Health meets indulgence: 8 treats that fuse the best of both worlds

Desserts and other treats at Natural Products Expo East were all about guilt-free indulgences, as classic sweets made a comeback with improved ingredient profiles and a wide range of plant-based options.

Manifesting in products including ice cream, cookie dough and donuts, many of these healthier versions of classic products are low in sugar and salt, and high in fiber, with added vitamins and minerals for enhanced nutritional value. Additional benefits show up in the form of nutrient-dense ingredients such as nuts, seeds and coconut, or adaptogens including chaga and ashwagandha for immune and stress support.

As well as focusing on better-for-you versions of indulgent products, some brands are also reinventing classic treats with new flavor profiles to craft a more appetizing experience for consumers. Others continue to rely on classic flavors and ingredients, such as cookie dough, while adapting them to innovative formats that might include bars, frozen desserts, indulgent spreads and snacks.

Click through the gallery to check out the healthy indulgences that New Hope Network was sweet on at Expo East 2022.