Natural Products Expo West 2026: 45 Years of Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Innovation
EXPO WEST TURNS 45
For 45 years, Natural Products Expo West has been the premier gathering of natural product industry leaders, wellness entrepreneurs, and nutrition innovators. From a small community of pioneers, it’s grown into a leading global trade show for natural foods, supplements, and functional nutrition. Each year, Expo West unites natural product entrepreneurs, retailers, scientists, and investors to advance healthier products and nutrition innovation. Walking the Expo West floor, it was clear these natural food industry trends weren’t just concepts; they were products consumers were spending money on!
No More Phony Baloney: Plant-Based Products Steal the Show at Expo West!
Violife: Delicious dairy free cheese
One standout trend at Expo West was how plant-based products are closer than ever to matching the taste and texture of traditional foods. Violife, a leader in plant-based products, had a rich, creamy cheddar “Just like Cheddar” that delivered authentic flavor, texture, and melt, bringing back all the childhood memories. Their dairy-free coffee creamer, “Original Coffee Creamer”, was featured in vegan mocktails and brought plant-based indulgence to beverages.
Frozen Plant-Based Fillets: OSHI
Another standout was “Oshi Sea Food”, known for vegan fish and food alternatives, which won the VEGNEWS - “Best of Show Awards 2026” for “Best New Vegan Product” - EXPO WEST, and deserves all the recognition. Oshi is on a mission to create the best plant-based fish alternatives, specifically their vegan salmon fillet, which also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, active DHA and EPA from algae oil, while closely mimicking the taste and texture of real salmon without the risk of ocean pollutants. These innovations show that vegan food is no longer “fake” but a true contender in everyday meals.
Holy Cow!: Beef Tallow Fries Its Way Back into Natural Snacks and Chips
Natural Products Expo West was the resurgence of beef tallow, embraced by natural product entrepreneurs and wellness brands alike. Several companies promoted beef tallow as a superior frying medium for chips and snacks, positioning it as a natural alternative to seed oils. From “tallow fries” to tortilla chips, the trend reflects a broader back-to-basics nutrition movement focused on traditional fats, sustainability, and reducing food manufacturing waste. But as beef tallow gains momentum in the natural foods industry, an important question remains: does the science support the growing health claims, or is this simply the latest shift in the evolving debate over dietary fats? Only time will tell!
Small Plates, Big Nutrition: The Rise of Fiber and Protein in the GLP-1 Era
The last trend that caught our attention across Expo West was the growing emphasis on protein- and fiber-rich foods designed for consumers using GLP-1 medications like “Ozempic” and “Wegovy”. These medications suppress appetite and reduce overall food intake. Consumers are increasingly seeking nutrient-dense foods that deliver more nutrition in smaller portions. High-quality protein helps preserve lean muscle during weight loss, while fiber supports digestion and satiety. Emerging brands like Anea Nutrition are leaning into this trend with products like their egg white protein isolate, delivering 30g of clean, highly digestible protein per serving without dairy, gluten, or soy. As GLP-1 medications continue reshaping consumer eating habits, the natural foods industry is rapidly adapting with products designed to deliver maximum nutrition in fewer bites.
Closing thoughts on Expo West: It’s just the beginning.
As Expo West celebrates its 45th year, one thing is clear: the natural products industry continues to evolve at an incredible pace. From the resurgence of traditional ingredients like beef tallow to plant-based foods that now closely rival their conventional counterparts to the rapid rise of protein and fiber-rich products designed for the GLP-1 era, the conference highlighted how innovation and consumer demand continue to shape the future of food. These trends reflect a broader shift toward nutrient density, transparency, and functional nutrition. If Expo West has shown us anything over the past four decades, it’s that the future of food will be defined by smarter nutrition, cleaner ingredients, and brands continuing to push the boundaries of what true food and nutrition innovation are.
Looking Ahead: What These Trends Mean for Expo West 2027
While Natural Products Expo West 2026 highlighted major shifts in plant-based foods, traditional fats like beef tallow, and nutrition products designed for the GLP-1 era, these trends are likely to continue evolving. As brands innovate around protein density, ingredient transparency, and functional nutrition, the conversation will likely carry forward into Natural Products Expo West 2027, where the next generation of food innovation will take shape. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence should begin playing a larger role in the natural foods industry, from helping brands formulate new products and analyze consumer nutrition trends to optimizing supply chains and ingredient sourcing. As technology and nutrition continue to intersect, AI could become another powerful tool shaping the future of healthy food development and delivery.
About the Author: Haley Bishoff
Haley Bishoff, RD, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in plant-based and functional nutrition. Through her work with Rūtsu Nutrition, she helps individuals build sustainable, evidence-based nutrition habits that support long-term health and disease prevention. Her approach blends clinical nutrition expertise with the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, emphasizing small, consistent improvements that lead to lasting wellness.
FAQ
What were the biggest food trends at Expo West 2026?
Expo West 2026 highlighted several emerging natural food trends, including improved plant-based foods that closely match traditional products, the resurgence of beef tallow in snacks and frying, and the growing demand for high-protein and high-fiber foods designed for consumers using GLP-1 medications.
Why are protein and fiber important for people using GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy reduce appetite and slow digestion. Because people eat smaller portions, many consumers prioritize nutrient-dense foods. Protein helps preserve lean muscle during weight loss, while fiber supports digestion, gut health, and satiety.
Why is beef tallow trending in natural foods?
Beef tallow is re-emerging as a traditional cooking fat and an alternative to seed oils. At Expo West, several snack brands showcased chips and fried foods cooked in beef tallow as part of a broader back-to-basics nutrition trend.
How are plant-based foods improving?
Plant-based brands are developing products that better replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy, meat, and seafood. Innovations in ingredients and food science are making vegan foods more appealing to mainstream consumers.
