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 "Optimized Diets" trend within the A Life of Vitality macro force. Many a food entrepreneur is entering the space by leveraging a specific diet to optimize performance, whether for physiological goals, cognitive goals or just improved intuition.

1. Kevin’s Natural Foods

What is it? Kevin’s Natural Foods sells a line of paleo-friendly, clean label heat-and-serve entrees, sauces and spices.

Innovation: Developed by a chef with an autoimmune disorder, this line of paleo entrees, sauces and spices are made for paleo and clean-eating enthusiasts. They have no artificial ingredients, refined sugars, wheat, soy, legumes or dairy. Products include entrees like Korean BBQ-Style Chicken and Beef Chili.

2. Quevos

What is it? Quevos makes egg white-based crackers for keto adherents or those looking to reduce carbs.

Innovation: Egg whites serve as the base for these crackers, instead of grains. These crackers were inspired by the founder, who has type 1 diabetes, having difficulty finding snacks that did not spike his insulin levels. The crackers come in traditional potato chip flavors like Salt and Pepper, Cheddar and Dill Pickle.

3. Low Karb

What is it? Low Karb offers keto, gluten-free, grain-free, diabetic-friendly, low-carb, GMO-free products, including cereal, cookies, biscuits, flour, baking mixes, bars, sugar-free sweeteners, coffee and more.

Innovation: Low Karb is known for its line of keto-friendly granolas, which are made with ingredients like nuts and seeds, coconut, pepitas, monk fruit and butter.

4. Nubocha

What is it? Nubocha is dairy-free gelato made from whole nuts.

Innovation: This gelato is made from roasted nuts blended with allulose, a sugar found in figs and maple syrup, and chocolate. This gelato is vegan-, keto- and paleo-friendly. Plus, its ingredients are sustainable. Nubocha comes in flavors like Peanut Butter, Italian Vanilla and Chocolate Arriba.

5. Whisps

What is it? Whisps are snack crisps made from just one ingredient: cheese.

Innovation: Whisps' light, crunchy cheese crisps are made of 100% “wheel” cheese for a low-carb, high-protein and gluten-free snack. Flavors include Parmesan, Cheddar, Asiago and Pepper Jack.