From quinoa to kale to chia seeds, it’s hard to keep up with the season’s hot new superfoods.
Just like fashion trends change from season to season, so do food trends.
Lucky you, you are getting the report firsthand after my trip to
the Natural Products Expo in Sunny California!

The Natural Products Expo West is a mecca of natural food and beauty brands, buyers, and 
innovators showcasing their newest products and flavors. Big brands like KIND Snacks and Chobani are there, alongside lesser known brands (equally as delicious) like Go RAW and Alive
and Radiant. The event is open to exhibitors, buyers, healthcare practitioners, and a 
limited number of attendees interested in walking around and tasting everything there
is to be tasted, which brings me to my next point. You. Must. Go. Hungry. Brands pawn
all of their latest flavor formulations on to you, one tasting better after the next. Good
thing there is a lot of walking to walk off the amazing treats you get to taste from coconut
waters, green juices, chia concoctions, raw chocolates, vegan macaroons, brussel sprout
chips, sprouted nuts, fake meat tacos, coconut bacon, walnut brownies, macadamia nut
cookies, raw kale chips, aspartame-free gum, adult gummies, sunflower seed snacks, and 
the list goes on. Yup, all this amazingness does exist in one place. And it’s heaven here.

But now, lets get down to business. I attended the show 2 out of the 3 days and got to meet
some amazing people in the industry, including Brad of Brad’s Raw Chips and some
other familiar faces. Treat after treat I studied the popular trends that you need to look
out for in the coming months listed below, in no particular order.

What’s In?

-Non-GMO Verification seals

-Pumpkin Seeds as a base

-Plant-based protein of all kinds
With the exception of cricket flour and turkey bars

-Coconut chips are the new kale chip

-Cauliflower is the new kale

-Savory Bars: BBQ and Jalapeño Flavors

-Anything and everything Gluten Free

-Anything and everything Coconut (Chips, Juices, Yogurts, Waters)

What’s Out?

-Kale is not as prominent as it used to be

-Very little tofu and soy products

-Whey Protein, Meat, and Dairy 
(who am I kidding, these have been out of style for a while!)

I am also delighted to announce the launch of Tara Bites (Real. Food. Snacks)at the Expo next year. For more information on my mouthwatering clean eatingnutrition bar formulated just for you, follow @TaraBites on Instagram and @TaraBitesBar on Twitter.

Which trends do you see coming out? Which trends are you looking forward to?

Can’t wait to hear!

Love always,