Top 10 Favorite Finds at Natural Products Expo West 2026 (Gluten-Free Always)

If you’ve never been, it’s hard to fully explain the scale of it. Thousands of brands, endless booths, new product launches everywhere you turn, and some of the most innovative people in the food and wellness space all under one roof. It’s like Disneyland meets the Super Bowl meets Christmas morning for us foodies in the natural products space. It’s where trends are born, where small brands become household names, and where you can get a real sense on what’s coming next in the world of food and drink… and even supplements, wellness, beauty etc.

As someone who has spent more than a decade in the natural products industry, Expo West is one of the highlights of my year. It’s part inspiration, part research, part catching up with industry friends (many who have turned IRL friends - and on our Christmas card list) and brands I’ve worked with for years—and of course, part snack tasting.

This year’s Expo West 2026 did not disappoint and the trends are not hard to find. From high-protein innovations to cleaner ingredient swaps, nostalgic snacks with better ingredients, and some really exciting new brands I can’t wait to share with you — there is just a lot to take in, absorb, process and then find the words to share with you.

So in this post, I’m sharing my favorite finds, the most exciting trends I noticed, and the brands I’m most excited about after walking the show floor. Consider this your inside look to Expo West.

One of my favorite parts of walking Expo West each year is seeing the trends start to take shape in real time. When you walk thousands of booths back-to-back, patterns start to emerge pretty quickly—and this year there were a few that were impossible to miss. In years past we saw keto EVERYTHING and vegan meats (ew).

This year everything is protein. Protein candy, clear protein waters or sparkling waters and protein ice cream. That is the number one trend I’m seeing. I’m definitely not mad about it. Protein being trendy isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because protein is actually one of the most important foundations of a balanced diet. It helps support muscle, metabolism, blood sugar balance, and keeps you full longer after meals. Many people historically under-eat protein, especially at breakfast and snacks, so seeing more protein-forward options can actually help people build more balanced meals. Like anything, quality matters—but overall it’s a trend that supports better nutrition rather than just hype.

1. Protein in everything

   Protein is clearly still having a major moment, but it’s evolving beyond the typical powders and bars. This year I saw protein showing up in places it normally doesn’t—especially clear protein drinks and protein waters, which were everywhere. Instead of the traditional creamy shake texture, brands are creating light, juice-style drinks that still pack a decent protein punch. It’s clear that consumers still want high protein, but they’re also looking for more convenient and refreshing ways to get it.

2. Need a date?

   Dates were everywhere this year—but not just as a sweetener. They were often the main product itself. I saw everything from sour dates and stuffed dates to chocolate-covered dates and date-based candies. Brands seem to be leaning into dates as a naturally sweet, whole-food treat that also brings fiber and a rich caramel-like flavor, making them a popular base for better-for-you sweets.

3. Mushrooms and adaptogens in all the things

   Functional ingredients are still growing, and mushrooms are leading the charge. Adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi were showing up in everything from coffee and drinks to snacks and supplements. Some brands were even combining multiple trends—like mushroom coffee with added protein or functional beverages that stacked adaptogens with other performance ingredients.

   
   

Overall, the big theme I noticed was functionality—foods that don’t just taste good, but also offer something extra, whether that’s protein, functional ingredients, or simpler sweeteners. It’ll be interesting to see which of these trends really stick over the next year.I wish more people would step away from seed oils. There’s no need for seed oils in my opinion and there are so many WONDERFUL BRANDS and AMAZING PRODUCTS out there but that miss the mark because they are still using canola or sunflower seed oil or rapeseed or soy bean oil.Another thing that always crosses my mind walking the floor at Expo West is how much it actually costs for these brands to be there. It’s something that consumers don’t realize.

For many small brands, showing up at Expo West is a huge financial risk. Booth space alone can cost thousands of dollars, and that’s before you factor in booth design, shipping pallets of product, travel, hotels, staffing the booth for multiple days, and the massive amount of free samples they give away. For some early-stage companies, a huge portion of their yearly marketing budget goes into this one event. And the hope is that it pays off. Brands are there hoping the right buyers, distributors, or retailers walk by their booth, try the product, and decide it belongs on store shelves. But even if a store loves a product, getting onto shelves isn’t always simple. There are often slotting fees, promotions, demos, discounts, end-cap placements, and marketing commitments that all cost money too.

It’s a high-stakes environment, and unfortunately a lot of brands don’t make it. Over the years I’ve collected more than a few Expo tote bags and coffee mugs from companies that no longer exist. Behind every booth is a founder who poured their savings, their time, and their belief into that product—hoping this might be the year it takes off. And sometimes it does. But a lot of times, it doesn’t. RIP to so many brands that made a huge impact on Krysten’s Kitchen over the years who are not around anymore.

Okay. Top 10. There is no order for this list. It’s all done at random… and sometimes in the order in which I found them at the show.

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Everybody Eats Sea Salt Pretzel Snack Thins

gluten free, grain free, seed oil free, allergy friendly, dairy free

This was the first booth I went to at the show and I knew that this would be a contender. They are made without gluten, grains, or dairy, and free from common food allergens so every body can snack freely! Check their website for details on where you can find it.

Seven Sundays Oatcakes

gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, glyphosate free

Seven Sundays does it again, friends. Their new oatcakes mix is so great. You just add water and badda boom. Gluten free and refined sugar free. Coming soon. The new PB Puffs Cereal is a hit, too. Check their website for details on where you can find it and when.

nutpods Simply Organic Line

organic, gluten free, dairy free, seed oil free, gum & filler free

Simply Vanilla, Simply Banana Bread Latte, Simple Maple Macchiato, Simply Chocolate Hazelnut. They are all organic, dairy free, no gums or fillers. They do contain cane sugar (less than 4g each) but I do hope they come out with an unsweetened one so I can add my own sweetener. Check their website for details on where you can find it.

Rootsy Gluten Free Waffles

gluten free, nut free, grain free, dairy free, seed oil free, no added sugars, refined sugar free

Finally some gluten free waffles that have no added sugar, no seed oils, no nuts and no soy. These waffles are delicious and I hope they will get into stores on the West coast. If you’re on the East coast then you’re in luck. Check their website for details on where you can find it.

Sunnie Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar

gluten free, dairy free, school safe, refined sugar free

Wow wow wow these are nostalgic. Remember those Kudo bars from when we were kids? These are like that but 1000% better - gluten free and school safe. They are so so good and my toddler LOVED it so much he wouldn’t share it with me. Luckily that meant I got my own.  Check their website for details on when and where you can find it. (Probably… maybe summer) - code krystenskitchen

Tractor Drinks

organic, refined sugar free

certified organic apple cider vinegar-based, sparkling farmer’s tonic: a refreshing take on a traditional folk recipe. Lightly sweet with 5g sugar (not added sugar). They are all so refreshing and aren’t too sweet, taste like a delicious mocktail. Find them in Sprouts and check their website for details on where you can find it.

Midday Squares No Bread PB&J

gluten free, vegan, dairy free

Been a fan for awhile and was stoked to try this new flavor - PB&J and it’s so perfect. It tastes like the innards of a good old fashioned, nostalgic peanut butter and jelly sando. It’s unreal how and what they have created with this flavor. They also have a grape version launching soon and I’m a grape girly so I’m ready, Midday! Check their website to order.

BTR Nation Crispy Bars gluten free, refined sugar free, non-gmo

The one that ALMOST got away. This was supposed to be a secret but word got out and boy am I so glad. These will sell out the second they go live because holy chalupa - they are perfection. They will launch in 3 flavors - Cacao, PB and Maple Cinnamon. Refined sugar free, gluten free, 7g of fiber, 100 calories. Made with brown rice and honey. Check their website for details on when and where you can find it (hoping for next few months).

TruCinnamon Water

organic, gluten free, refined sugar free

Found this at the 11th hour — all organic and just Cinnamon, Lemon and Filtered Water. No caffeine, no sugar, no calories just cinnamon and lemon - supports good cholesterol, improves brain function, reduced blood sugar and inflammation and promotes healthy digestion. Check their website to order or check store location.

That’s It! Protein Fruitnola

gluten free, vegan, no sugar added.

Remember how protein is everywhere… well this is probably my favorite use of it because the ingredients were so minimal and so clean. Literally the ingredients are just apples, protein puffs (made of rice starch and pea protein) and strawberries - That’s iIt! (ironic… because that’s the brand name, right?) They will eventually launch other flavors as well and you should be able to find them on Thrive Market soon. Check their website for details on when and where you can find it

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Okay friends! That’s a wrap on Expo West 2026. I’m so ready for next year BUT first I need to sleep for a few days because as fun as it is it’s a lot on the body, mind, taste buds, sleep schedule, digestion etc. It’s sensory overload and overstimulation to the extreme. I’m exhausted. My cup is full and also I’m drained. I can’t wait to see so many of these products hit the shelves! And my 3 year old did the whole show with us and he did his own snack taste test video which you can watch here!