Years ago, I raved over small-batch cardamom ice cream at a little shop in Harvard Square, so I was thrilled to taste Three Twin's Dad's Cardamom organic ice cream at Expo. All Three Twins ice creams (try the Strawberry Je Ne Sais Quoi, too!) are made in northern California with organic milk sourced from family farms within a dozen miles of manufacturing. They also have a Ice Cream For Acres program: proceeds from each pint sold preserve “at least 6 square feet of land.” Pretty cool.
The Brooklyn Salsa Company
Like Three Twins, The Brooklyn Salsa Company is taking the local concept big by sourcing regional and organic ingredients within a certain mileage of their manufacturing facilities. On top of capturing the freshness of local ingredients, the outstanding flavors in these salsas have global appeal, inspired by ethnic ingredients and flavors found throughout the boroughs of NYC. Truly unique—and delicious.
One Degree Organic bread
It’s easy to know and trust the farmer who grows the arugula you buy at a farmer’s market, but how do you replicate that trust in a packaged, multi-ingredient food product? One Degree Organic works directly with just under a dozen farmers/producers to source their ingredients and then shares that information with shoppers via QR codes on their packaging. What's more, One Degree Organic farmers adhere to “Veganic” organic methods, in which no animal inputs are used. Made with sprouted grains and legumes, it makes the perfect organic PB&J sandwich bread.
Farmhouse Culture krauts
Fermented foods are super healthy and have gained a big boost in popularity from the farm-to-table and urban homesteading crowds lately. Farmhouse Culture krauts don't disappoint: Their crisp, tangy vegetables burst with flavors like Apple Fennel, Horseradish Leek, and Smoked Jalapeño. Serve with brats or veggie burgers for a fabulous cookout meal.
Hope Hummus
What's not to love about the creativity and youthful enthusiasm for natural foods spread by Hope Hummus? Started by a former Whole Foods cashier, Hope Hummus makes tasty variations like Spicy Avocado, and Sweet Potato, in addition to their great version of the classic mediterranean dip. I highly recommend the avocado.
Earthbound Farm organic frozen fruits and vegetables
An exciting first foray into the frozen aisle for major organic produce company Earthbound Farm. Offerings include frozen organic strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, mixed berries, broccoli, butternut squash, green beans, roasted potatoes, sugar snap peas, spinach, corn, green peas, and mixed veggies. The sturdy, colorful packages include reseal zip top to ensure freshness. Plus, none of the produce comes from China.
Mamma Chia fruit drinks
OK, so not everybody loves a "chewy" drink. I was pretty skeptical myself before (while sweltering in the Fresh Ideas Marketplace tent) I tried a shot of Mamma Chia organic fruit drink with chia seeds. The Blackberry Hibiscus was surprisingly refreshing; plus it contains 2,500 mg ALA omega-3s per serving, plus fiber and calcium. And one bottle has less than half the natural sugar of typical fruit drinks.
Melt organic buttery spread
Mmmmmm ... coconut. As good, if not better, than straight butter these new gluten-free, soy-free, certified organic spreads are decadent and filled with healthier fatty acids from coconut, flax, canola, palm fruit, and sunflower oils. Including just a smidge of real butter for flavor, Melt spreads truly satisfy compared with other nondairy spreads.
Organic Valley Grassmilk
Proponents of "grass-fed" say that nourishing cows on their natural diet of grass not only results in healthier animals but higher quality dairy and meat. Organic Valley’s Grassmilk line claims to be the only “100% grass-fed milk” which increases omega-3 and CLA content of the milk.
ProBar Double Chocolate
ProBar's clean, wholesome ingredient list and vegan status has gained it popularity among healthy eaters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Four new flavors in their meal replacement line blend classic ProBar ingredients with rich new flavors like Double Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Superfruit Slam. Or try their new gluten-free Fruition Chocolate Orange snack bar.
What's hot in organic and sustainable foods? Big ideals meet big flavors in these top 10 products, from chia drinks to salsa, sampled at Natural Products Expo West 2012.
