This year's Expo West (2025) brought nearly 70,000 attendees, and we had a blast meeting new brands, retailers, and others in the space! With 3,200 exhibitors in Anaheim, the event showcased the latest innovations in food, drinks, wellness, and pet care. From functional ingredients to sustainable solutions, here’s a snapshot of the biggest trends shaping the future:
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Food Trends
- Plant-Based & Animal-Based Balance: Improved plant-based meats (e.g., Meati’s mushroom-based) gained traction, while nutrient-dense dairy (kefir, A2 milk) and animal-based foods made a comeback for their functional benefits.
- Protein Everywhere: High-protein foods were a major theme, appearing in snacks, shakes, and meals, catering to fitness and satiety-conscious consumers.
- Food as Medicine: Functional ingredients like adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms infused everyday foods, supporting holistic wellness.
- Global Flavors: Authentic international foods, from kimbap to West African sauces, brought cultural heritage into natural product innovation.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Upcycled ingredients and regenerative agriculture gained attention, reinforcing eco-conscious production.
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Beverage Trends
- Functional Beverages: Adaptogenic drinks with stress-relieving herbs, nootropics, and prebiotics offered wellness benefits.
- Hydration & Electrolytes: Clean-ingredient electrolyte powders and enhanced hydration drinks expanded beyond sports nutrition.
- Low/No-Alcohol Drinks: Alcohol-free beers, wines, and mixers mimicked traditional cocktails, catering to mindful drinkers.
- Gut-Health Drinks: Probiotic-rich kombucha and prebiotic sodas surged in popularity, reflecting digestive wellness trends.
- Less Sugar, Natural Sweeteners: Fruit-based and botanical sweeteners replaced artificial options for better-tasting, healthier beverages.
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Health & Wellness Trends
- Longevity & Aging Well: Supplements targeting cellular health, collagen, and metabolism promoted proactive aging solutions.
- Personalized Nutrition: Custom supplements for women’s health, metabolism, and hormonal balance gained traction.
- Metabolic Health & Weight Support: High-protein, low-carb products and GLP-1-friendly nutrition addressed weight management.
- Holistic Wellness: Adaptogens, probiotics, and nootropics for immunity, gut health, and mental clarity became staples.
Pet Care Trends
- Human-Grade Pet Nutrition: Natural, minimally processed pet foods emphasized clean labels and high-quality ingredients.
- Functional Treats: Chews and treats now offer health benefits, from dental care to stress relief.
- Sustainable Pet Products: Upcycled ingredients and eco-friendly packaging aligned pet care with sustainability efforts.
Expo West 2025 was an exciting showcase of innovation! Brands aren’t just keeping up with trends—they’re redefining the future of food, wellness, and sustainability. With every breakthrough product and mindful choice, the industry is proving that the future isn’t just natural—it’s purposeful, powerful, and here to stay.