Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending Natural Products Expo Westin California. With more than 70,000 attendees and 2,600 exhibitors, there was a lot to take in – and to eat! After all, I did have to taste-test all the latest products to report back to you. In this blog, I’ve rounded up the top five products that are coming to our market.
COCOMELS
I was blown away by the quality, taste and texture of these coconut-based caramels. Usually caramels are made with dairy, which can affect your hormones in a negative way, so I haven’t had this type of candy in a very long time. But I love coconut products, especially because coconut is rich in medium-chain triglycerides that can help boost your metabolism. Raw food angels must have heard my prayers and created this product because it’s absolutely delicious. Note: There are still sugars and calories, so please enjoy in moderation. jjssweets.com
GORILLY GOODS
This snack “thing,” as Gorilly Goods calls its new product, was my favorite in the health-food category. To understand what its like, picture a packet of broken up pieces of chocolate bark that’s loaded with bananas, raisins, cashews, walnuts, pecans and coconut. Rich chocolate and sweet fruit – sounds delicious already, right? To make it even better, it’s raw, vegan and organic. gorillygoods.com
CASHEW ICE CREAM
Besides chocolate, my favorite food is ice cream. Up until now, I haven’t been fully satisfied with the plant-based ice creams on the market. But Delicious brand changed all that with its cashew-based caramel ice cream. WOW. Incredible. It was rich, smooth and silky, and as its name promises, so delicious! Because cashew is a rather neutral nut, this ice cream has a very similar taste and texture to dairy ice cream. Except it’s 100 percent cholesterol-free and plant-powered. sodeliciousdairyfree.com
CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHIA SEEDS
Did you know that chia seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega 3’s that can help boost your brainpower? And yes, we are talking about the same chia seeds we used to put inside a Chia Pet. Well, Himalania brand is changing how we look at chia seeds. They’ve figured out a way to cover each teeny-tiny seed in chocolate! They’re so fun to eat and very satisfying. I haven’t seen them in stores yet, but do keep your eye out. Another healthy food made delicious.natierra.com
CHICKEN-LESS POPPERS
I’ve been a fan of Beyond Meat for several years, but this time the brand has really outdone itself. Not only did its booth look like a better-for-you McDonald’s, there was also a selection of burgers and chicken-less nuggets. Beyond Meat has all the taste without any antibiotics, hormones or ingredients you can’t pronounce. I can hardly wait until the new crispy Chicken-less Poppers start selling at Whole Foods Market. Meanwhile, do enjoy their Beastly Burgers – they are fabulous with dairy-free Daiya cheese and plant-based bacon. Check out this video for a recipe. beyondmeat.com
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About Alina Z.
Alina Z., aka “The Green Goddess,” is a certified holistic health coach, detox specialist and raw-food chef (she conducts occasional classes at Whole Foods in Boca). Prior to moving to Florida, Alina hosted her own TV show in Maryland—“Entertaining A to Z”—for people who didn’t have time to cook but wanted to eat healthy. Catch one of her web episodes at eHow.com, visit Alina’s website at alinaz.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/CoutureFood) or Twitter (@CoutureFood). The Green Goddess blog runs every other Wednesday at bocamag.com.
