Expo West 2026: Innovation, Inspiration, and A Whole Lot of Snacks
Each year, the natural products community gathers in Anaheim for one of the most exciting events in the industry: Expo West. With thousands of brands, founders, retailers, and innovators under one roof, it’s an incredible opportunity to explore what’s next in food, wellness, and better-for-you products.
This year, Dr. Amanda and Dr. Jackie had the chance to walk the show floor, reconnect with friends in the industry, discover inspiring new products, and see firsthand where the natural products world is heading.
And let’s just say… Expo West did not disappoint.
A Breath of Fresh Air with Gaia Herbs
In the midst of endless gummies and snack samples, Gaia Herbs created a booth experience that truly stood out. They brought a piece of their farm to Anaheim, creating a calming, nature-inspired space that felt almost like a mini forest retreat in the middle of the expo hall.
For two naturopaths navigating a massive convention center, it felt like the nature bath we didn’t know we needed.
Fiber, Ferments, and Gut Health Favorites
Gut health was everywhere this year — something we’re always excited to see.
Supergut caught our attention with their focus on high-fiber products designed to support metabolic and digestive health. As naturopathic doctors, we’re always reminding people how important fiber is for keeping the digestive system moving.
As we like to say… healthy digestion matters.
We were also excited to see Bubbies, known for their fermented foods, offering bite-sized options that make it easy to enjoy probiotics on the go.
Between fiber and ferments, gut health definitely had its moment at Expo West.
Booth Experiences That Brought the Fun
Expo West isn’t just about products — it’s also about creativity and experience.
Several brands created interactive booths that were impossible to walk past without stopping.
Highlights included:
• Clif with an energetic, interactive activation
• Grüns bringing playful engagement to the show floor
• Tropicana creating a vibrant brand experience
• MaryRuth’s with their always colorful, lively presence
These booths reminded us that great brands don’t just sell products — they create moments.
Big Brands + Big Energy
We also loved seeing how some larger brands continue to evolve in the better-for-you space.
Chobani, for example, showcased partnerships with athletics and performance, highlighting how natural foods continue to intersect with health, sports, and lifestyle.
And visually speaking, one trend was impossible to miss: giant fruit everywhere.
Brands like Bloom leaned into oversized cherries and fruit icons that made their booths feel playful, bold, and instantly recognizable across the crowded show floor.
Personal Care That’s Better for You (and the Planet)
Expo West isn’t just about food — the natural personal care category continues to grow rapidly.
We were excited to see mission-driven brands creating products that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility, including:
• Who Gives a Crap
• Flex
• Alaffia
• Dr. Tung’s
• The Honey Pot Company
It’s inspiring to see more companies building products that align with values around sustainability, ingredient transparency, and social impact.
Pure Fun on the Show Floor
Some booths were simply impossible to walk past without smiling.
Goodles brought the energy with a full experience that included:
• an adult ball pit
• conveyor belt product sampling
• charm bracelet making
It was playful, unexpected, and honestly one of the most memorable stops of the show.
And Of Course… We Found the Veggies
While Expo West is filled with snacks, sweets, and beverages, naturopaths always find their way back to vegetables.
We were happy to see Veggies Made Great continuing to make veggie-forward foods accessible and convenient — something we’re always excited to support.
What We Took Away from Expo West
Walking the Expo West floor always leaves us feeling energized by the creativity and passion in the natural products industry.
From gut health innovations to sustainable personal care, interactive brand experiences to nutrient-dense foods, one thing is clear: the future of wellness products is thoughtful, mission-driven, and constantly evolving.
For us at EllyPop, it’s always inspiring to connect with other brands and founders who are working to create products that support health, families, and communities.
We left Anaheim feeling grateful for the people we met, the ideas we discovered, and the growing movement toward better products for both people and the planet.
And of course… we’re already looking forward to next year.
