The Natural List

Chocolate. Mmmmm. Even just reading the word brings a smile to my lips. On this week’s episode of The Natural List, we talk with Joe Whinney, the co-founder and CEO of Magic Chocolate, and it was a magical experience! Pun intended. Our co-hosts Meredith Kaufman and Adrienne Smith dig into the story behind Magic Chocolate’s evolution, from beginning as a partnership with Dr. Bronner’s, to how regenerative organic, sustainable and responsible choices are second nature in the brand’s supply chain. “Chocolate is something we give to people we love. It's an expression of love and celebration,” Joe shares. “How is it that that product is so harmful to so many people? It makes no sense.” We talk with Whinney about his experience in the chocolate industry, how it’s shaped his approach to business, and why he’s so passionate about making Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) a baseline in the industry. He also offers advice for smaller brands looking to make sustainable partnerships in the industry. Listen in to hear about Magic Chocolate’s origin story, supply chain conversations, and Whinney’s passion for making ROC mainstream. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch the full interview on YouTube. In this episode: 0:19 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 0:58 – Welcome to our guest, Joe Whinney, co-founder and CEO of Magic Chocolate. 2:27 – Magic Chocolate won a 2026 NEXTY Award in the Sweet Snack or Dessert category. 2:57 – Joe explains what innovation in the chocolate industry looks like to him in this new venture. 5:13 – History behind Joe’s experience in the organic chocolate industry and the previous company he founded. 5:44 – How Joe got connected with Dr. Bronner’s and Magic Chocolate. 8:10 – Joe helped produce the world’s first ROC chocolate and this company is carrying that torch. 8:54 – To Magic Chocolate, a sustainable supply chain is table stakes. The brand wants to compete and innovate with inspiring, unique taste and flavor. 11:25 – Joe wants every chocolate company to be ROC certified, and is willing to help brands get there. 12:50 – Joe discusses the thought process behind naming the new chocolate company. 15:09 – Can you really imagine a world where ROC is the standard? 18:12 - How is Magic Chocolate conveying the value add of ROC and the price point associated with it? 20:14 – What advice would you give other CPG brands looking to find the right partners? 24:16 – How has your experience in other companies helped you get to this point with Magic Chocolate? 27:33 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 28:10 – Everything Magic Chocolate is doing now is plant-based. What’s next for the brand? 30:39 – Cocoa and chocolate are volatile industries; have you felt that volatility in ROC cocoa as well? How do your ROC partnerships shape that experience? 35:44 – Where can people find Magic Chocolate?

“It takes two to make a thing go right! It takes two to make it outta sight.” – Rob Base and Dj E-Z Rock said it best in their hit song from 1988. This week on the Natural List, we’re highlighting two husband-and-wife-led CPG brands: Purplesful Snacking and Jam Packd. This week continues our interview series from the CPG Innovation Summit at Natural Products Expo West 2026. Adrienne sits down with Matthew and Jasmin from Purplesful Snacking to learn about how the brand got started and why they chose purple corn for the product and what their experience has been while scaling a purpose-driven brand. Next, she interviews Michelle and Brian Platt of Jam Packd, a functional jam. The three discuss the experience of working with your spouse and how they’d like to grow the brand over the next five years. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! For more video content, check us out on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. To learn more about them, visit their websites. In this episode: 0:27 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 1:59 – Welcome to our guests, Matthew and Jasmin von Teichman from Purplesful Snacking. 2:56 – What’s the story behind the brand? 3:05 – Why did you choose purple popcorn? 3:11 – Matthew and Jasmin came up with the purpose before they settled on the product itself. 4:00 – A connection Matthew made at Expo West years ago helped spur the brand into action. 6:42 – The brand’s newest and 4th SKU was a NEXTY Award Finalist for Savory or Salty Snack. 9:06 – Do you foresee any trouble with maintaining your purpose-driven status while scaling? 10:38 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 11:22 – Welcome to our guests, the founders of Jam Packd, Michelle and Brian Platt. 11:45 – Michelle shares about the inspiration behind the brand. 12:40 – Brian shares what white space and innovation in the category excited them. 14:00 - Michelle and Brian discuss the product creation process and which trends the final product fits into. 16:25 – What was the process of getting the name trademarked? 17:28 – Jam Packd has three SKUs, and the Blueberry SKU was a NEXTY Award Finalist in 2026 for Best Functional Food or Beverage. 18:12 – Jam Packd wants to pioneer this new category over the next five years. 20:38 – What has the experience been working as a husband and wife team?

Welcome back to The Natural List podcast! In this episode, we interview one of our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood. New Hope Network’s Content Marketing Director, Nancy Coulter-Parker, talks with the co-founder of Om Mushrooms, Dr. Sandra Carter, PHD, about how the brand got started and how the love of mushrooms is infused into new products. Thanks for listening! For more video content, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. If you prefer audio, find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:20 – Welcome to our guest, Dr. Sandra Carter, PDH! 0:35 – Sandra explains her background, Om’s founding and tells us what prompted the name of the company. 1:59 – Why is using organic mushrooms so important to you? 2:45 – Om Mushrooms now has both USDA organic and Regenerative Organic Certified certifications. Is that rare in the supplement space? 3:44 – What’s the difference between using the root network (mycelium) and the fruiting body of the mushroom? 4:40 – Certain compounds can only be found in specific parts of the mushroom. It’s important to use the right processing format for the intended compound use case. 7:01 – The “mushroom kingdom” is 10x larger than the “botanical kingdom.” Om Mushrooms aims to highlight the differences in each mushroom specifically and how to best use those compounds to help people. 8:50 – Do you need to take mushroom products every day to feel the benefits? 9:20 – The mushroom kingdom has more similarities to mammal DNA than the botanical kingdom does with mammal DNA, which means mushrooms can better help modulate the human body. 11:02 – What is the biggest differentiator for Om Mushrooms in the market? 12:41 – Are there any upcoming trends or innovations you are excited to incorporate into the Om Mushrooms line?

Welcome back to The Natural List podcast, your place for what’s new and what’s next in the CPG industry! This week, host Adrienne Smith interviews Les Szabo, chief strategy and impact officer at Dr. Bronner’s and Michael Ham, president and founder of Wild Orchard Tea Company, about the newly launched Purpose Pledge. According to the pledge, the Purpose Pledge is a collaborative initiative anchored in ten clear commitments that embed purpose into company governance, operations and supply chains. It brings together an ecosystem of companies and allied support organizations in a shared, accountable community, where members learn from one another and measure progress publicly and transparently. The Purpose Pledge launched in 2026 with 16 companies and aims to reach 25 by the end of the year. Along with these companies, 7 “commitment catalyst” brands joined to help mentor and guide Purpose Pledge companies through this journey. Les joins us from Dr. Bronner’s, the brand behind the Purpose Pledge, while Michael shares his first-hand experience of being one of the first 16 brands to enter the cohort. No one person, or brand, can make it through the CPG industry alone, and that couldn’t be more true for mission-driven brands. Listen now for a heartwarming and informative episode about brands making a positive impact on the planet--together. Watch here or on YouTube. Prefer audio only? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening! Thank you to our sponsors Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA! In this episode: 0:14 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 1:15 – Welcome to our guests, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner’s, Les Szabo and Founder and President of Wild Orchard Tea Company, Michael Ham. 2:02 – What is the Purpose Pledge? 4:00 – What are some of the 10 commitments that fall within the pledge? 5:58 – Les highlights that the Purpose Pledge is not a certification; it’s a commitment and a learning community, and there is no cost to join. 7:00 – The Purpose Pledge is only for companies with agricultural-based supply chains, where Dr. Bronner’s sees the most impact can be made. 8:12 – Michael shares about his experience as one of the first Purpose Pledge companies and why he chose to join. 11:20 – Michael underscores the importance of governance to help buoy purpose-driven brands in the long-term. 12:13 – How does the Purpose Pledge support smaller mission-driven companies as they scale? 14:40 – The Purpose Pledge is holistic and that’s what makes it so transformative. 15:42 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 17:55 – How does the timeline and progress tracking work for brands in the Purpose Pledge? 22:05 – Progress trackers are available for consumers to view for accountability. 24:00 – The Purpose Pledge aims to create an “ecosystem of support” with 25 brands in 2026, plus 7 commitment catalyst brands. 28:54 – Michael shares about how impactful the group of companies in the Purpose Pledge is, large and small. 34:00 Learn more about the Purpose Pledge on their website.

Meat, like other protein-packed foods, has seen a resurgence in the past year. From steaks and chicken thighs to eggs and cheese, consumers are adding these items to their cart more than ever. In this week’s episode of The Natural List, host Adrienne Smith talks with two brands making our baskets better with sustainable, organic and Regenerative Organic Certified meat. First we set the scene: New Hope’s Content Marketing Director, Nancy Coulter Parker, provides background on the regenerative and organic markets. From Gen Z to Millennials, these younger consumers are the driving force in the natural and organic space. This primarily comes from a desire to “eat their values” and purchase products that align with their belief systems of transparency and animal welfare. Adrienne then interviews Kristina Walker, CEO and co-founder of StarWalker Organic Farms, whose ROC beef, one of 50 ROC SKUs, won a NEXTY Award in 2026. The duo discusses how important innovation is to the brand in keeping prices accessible while still providing high-integrity products. Then, we talk with Alicia LaPorte, senior director of communications and impact at Niman Ranch. Unlike StarWalker Organic Farms, Niman Ranch is a collective of organic farms across the U.S. Alicia shares about the process of transitioning farmers to Regenerative Organic Certification and emphasizes the benefits those farms have seen since the transition. Through these discussions, one thing is clear: The market is ready for ROC meat, and demand is growing daily. This week’s episode is a continuation of a series of interviews done at Natural Products Expo West 2026 in the CPG Content Creation Studio. For more interviews like this, watch here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 0:14 - Welcome to our guest, Nancy Coulter-Parker. 0:22 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 1:24 – What’s happening with beef in the natural and organic sector? 2:08 – These age groups are driving organic and natural purchasing. 2:22 – Animal welfare and transparency are driving these purchases, so USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certification fit into these desires. 3:57 – Brands are not just organic, they’re leaning into the regenerative process and creating superior items. 6:49 – Interview with Kristina Walker, co-founder and CEO of StarWalker Organic Farms. 10:33 – Kristina talks StarWalker Organic Farms’ distribution model and expansion plan. 11:35 – StarWalker Organic Farms’ ground beef was a NEXTY winner in 2026. 14:40 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 15:27 – Welcome, Alicia LaPorte, senior director of communications and impact at Niman Ranch. 16:30 – Niman Ranch is a program that works with over 600 family farmers and ranchers across the country. 17:36 – Alicia tells us about Niman Ranch’s new ROC, an American farmer-grown product. 20:00 – Adrienne asks Alicia about the process of working with farmers to transition to ROC methods and what that experience has been like. 22:19 – Now is the right time for ROC beef to really take off with consumers. 24:30 – Changing shopping basket staples to ROC makes it easier to build a better basket.

This week’s episode of The Natural List digs into hot topics in the natural products industry: ultra-processed foods and seed oils! Our host Adrienne Smith talks with Douglas Brown, senior retail reporter at New Hope Network and Sierra Forest, Marketing Director and part of the family who started behind Simply Sunflower Oil, to get the scoop. Digging into the facts, both of our guests highlight that it isn’t the seed oils themselves that are unhealthy; rather, it’s the ultra-processing that most bulk seed oils undergo. Sierra shares that Simply Sunflower Oil is the world’s first non-UPF verified cooking oil and that the brand is within the first 100 products to carry the new non-UPF verified seal. What does the non-UPF seal aim to do? Dough shares insights from his panel at Natural Products Expo West, where he spoke with non-UPF founder Megan Westgate on what the seal means for the CPG Industry. Registered attendees can watch the session on demand in the Expo West app here. Learn more about the differences in taste, flavor and nutrition between non-UPF seed oils and traditional oil processing in this week’s episode. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. In this episode: 0:15 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 0:58 – Welcome to our guest, New Hope Network Senior Retail Reporter, Douglas Brown. 2:24 – Are seed oils actually bad for you? Is seed oil ultra-processed? 3:59 – If seed oils are vilified, are nuts on the outs, too? 4:55 – Founder of non-GMO and non-UPF verifications, Megan Westgate, shared the story behind the seals with Doug during a session at Expo West. 5:55 – Simply Sunflower oil is one of the first 100 products to carry the non-UPF seal. 6:45 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 7:28 – Welcome to our interview guest, Sierra Forest, part of the family behind the brand Simply Sunflower Oil. 8:45 – Simply Sunflower Oil is the world’s first Non-UPF verified cooking oil. 10:10 – Instead of vilifying certain ingredients or food, we should be wary of the ultra-processing that goes into them. 10:58 – The taste and smell of non-UPF verified cooking oil is different from even organic oils. 13:36 – Simply Sunflower Oil is produced in an independent processing facility, so there are no risks of cross-contamination with other allergens.

In this episode of The Natural List podcast, we bring in special guest Erika Craft, senior research analyst at Nutrition Business Journal, to discuss the fastest-growing condition that NBJ tracks: healthy aging. This condition is growing at 13%, a rate more than double the market overall. Host Adrienne Smith and Erika Craft discuss what exactly “healthy aging” means, and Erika highlights the real opportunity in the market: Everyone is interested in healthy aging from some perspective, be that hair, skin and nails or brain health. An interesting piece of the puzzle is how different generations engage with the trend. Younger generations may be more likely to buy into the “biohacking” health tech, while others are focusing on optimizing their healthspan and quality of life as they age. Wearables, with real-time data and supplements, appear to be part of the mix. Listen to this episode for more information about NBJ’s now available Healthy Aging Report and what trends brands and retailers need to know to stay relevant and meet the different consumers taking part in this condition. Thank you to our sponsors, Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In this episode: 0:14 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 0:52 – Welcome to Erika Craft, Nutrition Business Journal senior research analyst! 1:50 – Erika is here to share about the supplements she saw at Natural Products Expo West that related to the healthy aging trend. 2:13 – SupplySide Global 2023 is where Erika saw the longevity, healthy aging and health span trend begin. 4:55 – There is some overlap between the trends of healthy aging and beauty from within. Some ingredients, like collagen, can fall under both. 6:08 – What does healthy aging mean to our hosts? 7:29 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 8:16 – NBJ’s Healthy Aging report is out now. It is a category they have been tracking since 2024. 8:55 – Healthy aging is the fastest-growing condition that NBJ tracks out of all of its conditions, growing at almost 13%, more than double the market overall. Expected to stay in double-digit growth. 9:58 – Who does NBJ see as the target consumer or generation for the market? 10:20 – What do younger consumers want out of the healthy aging market? 10:43 – Older generations are looking for something different. 11:00 – Are consumers buying into biohacking like red light therapy and body scans? 12:00 – Creatine is seeing growth because of its benefits for multiple demographics 13:15 – Five years ago, the big ingredient was resveratrol, but we’re seeing a shift to other ingredients like NAD precursors, Coq10 and Omega 3s. 14:00 – Healthy aging is a hard category to define. How does NBJ define the category to track it? 16:27 – Predictions for what the next big trend will be from our guest. 17:30 – Purchase the Healthy Aging report or reach out to Erika Craft on LinkedIn for questions about the report.

This week's episode is hosted by Nancy Coulter-Parker, Director of Content Marketing at New Hope Network. Nancy sits down with Emily Moose, executive director of A Greener World, to explore the impactful work of the organization. Since its founding in 2014, A Greener World has been dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture. Emily shares insights into their mission to create a world where farming benefits people, animals and the environment, emphasizing integrity and transparency at every step. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of A Greener World's certification programs and how the organization collaborates with brands and retailers to drive meaningful change. Want more content like this? Check out A Greener World's session, "Consumer Values are Reshaping Meat and Dairy. Are You Ready?" available on demand in the Expo West app to learn more about their practical solutions for agriculture. To learn more about A Greener World, visit their website. In this episode: 0:20 – Welcome to our guest, Emily Moose! 0:36 – Why and how was A Greener World started 1:05 – AGW is still the only pasture-based welfare label on the market. 1:27 – What are the key components of the AGW mission, and how do they impact your mission? 2:16 – Give us a walk-through on your different certifications. 3:50 - What is the certification process like? 5:19 – We know third-party certifications are important these days. How does AGW work with brands and retailers? 6:48 – Consumer values are reshaping meat and dairy. How did your session at Expo West touch on that, and how does it tie into AGW’s mission? 7:48 – What’s the best way to connect with A Greener World? 8:03 – Watch A Greener World’s session, “Consumer Values are Reshaping Meat and Dairy. Are you Ready?”, on demand in the Expo West app.

The Natural List is back with more interviews from Natural Products Expo West’s CPG Innovation Studio! Meredith Kaufman and Adrienne Smith, the duo behind our NEXTY Award program, share about our 2026 NEXTY Editor’s Choice Award winners: The Republic of Tea's Regenerative Organic Certified® Assam Black Tea, Papa Mountain's Sweet Potato & Herb Bread Rolls, and Ulu Foods' Chia & Sea Salt Breadfruit Bites. This week, Adrienne Smith talks with Christina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment from the Republic of Tea. This iconic tea brand invites drinkers to live “sip by sip, not gulp by gulp” and live in the moment. The brand’s Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) Assam Tea was nominated as a finalist in the People-Forward category and awarded a 2026 Editor’s Choice NEXTY Award. ROC products are certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance to build soil health, ensure equity for farm workers, empower farmers and improve animal welfare through a holistic farm-based, brand-driven certification. The Republic of Tea currently has three Regenerative Organic Certified SKUs: Assam iced tea pouches, traditional Assam and a Tulsi tea, with plans to expand in the future. At Expo West this year the brand introduced a few new additions to its lineup, including double-green matcha teas and “super shroom” mushroom tea blends. Congratulations to our three NEXTY Editor’s Choice Award winners! Read more about them on NewHope.com. Thank you to our sponsors A Greener World, Advantage Solutions, FreislandCampina Ingredients, Daabon and Lakanto. In this episode: 0:23 - Our new interview series highlights recordings from the CPG Content Creation Studio at Natural Products Expo West 2026. 1:18 - What is a NEXTY Editor's Choice Award and how does a brand get one? 3:18 - We had three NEXTY Editor's Choice Award winners this year. 4:56 - Thank you to our sponsor Lakanto. 5:28 - Thank you to our sponsor Advantage Solutions. 6:10 - Welcome, Christina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment at The Republic of Tea! 8:25 - The Republic of Tea's NEXTY finalist product is an Assam Black Tea in the People Forward category. 10:52 - Thank you to our sponsor Daabon. 11:26 - Thank you to our sponsor FrieslandCampina Ingredients. 11:50 - The Republic of Tea has three Regenerative Organic Certified® SKUs, with more on the way. 12:42 - Retailers and consumers have embraced the ROC certification on these teas. 13:25 - Shopping cart staples like iced tea, black tea and green tea are a great way to get ROC awareness out there. 14:42 - Check out these new launches brewing at The Republic of Tea, with trending flavors and ingredients. 16:55 - Thank you to our sponsor A Greener World. https://www.newhope.com/nexty-awards/2026-natural-products-expo-west-nexty-award-winners https://www.republicoftea.com/collections/regenerative-organic-certified-tea https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-smith-9191181a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-kaufman-687687108/

This week’s episode of The Natural List shakes up our usual format! Co-host Adrienne Smith is joined by Meredith Kaufman to discuss two of our NEXTY Award winners, Bezi and Leaven Foods. On-site at the inaugural CPG Innovation Day Content Creation Studio, Adrienne and our team captured mini-interviews with brands attending Natural Products Expo West in 2026. These interviews were recorded before these brands knew they were NEXTY Award winners. That big reveal would come later in the week during our NEXTY Awards Ceremony. If you listen closely, you can tell that Adrienne is having a hard time keeping the secret! Adrienne talks to Ilay Karateke, co-founder of Bezi, and Cameron Martino, ceo of Leaven Foods. For more information on these incredible brands, listen to this week’s episode! Thank you to our sponsors, A Greener World, Lakanto, Daabon, Advantage Solutions and A Greener World. Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube. Prefer to tune in via podcast? Join us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Natural Products Expo West 2026 was a whirlwind of innovation, connection and trendspotting, and we’re here to unpack it all! The 45th anniversary of the show included thousands of brands showcasing the latest in food, beverage, beauty and supplements. This year’s event gave us a glimpse into the future of the natural and organic industry, from protein-packed products and clean beauty for teens to hydration heroes and ingredient transparency. The show floor was buzzing with new ideas, exciting launches and emerging and legacy brands. In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Adrienne Smith, Erika Craft and Nancy Coulter-Parker share their raw, unfiltered thoughts from the last day of the show. A little sleep-deprived but full of energy, they dive into the trends that caught their attention, the products they can’t stop thinking about, and the moments that made this year’s Expo unforgettable. From the big-picture shifts shaping the market—like women’s health and seed oil-free snacks—to the small but mighty innovations redefining categories, this episode is your backstage pass to the trends that will drive natural products forward in 2026 and beyond. Thank you to our sponsors FrieslandCampina Ingredients, A Greener World, Daabon, Advantage Solutions and Lakanto. 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, 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.

This episode of The Natural List provides essential insights for investors, CPG brands and retailers looking to understand the regenerative agriculture movement's impact on dairy investments. Co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith break down why companies focusing on sustainability and farm-to-consumer transparency are capturing both consumer attention and investor dollars. The duo discusses a recent article by Nutrition Capital Network Executive Director Mike Dovbish, which highlights the key trends and investments happening in this category. The conversation kicks off with pop culture and industry observations before shifting focus to the notable transformation happening in dairy investments. With the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) predicting that dairy will account for 15% of total natural and organic product industry sales in 2025, this episode unpacks the key drivers behind this growth trajectory and why investors are on board.Whether you're tracking natural product investment trends or exploring opportunities in the dairy space, this episode delivers actionable intelligence on one of 2025's most dynamic growth categories.This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. To learn more, visit their website. In this episode:0:00 – Pop culture trend recap0:51 – 17-free nail polish update: Ella and Mila vs Mineral Fusion comparison 2:50 – New Hope Network’s 2026 Trend Predictions dropped on October 20th. Let us know if we missed any!3:20 – Dairy ranks second in terms of growth in 2024, on track for the same in 2025 4:04 – Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) Fall Event happening November 12th, 20255:00 – How regenerative and sustainable dairy companies are attracting major investment 5:30 – Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) predicts that dairy will account for 15% of total natural and organic product industry sales in 20255:52 – Chobani's massive $650M investment round in October 20256:20 – Strauss Family Creamery's Series B funding with Grounded Capital leadership 8:32 – NBJ data revealing dairy's projected top 3 growth status through 2029 9:20 – Painterland Sisters' successful seed funding and their strategy of perfecting basic flavors 12:14 – Alec's Ice Cream, a brand focused on sustainability, storytelling and strategic partnerships, secured $11M funding in Series A round led by Imaginary Ventures14:24 – Read Mike Dovbish's comprehensive analysis on newhope.com here.Enjoy our vodcasts here or on YouTube.

In this week’s episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith talk with Cynthia Barstow, founder of Protect Our Breasts and professor at UMass, to explore how Gen Z is reshaping the natural products landscape.  As the host of the podcast "Shelf Sense, the stories behind our stuff," Cynthia brings unique insights into how today's young consumers approach health, wellness and brand authenticity. She has also contributed to NewHope.com in the past, discussing chemical concerns in plastic packaging. https://www.newhope.com/business-management/4-tips-to-get-ahead-of-chemical-concerns-in-packaging Today’s conversation goes deep into Gen Z's data-driven mindset, their quest for transparency, and their complex relationship with trust in an era of information overload and social media.  Through Cynthia’s experience talking with and teaching Gen Z students, this conversation discusses her perspective on the habits of these consumers. This generation is redefining what it means to make informed purchasing decisions in the natural products space. 

From food and beverage innovations to what’s new and noteworthy in supplements and personal care, this week’s episode of The Natural List breaks down the New Hope Network 2026 trend predictions! 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 trend predictions are and see product examples that are already bringing them to life. 

Welcome back to The Natural List! This week, co-hosts Adrienne Smith and Jessica Rubino are joined by special guest Erika Craft, NBJ market research analyst, to unpack the key findings from NBJ's newest Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report.  This episode provides listeners with essential market intelligence on one of the industry's most dynamic sectors, revealing how energy and hydration products are driving significant growth, while emerging trends such as "clean energy" formulations and women's cycle-based nutrition are reshaping product development. The conversation provides actionable insights into consumer behavior shifts, including the surprising demographics around GLP-1 usage and what's really driving purchasing decisions in the $18 billion functional beverages market. Whether you're a brand looking to identify the next big opportunity, an investor tracking market trends or a retailer wanting to understand consumer demand, this episode delivers the strategic insights you need to navigate the evolving sports nutrition landscape.  Our guest breaks down not just what's happening in the market, but why these changes matter and where the industry is headed next, from the untapped potential in women's sports nutrition to innovative product formats that are expanding beyond traditional categories and reaching new consumers. For the complete data and analysis behind these insights, be sure to check out NBJ's Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report.  This episode is sponsored by Premier Research Labs. 

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the future direction of organic agriculture, food policy and changing consumer trust patterns in the natural products industry. Co-host Adrienne Smith welcomes guest Douglas Brown, senior retail reporter at New Hope Network, to discuss his first-time experience at Organic Week 2025 in Washington, DC. The conversation explores the evolving organic landscape as the Organic Trade Association celebrates its 40th anniversary amid political gridlock and changing consumer expectations.The discussion also delves into how organic must improve its storytelling to compete with regenerative agriculture's appeal, the growing importance of nutrient density metrics and how younger consumers experiencing "badge fatigue" are seeking transparency beyond traditional certifications.Doug and Adrienne look at organic's balancing act between honoring its roots and staying relevant to new consumers and discuss how emerging technologies in farming, including AI applications like weed-picking robots and ripeness scanners, could fit into the industry.In this episode:1:20 – How has the DC food scene changed in the past 10 years?2:00 - East coast vs West coast seafood debate2:55 - Doug shares takeaways from his first time at Organic Week in DC.3:20 - Organic continues to mature as a regulated sector and still strives to honor its roots. Big discussions around how to keep things lively and engaging for new consumers while still working in a highly regulated sector.3:59 - The OTA celebrates 40 years!4:29 – There was much discussion around trying to keep organic relevant in the face of uncertainty and political gridlock.4:50 – Organic advocates and lawmakers are still fighting for the Farm Bill to be passed amidst political change and deadlock.5:30 – There is tension and opportunity for organic growth with the emergence of regenerative and new consumer expectations.6:03 – Regenerative has done a great job of storytelling, an opportunity for organic to improve storytelling for newer consumers and stay top of mind. Discussion around nutrient density and how newer consumers are beginning to look for that.8:15 – There are new players on the organic scene; Many political players were not around when organic regulations were created or when the last Farm Bill was passed (2018).9:20 – The OTA is insistent on working with lawmakers to ensure that everything needed gets included in this upcoming Farm Bill.9:45 – Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Investments in domestic supply chains so farmers don’t face bottlenecks.10:06 - Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Passing the Organic Imports Verification Act, to protect the integrity of the organic seal for products grown in other countries10:34 - Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Keep stable funding for the National Organic Program, who is responsible for organic regulatory enforcement. If no one is enforcing the organic regulations, the seal crumbles.11:04 – Goal of the OTA at Organic Week: Discussion around the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which aims to address the labor issues that are specific to organic agriculture. In conventional agriculture, machines do much of the work, but in organic agriculture, more farm labor is needed. The organic industry12:35 – AI’s opportunity for farming: Robots picking weeds, targeted application of pesticides, scanners that will tell you when your avocado will be ripe16:43 – Half of baby food is certified USDA organic, and parents expect that as a baseline, showing a large cultural shift from years past.17:09 – Younger consumers are experiencing “badge fatigue” and don’t automatically trust the USDA organic seal. They want transparency and are leaning towards The Clean Label Project’s heavy metal testing seal. Trust is moving from regulatory seals to proof of performance metrics.18:41 – Discussions around outcomes-based testing for regenerative farming vs. rules/regulatory systems like the organic industry made some attendees skeptical.19:45 – Like and subscribe via YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. We’ll see you next week!

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 natural products brands continue to differentiate themselves on shelf? We’re seeing examples through sustainability solutions, supporting people across the supply chain and connecting with consumers in authentic ways despite difficult economic times.16:51 – Rick Polito’s recent Editor’s Take article finds that “sports nutrition” is just nutrition for lots of people now, as simple as a protein bar or protein shake for a meal.18:44 – Creatine gains popularity, and consumer interest, as it crosses from sports nutrition into cognitive performance.19:06 We don’t expect brick and mortar to ever represent less than 80% of the sports nutrition market, despite strong growth viability for e-commerce brands. The in-person use case is simply too strong.

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. 

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

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!

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!

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! 

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.