The question I encounter most while wandering the halls of Natural Product Expo West is “What trends are you seeing?” After making a conscious effort to not state the obvious (Read: protein, protein and even more protein possibly with a side of fiber), some bigger and more interesting themes begin to come to light. We know you haven’t had enough, so here’s just a sample of our notes from the second full day of the show. Global Flavor Fusion: Meal brands crossing into new territory seems to be trending ahead of this year’s show as consumers demand more interesting flavors in convenient formats. That pushed Saffron Road to introduce a new global fusion frozen food line known as Cross Roads. With bold branding and equally exciting flavor combinations the extension follows a trend we’ve been watching among other category leaders. Check out all of the details with Insider access Rice Krispie treat revival: Two brands exhibited better-for-you takes on Rice Krispies Treats with B.T.R. Nation moving beyond snack bars, protein bars and chocolates with the introduction of Superfood Crispy Treats. Elsewhere on the floor, regenerative food company Lil Bucks also launched its own better-for-you spin on the nostalgic treat – Bucks Crispy Treats – in three flavors. Read more with Insider access Tangy, Tart and Fermented Flavors: Exhibiting companies leaned into puckery profiles and fermented twists across a number of categories at this year’s show. From GoodPop’s new line of candy-coated fruit pops and Joolies’ Date Sours, to the perennially popular pickle flavor popped up in a range of applications there was no shortage of tart treats for the taking. Read the full breakdown with Insider access Prebiotic Chocolate Positioning: Vine to Bar has repositioned its original chocolate products to promote its gut health-friendly claims, including updated packaging that have resulted in major retail gains over the past year. Though the formulations have remained the same since its 2021 launch, additional research taught the company that it could make gut health claims due to the “real food prebiotics” naturally found in its patented WellVine ingredient. Get all of the details with Insider access Also, some really rough news: Expo West seemed a lot less important yesterday with the word that Ibraheem Basir, the founder and CEO of meal and sides brand A Dozen Cousins, passed away suddenly. Ibraheem had a very special impact on the CPG and natural products industry as a co-founder of Project Potluck, which works to empower People of Color within business. A father, husband, friend and mentor, he inspired many and is already dearly missed. Stay tuned for additional news, insights, trends and hot takes from the show throughout the next few weeks on Nosh. | 
