Attending Natural Products Expo West is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I love learning how longtime brands are evolving, seeing emerging brands’ products, and witnessing firsthand what seem to be the priorities of consumers.
The options are plentiful. Not all of them are healthy. Some of the brands go too far.
But without fail there are always a handful of brands that really stand out to me.
What are my 5 top healthy products from Natural Products Expo West 2026?
You’ll notice that these aren’t sweet treats (too many to count there), chips (seriously overload at the Expo this year), or products that have gone a little too far (seriously, protein was in practically everything – even items that truly turned my stomach).
So without further ado, what are my 5 favorite products from Natural Products Expo West this year?
#1 brekki ready-to-eat oats
brekki ready-to-eat oats stopped me in my tracks at the Expo. They are so tasty, the perfect consistency, and have fantastic ingredients / macros. They are filled with wholesome ingredients.
Interestingly enough, the creation was inspired by Australian breakfast culture.
I can’t wait until brekki vanilla cinnamon oats are more widely available.
What’s in brekki?
Chia seeds, buckwheat, almonds, flaxseeds, almond milk, rolled oats, vanilla and cinnamon, sea salt, and coconut nectar.
What is the macronutrient breakdown (learn more here about macros) for brekki vanilla cinnamon?
| Calories | 210 |
| Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbs | 25 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Protein | 7 grams |
In my opinion: Balanced and a great way to fuel up for the day.
#2 Elmhurst’s “Clean Protein”
I’m constantly overwhelmed and disappointed in the protein shake market. There’s a lack of transparency, too strong of marketing pushes, and a confusing flurry of brands. Protein shakes shouldn’t have 15 ingredients… they just shouldn’t. As we’ve learned from experts, proper nutrition is key.
Big thanks to Elmhurst for cleaning up the space. I’m a fan of Elmhurst’s alternative milk offerings, so this was a huge surprise and happy dance moment at the Expo. I feel like they are showcasing how less is more.
The “clean protein” vanilla is my favorite. But they also have crafted flavors such as sea salt chocolate, pistachio crème and strawberries and cream. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
What are the nutrition facts and ingredients of Elmhurst’s Clean Protein?
Plain and simple. How it should be.
For the sea salt chocolate: cashew milk, protein blend (pea and mung bean protein), cocoa, cane sugar, cocoa extract, Himalayan pink salt and monk fruit extract.
For 11 fluid ounces nutrition comes in at 190 calories, 6 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbs (2 grams of fiber), 3 grams of sugar and 27 grams of protein.
Compared to other brands, the protein % daily value is great – 42%! There are ZERO gums, oils, and artificial sweeteners; it is naturally sweetened, seed oil free (this is what you should be eyeing on all foods you eat – especially when dining out), it’s plant based, and so smooth and creamy!
Do you know what is commonly found in other protein shakes?
All the ‘no’s’:
- Sunflower oil
- Guar gum
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Sucralose
- Carrageenan
- Cellulose gel / gum
- Acesulfame
- The list goes on…
As Elmhurst puts it, this is “the new standard in RTD protein.”
#3 Just Date organic mini dark chocolate chips
If you know, you know. Read more about my obsession here with Just Date products and expert insight from founder Dr. Sylvie Royston.
#4 Fage BestSelf® lactose free Greek yogurt
I’m a Fage fan through and through and have been for years. One of the best, creamiest and healthiest Greek yogurt brands on the market. They don’t compromise on any level.
I was so happy to see the new variations in their BestSelf (lactose-free) category. YUM!
I’ve praised this brand before – read more here.
#5 Martin’s apple smash
A nice, new twist on traditional applesauce. Offerings include smashed oats + chia, smashed apple pie (a big hit in our family), smashed Honeycrisp, and smashed apple + maple.
What I love about Martin’s apple smash?
No added sugar, no artificial flavors or colors, and fresh tasting.
More recap to come from Natural products Expo West… I just couldn’t wait to share my top 5! Ask a question if you’re curious about other new to the market items I discovered and tried.
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