The Natural List

A New Hope Network podcast covering hot products, emerging trends and expert insights driving the future of CPG! Seaweed burgers and meatless meats. Mushroom elixirs and adaptogenic mocktails. Plastic-free packaging and waterless shampoos. The nearly $300 billion-dollar natural products industry is swimming in innovation. But which products and trends have staying power? During this podcast, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith share the latest industry news and the most compelling and (sometimes off the wall) innovations that are primed to transform the CPG industry and support a global shift toward healthier, more sustainable living.

Seed oils, tariffs and sports nutrition trends reshaping the CPG industry

The latest episode of The Natural List tackles the natural products industry's hottest topics with co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino. As Adrienne prepares to attend One Step Closer's Ripple Fest 2025, the duo dives into who really bears the burden of rising tariffs—brands, consumers, retailers or some combination–a pressing question Jessica will explore further in the upcoming SupplySide Global 2025 session, “Leading through disruption: C-suite strategies for growth, compliance and consumer trust.”The duo discusses seed oils, dissecting the controversy that's reshaping product marketing and packaging. From "seed oil-free" logos on products that never contained them to innovative approaches like "extra virgin sunflower oil" that promote a better version, the hosts offer clarity amid the confusion, referencing Doug Brown's article on the topic, "The seed oil debate: Separating fact from fiction."The episode concludes with game-changing market insights: new SPINS data in the New Hope Network State of Natural Industry Snapshot Fall 2025 confirms natural products are outpacing conventional growth across all channels, while sports nutrition crosses into mainstream use—with creatine expanding beyond athletics into cognitive performance and widening the consumer pool. Despite economic headwinds across the supply chain, the hosts support how successful brands are building consumer trust through authenticity and transparency in this rapidly evolving landscape.In this episode:0:20 - Adrienne follows up: Is she a pumpkin spice convert?1:45 – Preview of next week’s episode with Doug Brown2:11 – Predictions for One Step Closer’s (OSC) Ripple Fest 2025, which Adrienne is attending5:20 – Discussing different approaches to communicating about tariffs and who absorbs them: Brands, consumers, retailers or a mix?6:40 – These topics will be discussed at SupplySide Global 2025, at a session Jessica is moderating: Leading through disruption: C-suite strategies for growth, compliance and consumer trust7:25 – Many of these brands are taking note from brands who have tried sustainable packaging, being open and transpareant about their process and acknowledging that they don’t have all of the answers yet10:22 – What’s the deal with seed oils? Breaking down the industry buzz on the ingredients found in many processed foods.11:02 – Doug Brown’s newest article digs into the scientific research behind seed oil claims, offering a great place to understand all points of view.12:06 – Packaging trends: Logos calling out “no seed oils” or “seed oil free,” even if the product never had seed oils to begin with.12:23 – Product trends: Products showing how seed oils can be done right, like “extra virgin sunflower oil.”13:20 - How is the market responding to the buzz around seed oils? Brands are leading with differentiation, like on-package labeling, or education on how the oils used are different.15:05 – New SPINS data shows that natural is outpacing conventional growth in every channel.15:21 – How can...

09-23
20:50

Marketing ploy or market opportunity? The business case for pumpkin spice in CPG

In this episode of The Natural List, co-host Adrienne Smith joins guests Jenna Fitch and Bill Giebler to dissect the pumpkin spice phenomenon reshaping the CPG landscape. Whether you're a devotee or a skeptic, the numbers speak volumes: according to a 2025 Coherent Marketing Insights report, this $1.1 billion market is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2032—making it impossible for brands to ignore. Our panel explores the rich history of pumpkin spice dating back to 1796, analyzes the strategic value of limited-edition seasonal offerings, and examines why this flavor profile has become a crucial competitive advantage for shelf space. The conversation moves from market analysis to real-world application as the team conducts live taste tests of this season's most anticipated pumpkin spice products—from nitro cold brew to oat milk chocolate bear claws. Can innovative formulations convert even the most cynical critics? Join us for this business-focused deep dive into one of CPG's most divisive yet profitable flavor trends, and discover whether data-driven strategy or genuine consumer passion is driving pumpkin spice's remarkable growth trajectory. 

09-15
18:28

Favorite food trends from the Newtopia Now show floor

In this week’s episode, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by guest Meredith Kaufman, editor at New Hope Network, to dish on their most exciting food discoveries from the Newtopia Now show floor.  The trio discussed innovative products that caught their attention, from Loopinin's protein and fiber-packed pizza to an "ice cream renaissance" featuring unique global flavors and protein-packed desserts. This conversation highlights the significant presence of regenerative agriculture brands and the increase in ROC certifications, while also exploring standout products like tomato-free pasta sauce, freeze-dried soups and Manchester Farms' quail eggs.  Throughout the episode, the hosts touch on industry trends, including the growing prominence of multicultural flavors—particularly African cuisine—and the importance of community building in the natural products space. Check out this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.  In this episode: 3:09 - Foods that surprised and delighted us on the natural foods show floor 3:34 - Protein-packed, fiber-rich and genuinely delicious pizza that's changing the game 4:52 - The ice cream renaissance  7:20 - Exploring gendered marketing strategies and evolving target demographics for products across the store 9:10 - Pickles, probiotics and brine that we can’t stop talking about 12:01 - Regenerative agriculture takes center stage: Exploring ROC brands, farming practices and innovative grain production 14:32 - Growing together: Community building and collaborative initiatives are brand-favorite parts of this industry 15:26 - Nowhere Bakery's paleo cookies: How these grain-free treats are satisfying sweet cravings 16:14 - Carinara: The innovative tomato-free pasta sauce changing the game (plus a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations!) 17:01 – Nutrient-dense convenience foods expand with Long Weekend’s freeze-dried soups 17:43 – The continuing debate: Soups are food, broths are drinks 18:20 – Expanding restaurant cusine to everyday tables: Manchester Farms' quail eggs and their unique culinary applications 19:27 - Global palates: Exploring the rising prominence of multicultural flavors and international food traditions

09-08
21:49

The biggest beverage innovations from Newtopia Now

We’re buzzing over the beverage innovations from Newtopia Now! On this week’s episode of The Natural List, our hosts explore the most exciting drink trends spotted at the show. From savory energy drinks to nutrient-dense liquid meals, this episode provides an overview of beverage innovations we didn’t expect from the Newtopia Now show floor. -             Broth is back: Is it a food or a beverage? Settle the debate while discovering mushroom broths and caffeinated sipping broths, creating an entirely new category.Hydration beyond just water: Farmer-owned brands, saltwater formulations and protein-infused fizzy sodas are changing how we hydrate and reaching new consumers.Functional formats: Brands are delivering wellness benefits through unexpected formats like fiber water and adaptogenic mushroom sodas.The great sweetener debate: Which natural sweeteners are winning with consumers? Our hosts break down the battle between stevia, dates, monkfruit, and more. Timestamps:1:15 Newtopia Now reflections, takeaways and industry insights3:15 Beverages galore! Overview of category expansion3:43 Innovation in broth - unexpected but exciting!7:25 Hydration innovation beyond water12:30 Nutrient-density reigns supreme13:51 Wellness ritual beverages16:10 Australian Beneficial with sticky chai17:15 Innovative functional beverage formats19:53 The new cola21:50 The battle of the sweeteners23:27 Host's favorites from the show24:35 SPINS Retailer Choice Award winner Stay tuned to the end where our hosts share their personal favorite drinks from the show floor and which brand won the SPINS Retailer Choice Award. Prefer video? Check us out on YouTube!

09-04
26:00

Newtopia Now 2025 highlights: CPG Innovations and trends LIVE from the show floor

This exclusive episode of The Natural List was recorded live from the bustling show floor on the final afternoon of Newtopia Now 2025! Our co-host Jessica Rubino grabs New Hope Network insiders Bill Giebler and Grace Burleson for their raw, unfiltered reactions while the energy of the event is still buzzing around them.This isn’t your average post-show recap. Check out this week’s episode of The Natural List to get an on-site pulse check for what stood out to our team while at Newtopia Now. You’ll get the candid observations that only come from that "still-on-the-floor" perspective.The trio discusses how our two keynote sessions, by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and CEO of GNC, Michael Costello, highlighted the trends that emerged on the show floor and the importance of transparency and relationship building.With so many emerging and first-time exhibitor brands, this year’s Newtopia Now was one to remember. Listen to the full episode for our on-site thoughts on content, exciting product innovations and more. Additional in-depth reporting coming soon on newhope.com!In this episode:-             1:19 Our team reveals which products made it into their bags—and which insights stuck in their minds-             4:33 Just because one meeting doesn’t lead to a placement or a deal, don’t give up-             5:10 How transparency–between retailers, brands and customers–builds trust-             6:50 Newtopia Now is for nurturing connections across the supply chain-             7:30 Quick highlights from the show floor-             7:51 Innovative distribution channels and working with artists for packaging design-             8:59 Protein is still everywhere, even fizzy water and desert-             11:59 “Keep CPG weird and wonderful” highlighting beverage growth and innovation-             13:48 This spicy sauce has eye-catching branding and flavor combinations-             14:12 High Level Science is bringing specialization into supplements-             15:40 A co-op approach to the trade show floor finds success with the Clean Living Founder Collective, the Angel Group, Startup CPG and more-             16:05 Gen Z-focused clean skincare making waves-             17:32 The unexpected chicken broth renaissance across multiple categories-             18:20 The Newtopia Now spirit is alive and well with so many emerging, first-time exhibiting brands!Prefer watching your podcasts instead of just listening? Check out our YouTube!

08-26
19:52

Can't miss keynotes, panels and experiences at Newtopia Now 2025

Join hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith as they highlight the must-attend sessions at Newtopia Now, happening August 20-22, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. They discuss the many ways brands and retailers can get involved and make lasting connections during this standout show. Newtopia Now represents the heartbeat of the natural products industry, bringing together the most pressing issues and innovative solutions in one vibrant community space. From educational sessions across the Thrive, Regenerate and Glow neighborhoods to Wednesday's community experience events, this gathering offers valuable content for everyone in the natural products ecosystem.   In this episode: 1:23 Programming highlights at Newtopia Now 2:42 Download the show app! Your essential tool for navigating the event and maximizing your experience 3:12 Innovation and investment programming delivers real results for natural products businesses 4:36  The NEXTY Big Thing panel, where NEXTY finalists will be announced 7:00 Keynote highlight: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon speaks on redefining strength and mastering multidimensional wellness  8:52 Inside Whole Foods Market pitch event: Exclusive insider access to these buyers  9:49 Women in CPG Brunch is a celebration of women uplifting women, featuring industry pioneer Sandy Gooch 12:30  Keynote highlight: Michael Costello, CEO of GNC offers hard-hitting advice to emerging brands 13:28 Help shape the industry's future by attending Natural Crossroads: The State of Natural Community Discussion 16:15 O and regenerative agriculture education sessions for forward-thinking brands 16:40 Discover emerging innovations at the Conscious Beauty and Wellness Pitch!  Download the app today to plan your schedule, connect with fellow attendees, bookmark must-visit booths and ensure you don't miss a moment of inspiration. The entire New Hope and Newtopia Now team can't wait to see you in Denver next week for what will be an extraordinary gathering of the natural products community! 

08-18
19:38

Hot Newtopia Now collabs, clean beauty and tariff impacts on chocolate prices

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino dive into the excitement of Newtopia Now 2025!  Discover the exciting collaborations happening across product categories and get the inside scoop on how chocolate brands are navigating price challenges amid new tariffs. Our hosts share the exciting number of first-time exhibitors and Jessica and Adrienne share their top picks for food, beverage and personal care brands to see at the show. Plus, learn about the special partnership with Cassandra McClure's Clean Living Collective in the GLOW neighborhood, featuring innovative clean beauty brands.  Episode highlights: 4:45 – It’s Newtopia Now & peak peach season in Denver!  5:00 - Exciting brand collaborations across all categories  7:06 - How ethical chocolate brands are managing tariff challenges  11:20 - NEW! Newtopia Now mobile app launch  12:00 – Newtopia Now numbers: 50% are first-time exhibitors 12:35 - Adrienne's top food & beverage brand picks  14:13 - Spotlight on emerging brands highlighting transparency, USDA organic & regenerative agriculture  17:18 - Clean Living Marketplace partnership with Cassandra McClure  17:45 - Jessica's must-see personal care exhibitors  20:02 - Trending ingredient alert: Shilajit  22:17 - Next week: Newtopia Now education session preview Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the upcoming Newtopia Now tradeshow in Denver, August 20-21st, 2025. 

08-11
23:10

The NEXTY effect: How emerging brands gain mainstream recognition

The NEXTY awards are coming back to Newtopia Now, bigger and better than before! This week, co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Meredith Kaufman, associate editor at New Hope Network, to explore the exciting return to and revamp of the NEXTY awards at Newtopia Now 2025.This year’s NEXTYs feature a special Newtopia Now category, where our panel of experts will choose 8-10 remarkable brands from each category who are exhibiting at Newtopia Now. The goal? Uplift the innovative, emerging brands that might not yet be in the Expo West pipeline but are creating waves in the natural products industry.Plus, get an insider's perspective on the tangible benefits of NEXTY nominations and hear about the "meaty" trends our team is eager to explore at the upcoming show.Whether you're an industry veteran or natural products enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future stars of the natural products world and the platform that's helping them shine.Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to discover the next generation of natural product innovators.

08-03
18:57

Sponsor Soundbyte – Salt Spring Coffee

In this episode of The Natural List, Nancy Coulter-Parker, New Hope Network director of content marketing sits down with Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee, and today’s sponsor of The Natural List.The brand is Canada’s first Regenerative Organic Certified coffee company and has a long history of caring for soil health and nutrient density. With various certifications and dedication for the craft of coffee beans, this sustainable brand is making waves in the industry.During this 12-minute episode, our host and guest chat about what makes Regenerative Organic Certified coffee so important for the future of the coffee industry and how certifications can be a lever to encourage consumer trust.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.About our host: Nancy Coulter-Parker, director of content marketing at New Hope NetworkAbout our guest: Mickey McLeod, co-founder and CEO of Salt Spring Coffee

07-30
12:10

7 holistic wellness and supplement trends for Newtopia Now 2025

This episode of The Natural List highlights 7 emerging trends for Newtopia Now. Our co-hosts explore exciting developments across all three neighborhoods—Glow, Thrive, and Regenerate—highlighting how holistic health integrates beauty and wellness from the inside out. With cross-category trends like tallow-based formulations and clean-label innovations, plus innovative developments from supplement brands and a focus on healthspan and longevity, this episode is essential listening for brands, retailers, and investors looking to maximize their Newtopia Now experience this August. Planning to attend the show? Discover these products, and more, on Beacon Discovery – a dedicated platform where natural products brands can gain visibility and forge meaningful connections with key industry stakeholders. For a more in-depth look at some topics mentioned in this episode: The bump serum brand spotlight https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/the-bump-serum-helps-men-of-color-eliminate-razor-bumps Meredith’s roundup about personal care products https://www.newhope.com/personal-care/8-clean-conscious-personal-care-products-newtopia-now 5 supplements for a focused and healthy Newtopia Now https://www.newhope.com/vitamins-and-supplements/5-supplements-focused-healthy-newtopia-now  Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

07-28
19:07

10 must-know CPG trends for buyers, brands and investors at Newtopia Now 2025

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith reveal the 10 crucial trends you need to know before attending Newtopia Now (August 20-22, 2025). From hyper-functional products and high protein everything to beef tallow and basics reimagined, this is an episode you need to listen to when prepping for Newtopia Now.  Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

07-21
28:38

Navigating the top global taste trends at Newtopia Now

Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino explore the global flavor revolution transforming the natural products landscape, spotlighting 6 innovative brands and explaining why this trend has captured consumer imagination and market share across the industry. In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith take listeners on a flavorful journey through Newtopia Now 2024, highlighting how global culinary traditions and flavors are reshaping the natural products landscape. The hosts explore the intersection of international flavors, time-honored production methods and heritage ingredients that will be showcased at Newtopia Now 2025. They spotlight 6 standout brands attending the show that exemplify these trends: Piko Provisions, booth 411 Malai, booth 1433 Redbloom Health, booth 1253 24Vegan, booth 746 Keya’s Snacks, booth 1314 Society De La Rassi, booth 1203 Articles mentioned in this episode: Meet 6 inspiring brands celebrating global flavors at Newtopia Now How 3 heritage brands use packaging design to celebrate their cultural roots   Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

07-14
16:46

What makes NBJ Summit an industry-leading event?

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith welcome NBJ Content & Insights Director Bill Giebler to discuss all things NBJ Summit. Happening July 28-31st at the Terrania Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to convene for three days of education about the future of nutrition and dietary supplements, along with a range of unique networking activations. This event unites 350-400 C-suite executives and industry experts around this year's theme: Nutrition Industry Transformation: Leading through Innovation. The trio discusses everything from crafts and biohacking to purchasing patterns and TikTok Shop. Listen in for insights into what exactly makes NBJ Summit such a powerful experience, insights into this year’s speaker and event lineup, plus a sneak peak at something new coming to Expo West that will capture the essence of NBJ Summit. 

07-07
27:25

All things Newtopia Now!

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino share all the details about Newtopia Now, coming to Denver, Colorado Aug. 20-22. Jessica starts off with an exciting statistic that is surely a reason for industry optimism: this will be the first time exhibiting at a New Hope Network tradeshow for 45% of Newtopia Now exhibitors.Next, the duo shares some show highlights, starting with the Newtopia Now neighborhoods that align with key industry themes. The neighborhoods are Thrive (brands and products focused on innovation in human health), Glow (think conscious beauty and holistic wellness) and Regenerate (companies, products and business models supporting people and planet).They then discuss some can’t-miss events on and off the show floor, including the Dine-Around Series, community experiences such as the Women in CPG Luncheon, a community activation in partnership with food recovery organization We Don’t Waste and neighborhood happy hours, just to name a few.Jessica shares her enthusiasm for some of the keynote speakers, including Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, healthspan expert and founder of “Muscle-Centric Medicine” and Michael Costello, CEO of GNC. Next, Adrienne shares an exciting update: The NEXTY Awards return to Newtopia Now and this year, 8-10 products from emerging brands will be selected at NEXTY finalists competing in a brand-new Newtopia Now NEXTY category.They cap off the episode with a reminder to check out the Newtopia Now agenda and to stay in the loop on newhope.com, where Newtopia Now content is being published daily.Newtopia Now is the destination for new product innovation and a can't-miss discovery opportunity for retailers and industry leaders. Find out more about Newtopia Now, which is Aug. 20-22 in Denver, Colorado, and register here. 

06-30
24:00

What happens when AI assists in grocery shopping?

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino welcome New Hope’s Senior Retail Reporter, Doug Brown, to the show. Doug’s weekly column, Shelf Life, is published every Friday on newhope.com and his recent features involve his foray into the world of grocery shopping with the help of AI. Doug, who is fascinated by the utility of these chatbots, tells Jessica and Adrienne that it was “over the top helpful” with his weekly shopping, for everything from olive oil to supplements. Jessica and Adrienne then pose thoughtful questions: could brands pay to get promoted by AI? Will AI detract from human interactions in the grocery? The takeaway: AI is a tool, not a panacea– retailers and brands, take note.The trio then shifts gears and wrap up with a roundup of some of the products they are loving this week, including Organic India Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber, Clover Sonoma Pasture Raised Greek Yogurt, Bellwether Farms Yogurt, Ultima 6 Essential Electrolytes, Republic of Tea Regenerative Organic Certified Black Iced Tea and Peggs Plant Based Egg Substitute. Do you have a product The Natural List should consider sampling? Reach out to us at thenaturallist@newhope.com.Check out our vodcast on YouTube. 

06-23
31:14

New upcycled products we can't wait to try

Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith do a deep dive into a recent Unboxed gallery of ten upcycled products and discuss which ones they can't wait to try.In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith dive into the innovative world of upcycled products featured in a recent Unboxed gallery. The conversation kicks off with a discussion of what upcycling means and Adrienne highlights an exciting milestone: the Upcycled Certification program, recently acquired by Where Food Comes From, saw an impressive 17% growth from 2024-2025. From there, our hosts unwrap some of the exciting upcycled innovations hitting store shelves.Tune in to hear it all and learn how Adrienne recently upcycled leftover eggs yokes from her fridge.

06-16
17:59

Acquisitions, inflation and MAHA, oh my!

There's never a dull moment in the CPG industry. From exciting speakers coming to NBJ Summit to recent acquisitions causing an uproar, Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith tell you what you need to know.In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino cover several hot topics in the industry. They start off discussing some of the factors affecting cocoa prices, including tariffs and climate change, and how challenging conditions can also lead to innovation (like Minus Coffee’s genius beanless brew). They then shift into Rick Polito’s recent column about the practitioner channel in supplement sales and how this channel displays notable market stability.Next up are some major updates in funding and acquisitions: David Protein* gets a major surge of capital after acquiring Epogee, sparking controversy, while Chobani has acquired Daily Harvest (did their NEXTY win have something to do with it?).They transition into a brief discission of the MAHA Report and note that increased attention on health and wellness poses new opportunities for the natural products industry, but that close scrutiny must be given towards some of the Report’s claims. The duo cap off the episode with shoutouts to two thought-provoking speakers coming to NBJ Summit this July, Calley Means and Bill Gieber.*A clarification: David Protein and Hormbles Chormbles both contain EPG and both brands were founded by RxBars founders. However, David Protein was founded by Peter Rahal and Zach Ranen. Hormbles Chormbles was started by Jared Smith.

06-09
21:15

Trends from the Supplement Business Report and innovative products we can't get enough of

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino welcome back supplement expert and Market Research Analyst for New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal Erika Craft. After chatting about the best angel food cake recipes (potential high-protein TikTok trend?) the trio shifts to some interesting hydration brands, including LEVL Nutrition, Klar Labs and Rhovive. Cottage cheese ice cream brand and Newtopia Now exhibitor Smearcase also gets a shoutout.Erika then shares some of the supplement brands she is excited to see at Newtopia Now, including OceanBlue Omega-3 and Charlotte’s Web. On the topic of favorite products, 2025 Personal Care NEXTY Award winner SeaBar, Jasberry Rice and Lundberg Family Farms receive shoutouts from Jessica and Adrienne.Next up, Erika previews the 2025 NBJ Supplement Business Report, known in the industry as the seminal supplement report. It’s broken down by different supplement categories and further refined by sales channels. Erika notes that herbs and botanicals sales, which took a dip in 2022, are quickly rebounding. The trio caps off the episode with a discussion of why younger shoppers are seeking out in-person shopping experiences and give a preview of NBJ’s Condition Specific Report, coming out this July.  

06-02
35:02

Sweets & Snacks trends, 'grasswashed' jerky, better-for-you candy

In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino welcome New Hope Editor Meredith Kaufman to the show. The episode beings with a discussion of new AI features in the self-checkout at the grocery store. They then pivot to Meredith’s takeaways from the recent Sweets & Snacks Expo.First up in the trend recap, the trio discusses whether sweets need to be functional. They dive into protein specifically and debate if shoppers really want it in their desserts (Meredith says yes; Adrienne says no; Jessica is neutral). On the protein front, they dive into meat jerky, which Meredith says had a strong presence at Sweets & Snacks.Next up is a candy taste testing. They first sample Hormbles Chormbles, a new protein-enhanced chocolate bar, and Nebula Snacks, a zero-sugar chocolate cup. The team takes a brief intermission to discuss artificial food dyes and how new regulations could bring cleaner products to consumers but may also increase costs and cause supply chain issues in the short term. The episode wraps up with a Starburst Goodies sampling, a gummy created by Mars that is free from artificial ingredients.

05-23
28:59

The deal with dyes, heritage-inspired packaging design and Newtopia Now

From the FDA's recent approval of three natural dyes to a mid-air mocktail, Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith sample new products and discuss details from NCN and Newtopia Now.In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino discuss regulatory news, sample two new products and discuss compelling stories currently featured on newhope.com. Adrienne begins with updates from the FDA, including the recent approval of three natural food dyes: butterfly pea, Galdieria and calcium phosphate.Jessica then shares some of the innovative brands that presented at the Nutrition Capital Network Spring Investor Meeting, including RedLeaf Biologics, a startup scaling red and orange coloring from domestic sorghum, and Riot Energy, a naturally sweetened energy drink.The hosts sample two new product launches: Figlia Aperitivo’s Sole and Khloe Kardashian’s new protein popcorn, Khloud. The consensus: Figlia has a nice summery pop and Khloud has a clean ingredient panel and a tasty, popcorn crunch.In the second half of the episode, Jessica discusses her excitement for Newtopia Now, happening in Denver August 20-22, and Adrienne talked about two features on newhope.com, including an UNBOXED gallery of 9 frozen dumplings products and a story about heritage brands leveraging packaging design to tell their story. Pop open a can of your favorite mocktail and tune in.

05-19
26:28

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