The Natural List

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope Network, interviews Eric Rosenberg, business development manager at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, to discuss the company’s growing commitment to protein innovation and its efforts to elevate the dairy industry.Eric shares the story of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a Dutch company with over a century of expertise in dairy. Recently, the company expanded its footprint in the U.S. market through the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein. As a nutrition-focused company, FrieslandCampina Ingredients has been dedicated to maximizing the potential of dairy, particularly in the realm of high-quality ingredients. Eric explains, “We say that we like to get the most out of life, always. And we know dairy is a big part of that.”FrieslandCampina Ingredients is a global leader in the protein and prebiotics sectors, serving industries such as performance and active nutrition, medical nutrition, and early life nutrition. The company’s hallmark “grass-to-glass” supply chain ensures quality and transparency, which customers value deeply. Eric highlights, “When they work with our ingredients, they know they’re going to be getting consistency in how the products function as well as consistency in quality of the protein.”To learn more about FrieslandCampina Ingredients, visit their website.

Are you ready to celebrate 45 years of innovation, growth and impact in the natural products industry? The 45th anniversary of Natural Products Expo West is just around the corner, and with it comes one of the most anticipated events of the show: the State of Natural and Organic keynote. This hallmark session blends cutting-edge data, emerging trends and expert insights to explore the forces shaping our industry today and forecast their influence on the future. One our hosts are most excited about? The emergence of a “mix and match” lifestyle, where consumers are opting for both alternative and traditional care. This year’s keynote takes place on Wednesday, March 4, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM in the Marriott Marquis Ballroom. The programming features voices from across the industry, leading with data, trends, product innovation and more that will help forecast the future of the natural and organic products industry. Moderated by Adrienne Smith, the keynote will include a panel discussion with Seth Goldman, Pat Sheridan, Alyssa Vescio and Gary Hirshberg, offering diverse perspectives on the state of the industry today and their visions for the next five years. Additionally, Bill Geibler of Nutrition Business Journal, Kathryn Peterson of SPINS, and Nicolas McCoy of Whipstitch Capital will present the latest data and market analysis to guide the industry forward. With 45 years of history behind us and a future full of opportunity ahead, this year’s State of Natural keynote promises to be a must-attend event for anyone invested in the evolution of natural and organic products. Tune in to this week’s episode of The Natural List for a sneak peek at what’s in store in Anaheim and how this keynote will set the stage for the next chapter of our industry. Learn more about Expo West here! Thank you to our sponsors Lakanto, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, A Greener World, Advantage Solutions and Daabon.

This week on The Natural List Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most exciting new activations at Expo West: The Snack Lab! Hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith explore the latest evolutions in snacking, highlighting how this new pavilion brings to life many of the trends shaping the CPG space. Together, they discuss how the snacking category is transforming as consumers increasingly seek options that deliver more than just empty calories. Jessica shares her optimism for the future of the snack category, which is projected to grow 5-7%, and emphasizes how The Snack Lab helps attendees stay ahead of key trends. From “Snack-ros” (macros in snacks) and freeze-dried innovations to the rise of cleaner candy that combines indulgence with nostalgic simplicity, this activation is a must-see. Located on Level 3 of the ACC, The Snack Lab & Hot Products pavilion is a vibrant hub for discovering new exhibitors and brands redefining what snacking means in 2026. Tune in to the full episode for an exclusive preview of this exciting activation and the snack trends you’ll spot on the Expo West show floor! Learn more about Expo West here! Thank you to our sponsors Lakanto, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, A Greener World, Advantage Solutions and Daabon.

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope Network, sits down with Jeff Trippett, Vice President of Distribution Sales at Lakanto, to talk about their innovative sugar alternatives, commitment to sustainability and how they’re tackling America’s health crisis. Jeff shares the story of Lakanto’s beginnings in Japan, where monk fruit—a sweetener 260 to 300 times sweeter than sugar—was discovered. What makes monk fruit so unique is that it doesn’t impact glucose levels, making it a powerful tool for reducing sugar consumption without sacrificing taste. Lakanto’s mission is clear: help people cut down on sugar and make healthier choices easier. The conversation also highlights Lakanto’s investment in the southeastern China region where monk fruit is grown. Jeff explains how the company has supported the local community by improving infrastructure, adopting sustainable farming practices like reforesting and ensuring pesticide-free cultivation. These efforts reflect Lakanto’s commitment to doing business responsibly. Lakanto’s latest innovation, one-third sweeteners, combines monk fruit with cane, date and coconut sugars to reduce sugar usage while keeping the flavor people love. With products available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Publix and Whole Foods, Lakanto is making it simple for consumers to take steps toward healthier living. Learn more about Lakanto’s mission and products by visiting their website.

This week on The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino dive into one of the most anticipated episodes of the year: the Expo West trends special! Expo West is the premier event for the natural and organic products industry, where emerging innovations and transformative ideas take center stage. The trends that appear on the show floor influence the broader consumer packaged goods landscape for years to come. From the rise of regenerative organic certifications infiltrating everyday pantry staples to the growing sophistication of farmer-centric branding, this episode highlights the pivotal shifts redefining accessibility, scalability and storytelling in the industry, and offers a preview of what’s generating buzz ahead of Expo West.What ingredients, products and consumer shifts will take center stage this year? Jessica and Adrienne highlight the trends gaining momentum, the unexpected innovations making waves and the emerging categories redefining natural CPG. They also highlight what they’re most excited to see, from accessibly-priced ROC pantry staples and gut health innovations to clean beauty and the evolution of personalized wellness.Whether you’re attending the show or following along from afar, this episode is your sneak peek at what’s new in natural CPG. Tune in now and get ready for the biggest week in natural products—happy trendspotting!Learn more about Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.htmlThank you to our sponsors Lakanto, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, A Greener World, Advantage Solutions and Daabon.U.S. state of commerce TNL mention: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/barbara-thau-487a76b_experts-share-key-trends-impacting-business-activity-7421898759254528000-I-s2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACjesLIBtyABmBXa-bqFnAnQJ27TIdBa65o

In this episode of The Natural List, host Adrienne Smith interviews Pat Sheridan, CEO and president of the Independent Natural Retailers Association (INFRA). Our episode begins with Pat sharing his experience as a first-time judge at the NEXTY Awards, highlighting the collaborative and insightful discussions among industry experts evaluating innovative natural products, and continues into updates and news that will help members of the organization thrive. What is INFRA? The newly B-Corp certified Independent Natural Retailers Association is a purchasing cooperative of independent organic and natural food and wellness retailers serving hundreds of communities across the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Providing peer support, operational excellence and offering purchasing power to its members, which now includes 390 members and 650 storefronts, the organization collectively generates $3.3 billion in sales. INFRA's exclusive brand, The Good Collective, was newly launched to strengthen member stores and includes several product lines supported by new consumer marketing initiatives intended to drive awareness and support for member stores. Pat provides an update on INFRA's strategic focus on leveraging data to empower its members and creating business intelligence dashboards, enabling independent retailers to access insights typically available only to larger chains. These tools aim to help members optimize inventory, identify top-selling products and improve profitability. He also reflects on the resilience of independent natural retailers, noting that Infra stores have consistently outperformed the broader natural channel for 36 consecutive months. Looking ahead, he envisions continued growth and innovation for INFRA, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent retailers as the heart of the natural products industry. Listen now! Thank you to our sponsors Daabon, A Greener World, Advantage Solutions, Lakanto and FrieslandCampina Ingredients. In this episode: 0:00 - Thank you to our sponsors! 0:14 – Welcome to our guest, Pat Sheridan, CEO and president of INFRA 0:44 – Thank you to our sponsor, FrieslandCampina Ingredients. 1:07 – Thank you to our sponsor, A Greener World. 1:43 – Pat discusses his experience being a first time NEXTY Award judge. 4:02 – Pat’s favorite categories surprised him with flavor evolution and taste. 5:49 – INFRA’s journey to B-Corp certification 6:41 – INFRA’s growth and support network 7:52 – INFRA recently launched its own brand, The Good Collective, aimed at supporting INFRA stores. 8:51 – 2026 goals include consumer marketing for The Good Collective brand to drive consumers to INFRA stores. 9:25 – What kind of support do member stores get from INFRA? 10:27 – Thank you to our sponsor, Lakanto. 11:10 – Thank you to our sponsor, Advantage Solutions. 11:59 – Pat’s experience in data is informing INFRA’s new business intelligence dashboards, which are designed to serve member stores with insights and suggestions to increase profits. 14:18 – Where is INFRA heading in the next five years? 16:15 – INFRA stores have outperformed natural channel stores every four months over the last 36 months. 16:59 – Give Pat’s band a listen! The Mediocritones. 17:17 – Thank you to our sponsor, Daabon.

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope Network, sits down with Megan Mellquist, vice president of client services at Advantage Solutions, to explore the challenges and opportunities for emerging brands in the "better for you" retail space.The conversation delves into how brands can identify and address white space on shelves, demonstrate retail readiness and leverage digital buzz to drive in-store performance. Megan shares actionable insights on building differentiation, creating value for consumers, and using cost-effective strategies like sampling to boost early velocity and repeat purchases. With a focus on navigating retail and scaling effectively, this episode is a must-listen for founders looking to break through in the competitive natural and organic products market.In this 10-minute interview, Megan shares some of the key reasons emerging brands should consider partnering with Advantage Solutions. Their comprehensive support system that spans ideation, commercialization and retail execution ensures brands are prepared to scale effectively from pre-revenue to $100 million in sales. The brand's wide variety of tailored solutions help brands navigate challenges, differentiate themselves and achieve sustained growth in the competitive natural products retail landscape.Learn more about Advantage Solutions here.

In this week's episode of The Natural List, host Adrienne Smith is joined by Audarshia Townsend, the content director for Supply Side Food and Beverage Journal, to discuss the exciting process of judging the Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Awards. As a seasoned NEXTY judge, Audarshia shares her insights from her fourth year on the panel, highlighting the innovative products and trends emerging in the food, beverage, supplement and clean beauty industries. The NEXTY Awards are judged on the three "I's" that define a NEXTY winner: innovation, integrity and inspiration. Audarshia and Adrienne discuss what they've seen in the categories of functional beverages, plant-forward products and sustainable packaging, as well as the growing consumer demand for transparency in sourcing and labeling. They also touch on how key ingredients such as like magnesium, collagen and botanicals are shaping the future of wellness-forward products.This week's dynamic discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous judging process and the exciting trends poised to impact our industry. Audarshia shares what she's personally looking forward to seeing more of, like fermented foods, K Beauty and sexual health products. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of health and wellness.To hear more about the standout products and trends, and to catch the full conversation, be sure to listen to or watch this episode of The Natural List.Winners of the 2026 NEXTY Awards will be announced at Natural Products Expo West at 6-7:45 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in the Marquis Ballroom at the Marriott. If you can't attend in person, the NEXTY Award Ceremony and Celebration will be livestreamed and recorded.Thank you to our sponsors Daabon, A Greener World, Advantage Solutions, Lakanto and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.In this episode:· 0:00 - Thank you to our sponsors!· 0:19 - Welcome to our guest, Audarshia Townsend, content director of SupplySide Food and Beverage Journal· 0:48 - Recap of NEXTY finalist judging so far· 1:44 – Thank you to our sponsor, FrieslandCampina Ingredients· 2:08 – Thank you to our sponsor, A Greener World· 3:29 - Predictions for the supplement category judging· 3:55 – We’re excited about all of the women’s health ingredients and products· 6:02 – Having judges from various parts of the industry leads to interesting discussions and better outcomes· 7:09 – Sustainable packaging and values are a priority for natural retailers, consumers· 8:05 – Thank you to our sponsor, Lakanto· 8:47 – What changes have you seen over the last 4 years of NEXTY Judging? Transparency, clean labels and storytelling on packaging· 10:56 – What’s next for the beverage category?· 12:15 – So much changing with alternative sweeteners, going back to basics· 13:00 – Global flavors are still strong, Indian flavors across categories· 13:50 – Korean flavors and influence are strong, including K Beauty· 14:28 – Audarshia’s outlook on what’s next: Sexual wellness, gut health and pro-, post- and prebiotics· 16:48 – Thank you to our sponsor, Daabon· 17:11 – Thank you to our sponsor, Advantage Solutions Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope Network, sits down with Alex Davila Gallup, sales representative at Daabon USA, hear their how—how they got started, how they're innovating and how they differentiate themselves in the marketplace.In this 10-minute interview, Alex shares the inspiring story of Daabon USA, a family-owned, fourth-generation business that has been a pioneer in organic and sustainable agriculture since 1914. From achieving the world’s first ROC Gold Level Certification to launching carbon-neutral palm oil, Daabon’s values of respect, responsibility and passion shine through in every aspect of their operations. You’ll also learn about their innovative AMPO (American Palm Oil), a non-GMO hybrid oil that offers superior stability, sustainability and health benefits compared to seed oils and standard palm oil.It's clear that Daabon’s impact goes beyond sustainability. Alex highlights the company’s dedication to empowering women in their communities through job creation, entrepreneurial workshops and income diversification initiatives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about conscious business practices and the future of natural products.Learn more about Daabon USA by visiting their website.In this episode0:26 - Welcome to our guest, Alex Davila!0:39 - Tell us more about how Daabon got started and a little background on the company.2:05 - Can you speak more about Daabon's value system, including its sustainable initiatives?3:15 - Daabon was the first palm oil company in the world to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) gold-level certification.4:44 - Daabon is 100% vertically integrated from farming to final marketplace.9:58 - What is AMPO (American palm oil) and what are some of its key benefits over standard palm oil?6:48 - Daabon is a strategic partner of the seed-oil-free alliance. What are the benefits of AMPO over seed oils?8:01 - Tell us more about elevating women in Daabon's workforce.8:32 - The key to female empowerment is diversification of family income, so Daabon prioritizes various opportunities for women to be involved in the business.

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith dive into the latest trends and developments shaping the wellness and natural products industry as 2026 kicks off. Their first big announcement? The podcast is seeking a temporary co-host while Jessica heads out on maternity leave at the end of next month! DM us on Instagram or LinkedIn if you’re interested. The duo then discusses recent acquisitions, including Good Culture and Vitacost, exploring how the post-Ozempic economy is driving investor interest in food tech and GLP-1 adjacent categories. On a similar note, the Oura Ring and Fullscript partnership underscores the growing emphasis on holistic wellness, personalized health data and the integration of these practices into traditional healthcare systems. Our hosts pose the question: Is “Dry January” still happening? With consumers drinking less overall, functional beverages are on the rise. These drinks not only avoid alcohol but also deliver added health benefits, reflecting a broader shift toward more mindful consumption habits. Finally, the hosts examine the updated food pyramid, highlighting shifts in key categories like alcohol recommendations, protein, fats and carbs. They also discuss the broader implications for nutrition, food policy and the environment. Dr. Jessica Knurick, keynote speaker at Expo West, will delve into these topics and more in her talk, “The Future of Food,” sparking excitement about the evolving role of food policy and nutrition in our society. Thank you to our sponsors, Daabon, Lakanto, A Greener World, FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Advantage Solutions.

Innovation is at the heart of the natural products industry, and in this episode of The Natural List, we explore what it means to truly innovate in the CPG space. Hosts Jessica Rubino and guest Jenna Fitch discuss what innovation means to them, new events at the 45th anniversary of Natural Products Expo West and the keynote speakers for Day 1 of the show. New to Expo West on March 3 is the CPG Innovation Summit, a space designed to connect brands of all sizes and foster collaboration. Keynote speakers Jason Buechel, Whole Foods Market CEO, and Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist and food advocate, will share their perspectives on the future of food and retail. Workshops during the day will dive into topics like AI in marketing, the evolving retail landscape and how brands can adapt to meet consumer demands while scaling their products to reach more people. Getting your brand in front of the right people is central to Expo West's mission, so we're bringing back Pitch Slam: Stories Rooted in Innovation and a brand new event, The Deal Room, an investment-focused pitch brought to you by Nutrition Capital Network. Programming throughout the week will cover sustainable business practices, organic systems, wellness policy and more, ensuring attendees leave with actionable strategies to drive change in the industry. This episode is packed with insights to help you listen, learn and adapt your strategies for the future. Learn more and register for Expo West 2026. This episode is sponsored by Advantage Solutions, Lakanto, Daabon, FrieslandCampina, and A Greener World.

In this episode of The Natural List, host Adrienne Smith is joined by Meredith Kaufman to explore the most exciting trends and surprises from this year’s NEXTY judging. The “Meat and Dairy” category saw the highest number of submissions ever; the judges were thrilled to see integrity-driven products that are as delicious as they are innovative. One of the biggest surprises? The “Meat alternative” category is dwindling, while the “Dairy alternative” category continues to boom. Values-based categories, like “Planet-forward” and “People-forward” products, are stronger than ever, with regenerative organic and biodynamic certifications leading the charge. Meredith shares her excitement about the growth of these categories, which now span everything from sweet and salty snacks to oils and more. This year, a new NEXTY category—Product design and storytelling—celebrates brands that excel in creating visually appealing packaging while telling compelling stories. Adrienne and Meredith discuss their excitement about the traction this category is gaining in its first year, as the Natural Products Industry has always had a strong connection to beautiful, informative packaging. Looking ahead, the NEXTY Finalist judging panel in January will bring together the largest and most diverse group of industry experts ever, including investors, branding professionals, academics and founders of acquired brands. Tune in to hear all the insights and surprises from this year’s first round of NEXTY judging and learn what’s next for the natural products industry. This episode is sponsored by Advantage Solutions, A Greener World, Daabon, Lakanto, and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

From food and beverage innovations to what’s new and noteworthy in supplements and personal care, this week’s episode of The Natural List is revisiting one of our FAVORITE episodes from the last year... where our hosts discuss the New Hope Network 2026 trend predictions! This week's episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. Learn more here: https://prlabs.com/ Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith walk through the 10 trends predicted to make waves in the CPG and natural products industry in the coming year. Now is the time to start thinking about your 2026 planning, and these trends aren't just predictions—they're grounded in real data from Nutrition Business Journal, hands-on observations from major industry events like Expo West and Newtopia Now and comprehensive market intelligence gathered by our New Hope Network team to help brands stay ahead of the curve. According to New Hope Network's Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ), the industry’s size has more than tripled since 2007, reaching an impressive $325 billion in 2024—with projections to hit $343 billion this year. And with so many entries into the market, one thing is clear: The most successful brands can differentiate their offerings both on the shelf and behind the scenes through value propositions that go beyond pure profit to also support people and planet. Watch the full episode to learn what these top 10 natural products trend predictions are and see product examples that are already bringing them to life. In this episode: 1:10 - What’s new with this year’s trends 2:12 - The expertise behind these trend predictions 3:25 - Macro forces driving our industry inform these trends: Relationships and systems-based approaches to business models doing good 4:42 - Trend #1 Broth reimagined: Functional, delicious and oh so easy to enjoy 6:55 – Trend #2 Frozen dairy bonanza, emphasis on the dairy 8:22 – Trend #3 Condiment mania: A great way to try different flavors and get hooked 12: 16 – Trend #4 Multifunctional beverages bundle many benefits within a single bottle 13:44 – Trend #5 Nutrient-dense convenience: Bars are the OG, but innovation is happening from freezer to savory smoothies. 15:39 – Trend #6 Harnessing hormones: Products are innovating to manage hormones in new ways. Social media trends are raising awareness 17:51 – Trend #7 Primal products: Tallow renaissance, massive growth in animal-based products and consumers choosing responsible meats more often 20:32 – Trend #8 Fantastical wellness leaves space for fun and feeling good in their branding and consumer 22:30 – Trend #9 Clean beauty broadens reach, narrows focus to the unique needs of consumers 25:11 – Trend #10 Home sweet homemade products bring artisanal production techniques in convenient packaging 26:51 – Did we leave out a trend you loved? Let us know! Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube.

The beverage category is always.... bubbling... with innovation! This week, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes of The Natural List Podcast, which covers top healthy beverage trends and products of 2025. This episode was originally published on February 24th, 2025. Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a flavorful journey through some of the most exciting ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the natural products space. From functional sodas and sparkling waters to exotic mocktails and tea-wine blends, they sample a mélane of beverages, driving the future. Tasting products from 2025's NEXTY Awards finalists, Jessica and Adrienne spotlight drinks that push the boundaries of flavor, function and sustainability. They dive into intriguing flavors, organic certifications and the rise of multifunctional beverages promising more than just refreshment. Sip along as Jessica and Adrienne taste-test their way through some of the most buzzworthy beverages in natural CPG—tune in now to see which drinks made a lasting impression! This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. Learn more here: https://prlabs.com/ In this episode: 1:15 – RTD beverages galore: mocktails, flavored waters, alternative colas and functional drinks. 4:20 – Fresh Fizz Sodas: Sample jalapeño limeade and date cola—spicy, subtle, and naturally sweet. 7:45 – A fermented flavor explosion: Cherry vanilla craft soda from NIRA. 10:45 – Hydrogen-infused hydration: oHy’s sparkling water claims calm confidence—does it deliver? 11:45 – Sparkling energy with a twist: heywell blends energy and hydration in a citrusy sip. 13:45 – Beautiful and bubbly: AMABIE’s Energy blends yuzu and honey with gorgeous packaging. 15:10 – Yerba mate innovation: Guayaki’s Cherry Jubilation brings nostalgic vibes with a functional flair. 17:10 – Afterglow in a can: Free AF’s Whisk#y Ginger—can an NA drink match the real thing? 18:30 – Wine and tea’s meet-cute: Enter Tethos’ Sauvignon Blanc tea. 20:25 – A tropical escape made RTD: Mocktail Club’s Bali Breeze take you to the beach. 21:45 – An adaptogenic adventure: FANKEE’S Italian Sparkling Beverage, where mango meets mushrooms. 23:35 – Meet ultra-hydration favorite: WTRMLN ADE!

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome Erika Craft to discuss the latest NBJ Supplement Industry Market Update and Economic Outlook Report. They explore how this new report complements the Supplement Business Report, offering valuable insights for businesses to use either in tandem or independently. A key feature of the report is its inclusion of three forecasting scenarios—baseline, light economic pullback, and dramatic economic pullback—providing a comprehensive view of potential industry outcomes through 2028. The conversation delves into the factors influencing these projections, particularly the overall economy's impact on consumer purchasing behavior. Despite economic challenges, consumers continue to prioritize supplements for their health, even amid price hikes. The report also notes that the current economic climate is unlikely to mirror the drastic pullbacks seen in 2022. Erika emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer segments—general versus premium supplement users—and tailoring strategies accordingly.  Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with actionable data and expert perspectives. Tune in now to learn how the NBJ report can help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving supplement industry! 

In the latest episode of The Natural List podcast, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a journey through the key trends and developments that shaped the natural products industry in 2025.  From the resilience required to navigate tariffs to the mainstreaming of natural products through initiatives like Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), this episode dives deep into the forces driving growth and innovation. Jessica and Adrienne explore the top categories driving growth, which products saw investment this year and the categories that are projected to keep growing in 2026 and beyond.  Tune in for insights into how innovative distribution and retail models are empowering early-stage companies, the impact of GLP-1s our industry and the transformative role of AI in marketing, branding and compliance. While AI continues to make waves, a key focus of the conversation is around how brands and retailers can use it to deepen the in-person connections that make our industry so great. And of course, we can’t forget, protein and fiber were huge this year. What will the “big” macro be in 2026? Whether you're an industry insider or a curious consumer, this episode offers a compelling look at the trends that shaped the past year of health and wellness and how they’ll influence the future. 

This week’s episode of The Natural List Podcast offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Meeting in San Francisco and dives into one of the most exciting trends shaping the health and wellness industry: Health span.  Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by NCN Investment Business Development Manager Jennifer Pfeifer to explore how NCN fosters meaningful connections between brands and investors, while also unpacking the generational drivers behind the health span trend. Listeners will gain insights into the mentorship and community-building that NCN provides, as well as the innovative brands and products that are capturing investor attention. Functional beverages, supplements and health span innovations are at the forefront of investor interest, with a focus on partnerships built on collaboration that go beyond just financial backing. The emphasis on partnership—where investors contribute both expertise and funding—is key to NCN’s success. Our hosts and guest also explore the health span conversation, sharing insights into how different generations are engaging with health span and the unique opportunities that creates for brands to meet evolving consumer needs.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website. https://prlabs.com/  Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.  

Get ready to feel inspired! This episode of The Natural List celebrates mission-driven brands that truly give back. With so many incredible CPG companies making a difference, choosing just a handful to spotlight was no easy feat. Jessica and Adrienne welcome special guest Meredith Kaufman, editor at New Hope Network, for an engaging conversation about brands that embody gratitude 365 days a year. Together, they explore Meredith's curated gallery of standout companies: Those with mission woven into their DNA, brands committed to charitable giving and everything in between. What does it really mean to be "mission-driven" in today's marketplace? While our industry naturally gravitates toward creating healthier products for people and planet, there's a beautiful spectrum of ways to build purpose into your business model. Tune in to discover how these brands are redefining what it means to do well by doing good. 

This episode of The Natural List podcast, with co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith, explores what's been happening in the CPG industry lately. The conversation kicks off by discussing the rise in traditional brands embracing cleaner formulations, highlighting how "clean beauty" trends are reaching into conventional retail channels. The duo then shifts focus to Thanksgiving favorites, featuring insights from Meredith Kaufman's latest gallery on seasonal must-haves, including a sweet potato and chickpea stuffing, innovative uses for tallow in holiday cooking, and a pumpkin pie filling that's making that homemade taste easier than ever. They then cover the major restructuring happening at Justin's, where founder Justin Gold is taking a more prominent leadership role while Hormel transitions to minority shareholder status. Jessica and Adrienne analyze what this strategic shift means for the brand and how it might influence their future innovation strategies.Watch until the end of the episode where the hosts also preview the upcoming CPG Innovation Summit, a brand new event coming to Expo West 2026. They discuss how different perspectives are shaping what innovation means in the natural products industry, highlighting the importance and timeliness of an event like this.Whether you're tracking investment trends, exploring brand positioning strategies, or seeking inspiration for product development, this episode has something for you. Listen toThe Natural List to stay up to date on what's driving today's natural products market. Add the show to your weekly rotation, because upcoming The Natural List episodes will feature more details on keynote speakers, Expo West updates and additional CPG Innovation Summit announcements coming soon. This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.

The natural products industry is all interconnected. In fact, trends that start in the supplement industry often make their way into other areas of the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and join co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they welcome guest Bill Giebler, content and insights director of Nutrition Business Journal, for an exciting recap of SupplySide Global 2025. Jessica and Bill attended the event, which took place from October 27–30, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fresh from the trade show floor, Jessica and Bill share their firsthand insights into the most compelling trends shaping the natural products industry, including the rising prominence of the ingredient Shatavari and how brands are innovating to capture the attention of health-conscious Gen Z consumers. The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of healthy aging, exploring how the industry is reframing conversations around longevity and wellness to resonate with different demographics. The hosts also discuss the newly released theme of the 2025 NBJ Summit that encompasses industry experiences.  Whether you're an industry professional or simply passionate about natural health trends, this episode delivers valuable insights straight from one of the industry's most important gatherings.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website.