Hi everyone--

I just returned from the Natural Foods Expo out in Anaheim, CA. These were some of my favorite products!

Go Appetit Savory Beverage Blends: Do you ever feel guilty about drinking tomato juice because of its high sodium content? Try out Go Appetit's Gazpacho flavor--it has about 200 milligrams less sodium per serving than tomato juice. Also in Mango Melange and Carrot Bisque.

Brown Cow: I don't usually buy Brown Cow yogurt, but they have a new line called Brown Cow with Fruit and Whole Grains that I just LOVED! The yogurt has hulled barley, rolled oats, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and quinoa in it. I found the Summer Fruits variety especially tasty.

Favorite Foreign Foods: There were several vendors from around the globe at the show. Kun Yang Food Co. had a delicious Citron Tea--it's in "jam" form and you can mix it with water to your taste preferance. IMO, it would've been great with some seltzer and a little vodka for a seriously thirst-quenching summer bevvie! I also enjoyed The Village Press Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from New Zealand. The oils are single cultivar and unfiltered.

Longest Line for Samples: Hands down, it was Applegate Farms hot dog stand. Complete with mustard and ketcup (if you like), they handed out "The Great Organic Uncured Hot Dog" to all who'd wait in line. Yum.

Favorite Frozen Meals: I'm constantly scouting for frozen meals because we're having a massive taste test with them soon. I found a few new vendors, which is always exciting, especially since most have a lot of additives and are super high in sodium. Helen's Kitchen is family operated. Helen always made really great seasoned tofu. For a class project, her son did a business plan to sell her tofu steaks. Now they sell 2 varieties, as well as 4 dinners. I highly recommend the Cheese Enchiladas! Organic Bistro was founded by a naturopath. They use whole grains and organic vegetables in their meals. Sojomakes a variety of wild salmon meals, seafood cakes and seafood appetizers.

Favorite Non-Food Related Products
ChicoBag and 1 Bag at a Time There were a few vendors with reuable shopping bags and these were my favorite. ChicoBags are made from washable woven nylon and have a pouch attached that they tuck into (and there's a little clip on them so you can attach them inside your purse, backpack, etc). 1 Bag at a Time isn't as portable, but they have an assortment of bags, some with flat bottoms which are nice for lugging cans, etc, as well as cooler bags. According to 1 Bag at a Time's brochure, using on of their bags 2x a week for 2 years will eliminate 11 pounds of garbage.

ICU Greenwear: Cool recycled reading glasses! They're made out of 100% reclaimed materials.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Carolyn,