Natural Products Expo West is my favorite “foodie” event that I attend each year! It’s a great way to learn about new food products that will be debuting in the natural foods sector.

So what were some of my favorite new food items at this year’s Natural Products Expo West? It was difficult to narrow it down, but here they are…

• Snapea Crisps and Lentil Snaps from Harvest Snaps are low in fat, sodium, and sugar, plus they are gluten free (for those of you who are gluten-intolerant or have Celiac Disease) and non-GMO. They come in a variety of flavors, but my favorite is Tomato Basil. They are a perfect replacement for potato chips to go along with a sandwich, and they make a great snack as well. I buy these at Sprouts (you can find them in the produce section) but they are available in other stores as well. I just wish they came in a resealable package. (www.harvestsnaps.com)
• Many people do not realize that ketchup is high in sugar (one tablespoon contains 3.4 grams of sugar, which adds up). Nature’s Hollow sugar-free ketchup tastes just as good as the regular variety, making it a great choice for diabetics and those concerned about their sugar intake. (www.natureshollow.com)
• With so many choices for granola out there these days, it can be difficult to choose which ones to buy. Wildway’s granola, which is available in a handy reusable cup, is grain-free, gluten free, non-GMO, sweetener-free, oil-free, and vegan. On top of all that, its soft texture makes it easy to chew, and it tastes great as well! Eat it plain, or use it as a topping on your yogurt in the morning. (www.wildwayoflife.com)
• Blue Isle Mediterranean’s yogurt spreads are a low-fat, tasty alternative to dips, cream cheese, and sour cream. Use them as a spread on bagels or baked potatoes, or dip your favorite veggies in it! They are low in fat, sodium, and sugar but do contain dairy. Be sure to check out the great recipes on their web site! (www.blueislespread.com)
• Asian Authentic Cuisine bean pastas are certainly different from your typical pasta, as they contain only organic beans and water, but they certainly taste good! With a few different varieties to choose from (black bean spaghetti, edamame spaghetti, soybean spaghetti), they are a healthy substitute from the high-carb pasta we are used to consuming – these bean pastas are high in protein and fiber, while low in carbs and fat, and are also sodium-free. Add some olive oil and fresh veggies, and you have a great healthy meal! (www.explorecuisine.com)
• Once I tasted these onion rings from Raw Food Central, I could not put them down! Unlike the onion rings you’re used to eating, these onion rings contain only onions, cashews, sunflower seeds, raisins, nutritional yeast, and celtic sea salt. Plus, they’re not greasy! Even better is that they are certified organic and non-GMO! Not only do they make a great snack, but you can use them as a topping on salads and soups as well. (www.rawfoodcentral.com)
• GoPicnic lunch boxes have been one of my favorites since I was first introduced to them at the Natural Products Expo a few years ago. Now they have expanded to offer breakfast meals in the same type of convenient box. If you’re ever in a hurry and don’t have time for the most important meal of the day, then just grab a GoPicnic ready-to-eat breakfast to take with you! There are two great varieties available: (1) cinnamon spread and multigrain bagel chips and (2) superbutter and multigrain crackers. Be sure to visit their web site for some great coupons and special sale prices! (www.gopicnic.com)