Flavor Your Life Zucchi Extra Virgin Olive Oils. In a category crying out for increased transparency and traceability, we were excited by Zucchi’s traceability tool and blended flavor profiles. Our judges agreed that this is a strong, innovative product with the potential to alleviate consumer concerns about integrity in the olive oil market, but we wish the tool would allow greater transparency and confidence in tracking the product all the way back to a specific grower.

W.S. Badger Co. Tattoo Balm. Express your individuality and values through your skin art and support of this B Corp. triple-bottom line company. The Badger Co. won over our judges through consistent demonstration of integrity. Its commitment to transparency shines through its multiple third-party certifications, B Corp. status and clearly communicated values. It’s easy to trust a badger’s claims when they are rigorously verified and demonstrated.

Building upon the momentum of consumer values rooted in the good food movement, the natural living product category reflects those same values and lifestyle choices that we make for healthy homes and healthy pets. Increased consumer awareness and strong ideals around safety, transparency and sustainability are all drivers behind this category growth. Trends include natural and organic pet food, organic fiber and household cleaners.

Back to the Roots Self-Watering Planter. Back to the Roots consistently brings innovative, accessible, engaging and ready-to-grow kitchen gardens to the natural living space. This new jar garden features an ancient olla watering technique, in which a porous pot buried in the soil slowly distributes water to the organic seeds, organic biochar and 100 percent USA soil to grow a countertop garden. Grow one, share a photo, and Back to the Roots will give one to the classroom of your choice.

Castor & Pollux Pristine. Trends in pet food and pet care are increasingly in-line with human food trends and product expectations. Castor and Pollux’s Pristine line satisfies these expectations with this high-quality, responsibly sourced pet foods. Ingredients include only organic fruits and vegetables, wild-caught fish, free-range poultry and grass-fed beef and lamb. All recipes are grain free, soy free and cooked in a USA kitchen.

One noticeable theme for this category is the repackaging of staple foods to address emerging customer demands, including BPA-free amber glass for highly acidic foods and speed-scratch meal solutions. Also, we’re witnessing the sluggishly maturing trend of brands using sustainable farming practices to develop their products. We praise the companies making this effort and would like to see more brands moving in this noble direction.

The Great GORP Project Protein Bar Ready Mix. With the budget-conscious family in mind, this make-your-own bar kit makes it easy to customize the perfect on-the-go snack at an affordable price. It also satisfies the eco-conscious by reducing packaging waste. The kit makes 25 bars for under $1 apiece.

Nutiva Organic Liquid Coconut Oil. As the popularity of coconut oil continues to rise, Nutiva offers new technology with its liquid version of the nascent cupboard staple. The hexane-free oil is created from organic coconuts through a patented process that enables it to remain liquid. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads or into smoothies.

White Leaf Provisions Biodynamic Apple & Pear Sauce. This ambitious family-focused brand debuts with its Demeter-certified Biodynamic fruit sauces. The individually packaged four-pack consists only of U.S. grown organic apples and pears with no added sugars. Focused on regenerative farming practices, the company brings to market a mission-forward and quality-made option.

With the snack category popping because Americans are eating several mini “meals” a day on the run, we expected the savory snack nominees to wow us. All of the products represented better-for-you savory or salty options. But inspiration fell somewhat flat. We’d love to see more organic offerings and products that can make a difference by innovating with food waste, new proteins, transparency, traceability or cleaner packaging. The natural snack aisle deserves to stand out, not replicate conventional with a healthier-for-you dusting.

Besty’s Best Gourmet Cashew Butter with Cardamom and Chia Seeds. The tasting team wondered aloud if the market needs yet another nut butter. Then after tasting this, the answer is: it needs this one. Bringing together smooth cashew with cardamom pop and chia seed crunch makes for a satisfying Non-GMO Project Verified treat for dipping and spreading. Betsy herself, a former Florida Young Mother of the Year, uses the platform to raise women’s issues. It would be wonderful to see this come through more in the brand.

Simple Mills Everything Sprouted Seed Crackers. Sprouting is getting its day in packaged products, and we’re glad these represent. Simple Mills always stands out for its simple ingredients that combine tastily with paleo-friendly punch. These new Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified crackers are no different. They blend a sprouted seed blend of sunflower, flax, chia, plus hemp.

Yumami Food Company Go Dip Snack Packs. These on-the-go snacks ditch the boring hummus for Asian-inspired flavors paired with popped rice chips. The flavor-forward selections include Adzuki Bean Ginger Ponzu, Edamame Green Pea Wasabi, Lentil Roasted Onion Shiitake and Black Bean Yuzu Chili. The young company touts its relationship with family-owned American farms.

Pills are passé. Whether it’s children who can’t yet figure out how to get something down without chewing, or seniors with difficulty choking down too many tablets, or the pill-weary, a shift is on to deliver efficacious doses of nutrients outside the supplement bottle. Beverages, bars and new-to-the-world formats are delivering supplement-style nutrition in a modern, consumer-friendly fashion.

Nordic Naturals Kids Nordic Flora Probiotic Pixies. Probiotics are all the rage, but it’s hard to get efficacious doses in foods, plus what kid likes trying to swallow a pill? Nordic delivers quality probiotic strains in a powder formulation sweetened with erythritol and cavity-fighting xylitol. Tear open a single-serving pack, dump sweetness into mouth and prosper.

Vida Lifescience exoFlex. Liposomes are a recent development in supplements. These nano-sized particles allow molecules to more easily absorb into cells where they provide benefit. Bonus: This product uses next-gen joint-health ingredients that have been shown to provide benefit in about a week. Your joints will thank you in record time.

Twinlab Ocuguard Bluetein Chewables. Your phone and computer emit unsavory levels of harmful “blue light” that cause eye strain and fatigue, even blindness later on. Kids are particularly vulnerable because their eyeballs have not yet developed innate protection from blue light. These chewable tabs solve all these problems for pill-averse children.

An assessment of the nominees in this category would tell you that Americans are tired, stressed out and suffering from pain and degeneration in their eyes, guts, joints and brains. The product offerings match well with what we know about the conditions of today: People are busy (and keep getting busier), which can lead to stress, lack of quality sleep, poor diets, eye strain, weight gain and chronic disease. Supplement makers are spot on, but it begs the question: What’s the most natural antidote to these conditions?

Natural Vitality Calmful Muscle. The magnesium leader released several new versions of it’s popular Calm—concoctions formulated to promote sleep, ease indigestion and aid muscle recovery. The last one especially caught our eye due to the additions of L-Carnitine, beet root powder and bromelain to help the magnesium relieve tired, sore and cramping muscles after a workout.

RidgeCrest Herbals Essential Eyes. You’re staring at screens more than ever. Indeed, you’re looking at a screen right now. That’s a problem because of all the blue light pouring into the macula of your eye, which causes damage. This product calls on two branded ingredients: VisionAid Herbal Blend and LuteMax 20/20—and in efficacious doses, no less—to aid circulation and boost intake of protective carotenoid lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin.

Youtheory Saffron. Want to be happier and think clearer? Who wouldn’t? This better-brain formulation calls on saffron plus two adaptogens (ashwagandha and rhodiola) for mood boosting and mental clarity. Plus, we appreciate the addition of Affron, a patented Spanish-grown saffron extract that is non-GMO, DNA verified and clinically tested on humans.

Condiments often provide the dash of flavor that pushes a meal over the culinary edge—in a good way. Yet we find it a category difficult to pinpoint. We see variations on traditional items like mayonnaise along with tapenades and less likely items like flavored ghee, maple cream and vinegars. We also see fewer items than we’d like to see, so come 2018, give us a dollop of what you’ve got!

4th and Heart Pourable Ghee Oil. 4th and Heart mixes Napa Valley grapeseed oil into its grass-fed ghee, maintaining the pourability of the former with the high smoke point of the latter. Sourced from grass-fed cows and slow-cooked to preserve nutrients, this product represents the convenience, flavor and healthfulness at the intersection of 4th and heart.

GloryBee Artisan Fermented Honey. Sweet enough and acrid enough to boost both cocktails and salads, this fermented honey delivered one of the most unique flavors in this year’s NEXTYs. GloryBee picked up the idea in Thailand and wisely jumped on the opportunity to combine its core competency with today’s hottest flavor profile: fermentation.

Wildbrine Probiotic Smoky Jalapeno Sriracha. This is one smart sriracha. Firstly, it’s made of the cabbage parts discarded in the company’s krauts and kimchi. Secondly, it’s fully fermented and unpasteurized to maintain bountiful probiotics. We debated whether sriracha was the best name, as it differed in flavor from most, but there was no debate about the good flavor.

For consumers looking to clean up their cart, the frozen aisle may not be at the top of their shopping list; however, as clean label, "free-from" and plant-based ingredients take center stage in the freezer, this may stand to change. In this category, we were pleased to see brands follow trends and deliver delicious savory flavors; however, the category still feels ripe for unique innovation.

Hilary’s Millet Medleys. This speed-scratch side dish option delivers a delicious, clean spin on traditional pilafs, made with allergen-free and nutrient-dense ingredients. A product to fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles and fill rumbling stomachs with less than 10 minutes prep time, it contributes to a healthy, balanced meal without sacrificing taste.

Mikey’s Tortillas. New from Mikey’s, these gluten-free, grain-free tortillas boast a clean and simple ingredient list. We love that grain-free options are expanding, especially in traditionally tough categories like breads and wraps, allowing for quality without compromise for those following special diets.

Path of Life Organic Hash Browns. The kid- and adult-favorite poppers offer a flavorful take on the classic breakfast side. Following the ancient grains trend, this product blends organic red quinoa nicely as a second ingredient and definitely met the taste test for our team.

Given that analog meat and dairy alternative brands are receiving massive amounts of investment money from the tech sector, we were surprised to find many of these nominees taking traditional approaches to plant-based protein. While many well-funded brands such as Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods and Perfect Day are crafting proprietary “meat from plants” in sophisticated labs, what stood out in this category were brands adding an artisanal spin to vintage ingredients such as vital wheat gluten, nuts for cheese and milk alternatives, soy and even algae. It makes us wonder, perhaps the key to a more plant-forward future is employing fewer bio-technologists and more chefs. These delicious finalists even got our meat-eating judges stoked about vegan protein.

No Evil Foods El Zapatista. Leave it to the Asheville, North Carolina-based No Evil Foods to launch the hippest meat replacement product we’ve seen in a while. While other brands are making “meat from plants” via complicated processes and millions of investment dollars, No Evil Foods transforms a relatively vintage ingredient—non-GMO vital wheat gluten—into absolutely bangin’ meat alternatives. This chorizo swap wowed NEXTY judges who weren’t even vegan with its perfect texture, ease of use and clean (mostly organic) ingredient list.

Califia Farms Better Half. Have you ever poured traditional almond milk or soy milk into a fresh cup of coffee only to find that it curdles the entire beverage? This new coconut cream- and almond milk-based creamer won our hearts because it fills a much-needed space in the dairy-free category. Inside this attractively packaged box you’ll find a tasty vegan half-and-half that melts into coffee with ease. We love how Califia uses sunflower lecithin instead of soy lecithin to achieve a Non-GMO Project Verified blend. Also cool: Each creamer flavor contains zero sugar—the brand instead incorporates zero-calorie monk fruit for a dessert-y, sweet taste.

Remedy Organics. One sip of Remedy Organic’s line of herb-infused non-dairy milks and we were hooked. Made with an smart blend of vegan, USDA Organic ingredients like sprouted almond milk, pea protein, whole hemp seeds, whole chia seeds, honey, maca root and more, this probiotic-infused beverage features a whopping 11 grams of dietary fiber—enough to keep you full for hours after consuming. Every ingredient in this product works harmoniously to achieve a beautiful flavor and drink experience. 

Integrity-first ingredients and responsible sourcing continue to trend within the meat, dairy or animal-based product category. We loved the commitment coming from each brand to humanely and sustainably source their products, with a particular emphasis on partnering with local companies to obtain high-quality ingredients. While we highly value the level of sustainable sourcing, we were hoping to see more innovation in this category, with products offering more unique attributes that can truly shake up the industry. 

Hartzler Family Dairy Non-GMO Project Verified String Cheese. The country’s first Non-GMO Project Verified string cheese is here. Processed at a small Ohio dairy, this string cheese offers a regional snack option that consumers can feel good about feeding their families.

Nounos Creamery Greek Yogurt. Family-owned and operated in Southampton, New York, Nounos Creamery takes inspiration from its Greek heritage. This Greek yogurt is handcrafted in small batches using a traditional, old-world straining method, and made without additives, thickeners or preservatives.

EPIC Provisions Jerky Snack Strips. These premium meat strips are an upgraded version of EPIC’s traditional snack stick. They're created using high-quality animal protein that’s sourced sustainably, along with clean seasonings and a simple dehydration process. Tender and flavorful, they promise to satisfy your inner carnivore.

The days of “a percentage of proceeds goes to …” are over. In the new age of instantly accessible authenticity, a company’s mission has to be woven into its existential proposition—the reason the company was founded. That’s what we looked for in our judging. It’s what consumers—especially millennials—are looking for too.

poof diapers 3.0. Disposable diapers are the dilemma of any environmentally conscious parent. They choke landfills, but cloth diapers require water and transportation costs that eclipse the benefits. Poof comes in with a disposable diaper that’s biodegradable, non-GMO and antibacterial without the questionable chemical element, allowing parents to change the world while they change diapers.

Lotus Foods Organic Dehraduni Basmati Rice. The environmental impact of rice farming is not widely known by consumers, but it should be. An outsized share of the global freshwater supply floods rice patties and disappears in evaporation. Lotus Foods’ farming technique grows cleaner rice with less water, allowing more cultivation in more places with less strain on the planet.

Organic India Prevention Wellness Teas. Across a selection of ingredients and wellness categories, Organic India turns communities into stakeholders in a supply chain with benefits at every link. The thousands of small Indian farmers are  not only fairly compensated, they also receive instruction in organic growing techniques while the company pays the cost of certification.

With 27 NEXTY entrants, the natural kid's product space is not short on excitement. Checking off the integrity box, traditional kids’ product labels are getting cleaned up, from play makeup kits to organic freezer pops. Introducing nutrient-dense foods and flavors to babies is a growing trend this year, including MyPeanut’s targeting peanut allergies and Fresh Bellies' focus on preventing picky eaters. Supplement companies continue to create supplements in kid-friendly delivery formats, with a growing focus on specialty areas such as probiotics and anti-anxiety.

Serenity Kids Baby Food. The first paleo-approved baby food, Serenity Kids blends grass-fed and pasture-raised meats with organic vegetables to achieve a protein, fat and carbohydrate ratio similar to that of breast milk. The low-sugar baby food comes in Chicken, Beef, and Uncured Bacon varieties.

Nutritious Beginnings MyPeanut Baby Food Pouches. MyPeanut combines organic applesauce with ground peanuts in a convenient pouch, giving parents a tool to target food allergies early.  The product is based on scientific research that early introduction of peanuts decreases the risk of peanut allergy in a majority of children.

Fresh Bellies. Fresh Bellies targets picky eaters by training kids’ palates before they develop aversions. The company blends vegetables like bell peppers and Swiss chard with spices like garlic and thyme, without adding fruits to mask the flavors. The packaging includes a spoon so kids can also develop fine motor skills through the eating process.

As the natural and organic personal care category continues to evolve, so do the offerings made available to health- and sustainability-minded consumers. High-performance formulations, along with a commitment to sustainable sourcing (whether locally or internationally), are key factors driving innovation and integrity, but a diverse product range is what stood out most among this year’s NEXTY nominees. Products such as organic body lotion or lip balm are a start to transforming the beauty space. But the industry appears finally ready to help consumers give their entire lifestyles a makeover (nontoxic butt wipe or teeth whitener, anyone?).

Oralgen NuPearl. Oralgen saw a white space (pun intended) when it came to natural, professional-quality teeth whitening. The peroxide-free system doesn’t contain harsh ingredients like latex, parabens, sulfates or PEGs and pairs an innovative LED-lighting technology with botanical whitening gel and peppermint essential oil.

INIKA Certified Organic Lip Serum. This Australian makeup line is everything cosmetics’ future should be: high quality (and often organic), high performance (the pigments, textures and formulations are spot on) and contemporary (check out its sleek, simple branding). Although, the multi-billion dollar natural personal care industry is growing, it also requires companies like INIKA to bring awareness about natural to the prestige beauty shopper. This certified organic lip serum is a luxurious new take on chapstick that heals and protects lips with organic mandarin extract, orange essential oil, vitamin E and other naturally nourishing ingredients.

Bob's Butt Wipes Hanging Dispenser. The natural beauty industry’s maturity has resulted from science, packaging and serious results, but it’s also about fun and practicality. Enter Bob’s Butt Wipes. Take a moment to chuckle—indeed, this line makes me feel like a kid again—before appreciating that the cheeky branding (the company has, perhaps, taken this stereotypical male approach too literally and too far) brings levity to the space and, most importantly, delivers a natural version of a product that is in demand, yet nearly impossible to find. While natural brands have innovated around eco facial wipes, sports wipes and baby wipes, this nontoxic, biodegradable, flushable butt wipe is a first—and potentially a first of many.

The biggest trend in this category is unsurprisingly “guilt-free” ice cream alternatives. Of course, sweets and desserts go beyond the frozen pint ,and this category is in need of inspiration beyond a milk-alternative ice cream. Of the frozen sweets, the judges left satisfied with clear finalists but wanting more variety out of the category.

Snow Monkey Superfood Ice Treat. The athlete cofounders of Snow Monkey Superfood Ice Treats see food as fuel and packed each pint with fruit, seeds and superfoods with functional benefits. This *ish* is b-a-n-a-n-a-s! The base of each Ice Treat is bananas, and all varieties are paleo, vegan and free from the eight major allergens.

GoodPop Orange N’ Cream. GoodPop’s Orange N’ Cream is a healthy update to the classic creamsicle. This dairy-free, vegan, non-GMO indulgence offers nostalgia at only 80 calories a pop. GoodPop offers ‘goodness’ in tasty frozen treats and through its philanthropic values with Fair Trade Certified ingredients and as a Certified B Corp.

Soozy’s Muffins. Soozy’s offers delicious frozen muffins for almost any type of diet as these treats are free from gluten, grains, soy, dairy, GMOs, fillers, stabilizers and additives. In Double Chocolate, Wild Blueberry, and Sweet Potato, Soozy’s is an easily prepared and affordable treat for special diet and conventional consumers alike. 

One of the biggest challenges for the organic food category has been accessibility. There are limited organic options in supermarkets, and the options that are available tend to be more expensive than their conventional counterparts. One opportunity in the organic food category is getting product into larger retailers to increase accessibility and drive down price. Companies like Annie’s and Made in Nature have done this, with products available in accessible stores like Target and Costco.

Made in Nature Figgy Pops. These bite-sized snacks are made with organic fruits, nuts, seeds and spices. Perfect for on-the-go healthy sustenance, they have a clean, responsibly sourced ingredient list, and the company is committed to supporting organic farming.

True Story Organic Thick Cut Oven Roasted Chicken Breast. True Story’s organic packaged meats fill a void in the ready-to-eat meats category. We love that the company supports family farms that their animals humanely and without added hormones or antibiotics, as well as practice environmental stewardship.

Miyoko’s Kitchen French Style Winter Truffle. This delicious plant-based cheese is not only organic and non-GMO, but it’s also free of cholesterol, lactose, egg and gluten. And did we mention it’s delicious? We love that Miyoko’s Kitchen takes a culinary approach to artisanal cheesemaking to develop its delectable vegan cashew cheeses.

The most noteworthy advances in this category have been incremental moves toward more compostable and recyclable forms of packaging that take up less space (reducing the footprint during transport) or require fewer resources to make. Standout companies have also found ways to use their packaging to convey transparency and tell their brand story. Our wish list here includes more creativity in supplement packaging and more efforts to reduce waste and footprint.

No Evil Foods Comrade Cluck. This quirky company knew its packaging had to live up to its mission of helping people make the connection between food, kindness and environmental impact. And it does! The eye-catching, fully compostable, origami-style carton relays facts about the positive environmental impact consumers have by choosing plant-based products instead of meat.

WooBamboo! Eco-Awesome Floss. Innovation by elimination—that’s what WooBamboo does by making the plant-based packaging that encases its biodegradable silk floss functional. With a quick rip and a peel, the bottom half of the plastic shell packaging, made from sugarcane, becomes the floss’s own dispenser, eliminating the need for a hard plastic container that ends up in a landfill.

Ora Organic Nothing Fishy Here Omega-3 Spray. Bringing something new and inspiring to the supplement aisle, Ora expands on its innovative omega-3 delivery system by packaging it in a plantable box embedded with non-invasive wildflower seeds chosen to aid the native bee population. In an aisle overwhelmed with non-recyclable plastics and extra large packaging, a compostable and functional box made from recycled paper pulp is a step in the right direction.

From sampling a variety of new beverages—including Canadian water, a chia seed smoothie and drinkable yogurt—we were impressed by the thought that went into ingredient considerations. Packaging trended toward clean and simple in this category, and standout products embrace the sublime simplicity that comes from combining just a few refreshing ingredients.

Mother Kombucha Orange Blossom Switchel. The main ingredients of apple cider vinegar and honey contribute a strong, invigorating ginger flavor, which judges found to be strong and distinct yet pleasant and palatable.

Califia Farms Protein Almondmilks with Maca (Choc-a-Maca). This almond milk plus chocolate protein energy drink contains 100 percent plant protein and 1,000 milligrams of maca root (sourced from Peru), said to contribute an energy boost.

Bonta Blood Orange. A delicious beverage made with naturally sourced ingredients from the Mediterranean region, this enhanced water creatively combines blood orange, pomegranate, turmeric and hibiscus. We’re guessing consumers will respond to the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric the most and stay for the nicely balanced berry-citrus flavor.

Pervida Immune Health Water Citrus. This lightly carbonated beverage brings a clean, delicate taste, plus it’s enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and pomegranate seed oil. Appealing to consumers who want to hydrate with more than plain H2O but still seek out functional beverages that remain low-sugar and simple.

In a wide-ranging category with dozens of applicants, we were pleased to see gluten-free products starting to contain fewer starches and sugars, and more nuts, fruits, veggies, meat and good fats. These days, it seems weird if someone doesn’t follow a special diet. In response, NEXTY nominees chose to make products suitable for a wide range of finicky consumers. We’re talking products that run the gamut of gluten free, grain free, vegan, nut free and in some cases, even Whole30 approved, which means no grains, dairy, refined sugars or even legumes. Smart companies also swapped excess sodium for flavor-packed spices to bring the taste up while keeping the salt low.

Yai’s Thai Thai Almond Sauce. Inspired by recipes from the cofounder’s grandma, this delicious condiment is suitable for a variety of special diets including vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, low-sodium (there are only 5 grams of sodium per serving!) and Whole30 Approved. Instead of peanuts, blended almonds add nutty flavor and body; coconut milk, lime juice, vinegar, ginger lemongrass, Thai chilis and more add intense heat and flavor. Rather than cane sugar, Yai’s Thai adds naturally sweet tamarind juice for a hit of nuance.

GrandyOats Original Coconola. Rife in USDA Organic coconut flakes, cashews, pumpkin seeds, pecans and sesame seeds, this granola is actually free from grains. Look at those clusters! It’s sweetened with a paleo-friendly blend of maple syrup and honey, which makes for a near perfect parfait or for eating straight from the bag. GrandyOats earns a million extra points for crafting Coconola in a 100 percent solar-powered facility.

Redd Salted Caramel Superfood Energy Bars. If you didn’t glance at the nutrition facts panel, you’d think Redd’s Salted Caramel bar was candy. Thanks to a balanced combination of agave syrup, tapioca syrup and date paste, the bar is intensely sweet. Quinoa and chia seeds add crunch and texture, while pumpkin seed protein powder, yerba mate extract and a vitamin and mineral blend lend superior plant-based nutrition and long-lasting energy.

Fawen Broccoli & Cauliflower with Turmeric. Somehow, Fawen’s vegan ready-to-drink soup has a cheesy, umami taste that hits the spot for a light meal or hefty snack. Packed in a shelf-stable Tetra Pak, Fawen’s pea-green tinted soup contains a USDA Organic blend of broccoli, cauliflower, shallot, onion, coconut water concentrate, coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, Himalayan salt, lemon juice and ground turmeric. We adore the clean, pronounceable ingredients and on-the-go packaging.

Submissions in this category were marked by the meeting of function and form, featuring innovative condition-specific approaches in delivery formats that went beyond basic pills. Notably, there was special attention to details about specialized functional ingredients, reduced sugars in powder formats and science-backed, efficacious formulas. Exciting!

Yuve All-in-One Nutritional Shake with Chia Seeds. Packed with 15 grams of quality protein per serving, low in total sugars and packed full of flavor, this shake mix from Yuve offers a clean, vegan, non-GMO shake blended with a superb superfood blend, delivering great on-the-go nutrition for anyone. We really liked their story and the flavor.

Amazing Grass Elixirs. Beauty, Belly, and Brain Elixirs offer everything we like in a supplement–quality, efficacious, science-backed ingredients blended with ancient wisdom, plus USDA Organic with fermented ingredients for easier digestion. The three categories address wellness holistically within easy-to-consume, scoopable blends. Amazing Grains prioritizes education and transparency around its sourcing–that's integrity that’s easy to stand behind.

Natural Factors Three Brains. Three Brains means your brain health is not all in your head. Addressing the latest science, this line of supplements supports the critical relationship between our head, heart and gut. There are individual formulas in a pouch format that address all of these three “brains, working together to influence our mental and cognitive health. All non-GMO, lab tested and documented. An inspired science, health, quality and transparency story.

Village Cannery of Vermont Apple Cider Vinegar Shots. The concept of what’s old is new again is only part of the appeal of using raw organic vinegar as a tonic; what truly makes these shots innovative is their easy, carry-with-you-anywhere delivery approach, plus the pouch is environmentally friendly and compostable. The taste is great, with honey and added beneficial botanicals.  We think this is an innovative approach for today’s on-the-go-consumer who appreciates the benefits of drinking vinegar.

The RTD category is overflowing with new offerings. We’re so fond of the organic options that we bust them out as their own category. This year saw smoothies, sparkles, ‘booches, milks and soups—an exciting, hotly contested and heavily polarized category with little unanimity among the sipping, slurping and squabbling judges.

REBBL Cold-Brew Protein. REBBL just keeps bringin’ it. Liquid goodness, solid mission--this time in a cold brew coffee with 12 grams of plant protein. Sounds like breakfast! Add efficacious doses of adaptogenic herbs all in a coconut milk base and you’ve got an enticing vegan, fair trade, organic and tasty option any time of day.

Ito En TEAS’ TEA Organic Cold Brew. Tea can be cold brewed, too! And we’re not talking sun tea. Ito En uses mizudashi, a traditional ice brewing technique that promises a smoother flavor than other brew methods. That’s exactly what it delivers, too: a clean, rich, flavorful and delightfully unsweetened RTD tea.

SOUND Sparkling Tea. Tea and bubbles, together at last. Sound presents clever flavor combinations like green tea with grapefruit and mint, or rose tisane with lime and cardamom, and makes them sparkle. The company boldly and proudly avoids sweeteners of any kind and delivers a crisp dry beverage unlike anything we’ve tried.

Village Cannery of Vermont Apple Cider Drinking Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, sippable only for some, is made gulp-able for all with the aid of apple juice (no refined sweeteners here) and unique flavors like lemon-mint and the especially tasty limeade-like lime-ginger. Village Cannery has found a tasty way to deliver a hearty two-tablespoon dose of vinegar per bottle.

Innovators are always serving up the next best way to eat sweet indulgences without the guilt. Allergen friendly, gluten free, paleo, and socially and environmentally clusters and crispy treats carve out the latest in hot products. It’s hard to find sugar-free decadence, but with superfoods, fair and direct trade relationships, organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications, purpose-driven brands overcome sugar’s shaky rapport with limited, alternative (coconut), or counter-balancing ingredients.

Natierra Organic Dark Chocolate Freeze-Dried Banana Slices. Thick-cut, freeze dried bananas with an airy, crisp texture and covered in chocolate provide a light and satiating sweet treat. Natierra also sources with soul, meaning they invest in community programs, use organic and fair trade ingredients, and tell the cultural story behind their products to the consumer. 

Biena Chocolate Covered Chickpeas. Biena, maker of roasted chickpea snacks, is launching a new line of sweet variations coated in milk and dark chocolate and salted caramel. While maintaining their fiber and protein punch and light snacking crunch, chocolate covered chickpeas help dial down the guilty sweet cravings. 

K’UL Golden Spice Dark Chocolate Bar with Turmeric. K’UL reminds us that chocolate, when done right, through artisanal practices from direct farm-to-bar sourcing, roasting and grinding in small batches, is one of the first superfoods. Fused with other functional ingredients like turmeric, ginseng, ginger and goldenberries, it’s a superfood for health and building communities.

Lotus Foods Organic Rice Delights. Lotus Foods’ mission to reduce water in a typically thirsty rice-growing industry brings More Crop Per Drop climate-smart practices to the sweet snack category. With a bevy of rice varieties and rice-based noodle products, plus three on-trend Rice Delight flavors–Chocolate Coconut, Lemon Ginger, Matcha Mint–Lotus Foods continues to bring its mission to various meal occasions.