious chocolate by using the whole cacao pod.

 Most people, including myself, have no clue where cocoa powder (the main ingredient in chocolate) comes from. More shocking is most people have no clue that the chocolate industry uses only 30% of the cacao pod and throws away 70% of the pod. That 70% of the cacao pod is edible and usable!

~ Cocoa powder comes from a bean that is inside a fruit called the cacao pod. 

One company decided to use the whole cacao pod when making their delicious chocolate bars and the result is the most delicious cacao products like granola, nut mixes, and other products that use the WHOLE cacao pod (fruit, shell AND beans), leaving nothing to waste when traditionally only 30% of the pod is used. Blue Stripes is a company that you need to try.

Meet Blue Stripes

 Blue Stripes is an upcycled cacao brand with a mission to combat the worldwide cocoa crisis. If you like chocolate, you need to discover their cacao products that are one-of-a-kind. Blue Stripes upcycles the whole cacao pod to create a line of environmentally conscious and nutrient-dense whole cacao products.

 Blue Stripe's product line includes chocolate bars, cacao water, cacao trail mixes, cacao granola, chocolate-covered cacao beans, and dried cacao fruit. These delicious snacks contain powerful antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins like magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D to support heart, immune, and gut health. 

I met Blue Stripes at Expo West. Check out some other products that I discovered at Expo West.

What is The Cacao Pod

The cacao pod is a large fruit that grows on tropical trees in South America. These colorful husks encase edible flesh and seeds. The seeds are the cocoa beans that are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate products. While the shell and the fruit are edible, most companies discard them and just use the beans of the cacao pod. 

Blue Stripes Uses the Whole Cacao Pod 

 Blue Stripes sources their cacao from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and creates the best-upcycled cacao products. Their cacao products are vegan, gluten-free, and delicious. 

 I received a box from Blue Stripes that contained a sample of the products that they make, as well as a whole cacao pod. I enjoyed tasting the products that were made from the whole cacao pod. This was a tasting experience that made my taste buds happy.

While I have tasted chocolate bars, I have never tasted cacao water, whole cacao beans, cacao fruit, or the cacao shell. So I was excited to try products that were made from parts of the cacao pod that are usually thrown away. After tasting the products from Blue Stripes, I was glad that they rescued, through upcycling, the cacao shell and fruit.

  ~ Dried Cacao Fruit ~ A perfect balance of tangy and sweet fruity taste profiles with a natural vanilla twist. Available in Pure Cacao, Mango, and Banana Cacao Nibs.

~ Cacao Water ~ Hydrating, plant-based water with natural electrolytes made from the cacao fruit. Full of cacao's natural superfood benefits, it's the lemonade of the tropics. Available in these flavors ~ Just Cacao, Passion Fruit, Vanilla, Mango, and Lime.

~ Whole Cacao Granola ~ Deep 70% Ecuadorian chocolate notes enhanced with the earthy taste profile of the upcycled cacao shell flour that's packed with antioxidants and minerals. Available in Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Banana, Hazelnut Butter, and Almond Butter.

~ Whole Cacao Trail Mixes ~ Crunchy coconut flakes with silky coconut sugar paleo chocolate chips create the absolute tropical combination of indulgence and functional superfood benefits. Available in Dark Chocolate Coconut, Peanut Butter Banana, and Mango Macadamia.

~ Chocolate Covered Whole Cacao Beans ~ Roasted Peruvian cacao beans covered in paleo chocolate sweetened with cacao fruit sugar and dusted with cacao shell flour. The ultimate superfood snack, showcasing chocolate's true nature. Available in Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Butter.

~ Dried Cacao Fruit ~ A perfect balance of tangy and sweet fruity taste profiles with a natural vanilla twist. It's the first dried cacao superfruit in the world, boosted with the incredible functional benefits of the most unknown fruit behind the most known food. Available in Pure Cacao, Banana Cacao Nibs, and Mango.

 I really enjoyed all of the products from Blue Stripes as they were so delicious. You need to taste these unique Cacao products. Head here to discover Blue Stripe Cacao products. 

You can buy Blue Stripes Chocolate on Amazon.

My Favorite Finds At Expo West That Are Allergy-Friendly

 Navigating Life with food allergies can be tough at times. It can be hard to find food options that are free of your top food allergens. Eating out of the home can make you feel excluded. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the allergy-friendly food that I found at Expo West. Keep reading to discover my favorite gluten-free and dairy-free products.

 I recently attended an event called Expo West. This health-related event is all about healthy food and healthy products. Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. This is the event where those who work in the natural products industry come to network, learn, and have the best time. This natural product event showcases new healthy products and I love discovering them. You can learn more about the Expo West event here.

 Attending Expo West meant that I had to travel and traveling can be hard with multiple food allergies and fragrance allergies. Traveling with food allergies requires planning ahead of time. I always pack plenty of allergy-safe food in my suitcase and look for grocery stores near the hotel to purchase additional food. 

 To avoid fragrance issues that trigger asthma attacks, I wear a face mask while on the airplane. My favorite way to travel to California is on the train and I reserve a roomette on the Amtrak sleeper car. That way I have my own space and don't have to worry about fragrances.

Expo West offers plenty of allergy-friendly food 

Expo West is the place to learn about healthy and natural food options that also include ones that are allergy-safe. What I love most about this natural food event is the transparency of the ingredients in the products. The brands want you to know what ingredients are in their products and expect you to ask questions. I know that I will be able to try products that are dairy-free, wheat-free, soy-free, and mushroom-free. 

 So this girl with multiple food allergies feels safe trying food samples at the event. Most brands have their ingredient list right next to the food and if they did not, I felt comfortable asking questions if the food contained dairy, soy, wheat, and mushrooms. The brands knew right away if their products did not contain these ingredients except mushrooms. The mushroom one had folks giving me a puzzled look as they are not on the top 15 allergy list. Mushrooms can hide in foods under many names and I have to be careful. 

New products that I discovered at Expo West that did not contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms

 Every time I attend this awesome event, I discover new foods and other products that do not contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms. The food industry keeps getting better when it comes to manufacturing allergy-friendly food. I just love learning about these food products for people who have food allergies. 

To help others, who may have dietary restrictions or just looking for healthy food products, I listed some of my favorite products below.

1. MALK Organics Plant-Based Milk

 A girl needs milk for her coffee and for dairy-free baking. A dairy-free milk brand that I discovered is MALK Organics Plant-Based Milk. This plant milk is made with only 3-5 ingredients. Unlike typical plant-based kinds of milk, MALK products have no gums, fillers, or oils.

Before the show, MALK sent me some samples of their plant milk and I enjoyed it in my coffee. The dairy-free milk was so creamy.

At the Expo, I got to sample their new Cashew and shelf-stable milk. Other MALK products include Unsweetened Almond, Original Oat, Vanilla Almond, Vanilla Oat, Chocolate Oat, and Chocolate Almond. If you want a clean plant milk, MALK is a brand that you need to try. 

Check out MALK Organics

2. Gimme Seaweed 

 I love adding seaweed to my sushi bowls and mixing it into my vegan tuna salad. Gimme’s umami-rich roasted seaweed snacks are so delicious. The sheets of seaweed are also USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified with only 30 calories per serving.

 My favorite Gimme Seaweed product is Sea Salt & Avocado Oil sheets. These big sheets are perfect for sushi rolls. I got to sample their new Korean BBQ roasted seaweed snacks and they were so delicious. This new flavor will be in stores this summer. For now, you can enjoy their other eight flavors which include Sea Salt & Avocado Oil, Teriyaki, and Chili Lime. 

Check out Gimme Seaweed

3. Dr. Prager's Purely Sensible Food

I love Dr. Prager's veggie burgers as they are made with ingredients that I can enjoy. Many of their delicious products are gluten-free, soy-free, mushroom-free, and dairy-free. My favorite items from Dr. Prager's are the Super Greens Veggie Burgers and the California Veggie Burger. 

This year at Expo West Dr. Prager's celebrated their 30th year with a birthday celebration. I was able to sample their new Birthday Cake Littles, which is a healthy cake with veggies inside it. These Littles have a sweet taste and actually taste like cake. I also sampled their new Crunchy Veggie Burger as well as their new Veggie Fries. 

Check out Dr. Prager's 

4. JAMBAR Tropical Trio

These delicious bars were created by the daughter of the original PowerBar. They come in a variety of flavors and they just release a new flavor ~ Tropical Trio. I got to sample these bars before the show and they were the perfect travel snack. I love all the nutrition that is packed into these bars. I also love that they are plant-based and gluten-free.

 Their new plant-based flavor features a bright and breezy blend of banana, pineapple, and coconut. This ensemble of island fruits is enhanced by gluten-free grains and walnut butter for a delicious nutritional punch. Not too sweet and is a good source of fiber. JAMBAR is a premium organic energy bar for today. and tomorrow with the purpose of “Fuel for Optimum Performance.”

Check out JAMBAR

5. Mayawell Prebiotic Sodas

Mayawell makes clean-ingredient prebiotic soda and is the only Mexican-owned better-for-you soda on the market. They are so delicious. I received a sampler pack of all the flavors and I had a hard time choosing which one to try first. This sampler arrived just as I was heading out the door to hop on the train to Expo West, so I grabbed the Pineapple Mango flavor. I was happy that this flavor did not contain green tea as it was late afternoon and caffeine messes with my sleep after 3Pm.

 Their carefully crafted prebiotic beverages pair sustainably sourced Active Agave™ inulin with flavorful botanical ingredients to boost gut health and keep it tasty. Unlike traditional sodas loaded with sugar, stevia, and other nasty BS, Mayawell is a natural and organic alternative that will leave you wanting uno más and feeling zero guilt about it.

The brand uses organic, hand-harvested agave from Mexico, which doubles as both a prebiotic fiber and its sole sweetening agent. In addition to its clean ingredients, Mayawell's nutritionals are also spectacular, offering 4-5 grams of fiber, 4-5 grams of sugar, and less than 45 calories per serving! 

Functional Flavors Include Pineapple Mango, Raspberry Cucumber, Watermelon Mint, Strawberry Ginger, and Pear Lime. 

Check out Mayawell Prebiotic Sodas 

6. (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags 

 I am not a fan of waste and disposable products that end up in a landfill or even in a recycle bin. So finding solutions for storage in the kitchen and traveling is high on my list. (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags is a brand that I loved checking out at Expo West. This company makes food-safe, lightweight, leakproof, freezer-safe reusable storage bags that have way better features than other reusable bags. 

 These bags from (re)zip are not only leakproof and airtight but they are easier to store than typical silicone bags. These eco-friendly bags are a green alternative to the one-time use of food wraps, such as plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap. You will love all the many different products and many sizes of lightweight bags. The storage bags are made of 100% food-grade PEVA and are great for food storage, traveling, gym stuff, baby gear, pet supplies, and more.

 My favorite products from (re)zip are the 39-cup bread storage bag that can store any type of bread, the TSA-compliant zipper quart storage bag, the tall pantry bags, and Take Me with You Bags. These bags will help me with food storage, traveling, and baking homemade gluten-free bread. One (re)zip snack bag can help you replace up to 300 storage bags.

Check out the (re)zip Reusable Storage Bags

7. Verb Bars

 I am obsessed with Verb Bars and I had to make sure to visit this booth to check out their new flavors. These caffeinated bars are my go-to energy for my morning workouts. Verb Bars are a delicious alternative to expensive energy drinks. Verb Bars are a healthy caffeine fix and have the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. 

 Verb bars are delicious and are made with healthy ingredients. These bars come in many great flavors like Vanilla Latte, lemon, peanut butter, and Birthday Cake. You will love that they are vegan and gluten-free. One taste and you will be hooked on them. 

Check out Verb Bars and save 40% with code TARA77427 

8. Olbas Inhaler 

 I discovered Olbas Inhaler at Expo East in 2021. This product has been a huge help for my asthma attacks. This pocket-size herbal inhaler is my natural asthma inhaler. When I have an asthma attack, I always use the Olbas Inhaler to open up my airways. I was not planning to visit their booth but I had to make a stop as I had misplaced my current Olbas Inhaler while walking around the expo hall. I was so thankful that Olbas gave me a new inhaler.

This natural inhaler contains pure essential oils that help open up the airways. I have several of these inhalers and stash them in my purse, gym bag, car, and bedroom. So they are always nearby when something triggers an asthma attack. I have way too many asthma triggers from smoke to fragrance to food allergies so Olbas Inhalers are a must-have product for me. 

Grab Olbas Inhaler Here

9. Wundereggs

These plant-based hard-boiled eggs are amazing! They are 100% vegan and look just like real hard-boiled eggs. They also have a similar texture and taste. I admit that I may have sampled from their booth several times, so many times that they offered me some product to take back to my hotel.

 Made 100% from plants, WunderEggs was inspired by our founder, Hema Reddy’s, desire to create high-quality, convenient, and minimally-processed plant-based foods that are good for your body, the planet, and the chickens! 

Check out Wundereggs

10. Carbonaut Gluten-free Bread

 Discovering that I was allergic to wheat was tough for me as I love eating bread and butter. Since my wheat allergy causes severe asthma attacks, I had to eliminate all wheat-containing products from my diet. The next challenge was finding gluten-free bread that tasted good and had the same texture as wheat bread. I was so happy to discover Carbonaut Gluten-free bread at Expo West. 

This wheat-free bread is so amazing and satisfying. This bread is also low-carb, dairy-free, and soy-free. They also make bagels, tortillas, and even pizza crusts. The bagels are so soft and the tortillas are flexible. Carbonaut makes being wheat-free so much easier. 

Check out Carbonaut Gluten-free Bread

11. Dude Wipes

These wipes are a must-have product for travel and at home if you don't have a bidet. They are flushable wipes that are made with plant-based fibers and keep your tushie clean. They are way better than toilet paper.

You would not wash your face with a dry washcloth so why clean your butt with dry toilet paper? Dude wipes are made with 99% water and plant-based ingredients. They are gentle on your skin and will leave you feeling refreshed after doing your bathroom business. Unlike baby wipes, DUDE Wipes are sewer and septic-safe and begin to break down when flushed. Say goodbye to toilet paper and say hello to DUDE flushable wet wipes.

Get your Dude Wipes Here

12. Just Spices

The colorful containers are what caught my eye as I walked past Just Spices booth at Expo West. Then once I noticed that that they had an Avocado Spice, I had to stop and check out their booth. I am a huge fan of everything spice and I had to sample their Avocado Spice. So I grabbed a container and tried it on the Wundereggs that I had at the hotel. This spice was finger-licking good!

 Get creative in the kitchen with Just Spice blends. These spices bring a world of new flavors to hundreds of delicious dishes in no time. I was able to sample a couple of many spice blends. 

+ Avocado Topping - Crunchy topping for avocado

+ Egg Topping - Spice up your eggs with the perfect kick of spices 

+ Pasta Allrounder - Instant flavor for all your favorite pasta dishes

+ Vegetable Allrounder - Spice up vegetables in an instant with a delicious spice blend

+ Spicy Pizza Topping- A tasty blend of garlic, pepper, and Italian herbs

Check out Just Spices 

Only had one accidental exposure

 There were so many options of safe food for me to sample. I was able to discover many products that were wheat-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. I loved the booths that had their ingredient list next to the product as that made things easy for me. Having food allergies and tasting at a big event like Expo West requires one to read the ingredient label before taking a bite. I also bring with my Epi-pen and Benadryl.

 The one ingredient that I had to always look for on a product that was allergy-friendly was mushrooms. Mushrooms are a hot new thing in the health food industry and brands are using them in everything like coffee, cookies, and even crackers. Since they are not recognized as one of the top food allergies, it can be hard to spot them in products. I accidentally took a bite of an allergy-safe cookie that had shitake mushrooms in it. 

 Thankfully, I reread the ingredients of the cookie and was able to take my double dose of Benadryl and a cup of coffee quickly. I still had a reaction an hour later but I was able to work through it with my Olbas inhaler.

Discover Other Favorite Products

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~ My Favorite Products That Are Helping Me Get Ready For Spring

~ 12 Gluten-Free Products That You Need To Try

~ Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Products I am Excited To Try

What Is Expo West All About?

 Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. 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.

 Expo West is a once-a-year event in Anaheim California which is all about natural, organic, and healthy products. This is the event that shapes the healthy living industry and helps buyers decide which products they want to sell in their business. Expo West provides an invaluable opportunity for folks to connect face-to-face with retailers, investors, business leaders, influencers, and more.

 Expo West is a huge five-day event with more than 65,000 registered attendees and 3,000 exhibiting companies showcasing the newest natural products in foods, beverages, supplements, and more. This is a trade show event with opportunities to learn and connect with other people who are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

Can anyone attend Expo West?

 Expo West is not open to the public and only those with a connection to the natural and organic industry can attend. Attendees at Natural Products Expo West are people from all over the industry, which includes: Retailers ~ Distributors ~ Industry members ~ Health practitioners ~ Foodservice, and Press.

 Since I write about health and fitness on Mom Knows Best, I can attend this awesome event as part of the press. Expo West is an event that I look forward to attending every year. As a person who is passionate about healthy living, this event is like the Disney experience to me. I get to connect with like-minded people and learn about new products. I get to sample food, drinks, and healthy products. This is also the place where I meet new brands and learn about the latest trends in the health and fitness industry. 

Expo West is more than a trade show

 Beyond the huge trade show, Expo West is also dedicated to educating people about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Expo West offers so much more than just visiting Expo booths. From morning fitness events to nightly concerts, the fun never ends at this healthy living event.

A typical day at Expo West starts with a morning yoga class before the exhibit hall opens. Not into yoga? Then one can attend a community breakfast to connect with others. Then the many exhibit halls open and it is a busy fun time. From sampling healthy food to talking to the brands, you will walk away with so much knowledge. 

After a busy day of being on your feet all day, this event offers nightly concerts to help you relax and unwind. These concerts are also a great way to meet and connect with others in the healthy product industry. 

How Expo West benefits me

As a member of the press, Expo West has many benefits for me. I get to sample and taste so many products to help you decide what to buy when you go shopping. I gain so much information from this event about healthy products, so I can educate my readers about the best products to use for everything from supplements to cleaners. 

 Expo West has also helped me in my food allergy journey. When I attended my first Expo West event in 2022, it helped me learn about delicious products that were dairy-free and soy-free. 

 After going through my first phase of allergy shots for seasonal allergies and detoxing from mold sickness, I discovered that I was also allergic to wheat. When I attended Expo West in 2023, I thought that I would not be able to enjoy eating the samples as wheat is in everything. I was glad that I was wrong as Expo West had so many products that were dairy and wheat-free. This event has shaped the food allergy industry and has helped so many brands create delicious products that are safe for those with food allergies.

Meet some of my favorite brands at Expo West

Over the years, I have discovered so many wonderful brands at Expo West. Many of these brands are ones that I continue to purchase. These are healthy products that are allergy-friendly foods that I enjoy and natural supplements that have helped with my asthma and mold illness. I have also discovered healthy cleaning products that are effective and safe to use. 

This post contains affiliate links

Below are some of my favorite products from Expo West

1. Pickle Juice I love Pickle Juice and this is my go-to product for muscle aches and cramps. Pickle Juice is different from the pickle brine in a pickle jar. This is a supplement that provides instant relief from muscle aches and cramps. This functional beverage has a delicious taste and has 15x the electrolytes of common sports drinks.

When I over-exert my muscles at the gym, Pickle Juice takes care of the body aches. I love the small pickle shots as they are easy to drink. Pickle Juice comes in its original flavor and Chili Lime. They are USDA Organic certified and contain no sugar, gluten, or caffeine. Grab the Pickle Juice Here

2. Quantum Energy Squares These energy bars are amazing for my morning gym workouts. Quantum Energy Squares are loaded with nutrition and caffeine. So my body gets real energy for my vigorous workouts. These delicious bars are made with real whole foods and caffeine from organic green coffee beans. So I get 100mg of organic caffeine ( equal to 1 cup of coffee) and balanced macronutrients for smooth steady energy with no jitters or crash. 

The yummy bars are made with fruits, nuts, and seeds. Each bar has 10g of protein & MCT Oil. They are also Certified Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, non-GMO, Vegan, Dairy-Free, and Soy-Free. The better-than-energy drink bars come in 6 delicious flavors ~  Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Pink Himalayan Salt, Salted Peanut Butter Crunch, Caramel Almond Sea Salt, Banana Nut Butter Crunch, and Caffe Mocha Almond Chip. Spend $50 at Quantum Bars and get a free gift ~ Grab the Quantum Energy Squares Here

3. ResBotic Prebeet Beets have amazing benefits for energy and ResBotic created a supplement with beets that offers even more benefits. This naturally sweet beet powder drink mix has benefits like Caffeine--Free Energy, Bloat Defense, Daily Poops, Skin Health, and Heart Health. So I can supercharge my energy while loving my skin and heart. I also love that it helps me stay regular. 

 This delicious drink is made from real beets and contains no artificial sweetener or colors. It is also non-GMO, gluten-free, Vegan, Low Sugar, Low FODMAP verified, Keto and Paleo Friendly, dairy-free, Caffeine-free, and soy-free. I love mixing this beet powder in my daily smoothie.

Grab ResBotic Prebeet Here

4. Setton Farms Pistachios One of my favorite snacks is nuts and I love eating pistachios. Setton Farms Pistachios is a brand that I love. This family-owned business is the second-largest pistachio grower-processer in the United States. Setton Farm Pistachios offers in-shell and kernel pistachio products. I just discovered their Tajin Clasico Chile Lime Seasoned Pistachios and they are so delicious! They also just came out with a new Pistachio Pub Mix.

 I love how big these pistachios are and the pistachio shells are always open. Setton Farm pistachio products are non-GMO project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Organic, and Kosher. These are the best-tasting pistachios! Grab the Tajin Clasico Chile Lime Seasoned Pistachios Here

5. Mary Gone Crackers These gluten-free crackers are so delicious. I just love all the seeds and gluten-free grains that are in the crunchy crackers. These crackers are also dairy-free and soy-free so I can enjoy them. They are also nut-free, certified organic, gluten-free, Kosher, and non-GMO.

Mary’s Gone Crackers fits a variety of dietary needs with its health-conscious ingredients and addictive flavors. The Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers are my favorite but Mary Gone Crackers also has Kookies and dairy-free Cheeze crackers. Grab the Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers Here

6. Ridgecrest Clear Lungs I discovered Clear Lungs many years ago at a conference and this supplement has helped me manage my asthma naturally. This amazing lung formula is adapted from an ancient Chinese traditional remedy and it really works. This supplement keeps my airways open and helps with the mucus. I take Clear Lungs in the morning and within minutes I am coughing up the mucus that seems to build up when I sleep. 

 Every time I forget to order more Clear Lungs, my asthma attacks start happening more frequently. Once I start taking Clear Lungs again, I have fewer asthma problems. These vegan capsules contain no animal products, corn, dairy, gluten, GMO, soy, wheat, or yeast. Grab Ridgecrest Clear Lungs Here

7. Olbas Inhaler This is another product that has been a huge help for my asthma attacks. This pocket-size herbal inhaler is my natural asthma inhaler. When I have an asthma attack, I use the Olbas Inhaler to open up my airways. This natural inhaler contains pure essential oils that help open up the airways.

 I have several of these inhalers and stash them in my purse, gym bag, car, and bedroom. So they are always nearby when something triggers an asthma attack. I have way too many asthma triggers from smoke to fragrance to food allergies so Olbas Inhalers are a must-have product for me. Grab Olbas Inhaler Here

8. Nuzest Plant-Based Protein This is my favorite protein for so many reasons. Nuzest is the best allergy-friendly vegan protein. I have multiple food allergies so having a protein powder that has no dairy, soy, or whenat is important for my health. I love that Nuzest Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is routinely tested for allergens. 

 This protein powder is also free from lectins. Lectins are "anti-nutrients" found in plants, especially legumes (like peas) that can cause digestive discomfort and interfere with the absorption of minerals. So Nuzest does not give me bloating issues. Nuzest comes in many delicious flavors like strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, caramel, and even plain. I love using the plain flavored Nuzest in my oatmeal for extra protein. Use my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save15% on Nuzest 

9. Kates Real Food Bars One of my favorite snack bars is Kates Real Food Bars. These delicious bars are made from wholesome ingredients and taste so good. Kate's Real Food Bars are organic and have protein-packed nuts, fiber-filled seeds, and nutrient-dense fruits.  

These energizing bars pack in 3 to 4 grams of protein per serving. All of Kate’s Real Food products are made with certified gluten-free oats, making them a good choice for those with gluten allergies or intolerance. These delicious bars come in many yummy flavors like Oatmeal Cranberry & Almond, Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond, Dark Chocolate Mint, and Lemon Coconut.

Grab Kate's Real Food Bars Here

10. AWAKE Chocolate These delicious chocolates are another favorite gym energy product. Each delicious bite of dark chocolate contains the same amount of coffee as a half cup of coffee. They are also perfect for the mid day slump at work.

What is not to love about a chocolate treat with energy. The Awake chocolates have no bitter coffee taste and is available in 7 different flavors. The dark chocolate and the mint dark chocolate are both dairy-free and gluten-free. 

Grab Awake Chocolate Here

Those are just a few brands that I enjoyed checking out at Expo West in 2023. I will be heading to Expo West 2024 in less than a week and I am so excited to see all the new products. Stay tuned for the next post!