Unboxed: 10 new grain (and grain-free) natural products

A decade ago, wheat dominated the grain conversation. From cereals to snacks, this (often hybridized) ingredient was in a lot of packaged foods.

Sometime within the last five years, however, consumer interest in alternative grains exploded, leading food manufacturers to incorporate whole, minimally processed grains into their products for added nutrition, texture and sourcing story. Ancient grains are now dotted throughout oatmeal cups. Gluten-free grains are sprouted for improved bioavailability. Product formulations are even replacing wheat with nuts, beans and seeds—now making traditional grain-containing products entirely free from grains (notably, the grain-free "granolas" we spotted at Natural Products Expo East).

Here, find the newest natural products that explore the bounty of ancient grains and ingredients that are "healthing up" our staples.