NEXT Trends 2020 series: In an effort to help support retailers and brands, we will be publishing regular brand features for the next few weeks. Brands are selected from those that registered to exhibit at Natural Products Expo West 2020 and were curated as great examples of one of 50 trends New Hope Network is monitoring in the marketplace.

These trends are part of New Hope Network's NEXT Expo Guidebook and trend hierarchy.

Today, we look at five companies that are innovating in the "Healthy Microbiome" trend within the A Life of Vitality macro force. Our understanding of the health impacts associated with the makeup of a person’s microbiome are expanding far beyond traditional gut health and immunity-boosting properties. In fact, it may well turn out that almost every function in our body is modulated by gut bacteria.

1. Riviera

What is it? Coconut milk yogurt.

Innovation: Made with coconut and fruit, Riviera’s plant-based yogurts are high in calcium and protein but free of dairy, gluten and artificial sweeteners. Riviera makes coconut milk kefir, and also sells small glass jars and medium and large size plastic containers of yogurt.

2. Probulin

What is it? Probulin is a line of shelf-stable probiotics. 

Innovation: Products like “My Little Bugs Total Care Probiotic for Kids” are chewable tablets with prebiotics and postbiotics for digestion targeted at children. The company also uses a patented delivery system called MAKTrek for many of its products. The delivery system is described as a “seaweed submarine” that protects the probiotics against stomach acids, feeds the probiotics in the capsules, and hydrates them so that they survive the journey to the gut.

3. WildBrine

What is it? WildBrine is a fermented foods company that makes sauerkraut, kimchi, salsas and plant-based cheese.

Innovation: WildBrine offers interesting flavors like Jalepeno Lime Organic Kraut and Curry Cauliflower Sauerkraut. It also started a new plant-based creamery that makes a brie from cashews and coconut by sing a “wild-cultured” aging process.

4. Vibrant Health

What is it? A dietary supplement manufacturer with a focus on transparency.

Innovation: Vibrant Health’s probiotic line includes Green Vibrance, which comes in a powder or capsule and is designed to support nutrition, circulation, digestion and immunity. 

5. Wonder Drink

What is it? A kombucha maker that makes organic teas fermented with yeast and bacteria cultures. Many of its teas contain functional ingredients as well.

Innovation: Wonder Drink recently introduced kombuchas with an organic prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic Plus contains prebiotics plus functional ingredients, such as Turmeric Ginger Prebiotic Plus with biotin and organic acids, as well as plant-based XOS prebiotic fiber to support gut health.