Natural Foods Expo West — The Burning Man of Trade Shows

When my co-founder and I entered Natural Products Expo West, we didn't realize that we were in for the ULTIMATE culinary adventure. Here foodies unite in a vibrant trade show reminiscent of a festival like Burning Man! Picture this: a food wonderland bursting with flavors, creativity, and enough organic goodness to make your taste buds dance. It's like stepping into a parallel universe where kale reigns supreme, and quinoa is currency. Join me on a journey through this culinary oasis as we uncover the parallels between Expo West and the legendary Burning Man festival. Spoiler alert: there was food, art, and mushrooms — lots of mushrooms.

Food Everywhere:

If you've ever dreamed of a place where you can eat your way through an entire convention center, Expo West is your promised land. Imagine rows upon rows of booths brimming with delectable treats, from exotic superfoods to guilt-free snacks that taste like sin. It's like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but with kale chips instead of everlasting gobstoppers. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just here for the free samples, Expo West promises a culinary adventure like no other.

For instance check out Salsa Dan below. His journey began 23 years ago when he started crafting homemade salsa, and since then, he has transformed his passion into a thriving business. Establishing a commercial kitchen as their company headquarters, Daniel now distributes his delectable salsas across Utah, available at popular outlets like Harmons, Whole Foods, Maceys, and more. In recognition of his exceptional flavors, Daniel proudly claimed the Taste of Utah award in 2021 and earned a coveted spot in City Weekly's Best Of in 2018.

And see below for Mixhers, founded by Jess Toolson. These hormone-friendly supplements go beyond being just delicious products; they represent a lifestyle choice that provides support to women throughout every stage of life. With their contemporary Barbiecore aesthetic, they utilize the vibrant power of pink to stand out amidst the sea of natural and organic products. Their sleek packaging simplifies the shopping experience, catering to specific consumer needs such as PMS, pre and post-natal care, libido, or hormone support. Without a doubt, this is a brand worth keeping an eye on!

MasPanadas really brought the flavor this year! Colombia native Margarita Womack's determination defies doubters as she leads Latin Goodness Foods, a venture initially met with skepticism but now thriving in the market. Despite initial reservations from peers and professionals alike, Womack's vision has propelled her frozen empanadas into over 3,500 stores nationwide and onto QVC, boasting $3 million in revenue last year. With a focus on flavor innovation and cultural representation, Womack's company is reshaping the narrative for Hispanic women in the business world, providing opportunities for empowerment and growth within her 60-person team, predominantly composed of fellow Latina immigrant moms.

Unique Exhibits:

Forget boring booths and bland displays — Expo West is all about the wow factor. Picture this: a booth that is actually a circular bar where attendees can come, have a seat and enjoy a fresh natural beverage. From quirky to downright jaw-dropping, the exhibits at Expo West will leave you speechless (and hungry for more).

For instance, here's one where the founder Anish Sheth dressed for the dream job- pajamas & bathrobe! Best Behavior boldly challenges the notion that convenience must sacrifice culinary excellence. Its sophisticated packaging, featuring jaw dropping visuals, intricate flavor combinations, and a playful-yet-seductive brand narrative (hinted by a neon sign asking, 'Let's spoon'), transforms each bowl into an unforgettable experience. And let's not forget the irresistible word search on the back of the box! With such innovation and charm, this new brand is poised for great success.

Booths or Camps?:

At Expo West, booths aren't just booths — they're culinary camps where food enthusiasts gather to indulge in their favorite treats. It's like a foodie version of summer camp, complete with s'mores and sing-alongs (okay, maybe not the sing-alongs, but you get the idea). Whether you're lounging in a bean bag chair or sampling artisanal vegan cheeses, each booth offers a unique experience that's as delicious as it is unforgettable.

Art:

Art is everywhere at Expo West, from larger-than-life food sculptures to interactive installations that'll make you question the very nature of reality (or at least, the nature of your lunch). Whether you're a foodie or an art aficionado, Expo West offers a feast for the senses that'll leave you inspired and hungry for more.

Recruitment for a Cause:

At Expo West, it's not just about the food — it's about making a difference. From promoting sustainable farming practices to advocating for food justice, exhibitors are passionate about causes that go beyond the plate. It's like joining a food revolution, where every bite has the power to change the world (or at least, your perspective on it).

Reminiscent of the burning man sign "I have dust in curious places" I was thinking I would totally see a sign that says "I have crumbs in curious places." Well, I saw nothing like this but I did run into this sign that says the following:

Mushrooms and Art Cars:

Last but not least, Expo West shocked us with the amount of mushrooms and art cars. Whether you're a fungi fanatic or just curious about the latest culinary craze, Expo West has you covered with a variety of mushroom-inspired delights. From mushroom-infused chocolates to mushroom-based adaptogenic drinks that'll blow your mind (and your taste buds), there's no shortage of fungi-fueled fun at Expo West.

Sean McDonald and his team truly demonstrated their expertise with this innovative creation: harnessing the power of mushrooms in a range of exciting new formats! Introducing a lineup of mushroom-infused sparkling beverages, blended with adaptogens and nootropics to provide a healthier energy boost or aid in stress relief. And the best part? They taste refreshingly delicious!

Are you tripping yet about the similarities between Expo West and Burning man? Because if not, check out the booth below! Founded by Joey Cannata and Shawn Biega- this brand did NOT miss the memo. A smarter soda has entered the chat with its CBD-infused sparkling water, featuring enticing flavors like Cherry, Coconut Pineapple, Lemon Lime, and Tangerine, retailing at $4.99 per unit. Looking ahead, Cannata envisions Daytrip expanding beyond sparkling water to encompass an array of cannabis-based products, including gummies, chocolates, and kombucha.

And let's not forget about the art cars — because what's a festival without a few whimsical vehicles parked with product branding?

The (not) Porta Potties

Even the bathrooms at Expo West didn't escape the immersive experience, as they were adorned with engaging messaging that echoed the messages of the brands that were at the show. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the expo floor, attendees found themselves greeted by thought-provoking quotes & branding.

In conclusion, Natural Foods Expo West this year was more than just a trade show — it was a culinary adventure of epic proportions. From the abundance of food to the jaw-dropping exhibits and art installations, Expo West gave us a feast for the senses that's as delicious as it is unforgettable!